UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 20-F

 


 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 20042005

 

Commission file number 1 - 6784

 


 

MATSUSHITA DENKI SANGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

 


 

Japan

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

1006, Oaza Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka 571-8501, Japan

(Address of principal executive offices)

 


 

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* New York Stock Exchange

Common Stock

 New York Stock Exchange

 

*American Depositary Shares evidenced by American Depositary Receipts. Each American Depositary Share represents one share of Common Stock.

 

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 (excluding treasury stocks)stock) of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

 

   

Outstanding as of


Title of Class


  

March 31, 20042005

(Japan Time)


  

March 31, 2004
2005

(New York Time)


Common Stock

  2,318,407,6122,258,357,710   

American Depositary Shares, each representing 1 share of common stockCommon Stock

     103,593,084120,787,794

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the Company has elected to follow.

Item 17.  ¨    Item 18.  x.

 

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

This form contains 154172 pages.

 



CONTENTS

 

       Page

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

  1

About the Company

  1
  PART I   

Item 1.

 

Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

  2

Item 2.

 

Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

  2

Item 3.

 

Key Information

  2
  

A.

 

Selected Financial Data

  2
  B. 

Capitalization and Indebtedness

  3
  C. 

Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

  3
  D. 

Risk Factors

  3

Item 4.

 

Information on the Company

  10
  

A.

 

History and Development of the Company

  10
  B. 

Business Overview

  1516
  C. 

Organizational Structure

  2931
  D. 

Property, Plants and Equipment

  3033

Item 5.

 

Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

  3235
  

A.

 

Operating Results

  3235
  B. 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

  4347
  C. 

Research and Development

  4650
  D. 

Trend Information

  4751
  E. 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

  4953
  F. 

Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

  4953
  G. 

Safe Harbor

  5054
  H. 

Accounting Principles

  5054

Item 6.

 

Directors, Senior Management and Employees

  5459
  

A.

 

Directors and Senior Management

  5459
  

B.

 

Compensation

  6368
  

C.

 

Board Practices

  6368
  D. 

Employees

  6468
  E. 

Share Ownership

  6569


       Page

Item 7.

 

Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

  6771
  

A.

 

Major Shareholders

  6771
  

B.

 

Related Party Transactions

  6872
  

C.

 

Interests of Experts and Counsel

  6872

Item 8.

 

Financial Information

  6973
  

A.

 

Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

  6973
  

B.

 

Significant Changes

  6973

Item 9.

 

The Offer and Listing

  7074
  

A.

 

Offer and Listing Details

  7074
  

B.

 

Plan of Distribution

  7175
  

C.

 

Markets

  7175
  

D.

 

Selling Shareholders

  7175
  

E.

 

Dilution

  7275
  

F.

 

Expenses of the Issue

  7276

Item 10.

 

Additional Information

  7276
  

A.

 

Share Capital

  7276
  

B.

 

Memorandum and Articles of Association

  7276
  

C.

 

Material Contracts

82

D.

Exchange Controls

83

E.

Taxation

84

F.

Dividends and Paying Agents

  89
  

G.

D.
 

Statement by ExpertsExchange Controls

89
E.Taxation  90
  

H.

F.
 

Documents on DisplayDividends and Paying Agents

  9095
  

I.

G.
 

Statement by Experts

95
H.Documents on Display96
I.Subsidiary Information

  9096

Item 11.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

  9096

Item 12.

 

Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

  9399
  PART II   

Item 13.

 

Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

  94100

Item 14.

 

Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

  94100

Item 15.

 

Controls and Procedures

  94100


       Page

Item 16A.

 

Audit Committee Financial Expert

  94100

Item 16B.

 

Code of Ethics

  94100

Item 16C.

 

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

  95101

Item 16D.

 

Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

  96102

Item 16E.

 

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

  96102

PART III

   

Item 17.

 

Financial Statements

  97104

Item 18.

 

Financial Statements

  97104

Item 19.

 

Exhibits

  153170


- 1 -

 

All information contained in this Report is as of March 31, 20042005 or for the year ended March 31, 20042005 (fiscal 2004)2005) unless the context otherwise indicates.

 

The noon buying rate for yen in New York City as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on August 25, 200423, 2005 was 110.38109.83 yen = U.S.$1.

 

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

This annual report includes forward–lookingforward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934) about Matsushita and its Group companies (the Matsushita Group). To the extent that statements in this annual report do not relate to historical or current facts, they constitute forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the current assumptions and beliefs of the Matsushita Group in light of the information currently available to it, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the Matsushita Group’s actual results, performance, achievements or financial position to be materially different from any future results, performance, achievements or financial position expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Matsushita undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements after the date of this annual report (September 2004)2005). Investors are advised to consult any further disclosures by Matsushita in its subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and its other filings.

 

The risks, uncertainties and other factors referred to above include, but are not limited to, economic conditions, particularly consumer spending and corporate capital expenditures in the United States, Europe, Japan, China, and other Asian countries; volatility in demand for electronic equipment and components from business and industrial customers, as well as consumers in many product and geographical markets; currency rate fluctuations, notably between the yen, the U.S. dollar, the euro, the Chinese yuan, Asian currencies and other currencies in which the Matsushita Group operates businesses, or in which assets and liabilities of the Matsushita Group are denominated; the ability of the Matsushita Group to respond to rapid technological changes and changing consumer preferences with timely and cost-effective introductions of new products in markets that are highly competitive in terms of both price and technology; the ability of the Matsushita Group to achieve its business objectives through joint ventures and other collaborative agreements with other companies; the ability of the Matsushita Group to maintain competitive strength in many product and geographical areas; current and potential, direct and indirect restrictions imposed by other countries over trade, manufacturing, labor and operations; and fluctuations in market prices of securities and other assets in which the Matsushita Group has holdings; as well as future changes or revisions to accounting policies or accounting rules.rules; as well as natural disasters including earthquakes and other events that may negatively impact business activities of the Matsushita Group.

 

About the Company

 

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (hereinafter, unless the context otherwise requires, “Matsushita” or the “Company” refers to Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. and its consolidated subsidiaries as a group), best known for its “Panasonic” brand name, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of electronic and electric products for a wide range of consumer, business and industrial uses, as well as a wide variety of components. Based in Osaka, Japan, the Company recorded consolidated net sales of approximately 7,4808,714 billion yen for fiscal 2004.2005. Over the past eight decades, the Company has grown from a small domestic household electrical equipment manufacturer into a comprehensive electronic and electric equipment, systems and components manufacturer operating internationally. Of the fiscal 20042005 net sales, nearly one-half was represented by sales in Japan, with the rest by overseas sales.


- 2 -

 

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

 

  Yen (billions), except per share amounts and yen exchange rates

   Yen (billions), except per share amounts and yen exchange rates

 
  Fiscal year ended March 31,

   Fiscal year ended March 31,

 
  2004

 2003

 2002

 2001

 2000

   2005

 2004

 2003

 2002

 2001

 

Income Statement Data:

      

Net sales

  7,480  7,402  7,074  7,781  7,405   8,714  7,480  7,402  7,074  7,781 

Income (loss) before income taxes

  171  69  (538) 105  248   247  171  69  (538) 105 

Net income (loss)

  42  (19) (428) 42  106   58  42  (19) (428) 42 

Per common share:

      

Net income (loss):

      

Basic

  18.15  (8.70) (206.09) 19.96  51.49   25.49  18.15  (8.70) (206.09) 19.96 

Diluted

  18.00  (8.70) (206.09) 19.56  49.32   25.49  18.00  (8.70) (206.09) 19.56 

Dividends

  12.50  10.00  12.50  12.50  14.00   15.25  12.50  10.00  12.50  12.50 
  ($0.109) ($0.107) ($0.100) ($0.116) ($0.125)  ($0.145) ($0.109) ($0.107) ($0.100) ($0.116)

Balance Sheet Data:

      

Total assets

  7,438  7,835  7,768  8,295  8,076   8,057  7,438  7,835  7,768  8,295 

Long-term debt

  461  588  708  563  662   477  461  588  708  563 

Stockholders’ equity

  3,452  3,178  3,248  3,770  3,678   3,544  3,452  3,178  3,248  3,770 

Common stock

  259  259  259  211  210   259  259  259  259  211 

Number of shares issued at year-end (thousands)

  2,453,053  2,447,923  2,138,515  2,079,573  2,062,671   2,453,053  2,453,053  2,447,923  2,138,515  2,079,573 

Yen exchange rates per U.S. dollar:

      

Year-end

  104.18  118.07  132.70  125.54  102.73   107.22  104.18  118.07  132.70  125.54 

Average

  113.08  121.96  125.05  110.60  111.35   107.49  113.07  121.96  125.05  110.60 

High

  104.18  115.71  115.89  104.19  101.53   102.26  104.18  115.71  115.89  104.19 

Low

  120.55  133.40  134.77  125.54  124.45   114.30  120.55  133.40  134.77  125.54 

 

  Feb.
2004


  Mar.
2004


  Apr.
2004


  May
2004


  Jun.
2004


  Jul.
2004


  Feb.
2005


   Mar.
2005


   Apr.
2005


   May
2005


   Jun.
2005


   Jul.
2005


Yen exchange rates for each month during the previous six months:

                                    

High

  105.36  104.18  103.70  108.50  107.10  108.21  103.70   103.87   104.64   104.41   106.64   110.47

Low

  109.59  112.12  110.37  114.30  111.27  111.88  105.84   107.49   108.67   108.17   110.91   113.42


- 3 -

 

Note:  Dividends per share reflect those paid during each fiscal year. The dollar amounts of the dividends per share have been computed at the exchange rates on the respective payment dates.

 

B.Capitalization and Indebtedness

 

Not applicable

 

C.Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

 

Not applicable

 

D.Risk Factors

 

Primarily because of the business areas and geographical areas where it operates and the highly competitive nature of the industry to which it belongs, Matsushita is exposed to a variety of risks and uncertainties in carrying out its businesses, including, but not limited to, the following:

 

Risks Related to Economic Conditions

 

 

Weakness in Japanese and global economies may cause reduced demand for the products of Matsushita

 

Demand for Matsushita’s products and services may be affected by general economic trends in the countries or regions in which Matsushita’s products and services are sold. Economic downturns and resulting declines in demand in Matsushita’s major markets worldwide may thus adversely affect the Company’s business results and financial condition. Although Matsushita continued to achieve improvements in its business performance in fiscal 2004,2005, it currently does not foresee a rapid turnaroundforesees severe conditions, such as ever-intensifying price declines for the Company’s products and rising raw materials prices, including crude oil prices, as well as uncertainty regarding economic conditions in the Japanese or global economy in the near term given the limited recovery in consumer spending.United States, Europe and China. These conditions may continue in the short- to mid-term, thereby further negatively affecting Matsushita’s businesses. Furthermore, if Japanese and global economies fall into stagnation, resulting decreased demand and slowdown in capital investment may adversely affect Matsushita’s overall business.

 

Currency exchange rate fluctuations could adversely affect Matsushita’s financial results

 

Matsushita is exposed to risks of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Matsushita’s consolidated financial statements, which are presented in Japanese yen, are affected by foreign exchange rate changes. These changes affect Matsushita’s international business transactions and costs and prices of Matsushita’s products and services in overseas countries in relation to the yen. They can also affect the yen value of Matsushita’s investments in overseas assets and liabilities. Generally, an appreciation of the yen against other major currencies such as the U.S. dollar and the euro may adversely affect Matsushita’s business results and financial condition. Meanwhile, a depreciation of the yen against aforementioned major currencies may have a favorable impact on Matsushita’s business results and financial condition. Although Matsushita is taking measures to reduce or hedge against foreign currency exchange risks, foreign exchange rate fluctuations may hurt its businesses, results of operations and financial condition.


- 4 -

 

Interest rate fluctuations may adversely affect Matsushita’s financial results

 

Matsushita is exposed to the risk of interest rate fluctuations, which, despite the measures taken by Matsushita to hedge a portion of its exposure to interest rate fluctuations, may affect its overall operational costs, interest expense, interest income and the value of its financial assets and liabilities.

 

The decrease in the value of Japanese stocks may adversely affect Matsushita’s financial results

 

Matsushita holds mostly Japanese stocks as part of its investment securities. The value of most of these stocks, however, dropped substantially over the past several years due to the stagnant Japanese economy. Matsushita recorded a loss in valuation declines in its investment securities. The decrease in the value of stocks may continue and adversely affect Matsushita’s financial results. The decrease in the value of Japanese stocks may also reduce stockholders’ equity in the balance sheet, as unrealized holding gains (losses) of available-for-sale securities are included as part of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

 

Risks Related to Matsushita’s Business

 

 

Matsushita is subject to intense competition in areas in which it operates, and this may adversely affect its ability to maintain its profitability

 

Matsushita produces a broad range of products and therefore faces many different types of competitors, from large international companies to relatively small, rapidly growing, and highly specialized organizations. Matsushita may choose not to fund or invest in one or more of its businesses to the same degree as its competitors in those businesses do, or it may not be able to do so in a timely manner or at all. These competitors may have greater financial, technological, and marketing resources available to them than Matsushita has in the respective businesses in which they compete.

 

Rapid declines in product prices may adversely affect Matsushita’s financial results

 

Matsushita’s business is subject to intense price competition worldwide, which makes it difficult for the Company to decide product prices so that it can obtain adequate profits. Such intensified price competition may adversely affect Matsushita’s profits, especially whenin terms of decreases in demand decreases.or oversupply in the market. For the year ending March 31, 2005,2006, Matsushita expects prices in many product areas in which it deals to decline at the same rate as, or more rapidly than, in recent fiscal years. Matsushita also expects fierce price competition in digital products with shortened product life cycles. Matsushita believes that this trend will affect its businesses, especially those in the area of its AVC Networks category and its Components and Devices category.


- 5 -

 

Matsushita’s business is, and will continue to be, subject to the risks generally associated with international business operations

 

One of Matsushita’s business strategies is business expansion in overseas markets. In many of these markets, Matsushita may face risks generally associated with international manufacturing and other business operations, such as political instability, economic uncertainty, cultural and religious differences and labor relations, as well as economic uncertainty and foreign currency exchange risks. Matsushita may also face barriers in commercial and business customs in foreign countries, including difficulties in timely collection of accounts receivable or in building and expanding relationships with customers, subcontractors or parts suppliers. Matsushita may also experience various political, legal or other restrictions over investment, trade, manufacturing, labor or other aspects of operations, including restrictions on foreign investment or the repatriation of profits on invested capital, nationalization of local industry, changes in export or import restrictions or foreign exchange controls, and changes in the tax system or rate of taxation in countries where Matsushita operates businesses. With respect to the products exported overseas, tariffs, other barriers or shipping costs may make Matsushita’s products less competitive. Expanding its overseas business may require significant investments long before Matsushita realizes returns on such investments, and increased investments may result in expenses growing at a faster rate than revenues.

 

Matsushita may not be able to keep pace with technological changes and develop new products and services in a timely manner to remain competitive

 

Matsushita may fail to introduce new products and services in response to technological changes in a timely manner despite its efforts to develop new products and services continuously. Some of Matsushita’s core businesses, such as consumer digital electronics and key components and devices, are concentrated in industries where technological innovation is the central competitive factor. Matsushita continuously faces the challenge of developing and introducing viable and innovative new products. Matsushita must predict with reasonable accuracy both future demand and new technologies that will be available to meet such demand. If Matsushita fails to do so, it will not be able to compete in new markets.

 

Matsushita may not be able to develop product formats that can prevail asde factostandards

 

Matsushita has been forming alliances and partnerships with other major manufacturers to strengthen technologies and the development of product formats, such as next-generation home and mobile networking products, data storage devices, and software systems. Despite these efforts by Matsushita, its competitors may be the ones who develop the de facto standards for future products. If that happens, Matsushita’s business in those business areas, its results of operations and financial condition, could be adversely affected.

 

Matsushita may not be able to successfully recruit and retain skilled employees, particularly scientific and technical personnel

 

Matsushita’s future success depends largely on its ability to attract and retain certain key personnel, including scientific, technical and management personnel. Matsushita anticipates that it will need to hire additional skilled personnel in all areas of its business. Industry demand for skilled employees, however, exceeds the number of personnel available, and the competition for attracting and retaining these employees, especially scientific and technical employees, is intense. Because of this intense competition for these skilled employees, Matsushita may be unable to retain its existing personnel or attract additional qualified employees to keep up with its future business needs. If this should happen, it could adversely affect Matsushita’s future growth, results of operations and financial condition.


- 6 -

 

The alliances with, and strategic investments in, third parties undertaken by Matsushita may not produce positive results

 

Matsushita develops its business by forming alliances or joint ventures with, and making strategic investments in, other companies, including investments in venture companies. Matsushita’s reliance on the strategy of partnering with third parties is increasing. Such partnerships are crucial to Matsushita’s goal of introducing new products and services, but Matsushita may not be able to successfully collaborate or achieve expected synergies with its partners. Matsushita does not, however, control these partners, who may make decisions regarding their business undertakings with Matsushita that may be contrary to Matsushita’s interests. In addition, if these partners change their business strategies, Matsushita may fail to maintain these partnerships.

 

Matsushita is dependent on the ability of third parties to deliver parts, components and services in adequate quality and quantity in a timely manner, and in reasonable price

 

Matsushita’s manufacturing operations depend on obtaining deliveries of raw materials, parts and components, equipment and other supplies from reliable suppliers in adequate quality and quantity in a timely manner. It may be difficult for Matsushita to substitute one supplier for another, increase suppliers or change one component for another in a timely manner or at all due to the interruption of supply or increased industry demand. This may adversely affect the Matsushita Group’s operations. Although Matsushita decides purchase prices by contract, these prices may become higher due to changes in supply and demand. Some components are only available from a limited number of suppliers and may adversely affect Matsushita’s operations. For example, Matsushita uses steel and rare metals for most of its products, and an increase in prices of these products may adversely affect Matsushita’s operating results.

 

Matsushita is exposed to the risk that its customers,customers, including those to whom it has provided vendor financing, may encounter financial difficulties

 

Matsushita provides vendor financing to its customers. As more businesses utilize vendor financing, Matsushita may also provide increased vendor financing in the future. In addition, many of Matsushita’s customers purchase products and services from it on payment terms that do not provide for immediate payment. If customers to whom Matsushita has extended or guaranteed vendor financing, or from whom it has substantial accounts receivable, encounter financial difficulties and are unable to make payments on time, Matsushita’s business, operating results and financial condition could be adversely affected.


- 7 -

 

Risks Related to Matsushita’s Management Plans

 

 

Matsushita has implemented its new mid-term management plan, “Leap Ahead 21,” (announced on January 9, 2004) for the three-year term ending March 2007. Matsushita’s business vision focuses on “realizing a ubiquitous networking society” and “contributing to coexistence with the global environment” through leading-edge technologies. Based on this vision, Matsushita aims to become a company that creates more value for customers. Due mainly to the various risk factors described in this section, Matsushita may not be successful in achieving all the goals set out in its mid-term business plan. Furthermore, in fiscal 2004, Matsushita introduced an autonomous business domain-based organizational structure, along with a new management system that places a top priority on improving its global consolidated results and cash flows. With the objective of further enhancing profitability, Matsushita will speed up its structural reforms in several of its business domain companies.structure. Under the management structure, Matsushita seeks to conduct its consolidated Groupwide businesses speedilycompleted large-scale business restructuring, and efficiently, and to achieveimplemented new growth strategies through the synergies expected from such business restructuring. Matsushita may not, however, be able to improve efficiency, reduce costs or realize growth through these measures due to unexpected additional reorganization or restructuring, expenses (for restructuring expenses expected in fiscal 2005, see Section D of Item 5), improper allocation of operational resources or other unpredictable factors. Also, Matsushita has implemented its annual forecast and major initiatives (announced on April 28, 2004)2005) for the year ending March 31, 2005.2006. Matsushita may not be successful in achieving all the targets or in realizing the benefits expected because of external and internal factors.

 

Risks Related to Legal Restrictions and Litigations

 

 

Matsushita may be subject to product liability or warranty claims that could result in significant direct or indirect costs

 

Although Matsushita strictly follows its prescribed quality control standards for manufacturing, there is a risk that defects may occur in Matsushita’s products and services. The occurrence of defects could make Matsushita liable for damages not covered by product and completed operation liability insurance. Due to negative publicity concerning these problems, Matsushita’s reputation, and corporate and brand image, and sales activities may be adversely affected.

 

Matsushita may fail to protect its proprietary intellectual property,properties, or face a claim of intellectual property infringement by a third party, and may lose its intellectual property rights on key technologies or be liable for significant damages

 

Matsushita’s success depends on its ability to obtain intellectual property rights covering its products and product design. Patents may not be granted or may not be of sufficient scope or strength to provide Matsushita with enough protection or commercial advantage. In addition, effective copyright and trade secret protectionprotections may be unavailable or limited in some countries in which Matsushita operates. Competitors or other third parties may also develop technologies that are protected by patents and other intellectual property rights, which make such technologies unavailable or available only on terms unfavorable to Matsushita. Matsushita obtains licenses for intellectual property rights from others. However,others, however, such licenses may not be available at all or on acceptable terms in the future. Litigation may also be necessary to enforce Matsushita’s intellectual property rights or to defend against intellectual property infringement claims brought against Matsushita by third parties. In such cases, Matsushita may incur significant expenses for such lawsuits. Furthermore, Matsushita may becomebe prohibited from using certain important technologies or liable for damages in cases of admitted violations of intellectual property rights of others.


- 8 -

 

Changes in accounting standards and tax systems may adversely affect Matsushita’s financial results and condition

 

Introduction of new accounting standards or tax systems, or changes thereof, which Matsushita can not predict, may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial results and operations. In addition, if tax authorities have different opinions from Matsushita on the Company’s tax declarations, Matsushita may need to make tax payments more than estimated.

 

Payments or compensation related to environmental regulations or issues may adversely affect Matsushita’s business, operating results and financial condition

 

Matsushita is subject to environmental regulations such as those relating to air pollution, water pollution, elimination of hazardous substances, waste management, product recycling, and soil and groundwater contamination, and may be held responsible for certain related payments or compensation, despite its strict compliance with these regulations. Furthermore, if these regulations become more strict and an additional duty of eliminating the paymentsuse of environmentally hazardous materials is imposed, or compensation requiredif the Company determines that it is necessary and appropriate, from the viewpoint of corporate social responsibility, to respond to environmental issues, the payment of penalties for the violation of these regulations or voluntary payment of compensation for consolation parties affected by such issues may adversely affect Matsushita’s business, operating results and financial condition.

 

Leak of confidential information may adversely affect Matsushita’s business

 

In the normal course of business, Matsushita holds confidential information, including individual information on its customers. Although Matsushita keeps confidential information with utmost care, such information may be leaked due to an accident or other inevitable cause and any material leakage of confidential information may result in significant expenses for related lawsuits and adversely affect Matsushita’s image. Moreover, Matsushita’s trade secrets may be illegally leaked by a third party, and this would negatively affect Matsushita’s business.

 

Governmental laws and regulations may limit Matsushita’s activities or increase its operating costs

 

Matsushita is subject to governmental regulations in Japan and other countries in which it conducts its business, including governmental approvals required for conducting business and investments, laws and regulations governing the telecommunications businesses and electric product safety, national security-related laws and regulations and export/import laws and regulations, as well as commercial, antitrust, patent, product liability, environmental laws and regulations, consumer protection, financial and business taxation laws and regulations due to the implementation of stricter laws and regulations and more strict interpretations. However, to the extent that Matsushita cannot comply with these laws and regulations, Matsushita’sor if they become more strict and Matsushita determines that it would not be economical to continue to comply with them, Matsushita would need to limit its activities would be limited.in the affected business areas. In addition, these laws and regulations could increase Matsushita’s operating costs.

 

Other Risks

 

 

External economic conditions may adversely affect Matsushita’s pension plans

 

Matsushita has contributory, funded benefit pension plans covering substantially all employees in Japan who meet eligibility requirements. A decline in interest rates may cause a decrease in the discount rate on benefit obligations. A decrease in the value of stocks may also affect the return on plan assets. As a result, the unrecognized portion of actuarial loss may increase, leading to a future recognized actuarial loss on an increase in future net periodic benefit costs of these pension plans.


- 9 -

 

Some long-lived assets may not produce adequate returns

 

Matsushita has many long-lived assets, such as plant, property and equipment, and goodwill, that generate returns. The Company periodically reviews the recorded value of its long-lived assets to determine if the future cash flows to be derived from these properties will be sufficient to recover the remaining recorded asset values. If these long-lived assets do not generate sufficient cash flows, impairment losses will have to be recognized, adversely affecting Matsushita’s results of operations and financial condition.

Valuation allowance against deferred tax assets could be recognized and Matsushita’s provision for income tax may increase

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets based on the expected future generation of taxable income, Matsushita considers whether it is more likely than not that any portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. If Matsushita determines that temporary differences and loss carryforwards can not be realized upon the generation of future taxable income during the deductible periods due to deteriorating business conditions, valuation allowance against deferred tax assets could be recognized and Matsushita’s provision for income tax may increase.

 

Financial results and condition of associated companies may adversely affect Matsushita’s results of operations and financial condition

 

Matsushita holds equities of several associated companies. Matsushita can exercise influence over operating and financing policies of these companies. However, Matsushita does not have the right to make decisions for them since the companies operate independently. Some companies may record losses. If these associated companies do not generate profits, Matsushita’s business results and financial condition may be adversely affected.

 

Matsushita’s facilities and information systems could be damaged as a result of disasters or unpredictable events, which could have an adverse effect on its business operations

 

Matsushita’s headquarters and major facilities including manufacturing plants, sales offices and research and development centers are located in Japan. In addition, Matsushita’s operations, including procurement, manufacturing, logistics, sales and research and development facilities are located all over the world. If major disasters such as earthquakes, fires, floods, wars, terrorist attacks, computer viruses or other events occur, Matsushita’s facilities may be damaged and it may have to stop or delay its production and shipment. Matsushita may incur expenses relating to such damages.

 

American Depositary Share (ADS) holders have fewer rights than shareholders and may not be able to enforce judgments based on U.S. securities laws

 

The rights of shareholders under Japanese law to take actions, including exercising their voting rights, receiving dividends and distributions, bringing derivative actions, examining Matsushita’s accounting books and records, and exercising appraisal rights are available only to shareholders of record. Because the depositary, through its nominee, is the record holder of the shares underlying the ADSs, only the depositary can exercise those rights in connection with the deposited shares. The depositary will make efforts to exercise their voting rights underlying ADSs in accordance with the instructions of ADS holders and will pay the dividends and distributions collected from Matsushita. However, ADS holders will not be able to bring a derivative action, examine Matsushita’s accounting books and records, or exercise appraisal rights through the depositary.


- 10 -

 

Item 4.Information on the Company

 

A.History and Development of the Company

 

GENERAL

 

The Company was incorporated in Japan on December 15, 1935 under the laws of Japan as Matsushita Denki Sangyo Kabushiki Kaisha (Address : 1006, Oaza Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka 571-8501, Japan. Phone : +81-6-6908-1121 / Agent : Mr. Yukitoshi Onda, President of Panasonic Finance (America), Inc.) as the successor to an unincorporated enterprise founded in 1918 by the late Konosuke Matsushita. Mr. Matsushita led the Company with his corporate philosophy of contributing to the peace, happiness and prosperity of humankind through the supply of quality consumer electric and electronic goods. The Company’s business expanded rapidly with the recovery and growth of the Japanese economy after World War II, as it met rising demand for consumer electric and electronic products, starting with washing machines, black-and-white television sets (TVs)TVs and refrigerators. During the 1950s, Matsushita expanded its operations by establishing mass production and mass sales structures to meet increasing domestic demand, while also creating subsidiaries, making acquisitions and forming alliances. During the 1960s, Matsushita expanded its overseas businesses, and its products started obtaining worldwide recognition.

 

During the global recession caused by the first oil crisis in 1973, Matsushita strengthened its structure and overseas business relations. The advent and popularity of the video cassette recorder (VCR) from the late 1970s enabled Matsushita to receive worldwide recognition as a global consumer electronics manufacturer. In the 1980s, Matsushita further worked to evolve from a consumer products manufacturer to a comprehensive electronics products manufacturer, expanding its business in the areas of information and communications technology, industrial equipment and components.components and devices. Since the 1990s, Matsushita has been emphasizing technological development and the use of advanced technology in every phase of life. In particular, Matsushita has been expanding its development activities in such areas as next-generation audiovisual (AV) equipment, multimedia products, and advanced electronic components and devices, many of which incorporate digital technology.

 

Matsushita currently offers a comprehensive range of products, systems and components for consumer, business and industrial use based on sophisticated electronics and precision technology.technology, expanding to building materials and equipment, and housing business. Most of the Company’s products are marketed under the “Panasonic” brand name worldwide, along with other product- or region-specific brand names, including “National” primarily for home appliances and household electric equipment sold in Japan and “Technics” for certain hi-fi products. Some of its subsidiaries also use their own brand names, such as “Quasar,” “Victor”“Victor,” “JVC” and “JVC.“PanaHome.” To sustain the future growth in the forthcoming “ubiquitous”ubiquitous networking age, Matsushita continues to emphasize technological development and the creation of new businesses, concentrating on several priority areas, such as digital AV networking equipment, mobile communications, data storage devices, environmental systems and related key components and devices and software. The Company is also striving to develop new service-oriented businesses, such as systems solutions and engineering services, as areas of potential growth over the mid-term period.mid-term.

 

In June 1995, Matsushita sold an 80% equity interest in MCA (subsequently renamed Universal Studios, Inc.) which the Company purchased in December 1990, to The Seagram Company Ltd. (currently Vivendi Universal S.A.) for approximately U.S.$5.7 billion, leaving the Company with a minority interest.


- 11 -

 

In April 1997, Matsushita established four internal divisional companies – responsible for AVC (audiovisual and computer products), home appliances and household equipment, air conditioners, and electric motors – by grouping a majority of its some 50 product divisions, in order to facilitate strategic planning, effective decision making and more efficient allocation of resources across a broader range than that afforded by each single product division.

 

In March 1998, the Company announced a package of new management initiatives aimed at better sharing interests with shareholders. As part of this package, management implemented, with approval at the annual shareholders’ meeting in June 1998, the repurchase of 50 million shares of the Company’s common stock, spending approximately 99 billion yen during fiscal 1999. At the same time, as an incentive to Board members and employees toward the enhancement of corporate value, the Company introduced stock option plans for Board members and select senior executives, and a stock-price-linked remuneration plan for employees of manager-level or above. The Company has been continuing share repurchases in subsequent years.

 

In October 1999, EPCOS AG, a German electronic components joint venture of the Company and Siemens AG of Germany, had its initial public offering, listing its shares on German and U.S. stock exchanges. Following EPCOS AG’s public offering, Matsushita’s 45% (held by a subsidiary) and Siemens AG’s 55% holdings in EPCOS AG were each reduced to nearly 12.5%, respectively.. Matsushita realized a 59 billion yen gain from the sale of its shares in EPCOS AG in fiscal 2000.

 

In April 2000, the Company made two of its majority-owned subsidiaries, Matsushita Refrigeration Company and Wakayama Precision Company, into wholly-owned subsidiaries by means of share exchanges. As a result of the share exchanges, Matsushita issued 16,321,187 shares of its common stock to shareholders of the respective companies.

 

“VALUE CREATION 21” PLAN

 

In June 2000, Kunio Nakamura became President of Matsushita and, under his leadership, the Company implemented itsa new three-year business plan, called Value Creation 21, in April 2001. As the plan’s theme “Deconstruction and Creation” indicates, its objective iswas to transform Matsushita into a company that meets the needs of the 21st century through structural reforms and growth strategies with emphasis on enhancing growth potential, profitability and capital efficiency, thereby ensuring the Company’s continued contribution to society.

 

During fiscal 2002, the Company implemented a series of structural reforms under this Value Creation 21 plan, including the restructuring of its domestic consumer sales and distribution structure,structures, management initiatives through the use of information technology (IT) such as supply chain management (SCM), the selective integration of businesses and manufacturing locations, manufacturing reforms such as the introduction of cell-style production, the reform of the Companywide research, development and design (R&DD) structurestructures to concentrate development resources into strategic product or core technology areas, and employment restructuring initiatives including the regional-based employee remuneration system and early retirement programs. Expenses related to the implementation of these restructuring initiatives, combined with adverse economic conditions, caused a sharp decline in the Company’s earnings results in fiscal 2002.


- 12 -

 

In April 2001, the Company absorbed Matsushita Electronics Corporation (MEC), its wholly-owned subsidiary, by merger to implement unified operational management in such key device areas as semiconductors and display devices. By establishing new internal divisional companies directly under the control of the parent company, namely the Semiconductor, Display Devices and Lighting companies, the development, manufacturing and sales functions that were previously disbursed between Matsushita and MEC for each of these strategic businesses have been integrated.


- 12 -

 

In April 2002, Matsushita and Toshiba Corporation (Toshiba) separated their respective liquid crystal display (LCD) panel operations and established a joint venture company, Toshiba Matsushita Display Technology Co., Ltd., for the development, manufacture and sale of LCD panels and next-generation display devices. The joint venture aims at becoming one of the world’s leading LCD panel manufactures, combining Matsushita’s fast-response LCD image processing technology, Toshiba’s technology in low-temperature polysilicon LCD panel manufacturing and both companies’ expertise in consumer products, personal computers and communications devices. Of the new company’s initial stated capital of 10 billion yen, 60% was invested by Toshiba and 40% by Matsushita.

 

As a drastic structural reform aimed at achieving new growth under the Value Creation 21 plan, Matsushita implemented share exchanges on October 1, 2002 with five of its majority-owned subsidiaries (Matsushita Communication Industrial Co., Ltd., Kyushu Matsushita Electric Co., Ltd., Matsushita Seiko Co., Ltd., Matsushita Kotobuki Electronics Industries, Ltd. and Matsushita Graphic Communication Systems, Inc.) and transformed them into wholly-owned subsidiaries of Matsushita. Following the completion of the share exchanges, Matsushita implemented a comprehensive Groupwide business reorganization on January 1, 2003 via company splits, business combinations and business transfers among several Group companies, including the parent company’s internal divisional companies, whereby businesses of most of the Matsushita Group were reorganized into 14 new business domains as strategic units. This major reorganization was implemented with a focus on the elimination of duplicated business lines and counterproductive competition amongst the Group companies, the unification and concentration of R&D resources, and the establishment of a totally integrated operational structure from development and manufacturing to sales in each domain for full customer satisfaction.

domains.

 

As an extension of this Groupwide reorganization, Matsushita transformed two of its majority-owned subsidiaries, namely Matsushita Electronic Components Co., Ltd. and Matsushita Battery Industrial Co., Ltd., into its wholly-owned subsidiaries via share exchanges, effective April 1, 2003.

 

Also on April 1, 2003, Matsushita launched another joint venture company with Toshiba, upon separating their respective cathode ray tube (CRT) businesses with the exception of domestic CRT manufacturing operations. The new company, Matsushita Toshiba Picture Display Co., Ltd., now positioned as the third largest TV-use CRT operation in the world, aims to maintain a competitive position in the global CRT market by integrating Matsushita and Toshiba’s advanced CRT technologies, as well as both companies’ product development and manufacturing capabilities. OfMatsushita has a 64.5% equity ownership in the new joint venture company’s stated capitalcompany, but this is accounted for under the equity method of 10 billion yen, 64.5% was invested by Matsushita and 35.5% by Toshiba.


- 13 -accounting as Toshiba has a substantive participating right.

 

Upon the aforementioned Groupwide restructurings, in April 2003, to prepare a framework that enables each business domain company to implement autonomously responsible management, Matsushita established a new global consolidated management system that focuses on cash flows. Under this new management system, each business domain company aims to maximize not only growth, but also capital efficiency and cash flows through efforts to achieve a leaner balance sheet, attaining speedy management with accelerated asset turnover on a consolidated basis.flows.

 

Based on an agreement with Minebea Co., Ltd. signed in August 2003, certain businesses in the information equipment motor field of Matsushita were transferred to Minebea-Matsushita Motor Corporation, a joint venture of Matsushita and Minebea established on April 1, 2004. Of the new joint venture company’s stated capital of 10 billion yen, 60% was invested by Minebea and 40% by Matsushita.

 

Since fiscal 2003, Matsushita has been gradually shifting its focus from restructuring to growth, implementing the following initiatives:

Development and introduction of competitive “V-products”

To bring about a swift recovery in business results,growth. Matsushita launched 88 “V-products” in fiscal 2003 as a driving force that canmade concerted efforts to enhance product competitiveness. V-products, which aim to capture the top shareleading shares in high-volume markets, and contributemade a significant contribution to the Company’s overall performance. business results.


- 13 -

As a result of a Groupwide commitment to this initiative, sales of V-products reached approximately 1 trillion yen in fiscal 2003, allowing Matsushita to achieve increased market share in many product categories.categories in fiscal 2003. In markets with shortened product lifecycles, particularly digital audiovisual (AV)AV equipment, the gradual launch of products into global marketmarkets results in lost sales and profit opportunities. Matsushita therefore utilizes “simultaneouscame to utilize simultaneous global product introductions”introductions aimed at increasing both sales and profits. In fiscal 2004, Matsushita selected 90 new V-products and increased sales through global simultaneous product introductions, particularly in digital AV equipment, such as DVD recorders. As a result, overall sales of V-products reached approximately 1.24 trillion yen on a global basis in fiscal 2004.

Expansion of overseas business

The Company is taking various initiatives to strengthen overseas operations as an engine for overall corporate growth. For the mid-term, Matsushita is aiming at achieving over 60% of total operating profit from its overseas operations. Specifically, the Company plans to accelerate operational expansion in China, aiming for a 1 trillion yen business size on a Groupwide basis in fiscal 2006.

Enhancement of brand value

 

In April 2003, Matsushita announced that it would position the “Panasonic”Panasonic brand as a globally unified brand for overseas markets under the slogan of “Panasonic ideas for life.” This new brand strategy conveys to customers all over the world a new image for the Company and its products, while further enhancing brand value.


- 14 -

R&D strategy

 

In R&D, to increase efficiency, the Company realigned technological management categorization and systems. In corporate R&D functions, to encourage engineers to concentrate on prioritized R&D themes and leading-edgecutting-edge technologies, Matsushita introduced a new management system with which it can administrate themes at each step in the research process. In business domain companies’ R&D functions, Matsushita significantly reduced lead time for product development by introducing an innovative R&D process management developed from the standpoint of return on investment.

 

Through the aforementioned initiatives within Value Creation 21, Matsushita has established a firm foundation for achieving growth in the future.

COLLABORATION WITH MEW

 

In December 2003, Matsushita reached a basic agreement regarding a comprehensive business collaboration with anits affiliate, Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. (MEW), after which Matsushita initiated a tender offer for additional shares of MEW. As a result of the tender offer in which the Company purchased an additional 140,550 thousand shares of common stock of MEW at the total cost of 147 billion yen, MEW, PanaHome Corporation and their respective group companiessubsidiaries became consolidated subsidiaries of the Company in April 2004. Through collaboration, Matsushita and MEW aim for global excellence by maximizing synergy effects between the two companies to create new growth and increase productivity.growth. The two companies have also agreed to integrateintegrated their brand strategies, whereby, from October 2004, the “NAIS” and “National” brands currently used by MEW will bewere unified under the “National” brand for products sold in Japan, and the “Panasonic” brand for those sold in overseas markets. Regarding business operations initiatives,Furthermore, Matsushita and MEW unified product designs, opened joint showrooms and introduced a series of Collaboration V-products that incorporate black-box technologies of both companies, such as modular furniture systems, tank-less toilets, bathroom systems, high efficiency lighting systems and Integrated IP Network Platforms for building and area security management systems. For fiscal 2005, Matsushita and MEW also integrated overlapping businesses in the two companies will strive to achieve further growth in such areas asarea of electrical supplies, building materials and equipment, home appliances householdand industrial equipment, and construction materials, electric equipment, lighting, home and building networks, environment-related systems and healthcare and medical equipment, thereby solidifying the Matsushita Group’s position as a global leader in these fields.reformed distribution channels to establish an optimized, customer-oriented operational structure.


- 14 -

 

“LEAP AHEAD 21” PLAN

 

Matsushita’s business vision focuses on “realizing a ubiquitous networking society” and “contributing to coexistence with the global environment” through leading-edge technologies. Based on this vision, Matsushita will make efforts to beachieve global excellence in 2010, or in other words, to become a leading company in all aspects of management and a company which creates more value forthat is supported by its customers all over the world by 2010.worldwide. As the midpoint toward achieving this goal, Matsushita established its new mid-term management plan “Leap Ahead 21,” for the three-year term from fiscal 2005 through 2007, and commenced initiatives for sustainable growth. The Leap Ahead 21 will mainly implement following two initiatives.

For fiscal 2005, the first year of the new mid-term management plan, Matsushita implemented various initiatives to achieve growth and strengthen management structures at each business domain company.

 

Accelerating Growth BusinessBusinesses

In fiscal 2005, Matsushita aggressively launched a new line of V-products to capture top shares in high-volume markets and make a significant contribution to overall business results. At the same time, the Company strengthened Companywide marketing efforts for these products. Through the above mentioned collaboration activities with MEW, Matsushita succeeded in creating an organizational structure under which the Company can provide customers all over the world with solutions for comfortable living in the home and office. Meanwhile, the Company carried out structural reforms through selection and concentration of management resources into priority areas and restructuring of locations.

 

Matsushita continued to investments into strategic business and promoted business alliances primarily for flat-panel TVs which global demand is positioning selected V-products as the main vehicle of future growth. During fiscal 2005, the initial year of the Leap Ahead 21, Matsushita plansexpected to introduce 71 new V-products based in three core concepts: unique and advanced “black-box technologies” that cannot be easily imitated by competitors; “universal design” to make products easier to use for everyone; and, “environmental consideration,” such as saving energy and resources. The Company will develop V-products into “strong business pillars” that result in global market expansion and earning maximum profits at an early stage in product lifecycles.increase significantly.

 

In addition,January 2005, Matsushita jointly established IPS Alpha Technology, Ltd. with Hitachi, Ltd. (Hitachi), Hitachi Displays, Ltd. and Toshiba Corporation. IPS Alpha Technology, Ltd. is scheduled to begin mass production in the Company’ssecond quarter of the year ending March 31, 2007 (fiscal 2007) to ensure a stable supply of high-quality panels for 26- to 32- inch LCD TVs.

The Company also continues comprehensive business collaboration with MEWHitachi in PDP business, covering development, production, marketing and intellectual property rights. Together, Matsushita and Hitachi will commencework to improve product performance, lower costs, raise productivity and conduct joint sales promotions, with the aim of building a mutually beneficial cross-licensing relationship.

The Company is also taking various initiatives to strengthen overseas operations as an engine for overall corporate growth. For the mid-term, Matsushita aims to achieve over 60% of total operating profit from its overseas operation. Specifically, the Company plans to accelerate operational expansion in China, aiming for sales of approximately 1 trillion yen in fiscal 2005, through which the Company aims to establish an optimum operating structure from the customer’s point of view and maximize value for the new Matsushita Group.


- 15 -2007.

 

Reinforcing Management Structures

With the objective of further enhancing profitability, Matsushita will increase the speed up structural reformswith which it recovers invested capital by reducing assets and further implementing the selection of priority businesses and concentration of management resources into such businesses. Furthermore, in several business domain companies. Also,addition to drastically reducing materials procurement costs, Matsushita will further strengthen its management structures through other aggressive cost reduction projects to enhance profitability.


- 15 -

Since 2001, Matsushita has utilized a cell-style production system, mainly at domestic facilities, where assembly of each product is performed by a single person or a small team. In the process, Matsushita have achieved notable results in terms of improved productivity and employee job satisfaction. Cell-style production results in improved cost-competitiveness by making continual improvements, shortening delivery times and minimizing inventory. In March 2005, Matsushita expanded this initiative with a Next Cell Production Project, which targets the further reduction of inventories. Furthermore, the Company will promote activitiesutilize IT to reduce inventoriesmanage such initiatives at Just in Time Production and cut materials costs,Vendor Managed Inventory, in which inventory is controlled by each vendor.

In June 2003, Matsushita launched a Corporate Cost Busters Project aimed at lowering expenses on a Companywide basis. To extend this initiative throughout the Matsushita Group, the Company began a Second Corporate Cost Busters Project in fiscal 2006 to eliminate redundancies throughout all areas of the Company.

Reducing consolidated total assets is also a key of Matsushita’s commitment to management that focuses on cash flows. Since fiscal 2002, Matsushita has carried out initiatives aimed at reducing total assets, with particular emphasis on inventory reductions as well as eliminatefixed asset reductions. Going forward, Matsushita will strive to enhance capital efficiency across all unnecessary costsbusinesses to maximize cash flows.

R&D Strategy

With regard to R&D, the Company will strengthen technological capabilities from a 10-year perspective, with the ultimate goal of consistently creating new value-added products and services. In line with this goal, the Corporate R&D Group established the 10-year Technology Vision as a corporate roadmap for the development of technologies in allsuch areas as next-generation system LSIs, networkable consumer electronics and fuel cell cogeneration systems for the home. Shared Companywide and reviewed annually, this roadmap will be the basis for the selection of R&D projects, and the concentration of resources into them. Through Development Process Innovation Management (DPIM) at each business thereby creatingdomain company, based on evaluation of return on investment, Matsushita will further reduce product development lead times. These initiatives will focus investment into strategic products, while promoting further efficiency improvements in terms of the ratio of R&D expenditures to sales.

New Initiatives to Maximize Shareholder Value

In fiscal 2005, Matsushita started to implement new initiatives to maximize shareholder value, including policies to increase dividend payments and execute own share repurchases. Historically, Matsushita has maintained stable levels of cash dividends. Then, in fiscal 2005, the Company reassessed this policy and, in line with growth strategies outlined in the Leap Ahead 21 plan, decided to proactively return profits to shareholders taking into consideration consolidated business performance. Specifically, the Company provides shareholder return in the form of cash dividends and share repurchases, with due consideration to the level of cash flows. With respect to dividends, Matsushita pursues steady and continuous growth of return to shareholders, while at the same time taking into consideration various factors including mid-term business performance, capital expenditure requirements and the Company’s financial condition. As for share repurchases, the Company aims to achieve reductions in the total number of outstanding shares, in effect, in an effort to raise shareholder value on a leaner management structure.per-share basis. Based on this new policy, in fiscal 2005, Matsushita increased annual cash dividends to 15.00 yen per share and, in effect, reduced outstanding shares through repurchases of approximately 60 million of its own shares for approximately 92.9 billion yen from the market and 0.8 billion yen from MEW, a consolidated subsidiary of the Company.


- 16 -

Meanwhile, with recent trends toward the globalization of capital markets, corporate acquisitions are likely to increase. Under the basic philosophy that shareholders should make final decisions regarding large-scale purchases of Matsushita shares, the Company established a new policy regarding large-scale purchases of Matsushita shares (ESV* plan). (For further details, see No. 15.1 of Item 19.)

* ESV stands for Enhancement of Shareholder Value.

 

CAPITAL INVESTMENT

 

Total capital investment (excluding intangibles) amounted to 320 billion yen, 251 billion yen, 271 billion yen and 271374 billion yen for fiscal 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2004,2005, respectively. The increase of capital investment during fiscal 2005 from the previous year is attributed partly to the consolidation of MEW and PanaHome and their respective subsidiaries. (For a reconciliation of capital investment to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures, see “Overview—Key performance indicators” in Section A of Item 5.) In these years, Matsushita curbed capital investment in a number of business areas, in line with an increased management emphasis on cash flows and capital efficiency, as seen in an increased adoption of cell-style production, which allowed the use of smaller scale facilities. Matsushita did, however, selectively invest in facilities for those product areas that are expected to drive future growth, including such key areas as semiconductors, plasma display panels (PDPs)particularly advanced system LSIs, PDPs and other strategic products.

 

For the current fiscal year ending March 31, 2005 (fiscal 2005), Matsushita expects its capital investment to increase to approximately 340 billion yen. This investment will be funded primarily through internal sources.

B.Business Overview

 

SALES BY PRODUCT CATEGORY

 

Matsushita is engaged in the production and sales of electronic and electric products in a broad array of business areas. The following table sets forth the Company’s sales breakdown by product category for the last three fiscal years:

 

  Yen (billions) (%)

   Yen (billions) (%)

 
  Fiscal year ended March 31,

   Fiscal year ended March 31,

 
  2004

 2003

 2002

   2005

 2004

 2003

 

AVC Networks:

                        

Video and audio equipment

  1,418  19% 1,398  19% 1,296  18%  1,483  17% 1,418  19% 1,398  19%

Information and communications equipment

  2,206  29  2,114  29  2,100  30   2,076  24  2,206  29  2,114  29 
  
  

 
  

 
  

  
  

 
  

 
  

Subtotal

  3,624  48  3,512  48  3,396  48   3,559  41  3,624  48  3,512  48 

Home Appliances

  1,189  16  1,184  16  1,142  16   1,218  14  1,189  16  1,184  16 

Components and Devices

  1,142  15  1,194  16  1,090  15   1,112  13  1,142  15  1,194  16 

MEW and PanaHome

  1,498  17         

JVC

  803  11  828  11  813  12   718  8  803  11  828  11 

Other

  722  10  684  9  633  9   609  7  722  10  684  9 
  
  

 
  

 
  

  
  

 
  

 
  

Total

  7,480  100% 7,402  100% 7,074  100%  8,714  100% 7,480  100% 7,402  100%
  
  

 
  

 
  

  
  

 
  

 
  


- 1617 -

 

Note:

  As described inOn April 1, 2004, MEW, PanaHome and their respective subsidiaries became consolidated subsidiaries of the NotesCompany. Accordingly, a new category, MEW and PanaHome, has been added to the Consolidated Financial Statements, effective fiscal 2004, the Company reclassifiedCompany’s product categories for sales breakdown reporting purposes, whereby sales are now divided into five new categories: AVC Networks, Home Appliances, Components and Devices, JVC and Other. Prior year figures have been restated to reflect this change.from fiscal 2005.

 

AVC Networks

 

Matsushita’s principal products in the AVC Networks category include video and audio equipment and information and communications equipment. Products in this category have been undergoing rapid technological changes as a result of digitization and networking, along with rapidly evolving broadband communications, which in turn have provided new business opportunities. As a leading manufacturer in many product lines in the AVC Networks category, Matsushita has been striving to achieve new growth by offering competitive digital and networkable products based on “black-box” technologies, through simultaneous global marketing,designed to differentiate products and strengthen cost-competitiveness by in-house production of key components and devices aiming at contributing to the creation of a “ubiquitous networking society.”

 

Video and Audio Equipment

 

Principal products in this sector include TVs, VCRs, camcorders, digital still cameras (DSCs), DVD players and recorders, VCRs, camcorders, digital cameras, and personal and home audio equipment. Matsushita maintains a leading share in the domestic and overseas markets for a number of major products in this field. During the three-year period ended March 31, 2004,2005, Matsushita expanded sales in this category by takingaggressively introducing a lead in the introductionseries of attractive digital and networkable products,competitive V-products, despite the negative effects of slow consumer spending, especially in Japan, and intensified global price competition. A series of competitive V-products thatFrom fiscal 2004, Matsushita focused its management resources in the Company has introduced since fiscal 2003 has been a major factor in this growth. Matsushita’s current focus is to strengthen its “3D” value chain—consisting of digital TVs (DTVs), DVDs and secure digital memory cards (SD Memory Cards) and compatible products, DVDs and digital TVs—which contributed greatly to create new demand in the digital networking era.sales growth.

 

In TVs, Matsushita produces a broad range of models to meet all segments of demand in domestic and international markets, ranging from cathode ray tube (CRT) models to flat-panel TVs, such as plasma display panel (PDP)TVs and liquid crystal display (LCD) TVs. The Company’s CRTFor large-screen plasma TVs include both analogin sizes above 37-inches, the global demand for which is rapidly expanding, Matsushita maintains a vertically integrated manufacturing structure, which includes everything from key components and digital models, while all of its flat-panel TVs are digital.devices to finished products. Matsushita introduced three new 9.9cm-thick PDPplasma TVs in 37-, 42- and 50-inch models in fiscal 2003, which were the world’s first to integrate digital tuners for broadcast satellite (BS), communications satellite and terrestrial broadcasting. In fiscal 2004, Matsushita introduced new high-definition PDPplasma TVs in 37-, 42- and 50-inch models with built-in slots for compact SD Memory Cards and thea picture enhancement accelerator with kinetic system (PEAKS) for outstanding picture quality. Meanwhile, Matsushita has also reinforced its lineup of LCD TVs. Building on its LCD TV range of 14- to 22-inch models,In fiscal 2005, Matsushita introduced a 32-inch model in fiscal 2003 and new 14-, 17- and 20-inch models with PEAKS for outstandingdigital high-definition plasma TVs, which realized the highest level of picture quality in fiscal 2004.the industry, featuring an advanced PEAKS system, as well as enhanced media networking functions that can record video on SD Memory Cards. The Company also introduced the industry’s first 65-inch high-definition plasma display. To promote the advantage of digitalmaintain top market shares in plasma TVs, in the networking era, Matsushita has recently begun offering various digital TV models with Internet connection capability called T-Navi in the Japanese market. As flat-panel TVs have entered a rapid growth phase in Japan and overseas, the Company has been expanding its PDP manufacturing facilities aimingand strengthening its production capabilities. From June 2001, the Company started manufacturing of plasma TVs at maintaining its top shareNo. 1 domestic plant in Osaka, Japan. At the No. 2 domestic plant in Osaka, Japan, which began operations in February 2004, the facility was reinforced to realize a production capacity of 1.2 million units per year in December 2004. Overseas, the worldwide PDPCompany began integrated manufacturing of PDPs at its plasma TV market. (See related descriptionassembly plant in Shanghai, China in December 2002, thus expediting total annual production to 1.8 million units of PDP facility expansionthese three factories in December 2004. In response to anticipated sharp growth in plasma TV demand, a No. 3 domestic plant is currently under “Componentsconstruction in Hyogo, Japan, and Devices” below.)will commence operation in the Fall of 2005.


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Regarding CRTs, in order to strengthen competitiveness, Matsushita and Toshiba integrated CRT operations and established Matsushita Toshiba Picture Display Co., Ltd., in April 2003. Regarding LCDs, Matsushita and Toshiba combined their respective LCD operations and jointly established Toshiba Matsushita Display Technology Co., Ltd. in April 2002, which now manufactures LCD panels for PCs, cellular phones and smaller screen TVs with screen sizes 20-inches and under. For LCD TVs with screen sizes of 26- to 32-inches, the Company jointly established IPS Alpha Technology, Ltd. with Hitachi, Ltd. (Hitachi), Hitachi Displays, Ltd. and Toshiba in January 2005 aiming to secure a stable supply of high-quality TV-use LCD panels. (See Section A of this Item 4 for more information joint ventures related to CRT and LCD.)

As for DVDs, Matsushita offers a wide range of DVD players and recorders. Since introducing the world’s first consumer-use DVD recorder in 2000, the Company has been the market forerunner in this category. In fiscal 2004, Matsushita began simultaneous global product introductions for a new line of DVD recorders, and reinforced product lineups by introducing a VCR combination model with dual tuners for the simultaneous recording of two channels. In fiscal 2005, the Company continued to lead the industry by launching a series of competitive models, such as the industry’s first DVD/VCR combination models with built-in hard disk drives (HDDs) and IP network-compatible models which allow access from personal computers (PCs) and cellular phones.

 

In the VCRdigital camera and video cameracamcorder area, Matsushita has been expanding its range of digital camcorderscameras and DSCdigital camcorders that incorporate SD Memory Card slots for data storage and enhanced networking convenience. Of these,In fiscal 2004, new models of DSC that benefit from the world-renowned optical technology of Leica Camera AG achieved notable market success in fiscal 2003. In fiscal 2004, Matsushita introduced new models of DSCdigital cameras that leverage unique and advanced technologies, such as aspherical lenses and optical image stabilizers (OIS). A, enjoyed notable market success. In fiscal 2005, a new model featuring OIS and a large 2.5-inch LCD in a slim 24.2mm body achieved one of the top shares in the domestic market and contributed to sales growth. For camcorders, Matsushita introduced a new line of compact easy-to-use SD Multi AV Recorder capable of recordingmodels featuring outstanding picture quality for both video and playback of digital video, still images, audio and other content on an SD Memory Card was also introduced during fiscal 2003.pictures. The Company added the world’s slimmest model3 CCD camera system which uses a separate CCD to this product line in fiscal 2004.

As for DVDs, Matsushita offers a wide range of DVD players and DVD recorders. Since its introductionprocess each of the first DVD recorderthree primary components of light (Red/Green/Blue) boasts one of the highest levels of picture quality in 2000, the Company has been the market forerunner in this product line. The Company continued its lead by launching a series of competitive models with built-in hard disk drives (HDDs) for extended recording time and SD Memory Card slots. In fiscal 2004, Matsushita began simultaneous global introductions for its latest DVD recorders, and reinforced product range with VCR combination models with dual tuners for simultaneous recording of two channels.industry.

 

In the area of audio equipment, Matsushita produces a variety of products, including compact disc (CD) players, CD radio cassette recorders and Mini Disc players, as well as radio receivers,radios, tape recorders, portable headphone players stereo hi-fi equipment and electronic musical instruments. Matsushita expanded its range of newgeneral audio products. The demand for audio equipment in recent years with the launch of DVD-Audio players and a series of products using the SD Memory Card, such as an ultra-compact “wearable” headphone player.is shifting rapidly from analog to digital products. In response to this trend, Matsushita has been greatly expandinglaunched portable audio products with improved performance in terms of compact design, power efficiency and extended recording time. Regarding hi-fi audio component systems, the Company enhanced product design in the areas of multiple CD changers and MP3 functions.

Matsushita has also expanded its range of SD Memory Card compatible products, covering not only audiovideo and videoaudio equipment, but also information and communications equipment and home appliances, which has further enhanced the Company’s leadershipappliances. In addition to providing flat-panel TVs and other digital AV products, use of the SD formatMemory Card as a bridge media in cellular phones and other new product areas is increasing at a rapid pace. This success has helped to solidify the industry.SD Memory Card’s position as the industry standard.


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Information and Communications Equipment

 

Information equipment includes products such as personal computers (PCs), PC displays,PCs, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM and other optical diskdisc drives, HDDs, copying machinescopiers and printers. Communications equipment includes products such as facsimile equipment,machines, cordless telephones, cellular phones and other mobile communications equipment, and digital private branch exchanges. Products in this sector also include other systems equipment, such as car audio and navigation equipment, cable TV systems, broadcast- and business-use AV equipment and systems, large-screen visual equipment and communications network-related equipment. Of these, Matsushita is a worldwideglobal leader in such business lines as optical diskdisc drives, facsimile equipment,machines, broadcast-use digital VCR equipment and airline in-flight AV systems. The Company also maintains a leading position in the Japanese cellular phone industry.

 

With respect to PCs, Matsushita continued to upgrade its notebook models over the last several years, centeredconcentrating on slim, lightweight notebook PCs and ruggedized notebook PCs built to resist shock. In fiscal 2002, Matsushita introduced the world’s lightest (960 grams) B5-sized notebook PC in Japan, followed by even smaller and lighter models during fiscal 2003.PCs. In fiscal 2004, Matsushita introduced the world’s lightest (1,299 grams) B5-sized notebook PC with a 12.1-inch LCD screen and a built-in DVD-ROM and CD-R/RW combination drive.


- 18 - In fiscal 2005, Matsushita introduced the world’s lightest (1,290 grams) B5-sized notebook PC with a 12.1-inch LCD screen and a built-in DVD Super Multi Drive that is compatible with the DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, +R and +RW formats.

 

In the area of PC peripherals, Matsushita has been focusing on upgrading its diskoptical disc drive lineups. InTo meet the demand for slimmer, lighter-weight optical diskdisc drives for notebook PCs, in fiscal 2004, the Company introduced the industry’s thinnest and lightest DVD multi drives compatible with DVD-RAM, DVD-R and DVD-RW formats informats. In fiscal 2002. To meet demand related to slim notebook PCs,2005, Matsushita developedreleased the industry’s slimmestthinnest and lightest DVD multi drives in fiscal 2004. As for HDDs, the Company has become more selective in its product lineup during the past few years, focusing on upgraded models using hydro dynamic bearing spindle motors, and 1.8-inch small-form-factor HDDs for use in notebook PCs and mobile AV equipment, while substantially reducing production of conventional 3.5-inch HDDs.Super Multi Drive.

 

In the area of mobile communications equipment, in recent years Matsushita has developed and introduced a number of new cellular phones, including third generation (3G) format products with a focus on advanced functions,function, stylish designsdesign and ease-of-use. Sales of cellular phones experienced a setback in fiscal 2002 due to both a sharp decline in demand, especially in Japan and Europe, and glitches that were found in certain models. Early in fiscal 2003, the Company launched new thin cellular phones for NTT DoCoMo, Inc. that are mobile Internet-compatible and havewith high picture quality and,quality. Then, in the second half of that fiscal year,2003, in response to the rapid developmentincreases in demand, the Company introduced new models with built-in cameras. These new models were well received and helped to boost the Company’s reputation in the Japanese cellular phone market. Meanwhile, the Company has been expandingMatsushita expanded its business in overseas markets, especiallyand in Europe and China, centered onfiscal 2004, GSM standard cellular models including most recently, clamshell design camera-equipped handsets and ultra-compact, stylish models.models received favorable acclaim in Europe and China, thereby improving the Company’s brand image. However, in fiscal 2005, performance of cellular phones on the whole was unfavorable, due to such factors as increased inventory in the Chinese market and intensified price competition in Europe and Asia. Regarding 3G cellular phones, correspondingwhose demand is expected to NTT DoCoMo’s commencement ofincrease rapidly overseas, Matsushita has accumulated significant know-how in both wideband base code division multiple access (W-CDMA) services in Japan during fiscal 2002, Matsushita began shipments of W-CDMA base stations and terminals. The Company was the firstterminals since NTT DoCoMo commenced W-CDMA services in the world to develop and supply W-CDMA cellular phones that provide a TV-phone function through transmission of moving images and large volumes of data.Japan. In fiscal 2003, a new W-CDMA cellular phone was launched that boasts a rotating LCD screen for camcorder-style recording of video and still images followed by the introduction inwas introduced. In fiscal 2004, ofMatsushita introduced a new model with a built-in auto-focus 1.28 megapixel CCD camera and interchangeable decorative jackets.jackets with which users may enjoy their favorite designs. Moreover, in fiscal 2005, new models with interchangeable decorative jackets and SD memory card-compatibility, aimed at strengthening coordination with AV equipment, were introduced. The Company intends to solidify its competitive position as a leader in the 3G mobile communications market.


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In the area of fixed-line communications, Matsushita over the years has developed businessesintegrated its communications and digital imaging technologies through a merger of two major subsidiaries in early 2003. As a result, in addition to its lineup of telecom products such products as facsimile equipment, cordless telephones, copiers and printers, primarily as stand-alone products. Beginning with the introduction of a multifunction modelCompany has, in recent years, developed multi-function digital equipment that providesintegrate facsimile, copier, printer, scanner and telephone functions ininto a single unit, however, theunit. The Company has been placing an increased focus on integration ofalso introduced network cameras which are compatible with IPv6, the next-generation communications standard, and digital imaging technologies. This move was further accelerated by the merger in early 2003 of two major subsidiaries operating in this area. Matsushita also has been developing Internet-protocol (IP)other network-related products such as IPv6 technology-based telephones and facsimile machines, using the synergies of the merger and the advantage of possessing both imaging and communications technologies.


- 19 -TV door intercom systems with wireless color-monitor-equipped handsets.

 

In the area of car AV equipment,automotive electronics, Matsushita supplies advanced car navigation systems for the domestic market, while further promoting global expansion in car audio equipment. Through joint efforts with automakers, Matsushita in fiscal 2002 launched a new car navigation model that can receive various mobile information services, followed by another model with a built-in HDD capable of processing a large volume of data in an instant. In fiscal 2003, the Company began supplying an upgraded model as an in-car multimedia terminal to a leading automobile company in Japan. Demand has beengrown steadily growing for DVD-equipped car multimedia systems. In response, in fiscal 2004, the Company introduced a new car navigation system series in Japan that incorporates DVD and other AV entertainment features. The Company continued to launch new products in this series in fiscal 2005. Favorable sales of these car navigation systems, featuring improved AV functions such as outstanding picture quality and high-resolution wide-screen monitors, improved Matsushita’s domestic market share. Overseas, in recent years, the Company launched new car audio equipment in the North American market, including a rear-seat entertainment system that features a flat-panel, large-screen LCD display with a built-in DVD player, and a digital surround sound car audio systemsystems compatible with high-quality DVD audio. Meanwhile, to address the recent expansion of electronic toll collection (ETC) services in Japan, the Company has been increasingrecorded increased sales of in-car terminals, as well as related infrastructure equipment.

 

In the area of broadcast-use AV equipment and systems, the DVCPRO series of digital videocamera recorder systems has always beenremain the Company’s flagship product. In fiscal 2004, Matsushita announced an upgraded model, the new DVCPRO P2, which is designed to use SD Memory Cards as itsan alternative recording media.media to video tape. Meanwhile, with the start of terrestrial digital broadcasting in Japan in December 2003, Matsushita supplied digital broadcasting systems, including a compact, lightlightweight DVCPRO series, to major TV broadcasting stations in Japan. Sales of set-top boxes for cable TVs were also favorable. Meanwhile, Matsushita’s leading position in the global in-flight AV systems market has been strengthened by continued deliveries of popular AV systems with LCD monitors and advanced personal multimedia systems that allow passengers to enjoy in-flight entertainment and shopping from their seats.

 

Home Appliances

 

 

Matsushita’s principal products in this category include home appliances, such as refrigerators, room air conditioners, washing machines, clothes dryers, vacuum cleaners, electric irons, microwave ovens, cooking appliances and dishwasher/dryers; refrigeration and air conditioning equipment such as refrigerators and room air conditioners; and household equipment, mainly comprising kitchen fixtureelectric and gas water heating systems, electric, gas and kerosene hot water supply equipment, and bath and sanitary equipment. This category also includes healthcare systems, lighting, and environmental systems.

 

Building upon its position asAs the leading manufacturer in the Japanese home appliance industry, Matsushita strives to further develop value-addedprovides value added products that addressmeet rapidly changing customer needs and diversifying customer lifestyles, the trend toward an aging population and rapidly growing interest inheightened consumer awareness about health and environmental issues through advanced technologies and synergies achieved between companies in the environment.Matsushita Group.


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In the area of electric home appliances and householdrefrigeration and air conditioning equipment, Matsushita in fiscal 2002 was one of the first manufacturers to develop2003 introduced new products such as a refrigerator using hydrocarbon refrigerant, which eliminateswasher/dryer with a foam washing system, a combination steamer/microwave oven that preserves moisture in food without the use of ozone layer depletive refrigerants. Furthermore, Matsushita introduced an eco-friendlyplastic wrap, and energy-efficient water heating systema vacuum cleaner that employsis comparable to a natural refrigerant heat pump and boasts an ozone-depleting coefficientmop in the cleaning of zero in April 2002. Duringhard surfaced flooring, thanks to a new minus-ion technology. In fiscal 2003,2004, Matsushita introduced a fully automatic clothes washer/dryer, featuring a unique “foam washing” system; a combination steamer/microwave oven; a new series of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)-free, large inner-capacity refrigerators;energy-saving refrigerator that preserves food while removing odors and eliminating bacteria, and an air conditioner that features ventilating functions and a unique air conditioner that offers the same oxygen concentration indoors as that foundcharging technology. Also in the natural environment. In fiscal 2004, the Company successfully increasedannounced a tilted-drum washer/dryer incorporating universal design concepts and environmentally friendly features. In fiscal 2005, the Company expanded its domestic marketlineup, and these washer/dryers seized the top share in majordomestic unit sales by model type. Also in fiscal 2005, Matsushita launched a dishwasher/dryer that utilizes a highly concentrated detergent mist to lift and remove stains, air conditioners with automatic filter cleaning and dust removal functions, refrigerators with full-open food drawers that allow easy access to hard-to-reach areas, and other unique products. Furthermore, in global markets, the Company expanded sales of high-value-added home appliances as it introduced a user-friendlyin China and Asia, while at the same time enhancing brand image. Products for these markets include tilted-drum washer/dryerdryers, HFC-free refrigerators and air conditioners with a 30-degree tilted drum featuring lower water consumption, an air conditioner incorporating a ventilating function in addition tooxygen enrichment functions.

In the above-mentioned unique oxygen charging technology,area of household equipment, safe, energy efficient built-in 200V flameless induction-heating (IH) cooking equipment that is compatible with cooking ware made of any metal, andmarked favorable sales in the domestic market. In fiscal 2004, a new water heating system thatwas launched. This product uses CO2 as a natural refrigerant and boasts the industry’s highest energy efficiency. Several of these new high-value added products, such as HFC-free refrigerators and air conditioners featuring the oxygen charging technology were also introduced into the Asian market, including China.

Matsushita’s efforts have also been extended to the development of home appliance business using digital networking technologies that will provide customers with solutions for safe, convenient and comfortable living. In fiscal 2004,2005, Matsushita, launchedtogether with Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd., introduced a new networked home appliancefuel cell co-generation system that enables customers to control home appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines and microwave ovens through wireless control functions, includingfor the ability to report irregularities or emergencies detected through various sensors.home.

 

In the healthcare systems business, in fiscal 2002 Matsushita introduced a Web-based tele-healthcare system that allows patients to measure their vital signs and doctors to remotely access the patient’s information. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan officially recognized the system to be introduced for medical use. In fiscal 2004, a newMatsushita’s blood glucose monitoring system that measures the glucose level quickly and accurately with just a small amount of blood contributed to the Company’s sales increase. In fiscal 2005, Matsushita expanded product lines of ultrasonic diagnostic equipment.

 

In the lighting business, in fiscal 2003 Matsushita developed an electrodeless ballasted compact fluorescent lamp featuring low power consumption and extended life, and inlife. In fiscal 2004, the Company began selling a spiral-shaped ballasted compact florescent lamp, which, although the same size asintroduced an incandescent lamp offers greater energy efficiency.with double the life-span of current models. In fiscal 2005, an energy-saving lamp characterized by its spiral-shaped fluorescent tube was introduced with a wide product range.

 

In the environment-relatedenvironment systems business, Matsushita began construction of ventilation facilitiesand air purification systems for the Hai Van Tunnel in Vietnam in fiscal 2003. In Japan, ventilation systemsfiscal 2004, Matsushita enjoyed favorable domestic sales of a new product that simultaneously supplies and equipment that comply with the revised construction standards law to combat “sick house” syndrome contributed to Matsushita’s sales increase in this product category in fiscal 2004. Meanwhile, theventilates air. The Company also supplied asolar and wind power generation systemsystems to the 2004 Athens Olympics. The Company also introduced the world’s first air purifier with a filter to neutralize allergensOlympics in fiscal 2004.2004, and the Aichi World Expo in fiscal 2005.

 

Components and Devices

 

 

Major products included in this category are semiconductors, general components, display devices, batteries and electric motors, some of whichmotors. Components and devices are incorporated intoused in Matsushita’s finished products and some of which are for salesold to other manufacturers.


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Matsushita is strengthening businessesimplements various initiatives to develop and supply competitive products in the components and devices category by concentrating efforts on “black-box,” or proprietary technologies, particularly in the area of semiconductors such as system LSIs, the key to Matsushita’s competitive edgedifferentiation in digital AV and information/communications equipment. The Company is enhancing cooperation between components and devices divisions and finished product divisions from the product development stage to create effective value chains around them.chains. Matsushita is also strives to expand externalexpanding sales of components and devices to accelerateexternal customers to enhance sales growth and strengthen the earnings base.profitability.

 

Matsushita’s semiconductor business is primarily made up of integrated circuits (ICs), such as metal oxide semiconductor large-scale integration (LSI) circuitssystem LSIs and bipolar ICs, discrete devices and image sensorsensors including charge coupled devices (CCDs). Through high speed, low-power consumption, and ultra fine process technologies, Matsushita has been focusingfocused its efforts on five main growth businesses, comprisingincluding the four system LSI fields namely those forof optical disk-relateddisc-related products, digital TVs, mobile communications, and networks and networks/SD, Memory Cards, andin addition to image sensors. These operations support innovative and competitive products at the Company’s finished product divisions and, as a value chain, the success of these finished products support sales of system LSIs for external customers. In particular, Matsushita has been strengthening development of multifunctional system LSI circuits, which form the basis of digital network-related equipment. Successful results in recent years include system LSI chip sets for DVD players and recorders, MPEG-2 encoder chips and 32-bit microcontrollers with embedded dynamic RAM.

In fiscal 2003, Matsushita developed a power-efficient multi-codec system LSI, enabling extended continuous operating time for cellular phones that provide video phone and other video content capabilities, and a new system LSI for digital high-definition television (HDTV) broadcast receivers that accomplishes all back-end processing functions on a single chip. In fiscal 2004, Matsushita began mass production of 0.18-micron FeRAM (ferroelectric random-access memory)-embedded system-on-a chipsystem-on-a-chip (SoC), a system LSI for mobile network applications. Meanwhile,Furthermore, in fiscal 2005, to address the challenge of shortened product lifecycles, Matsushita has also been strivingdeveloped an Integrated Platform that combines software and hardware resources across differing product categories to achieve higher levels of manufacturing process technologies. In April 2002, the Company commenced production of highly integrated 0.13-micron system LSIs primarily for digital AV equipment. Furthermore, Matsushita began construction of a new semiconductor production facility in Japan, installing the cutting-edge 90-nanometer production process for 300mm wafers in May 2004. improve R&D efficiency and design quality.

In the area of image sensors, in October 2003, Matsushita integrated its CCD and camera module businesses, thereby achieving a more effective organizational structure. In Februaryfiscal 2004, the Company developed the industry’s smallesta MOS image sensor, featuring high pictureimage quality and low power consumptionconsumption. In fiscal 2005, the Company expanded product lines, and began mass-producing and shipping the industry’s smallest camera modules featuring this MOS image sensor.

Regarding production, overseas operations have been strengthened and expanded. In fiscal 2004, Matsushita began mass production of image sensors in Singapore. Moreover, in Japan, to advance process technology of LSIs from the conventional 0.13-micrometer process, the Company began construction of a new semiconductor factory, establishing a cutting-edge production process for applications such as camera-equipped cellular phones and AV equipment.300mm wafers in fiscal 2005.

 

Matsushita manufactures a variety of general components and devices, including capacitors, modules, printed circuit boards, power supply and inductive products, circuit components, electromechanical components and speakers for digital AV equipment,products, automotive electronics and information/ communications.communications equipment. In fiscal 2002, Matsushita augmented its range of specialty polymer aluminum electrolytic capacitors, while also developing cutting-edge ultracompact, high-capacitance products in the field of multi-layer ceramic chip capacitors and film capacitors. Furthermore, in fiscal 2003, Matsushita developed three-dimensional integrated circuit modules that help downsize and enhance functionalities of mobile electronic devices and networked appliances.products. In fiscal 2004, Matsushita expanded sales ofwith a focus on priority areas including high-fidelity speakers for flat-panel TVs, weight sensors for protective airbags and multilayer printed circuit boards. In an effortfiscal 2005, the Company concentrated efforts in the development of ALIVH multilayer printed circuit boards for compact design and DTV tuners that enable exceptional picture quality. Matsushita will continue to achievepursue further growth and enhanced profitability in these businesses, working together with the general components business, the Company has continuedCompany’s finished product and semiconductor divisions to implement selection and concentration of management resources, especially in capacitor operations.create value-added products for customers.


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In the areaThe battery business consists of display devices, Matsushita manufactures PDPsprimary batteries, including dry batteries, and CRTs, while production of LCDs has been shiftedrechargeable batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries. Responding to a joint venture company created with Toshiba Corporation (Toshiba). Regarding PDPs, Matsushita has boosted its product lineup with the marketing of competitively-priced 37-, 42- and 50-inch units. In fiscal 2004, Matsushita introduced new 37-, 42- and 50-inch high definition PDPsincreased performance requirements for outstanding picture quality. Matsushita has been strengthening its PDP manufacturing structure through a number of initiatives,digital equipment, including the commencement of panel production at its PDP assembly plant in China in December 2002 and at its new manufacturing facility in Japan in April 2004. Regarding LCD devices, Matsushita and Toshiba combined their respective LCD operations and jointly established Toshiba Matsushita Display Technology Co., Ltd. in April 2002. The joint venture company has added new cutting-edge products, including low-temperature polysilicon LCD panels, to the existing product lineups of LCDs for PCs,digital cameras, cellular phones and TVs. Regarding CRTs, in order to strengthen competitiveness,notebook PCs, Matsushita develops and Toshiba integrated their global CRT operationssupplies compact and launched a new company, Matsushita Toshiba Picture Display Co., Ltd., in April 2003. The new CRT joint venture seeks synergies from the combination of Matsushita and Toshiba’s advanced TV-use CRT product development capabilities and manufacturing technologies. (For additional information on the LCD and CRT joint ventures, see Section A of this Item 4.)

Matsushita is an industry leader in primary batteries, especially dry batteries, and is also expanding its line of rechargeable batteries. Matsushita has increased production of compact, high-performance batteries, such as long-life alkaline batteries and lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, as these products are increasingly used in compact electronic equipment such as DSCs, cellular phones and notebook PCs. In addition, the Company introduced such new long-life compact batteries as nickel manganese batteries in fiscal 2003, and another new high-performance dry battery, that boasts approximately 1.5 times the life and performance of ordinary alkaline batteries in fiscal 2004, for a wide variety of applications, including DSC and portable audio players.batteries. To strengthen its competitive position in compact rechargeable batteries, the Company further expanded its lithium-ion battery plant in Osaka in fiscal 2003, and started manufacturing these batteries in China from April 2004 to meet increasing demand from cellular phone manufacturers.manufacturers, in fiscal 2003, Matsushita further expanded its production capacity of lithium-ion batteries in Osaka, and in April 2004 the Company began manufacturing these batteries in China. Meanwhile, in fiscal 2005, Matsushita launched Oxyride, a revolutionary dry battery that provides increased output, and approximately 1.5 times longer battery life, compared with ordinary alkaline batteries in Japan.

 

Matsushita’s line of electric motors includes those for informationvarious products, including home appliances, AV equipment consumer appliances and factory automation (FA)industrial equipment. In the area of information equipment motors, Matsushita has been an industry leader in vibration motors for cellular phones and polygon mirror scanner motors for laser beam printers. Matsushita is also a major manufacturer of brushless motors for appliances and servo motors for FA equipment. In the area of information equipment motors, Matsushita is an industry leader in polygon mirror-scanner motors for Laser Beam Printer. Since fiscal 2003, the Company has implemented restructuring in this business area for concentration ofto concentrate resources into growth areas, such as brushless motors and FA servo motors. In October 2003, Matsushita transferred the HDD-use fluid dynamic bearing motor business to Matsushita Kotobuki Electronics Industries, Ltd., and closed two manufacturing locations in Japan in December of that year. Meanwhile,In April 2004, Matsushita accelerated expansion of operations in China for appliance and FA motors, and also shifted its information equipment motor business, excluding brushless motors, to a new company jointly established with Minebea Co., Ltd. Meanwhile, in fiscal 2005, with the aim of concentrating in brushless motors, Matsushita formed joint ventures with Zhejiang Wolong Hi-Tech Co., Ltd. of China and Daikin Industries, Ltd. of Japan, in the field of induction motors for home appliances. The Company also expanded its home- and industrial-use electric motor manufacturing operations in China to better serve the needs of finished product manufacturers expanding in that region. In addition, Matsushita strengthened ties with its finished products operations by supplying motors for washing machines, DVD recorders and other products.

MEW and PanaHome

This category includes Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. (MEW), PanaHome Corporation (PanaHome) and their respective subsidiaries. Major products in this business include MEW’s electrical construction materials (lighting products, information equipment and wiring products), home appliances, building products, electronic and plastic materials, and automation controls, and PanaHome’s housing, home remodeling, and asset and property management businesses.

As MEW and PanaHome category was added to the Company’s product categories from fiscal 2005, information for this product category only pertains to the most recent fiscal year.

MEW has developed and marketed products that reflect the growing interest of consumers regarding the environment and energy-efficiency. Products include those in the fields of crime prevention, disaster response, information networking, all-electric homes, home remodeling, healthcare and solutions for comfortable living. MEW has strengthened its operations to provide total solutions in hardware, software and services by taking full advantage of its strengths in the areas of wiring/networking technologies for facility infrastructure and building equipment, and construction/installation techniques. To maximize customer satisfaction and respond to ever-changing lifestyles, MEW offers products and services that inspire and improve the quality of life, while providing materials and components that support the amenity and good life.


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In the electrical construction materials business, MEW recorded sales growth in compact LED lighting fixtures with longer life and energy saving features for atmosphere lighting and landscape lighting. In the field of information equipment and wiring products, residential fire alarm systems and access control systems increased sales.

In the home appliance business, MEW is exerting efforts to develop highly functional products in the wellness field, which includes various products related to beauty, health and comfort. Sales of fitness machines that simulate horseback riding to exercise key muscle groups and massage loungers were increased.

In building products, interior and storage infrastructure operations contributed to overall sales. In addition, MEW developed the home renovation market, and broadened the scope of its housing materials operations. As well, sales of Collaboration V-products such as bathroom systems and tank-less toilets that boast low running costs also increased.

In electronic and plastic materials, environmentally friendly multilayer printed circuit board materials, mainly for digital home appliances, high performance cellular phones and automobiles recorded increased sales.

In automation controls, connecters for IT terminals such as cellular phones, automotive relays, switches and sensors had strong sales.

To provide living spaces that are friendly to both people and the global environment, PanaHome focused its basic product strategies on the “Eco-Life Home” concept, which emphasizes safety and security, health and comfort, and high energy efficiency. PanaHome has expanded its main businesses, especially detached housing, asset and property management and home remodeling based on the aforementioned “Eco-Life” concept.

In detached housing, PanaHome is focusing on solar power generation systems and housing products with features compliant to next-generation energy conservation standards. PanaHome also introduced its original exterior wall using photocatalyst technology to reduce maintenance costs.

In asset and property management, PanaHome provides various products and services relevant for landowners and tenants. PanaHome developed loan programs specializing in financing for nursing facilities, and is expanding its businesses in product lines that respond to the needs of medical and nursing facilities.

In remodeling, PanaHome is further developing its sales staff, and strengthening capabilities in consultation sales through advice from various experts in the field in line with the “Eco-Life” housing concept. With its showrooms, PanaHome strives to expand the remodeling business.

 

JVC

 

The JVC category representsconsists of businesses of Victor Company of Japan, Ltd. and its group companies (JVC).companies. Major products in this category include consumer electronic equipment (suchsuch as VCRs,TVs, camcorders, TVs, stereo hi-fi equipment, DVD productsrecorders and players, audio systems, car AV, and other AV products),products, professional electronic equipment, and systems, components, and prerecorded audio and video software and recordable media. These products are sold under the “Victor” or “JVC” brand names primarily through JVC’s own sales and distribution networks in Japan and overseas.


- 2325 -

 

Over the last three fiscal years, JVC has placed priority on creating original, high quality products,developing its “Only One” productsproduct series that incorporateincorporates JVC’s original market-leading audio and visual technology. TheseAs a result of these efforts, helpedin fiscal 2005 JVC to achieve solid sales results in its consumer electronics business in these years.introduced an HD-ILA rear projection TV employing JVC’s unique high-definition micro display device and the industry’s first palm-sized hard disk camcorder “Everio.”

 

In the consumer electronics field, JVC’s technological achievements in recent years have included high-definition displays incorporating Digital Image Scaling Technology (D.I.S.T.) and digital high-density storage systems such as D-VHS and DVD recorders/players. Building upon such technological strength, JVC has further workedplaced principal emphasis on enhancing the network connectivity ofdisplay and optical disc products. JVC aims to achieve its mainstaymid-term management plan through these and other key businesses, including camcorders, car electronics equipment, and AV products. In fiscal 2002, part of these efforts resulted in market success in such products as a new VHS/DVD- combination deck, DVD players, car AV systems and digital video cameras.systems. In fiscal 2003, continued sales success was achieved in new growthAV products such as high definitionhigh-definition TVs and PDP TVs. During fiscal 2004,TVs, while the company launched the world’s first consumer-use digital technology became more widespread in the consumer electronics industry, and JVC expanded its range of PDP TVs and DVD recorders, and also introduced LCD TVs. During these years,high-definition camcorder. Meanwhile, as part of a global realignment of its manufacturing base realigning program,bases, JVC positioned its YokohamaYokosuka Plant as the “core mother base” of all worldwidemain location for consumer electronics production. JVC also implemented other restructuring initiativesbusiness structural reforms to ready itself for the next phase of growth.

Digital products and related equipment are growing rapidly in the consumer electronics industry, and in fiscal 2004, JVC expanded its range of LCD TVs and DVD recorders. In fiscal 2005, despite difficult market conditions due to price declines, sales of LCD TVs and the company’s three-in-one VCR-HDD-DVD recorders were successful in Japan, exceeding overall market growth. Overseas, JVC’s unique HD-ILA rear-projection TV was launched in the U.S., and full-scale market introduction also progressed. Car electronics products recorded strong growth, but sales of digital camcorders were down, and audio systems sales slackened in Europe.

 

In the professional electronics field, JVC has focused on two categories, the security and presentation systems. As a result, overOver the last three fiscal years, sales of security systems, that include JVC’s high performanceincluding surveillance cameras, recorded consistent growth. During these years, businessesAlthough presentation systems grew at a sluggish pace, JVC intends to expand this area by enhancing sales of otherits newly-developed professional electronics systems experienced setbacks, with an exceptionHDV camera recorder.

In the area of digital broadcasting equipment,components and devices, the fluid dynamic bearing motor for HDD has received market acclaim for its high quality, and thus has grown to become a pillar of the business. In addition to motors, JVC strives to develop key devices such as optical pickups and high-density multilayer printed circuit boards, which met rising demand on expansioncreate added value and differentiation of digital broadcasting services in Japan.JVC products.

 

JVC’s software and media businesses haveare comprised of the media business which manufactures and sells recordable media and prerecorded audio and video software, and the software business which identifies, develops and manages promising artists, and produces, sells and distributes content.

JVC’s software business has been operated mainly in Japan. DuringIn Japan, the last three fiscal years, sales innumber of million-seller songs have decreased, and the Japanese music software business fell due to themarket has fallen into an industry-wide slump. However,In such an environment, JVC conducted structural reforms and laid the foundation for a profitable business structure during fiscal 2003. In fiscal 2004, JVC released hit records continuously, including CDsalbums from such artists as Keisuke Kuwata and Dragon Ash in fiscal 2002, CDs and DVDs of Keisuke Kuwata and SMAP in fiscal 2003, and albums of the Southern All Stars and SMAPSMAP. To reinforce its content rights business, JVC established JEN (JVC Entertainment Networks Inc.). Fiscal 2005 was also characterized by severe business circumstances, due to postponement of major releases by popular artists, and decrease in fiscal 2004. Meanwhile, JVC has been expanding its rangesales of recordablemusic software stemming from the expiration of sales consignment contracts with key industry players. As for the media business includingoperating worldwide, JVC strengthened sales of such digital media as DVD-RW and Mini DV tapes. Market conditions in fiscal 2005 were tough for recording tapes due to rapid fall in sales prices of Mini DV tapes and declining demand in VHS recording tapes. However, recordable DVD discs grew strongly with the popularization of DVD recorders, mainly in Japan.


In its new mid-term plan (Leap Ahead 21 plan), JVC positions the consumer electronics business to play a central role in accelerating the company’s growth. Specifically, JVC will focus on display and optical disk products.- 26 -

 

Other

 

Matsushita’s otherOther category includes factory automation (FA) equipment, industrial robots, welding machines, power distribution equipment and other industrial equipment. Matsushita aimsstrives to enhance serviceservices provided to its customers through innovative manufacturing processes centered onin circuit manufacturing technology. Specifically, respondingResponding to trends in more compact digital products,various needs of customers at the factory, the Company provides optimumoptimal solutions in electronic component mounting, fine devices,semiconductor mounting, manufacturing processes, welding machines and robots.


- 24 -

 

In the area of FA equipment, Matsushita is onea global leader in the electronic components mounting machine business. The Company also supplies products that support the manufacturing infrastructures of the world’s leaders in placement machinesits customers, including fine device bonding systems, and fine process equipment, and also produces industrial robots. Within the mainstay placementelectronic components mounting machine business, while developing and launching machinesproducts with faster processing-speedshigher processing-speed and higher functionality, the Company has been building new core businesses by augmenting its lineups of high-growth device bonding systems in recent years.systems. As part of this strategy, Matsushita launched modular placement machines suitable for flexible production styles, such as cell-style production in fiscal 2002, followed by the introductionintroduced a new type of modular placement machines that were one of the highest levels of productivity in the industrymachine in fiscal 2003. Furthermore, inIn fiscal 2004, the Company enhanced growth by strengthening the electronic-parts mounting system business and fine device bonding system business supported by active FA equipment demand from Euro-American Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) in China, Taiwan and Korea, and Taiwanese manufacturers’ Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) as a result of increasing demands ofdemand for digital AV products, such as cellular phones and PCs. Furthermore, in fiscal 2005, the high-speed modular placement machines that boast the industry’s highest productivity recorded solid sales performance. In the semiconductor mounting business, LCD panel bonders, high-speed die bonders and plasma cleaners achieved favorable results with high levels of precision and productivity.

 

In the area of welding machines, Matsushita introduced a fully digital carbon dioxide/metal active gas automatic welding machine that allows for superior welds over a variety of materials in fiscal 2002, followed by the introduction of a fully digital welding robotrobots in fiscal 2003. In fiscal 2004, Matsushita expanded deliveries of fully digital automatic welding machines and industrial robots to automobile-related industries. In fiscal 2005, as part of business restructuring of the Matsushita Group companies, power distribution equipment and monitoring and control system operations of Matsushita Industrial Information Equipment Co., Ltd. (MIIE) were transferred to MEW, while MIIE’s information machine business was shifted to Panasonic Communications Co., Ltd. Subsequently, MIIE was absorbed by Matsushita in April 2005, and no longer operates as a separate entity.

 

MARKETING CHANNELS

 

The table below shows a breakdown of Matsushita’s net sales by geographical area for the periods indicated:

 

  Yen (billions) (%)

   Yen (billions) (%)

 
  Fiscal year ended March 31,

   Fiscal year ended March 31,

 
  2004

 2003

 2002

   2005

 2004

 2003

 

Japan

  3,478  46% 3,454  47% 3,314  47%  4,581  53% 3,478  46% 3,454  47%

North and South America

  1,327  18  1,421  19  1,495  21   1,283  14  1,327  18  1,421  19 

Europe

  1,080  15  1,000  13  839  12   1,122  13  1,080  15  1,000  13 

Asia and Others

  1,595  21  1,527  21  1,426  20   1,728  20  1,595  21  1,527  21 
  
  

 
  

 
  

  
  

 
  

 
  

Total

  7,480  100% 7,402  100% 7,074  100%  8,714  100% 7,480  100% 7,402  100%
  
  

 
  

 
  

  
  

 
  

 
  


- 27 -

 

Sales and Distribution in Japan

 

In Japan, Matsushita’s products are sold through several sales channels, each established according to the type of products or customers: Sales of consumer and household products are handled or coordinated by relevant corporate sales divisions, such as the Corporate Marketing Division for Panasonic Brand and the Corporate Marketing Division for National Brand, while sales of general electronic components and certain other devices to manufacturers are handled by the Corporate Industrial Marketing & Sales Division, in each case to stay close to respective customers and meet their specific and ever-diversifying needs. For other products, there are also organizations under the direct control of business domain companies that conduct sales and marketing of their own products, mostly to non-consumer customers, such as industrial and business corporations, public institutions, construction companies and governments through their sales offices and subsidiaries or through outside agencies.


- 25 -

 

Of the above, the Corporate Marketing Division for Panasonic Brand and the Corporate Marketing Division for National Brand were established in April 2001 as part of Matsushita’s domestic consumer sales and distribution structure reorganizations, whereby the former corporate consumer products sales divisions, sales functions within individual product divisions and the Advertising Division were integrated into the two new corporate marketing divisions to provide greater customer satisfaction by shortening the distance between factories and consumers.

 

Also,In fiscal 2005, Matsushita and MEW integrated the sales functions of each of the electrical supplies, building materials and equipment, and home appliances businesses as a part of such reorganizations,collaboration between the two companies. Regarding the electrical supplies business, in October 2001,January 2005, the Corporate Electrical Supplies Sales Division of Matsushita consolidated its 22 regional consumerwas integrated into MEW and the Corporate Construction Business Promotion Division was newly established within Matsushita. In April 2005, in the building materials and equipment business, the Corporate Housing Equipment Sales Division of Matsushita, excluding the businesses for city gas companies and OEM sales companies throughout Japan, which handle distribution through local consumer electronicsof equipment and appliance retailers,instruments, and the Matsushita Housing Equipment & Systems Corporation was transferred and integrated to MEW. Furthermore, in the home appliances business, MEW sales functions for beauty and health products were integrated into Matsushita, whereby Matsushita reorganized the integrated MEW’s sales functions and Corporate Marketing Division for National Brand of Matsushita into a single company. Meanwhile, Matsushita’s sales structurenew Corporate Marketing Division for volume retailers through another single sales subsidiaryNational Brand Home Appliances and Corporate Marketing Division for National Brand Wellness Products. The Corporate Marketing Division for National Brand Home Appliances handles such large electric appliances as air conditioners, refrigerators and washing machines, while the Corporate Marketing Division for National Brand Wellness Products is being strengthened by expanding supply chain management (SCM). In addition, alsoresponsible for products in October 2001, Matsushita’s credit sales subsidiaryfields such as beauty, health, batteries and leasing subsidiary were merged into one company, Matsushita Leasing & Credit Co., Ltd. By implementing these reforms and revitalizing its domestic consumer sales and distribution operations, Matsushita aimed at creation of an efficient structure that ensures speedy responses to customer needs and realizes a significant reduction in distribution costs and an increased market share.lamps.

 

Overseas Operations

 

Worldwide, Matsushita has 372628 consolidated companies as well as 5966 companies which are reflected by the equity method. International marketing and sales of Matsushita’s products are handled mainly through its sales subsidiaries and affiliates located in respective countries or regions in coordination with business domain companies and regional headquarter companies. In some countries, however, marketing and sales are handled through independent agents or distributors, depending on regional characteristics. Additionally, certain products are also sold on an OEM basis and marketed under the brand names of third parties.

 

Overseas sales represented approximately 54%47% of the Company’s total consolidated sales in fiscal 2004.2005.


- 28 -

 

In order to promote global business development, Matsushita has been expanding its overseas manufacturing operations. The Company’s overseas manufacturing is conducted by overseas manufacturing subsidiaries and affiliates under the control of business domain companies in coordination with regional headquarter companies. In April 2003, a new business performance evaluation system (which had previously been applied at domestic companies only) was introduced,extended to overseas operations, whereby the performance of each business domain company is now evaluated based on Capital Cost Management (CCM), which measures capital efficiency, and cash flows, on a global consolidated basis, including overseas companies under its control. This provides incentive to each business domain company to further establish globally optimized operational structures.

 

In recent years, the Company established a globally optimized manufacturing structure, taking into consideration cost and proximity to market as well as social, political and environmental factors. Currently, we viewthe Company views Asia, China and Eastern Europe as critical to this structure. Specifically, Matsushita has focused on China as a large potential market and a production site to supply global, as well as Chinese markets. As such, the Company has been enhancing production capacity at its Chinese facilities for such borderless products as DVD players, microwave ovens, compressors and components, as well as such new growth products as PDPs.


- 26 -

 

Matsushita also places an emphasis on promoting localization of research and development of products and technologies to enhance competitiveness of overseas manufacturing sites. Such endeavors included establishment of a second R&D base in China in fiscal 2003 to speed up local-based product development and to build an optimum global R&D network. In January 2004, Matsushita established a software development site in China to minimize escalating software development costs in areas such as digital consumer electronics. In March 2005, Matsushita and MEW established the Chinese Lifestyle Research Center in Shanghai, China to strengthen product planning activity. In Asia, the Company established “Panasonicthe Panasonic R&D Center Malaysia”Malaysia in October 2003 as a digital networking multi-media software development base.

 

Customers

 

The largest markets for Matsushita have traditionally been consumer products. However, since the 1980s, the proportion of sales to non-consumer customers, such as industrial and business corporations, governments and other institutions, including large customers such as electric and electronic equipment manufacturers, automotive manufacturers and various other machinery makers, has been rising as Matsushita places increasing emphasis on industrial and commercial products and systems and electronic components. Matsushita’s business is not materially dependent on any single customer.

 

SEASONALITY OF BUSINESS

 

The Company’s business has no significant seasonality in terms of sales or profits. However, for the consumer electronics business, the fiscal third quarter (October to December) is normally a peak because it falls in the year-end shopping season in Japan and many overseas markets. Additionally, seasonal appliances, such as air conditioners and refrigerators, have different business cycles, sales of which sales peak in summer. These do not have a material effect upon the Company’s overall operations.


- 29 -

 

RAW MATERIALS AND SOURCE OF SUPPLY

 

Matsushita purchases a wide variety of parts and materials from various suppliers in Japan and abroad. The Company applies a multi-sourcing policy —notpolicy—not depending upon any one particular source of supply for anymost essential item.items. The Company has also been endeavoring to promote a policy of global optimum purchasing by concentrating order placements to qualified suppliers from all over the world and buying the most competitive parts and materials.

 

In an attempt to improve operational efficiency and to reduce parts and materials costs, Matsushita has been increasing centralized purchasing at its headquarters for materials commonly used in many product divisions throughout Matsushita, such as steels,steel, plastics, semiconductors and electronic components, while at the same time accelerating the initiatives to standardize parts and materials. Such efforts are coordinated by the Corporate Centralized Purchasing Center established in April 2003. At the business domain companies’company level, an increasing focus has been also paid to theput on centralized purchasing for the parts and materials commonly used in factories within each business domain company.

 

ForIn fiscal 2005, to minimize the adverse effects of global price increases of raw materials, Matsushita will further strengthenstrengthened materials cost reduction initiatives including a reduction in the number of parts through the standardization of design, use of “Value Engineering” techniques, and additional cost reduction activities covering indirect auxiliary materials.


- 27 -

 

PATENT LICENSE AGREEMENTS

 

Matsushita holds numerous Japanese and foreign patents and utility modelpatent registrations for its products, and shares technologies with a number of Japanese and foreign manufacturers. Its technical assistance, or licensing, to other manufacturers has been increasing year by year.

For example, Matsushita’s patents related to MPEG2 technology, which is widely used in digital TVs, are licensed to other companies through MPEG LA LLC. Patents which are essential to DVD technology are licensed as a part of the joint licensing program operated by seven Japanese and U.S. companies. Furthermore, the Company’s patents relating to CD technology are licensed to many manufacturers.

 

Matsushita is a licensee under various license agreements which cover a wide range of products, including AV products, computers, communications equipment, semiconductors and other components. Matsushita has non-exclusive patent license agreements with, among others, Thomson Licensing Inc. and Thomson Licensing S.A. covering a broad range of its products, including TVs, VCRs CD players and CD-ROM drives.DVD products. Matsushita has non-exclusive patent cross-license agreements with, among others, Texas Instruments Incorporated and International Business Machines Corporation, both covering semiconductors, information equipment and certain other related products. Matsushita has non-exclusive patent cross-licensecross- license agreements with Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. covering semiconductor devices, various lamps, cathode-ray and electron tubes and certain other products.

 

Most of Matsushita’s license and technical assistance agreements are for three- to ten-year periods, unless the agreements cover specific patents to be licensed therein, in which case they are normally for the life of the patent.

The Company considers all of its technical exchange and license agreements beneficial to its operations.


- 30 -

 

COMPETITION

 

The markets in which the Company sells its products are highly competitive. Matsushita’s principal competitors, across the full range of its products, consist of several large Japanese and overseas manufacturers and a number of smaller and more specialized companies. Advancements toward a borderless economy have also applied pressure to Japanese manufacturers, including Matsushita, in terms of global price competition, especially from Chinese and Korean manufacturers. To counter this, the Company is devising various measures to enhance its competitiveness, with a focus on the development of differentiated products and cost reduction and efficiency improvements. Such measures include the development of products with Matsushita’s “black-box” or proprietary technologies, innovation of manufacturing processes through the use of information technology, increasing overseas production for optimum manufacturing allocation from a global perspective, and shortening production and distribution lead time through the expansion of SCM in cooperation with several overseas and domestic mass-scale retailers and the introduction of cell-style production, as well as developing joint ventures and other cooperative agreements with domestic and overseas partners.

 

Also, with the development of digital and networking technologies, competition in terms of the so-called “de facto” standard has become crucial. In response, Matsushita has been strengthening its efforts toward alliances with leaders not only in the electronics industry but also the software, devices, broadcasting, communications services and other diverse industries.


- 28 -

 

GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS

 

Like other electronics manufacturers, Matsushita is subject to government regulations related to the environment.

 

Matsushita has established an efficient system to collect and recycle end-of-life home appliance,appliances, comprising air conditioners, TVs, refrigerators, washing machines and PCs in compliance with the Japanese Law for Recycling of Specified Kinds of Consumer Electric Goods (the Recycling Law) effective April 1, 2001. The Company also established the Matsushita Eco Technology Center Co., Ltd. not only for dismantling used products and recycling scrapped materials, but also for research and development of recycling technology. Likewise, Matsushita, as the leader in the domestic home electric and electronic equipment industry, has been consistently working on environmental protection initiatives that appropriately meet the standards set forth in the Recycling Law or other relevant laws or regulations, including those regarding water and land-soil anti-pollution.

 

In January 2003, the Company announced that disposed electric equipment that contained polychlorinated byphenyls (PCB) might be buried in the ground of its four manufacturing facilities and one former manufacturing facility in Japan. The applicable laws in Japan require that PCB equipment be appropriately maintained and disposed of by July 2016. The Company has accrued estimated the total cost of approximately 817 billion yen at March 31, 2005 for necessary actions, such as investigating whether the PCB equipment is buried at the facilities, including excavations, and maintaining and disposing the PCB equipment that is already discovered, which amount has been accruedand soil remediation, since it represents management’s best estimate or minimum of the cost, but the payments are not considered to be fixed and reliably determinable.


- 31 -

 

In Europe, two environmental directives went into force in February 2003 and 25 member states are currently drawing up their state laws. One of these directives is the WEEE Directive designed to promote the recycling of electric and electronic equipments, and the other is the RoHS Directive that practically prohibits the use of six specified hazardous substances (Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Hexavalent chromium, Polybrominated biphenyls, Polybrominated diphenyl ethers) in products. Preparing for mandatory recycling under the WEEE Directive, effective August 2005, Matsushita established Ecology Net Europe GmbH (ENE) in Germany in April 2005. Matsushita promotes construction of networks connecting manufacturers, recycling companies and hauling companies through ENE. Matsushita has also made progress globally in eliminating the use of environmentally hazardous materials, and expects to have eliminated the use of such materials in its products, in accordance with RoHS. In these efforts, Matsushita is carrying out its compliance programs not only to meet the requirements of these two directives but also to establish cost efficient systems that will further enhance its competitive edge.

 

Following in the footsteps of these EU directives, an increasing number of recycling and hazardous substance-related legislations are being enacted worldwide. Based on its corporate policy of “contributing to the coexistence with the global environment,” Matsushita is implementing appropriate measures to address these legislations at each business domain company and in each region.

 

The Company is subject to a number of other government regulations in Japan and overseas, but overall, it presently manages to operate its businessbusinesses without any significant difficulty or financial burden in coping with them.


- 29 -

 

C.Organizational Structure

 

In order to maintain production, sales and service activities effectively in broad business areas as a comprehensive electronics manufacturer, Matsushita has been operating under a decentralized divisional management structure with substantial delegation of authority to divisional companies and subsidiaries, with the headquarters focusing on Groupwide strategic functions. In January 2003, Matsushita launched a new business domain-based organizational structure, and introduced new Group management control systems from April 1, 2003. Under this new structure, each business domain company, either an internal divisional company of the parent company or a subsidiary, takes full responsibility for R&D, manufacturing and sales in its own business area, thereby establishing an autonomous management structure that expedites self-completive business operations to accelerate growth. On April 1, 2004, MEW, PanaHome and their respective subsidiaries became consolidated subsidiaries of the Company. Accordingly, the Company successfully eliminated overlaps in R&D, manufacturing and sales, thereby creating an optimum Group structure that facilitates the effective use of management resources to achieve growth strategies.


- 32 -

 

Principal divisional companies and subsidiaries as of March 31, 20042005 are as listed below:

 

 (1)Internal divisional companies of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.:

 

Name of internal divisional company


  

Semiconductor Company

Panasonic AVC Networks Company

 

Panasonic Automotive Systems Company

 

Panasonic System Solutions Company

 

Matsushita Home Appliances Company

 

Packaged Air-Conditioner Company

Healthcare Business Company

 

Lighting Company

 

MotorSemiconductor Company

 

Motor Company

 

 

 (2)Principal domestic subsidiaries:

 

Name of company


  Percentage
owned


 

Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.

52.6%

Victor Company of Japan, Ltd.

52.7

Panasonic Communications Co., Ltd.

  100.0%

PanaHome Corporation

54.8

Matsushita Electronic Components Co., Ltd.

  100.0 

Panasonic Mobile Communications Co., Ltd.

  100.0

Matsushita PDP Co., Ltd.

75.0 

Panasonic Factory Solutions Co., Ltd.

  100.0 

Matsushita Ecology Systems Co., Ltd.

  100.0 

Matsushita Refrigeration Company

  100.0 

Matsushita Battery Industrial Co., Ltd.

  100.0 

Matsushita Kotobuki Electronics Industries, Ltd.

  100.0 

Matsushita Industrial Information Equipment Co., Ltd.

  100.0 

Victor Company of Japan,

Note:    Organizational changes implemented, effective April 1, 2005, are as follows:

Matsushita Electronic Components Co., Ltd. was renamed Panasonic Electronic Devices Co., Ltd.

Matsushita Kotobuki Electronics Industries, Ltd. was renamed Panasonic Shikoku Electronics Co., Ltd.

The Company absorbed Matsushita Industrial Information Equipment Co., Ltd.

52.6


- 3033 -

 

 (3)Principal overseas subsidiaries:

 

Name of company


  Country of
incorporation


  Percentage
owned


 

Matsushita ElectricPanasonic Corporation of North America

  U.S.A.  100.0%

Matsushita ElectricPanasonic Europe (Headquarters) Ltd.

  U.K.  100.0 

Panasonic Mobile & Automotive Systems Czech s.r.o.

  Czech  100.0 

Matsushita ElectricPanasonic AVC Networks Czech s.r.o.

Czech100.0

Panasonic Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.

  Singapore  100.0 

Panasonic AVC Networks Singapore Pte. Ltd.

  Singapore  100.0 

Panasonic AVC Networks Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

  Malaysia  100.0 

Matsushita Electric (Taiwan)Panasonic Taiwan Co., Ltd.

  Taiwan  69.8 

Matsushita Electric (China) Co., Ltd.Panasonic Corporation of China

  China  100.0 

Guangzhou Matsushita Air-Conditioner Co., Ltd.

  China  67.8 

 

Note:

  Matsushita’s consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 20042005 comprise the accounts of 372628 consolidated companies, with 5966 companies reflected by the equity method.

 

 

D.Property, Plants and Equipment

 

The Company’s principal executive offices and key research laboratories are located in Kadoma, Osaka, Japan.

 

Matsushita’s manufacturing plants are located principally in Japan, other countries in Asia, North and South America and Europe. The Company considers all of its factories well maintained and suitable for current production requirements.


- 3134 -

 

The following table sets forth information as of March 31, 20042005 with respect to manufacturing facilities:

 

Location



 

Floor Space
(thousands of


square feet)



  

Principal Products Manufactured


Osaka

 8,69310,719      

VCRs, PDPplasma TVs, DVD products, audio equipment, washing machines, other home appliances, information equipment, industrial equipment, components, batteries, kitchen fixtures.fixtures, building products.

Kanagawa

 3,7114,209      

Communications, information and measuring equipment, VCRs, audio equipment, car AV equipment, compact discs, refrigerators, batteries.

Shiga

 3,5355,918      

Air conditioners, refrigerators, compressors, vacuum cleaners.cleaners, other home appliances, building products, housing products.

Tochigi

 1,7982,859      

TVs, TV picture tubes, information equipment.equipment, building products.

Nara

 1,9481,715      

Home appliances, gas and kerosene equipment, and DVD discs.

Okayama

 1,9821,983      

VCRs, components, magnetic tapes and discs.

Kyoto

 1,9752,056      

Semiconductors, components.components, lighting products.

Ibaraki

 5902,491      

Magnetic tapes.tapes, information equipment, housing products.

Shikoku

 2,8113,072      

VCRs, information equipment, home appliances.appliances, building products.

Kyushu

 3,2854,390      

Information and communications equipment, components, industrial equipment.equipment, building products, housing products.

North
    America

 6,9687,782      

TVs, home appliances, VCRs, DVD discs, car audio equipment, communications equipment, components, batteries.batteries, automation controls, lighting products.

Europe

 3,8993,784      

VCRs, PDPplasma TVs, TVs, audio equipment, car audio equipment, home appliances, components, information and communications equipment.equipment, automation controls, lighting products.

Asia
(excluding    (excluding
    China)

 19,29720,581      

TVs, VCRs, DVD products, audio equipment, air conditioners, refrigerators, other home appliances, components, semiconductors, information and communications equipment, industrial equipment, compressors, batteries.batteries, electronic and plastic materials, lighting products, housing products.

China

 7,2269,144      

TVs, PDPplasma TVs, DVD products, audio equipment, air conditioners, washing machines, other home appliances, car audio equipment, communications equipment, semiconductors, industrial equipment, compressors, components, batteries.batteries, automation controls, electronic and plastic materials.

Other

 16,23525,136      

Home appliances, industrial equipment, components, semiconductors, video and audio equipment, batteries, information and communications equipment.equipment, lighting products, automation controls, housing products.

  
   

Total

 83,953105,839       
  
   

 

Substantially all of the above facilities and properties are fully owned by the Company.


- 35 -

 

In addition to its manufacturing facilities, Matsushita’s properties all over the world include sales offices located in various cities with an aggregate floor space of approximately 8.715.8 million square feet, research and development facilities with an aggregate floor space of approximately 6.06.9 million square feet, employee housing and welfare facilities with an aggregate floor space of approximately 10.111.1 million square feet, and administrative offices with an aggregate floor space of approximately 22.024.7 million square feet.


- 32 -

 

As of March 31, 2004,2005, Matsushita leased approximately 19.023.3 million square feet of floor space, most of which was for sales office space.

 

Substantially all of Matsushita’s properties are free of material encumbrances and Matsushita believes such properties are in adequate condition for their purposes and suitably utilized. During fiscal 2004,2005, there was no material problem, regarding both the productive capacity and the extent of utilization of the Company’s properties.

 

In terms of environmental issues, all of the Matsushita Group’s properties operate in compliance with governmental and municipal laws and regulations. Furthermore, the Company established a number of internal environmental guidelines which are stricter than those provided by the authority. In case any occasional non-compliance may take place, such as the previously mentioned PCB issue, Matsushita takes immediate and appropriate actions to meet the regulatory requirements and to ensure current good utilization standards.

 

For fiscal 2005, the Company will make a capital investment of approximately 340 billion yen, for the purpose of production of new products and enhancement of production capacity and efficiency with a focus on such areas as AV and information and communications equipment (approximately 93 billion yen), and electronic components and devices including semiconductors and key devices (approximately 132 billion yen).

The investments stated above will be funded mainly through internal sources.

Item 5.Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

 

A.Operating Results

 

Overview

 

Matsushita is one of the world’s leading producers of electronic and electric products. Matsushita currently offers a comprehensive range of products, systems and components for consumer, business and industrial use based on sophisticated electronics and precision technology.technology, expanding to building materials and equipment, and housing business. Most of Matsushita’s products are marketed under “Panasonic,” its principle brand name, and several other brand names, including “National,” “Technics,” “Quasar,” “Victor”“Victor,” “JVC” and “JVC.“PanaHome. From this fiscal year, Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. (MEW) and PanaHome Corporation (PanaHome) and their respective subsidiaries became consolidated subsidiaries of the Company. Accordingly, Matsushita divides its businesses into fivesix segments: AVC Networks, Home Appliances, Components and Devices, MEW and PanaHome, JVC and Other. “AVC Networks” includes video and audio equipment, and information and communications equipment. “Home Appliances” includes home appliances and household equipment.equipment and systems. “Components and Devices” includes electronic components, semiconductors, electric motors and batteries. “MEW and PanaHome” includes electrical supplies, electric products, building materials and equipment, and housing business. “JVC” includes products marketed under the brand name of JVC or Victor. “Other” includes electronic-parts-mounting machines, industrial robots and industrial equipment.

Matsushita’s results of operations and financial condition are affected by the economic environment in the markets in which it conducts its business, including Japan, other countries in Asia, the United States and Europe, as well as by fluctuations of exchange rates between the Japanese yen, the currency used in Matsushita’s financial statements, and other key currencies in which Matsushita receives revenues for sales of its products overseas, primarily the U.S. dollar and the euro.


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Economic environment

 

The Japanese economy over the last three fiscal years was generally characterized by uncertainty and slow growth followinggradual recovery from the long continued stagnancy in the 1990’s. In the year ended March 31, 2002, economic growth in Japan slowed from the preceding year’s temporary recovery, due to sluggish consumer spending and exports, along with setbacks in demand for information technology (IT) and related products. In the first half of the year ended March 31, 2003, the Japanese economy showed signs of a pickup, with a revival in exports and consumer spending growth.spending. The economic recovery, however, did not last long, and the second half of that year again met stagnant consumer spending and a decline in exports. In the year ended March 31, 2004, economic growth in Japan showed moderate improvement as a result of rising exports and increased capital investment. ReflectingIn the aforementioned factors,year ended March 31, 2005, the overall economic situation in Japan remained favorable, characterized by increased consumer spending, due mainly to an unusually hot summer and demand related to the Athens Olympics. However, the second half of the year met a downturn in demand, mainly in components and devices industries, compared with the first half. Accordingly, Japan’s real gross domestic product, showed instability but slight signs of recovery fromreflecting the worst period,aforementioned factors, achieved positive economic growth for three consecutive years, recording a 1.2% decrease in fiscal 2002, a 1.1%0.8% increase in fiscal 2003, and a 3.3%2.0% increase in fiscal 2004.2004, and a 1.9% increase in fiscal 2005, respectively.

 

Overseas, the U.S. economy showed signs of a recovery in the year ended March 31, 2002, andmaintained its moderate growth continued in the year ended March 31, 2003, despite the war in Iraq. During the same period, growth of Asian economies was somewhat slow, except forenjoyed steady growth, including China, andwhile European economies also experienced slow growth. In the year ended March 31, 2004, the overseas economy was generally favorable owing to the continuously steady advances in the U.S. and Chinese economies, although post-war Iraq and other unstable factors remained. In the year ended March 31, 2005, the global economy continued its moderate growth, although it slowed somewhat in the second fiscal half, characterized by the steady progress of the U.S. economy with strong consumer spending, mainly a result of an improved U.S. employment situation, as well as the high-growth Chinese economy.

 

During the three-year period ended March 31, 2004,2005, Japan experienced deflation due mainly to sluggish consumer spendinga demand and supply gap and an increased inflow of products manufactured in low-cost countries. The consumer price index in Japan declined 1.0%0.6% in the year ended March 31, 20022003 and declined 0.6%0.2% again in the year ended March 31, 2003.2004. In the year ended March 31, 2004,2005, the consumer price index continued to fall, recording a decline of 0.2%0.1%. This deflationary trend has been reflected in the declining prices of goods and services in Japan, putting pressure on the earnings of Japanese businesses.

 

Condition of foreign currency exchange rates and Matsushita’s policy

 

Foreign currency exchange rates fluctuated during the three-year period ended March 31, 2004.2005. In the year ended March 31, 2002,2003, the Japanese yen weakened against the U.S. dollar and the euro. In the following two years, the yen strengthened against the U.S. dollar but weakened against the euro. In the following two years, this trend continued. In order to alleviate the effects of currency-related transaction risks, Matsushita has traditionally used several currency risk hedging methods, such as forward foreign-exchange contracts and currency options contracts with leading banks. Matsushita has also increased matching of export and import exchange contracts. As a basic countermeasure against currency exchange risk, the Company has been strengthening production operations outside Japan to meet overseas demand, while reducing dependence on exports from Japan. The Company does not have any material unhedged monetary assets, liabilities or commitments denominated in currencies other than the individual operation’s functional currency.


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Initiatives implemented by Matsushita

 

InUnder the face of the aforementioned severe economic environment, Matsushita introduced, in April 2001,implemented a variety of major Companywide restructuring initiatives to transform itself into a “lean and agile Matsushita,” based on the theme “Deconstruction and Creation” of its mid-term business plan, Value Creation 21, which covered the three-year period ended March 31, 2004. Under the theme “Deconstruction and Creation” of the plan, the Company implemented a variety of major Companywide restructuring initiatives to transform itself into a “lean and agile Matsushita” and, from the year ended March 31, 2003 (fiscal 2003), gradually shifted its focus to growth strategies, which include the development and introduction of differentiated products, such as “V-products,” the launch of a business domain-based Groupwide organizational structure and the expansion of overseas operations as a “growth engine” for the entire Company. In fiscal 2004, Matsushita continued to carry outimplement business domain-based restructuring initiatives, while accelerating its growth strategies. Meanwhile, in fiscal 2005, the first year of its new mid-term Leap Ahead 21 plan, ending March 2007, the Company focused on the growth strategies, which include (1) the launch of differentiated products such as a new line of “V-products,” (2) the comprehensive collaboration with MEW, through which Matsushita integrated overlapping businesses and reformed distribution channels to establish an optimized, customer-oriented business structure, and (3) the acceleration of business and organizational restructuring that began in fiscal 2004, including the selection and concentration of businesses and closure/integration of locations at each business domain company. (For details of the Value CreationLeap Ahead 21 plan, see Section A of Item 4.)

 

Summary of operations

 

Matsushita’s consolidated sales and earnings results during the last three fiscal years, reflecting the aforementioned external and internal conditions, can be summarized as follows:

In fiscal 2002, net sales declined 9.1% to 7,074 billion yen. Although sales of video and audio equipment in the AVC Networks category rose, reflecting steady growth in digital AV equipment, sales in almost all other sectors dropped from the previous year. Specifically, information and communications equipment in the AVC Networks category and products in the Components and Devices category were negatively affected by a worldwide downturn in IT-related industries. A global setback in corporate capital investment also caused a steep fall in sales of FA and other industrial equipment. In addition to these sales declines, the Company incurred various restructuring expenses under the Value Creation 21 plan, including 164 billion yen related to employment restructuring programs, such as additional retirement allowances for special early retirement programs, 86 billion yen related to business restructuring expenses for the closure/integration of several manufacturing sites. Furthermore, Matsushita incurred a write-down of 92 billion yen on investments. Reflecting these adverse factors, along with corporate tax effects and a decrease in minority interests due to negative earnings of certain subsidiaries, the Company incurred a net loss of 428 billion yen.

 

In fiscal 2003, net sales increased 4.6% to 7,402 billion yen, led by video and audio equipment in the AVC Networks category and products in the Components and Devices category, largely on the success of V-products developed through integration of Matsushita’s Groupwide technological resources. Despite the positive effects on earnings of this sales increase and the previous year’s employment and business restructuring, the Company incurred a net loss of 19 billion yen, due in part to a write-down on investment securities, equity losses caused by losses of certain associated companies and losses related to adjustments of net deferred tax assets necessitated by the introduction of a pro-formapro forma standard corporate taxation system in Japan.


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In fiscal 2004, net sales increased 1.1% to 7,480 billion yen, led by strong sales of V-products, particularly digital AV products, cellular phones and factory automation (FA) equipment, which were sufficient to offset sales declines in the Components and Devices and JVC categories. The sales increase positively affected earnings. In addition, Matsushita recorded a 72 billion yen gain from the transfer to the Japanese government of the substitutional portion of Japanese Welfare Pension Insurance (JWPI) that the Company and certain of its subsidiaries operated on behalf of the Japanese government. Meanwhile, Matsushita incurred restructuring charges of 45 billion yen for early retirement programs at certain domestic group companies, and losses of 52 billion yen on valuation of investment securities, mainly stocks of affiliated companies. Reflecting all these factors, and despite an increase in minority interests due to improved earnings of certain subsidiaries and equity in losses of certain associated companies, the Company recorded a net income of 42 billion yen.


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In fiscal 2005, net sales increased 16.5% to 8,714 billion yen, led by favorable sales of digital AV equipment and home appliances, especially V-products, and the addition of MEW, PanaHome and their respective subsidiaries to the Company’s consolidated financial results. The above sales increase and comprehensive cost reduction efforts contributed to the profit gains, sufficient to offset the negative factors such as a strong Japanese yen, rising raw materials prices, and intensified global price competitions. In addition, Matsushita enjoyed a 32 billion yen gain from the return to the Japanese government of the substitutional portion of JWPI that certain of the Company’s subsidiaries operated on behalf of the Japanese government, while recording a 16 billion yen write-down of investment securities. Meanwhile, Matsushita incurred expenses of 111 billion yen due to the implementation of restructuring initiatives including the selection and concentration of management resources at each business domain company. Reflecting all these factors, and increases in provision for income taxes and minority interests due to the consolidation of MEW, PanaHome and their respective subsidiaries, and a decrease in equity in losses of certain associated companies, the Company recorded a net income of 58 billion yen.

 

Key performance indicators

 

The following are performance measures that Matsushita believes are key indicators of its business results for the last three fiscal years.

 

  Yen (billions) (%)

   Yen (billions) (%)

 
  Fiscal year ended March 31,

   Fiscal year ended March 31,

 
  2004

 2003

 2002

   2005

 2004

 2003

 

Net sales

  7,480  7,402  7,074   8,714  7,480  7,402 

Income (loss) before income taxes to net sales ratio

  2.3% 0.9% (7.6)%

Income before income taxes to net sales ratio

  2.8% 2.3% 0.9%

Research and development costs to net sales ratio

  7.7% 7.4% 8.0%  7.1% 7.7% 7.4%

Total assets

  7,438  7,835  7,768   8,057  7,438  7,835 

Stockholders’ equity

  3,452  3,178  3,248   3,544  3,452  3,178 

Stockholders’ equity to total assets ratio

  46.4% 40.6% 41.8%  44.0% 46.4% 40.6%

Capital investment

  271  251  320   374  271  251 

Free cash flow

  404  687  38   300  404  687 

 

Matsushita defines “Capital investment” as purchases of property, plant and equipment (PP&E) on an accrual basis which reflects the effects of timing differences between acquisition dates and payment dates. Matsushita has included the information concerning capital investment because its management uses this indicator to manage its capital expenditures and it believes that such indicator is useful to investors to present accrual basis capital investments in addition to the cash basis information in the consolidated statements of cash flows.


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Matsushita’s management also believes that this indicator provides useful information when it is compared with depreciation expenses, which are shown in Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for purposes of evaluating the replacement of PP&E. This indicator is, however, subject to the limitation that capital investments may not produce future returns (because current expenditures may not provide an efficient use of capital) and may also be subject to impairment. Also, this indicator is subject to the limitation that it may not represent the true cost of maintaining the Company’s portfolio of PP&E as it excludes expenditures for repairs and maintenance, operating leases, and intangible assets that may be integral to the use of PP&E. Matsushita compensates for these limitations by referring to this indicator together with relevant U.S. GAAP financial measures, such as capital expenditures, depreciation and amortization, shown in its consolidated statements of cash flow statement.flows, to present an accurate and complete picture for purposes of capital expenditure analysis.

 

The following table shows a reconciliation of capital investment to purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible and other assets:equipment:

 

   Yen (billions)

 
   Fiscal year ended March 31,

 
   2004

  2003

  2002

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment shown as capital expenditures in consolidated statements of cash flows

  276  247  342 

Effects of timing difference between acquisition dates and payment dates

  (5) 4  (22)
   

 
  

Capital investment

  271  251  320 
   

 
  


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   Yen (billions)

   Fiscal year ended March 31,

   2005

  2004

  2003

Purchases of property, plant and equipment shown as capital expenditures in the consolidated statements of cash flows

  352  276  247

Effects of timing difference between acquisition dates and payment dates

  22  (5) 4
   
  

 

Capital investment

  374  271  251
   
  

 

 

Matsushita defines “Free cash flow” as the sum of net cash provided by operating activities and net cash used in investing activities. Matsushita has included the information concerning free cash flow because its management uses this indicator, and it believes that such indicator is useful to investors, to assess its cash availability after financing of its capital projects.

 

Matsushita’s management also believes that this indicator is useful in understanding Matsushita’s current liquidity and financing needs in light of its operating and investing activities, i.e., its ability to pay down and draw on available cash. It should be noted, however, that free cash flow Matsushita reports may not be comparable to free cash flow reported by other companies. It should also be noted that free cash flow should not be viewed in a manner that inappropriately implies that it represents the residual cash flow available for discretionary uses, since at any given time Matsushita may be subject to mandatory debt service requirements and may have other non-discretionary expenditures that are not deducted from this indicator. Matsushita compensates for these limitations by referring to this indicator together with relevant U.S. GAAP financial measures shown in its consolidated statements of cash flows and consolidated balance sheets, to present an accurate and complete picture for purposes of cash availability analysis.


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The following table shows a reconciliation of free cash flow to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

   Yen (billions)

 
   Fiscal year ended March 31,

 
   2004

  2003

  2002

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  489  698  113 

Net cash used in investing activities

  (85) (11) (75)
   

 

 

Free cash flow

  404  687  38 
   

 

 

Consolidation of Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. and PanaHome Corporation

As outlined in Section A of Item 4 and further discussed in Section D of this Item 5, on April 1, 2004, Matsushita increased its holding of shares of common stock of Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. (MEW) from 31.8% to 51.0%, and MEW became a consolidated subsidiary of Matsushita. Also, as a result of that acquisition, PanaHome Corporation (PanaHome), in which Matsushita and MEW each own a 27.0% equity ownership, became a consolidated subsidiary of Matsushita, with Matsushita owning a 54.0% equity ownership. For fiscal periods starting on or after April 1, 2004, beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2005, these two companies and their respective group companies are fully consolidated in Matsushita’s consolidated financial statements. Also, for fiscal periods starting on or after April 1, 2004, for financial reporting purposes, Matsushita has created the new business segment “MEW and PanaHome” for the business of MEW, PanaHome and their respective group companies.

   Yen (billions)

 
   Fiscal year ended March 31,

 
   2005

  2004

  2003

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  478  489  698 

Net cash used in investing activities

  (178) (85) (11)
   

 

 

Free cash flow

  300  404  687 
   

 

 

 

 

Details of Matsushita’s consolidated sales and earnings results were as follows:

Year ended March 31, 2005 compared with 2004

(1)Sales

Consolidated net sales for fiscal 2005 increased 16.5% to 8,714 billion yen, from 7,480 billion yen in the previous year, mainly contributed by a new series of competitive V-products and the addition of MEW, PanaHome and their respective subsidiaries to the Company’s consolidated financial results. As mentioned earlier, the overall economic situation in Japan during fiscal 2005 was favorable, characterized by increased consumer spending, sufficient to offset the negative factors such as a strong Japanese yen, rising raw materials costs, and intensified global price competition. Amid these circumstances, Matsushita aimed to increase sales and enhance profitability through the launch of a new series of competitive V-products. The Company also expanded simultaneous global product introductions in digital AV products, aiming at increasing market share and securing profits at an early stage in product life cycles. As a result of these initiatives, consolidated sales gains were recorded in digital AV equipment and home appliances, especially V-products. Although sales in Components and Devices decreased due to downturn of demand in the second half of the fiscal year, the annual sales increased compared with a year ago.

Domestic sales were up 31.7% to 4,581 billion yen. Although sales of products in the Home Appliances, Components and Devices, JVC and Other categories below the previous year, the increase of sales in the AVC Networks category, especially flat-panel TVs, DVD equipment and cellular phones, and the addition of MEW and PanaHome and their respective subsidiaries contributed to the overall sales increase. Overseas sales were 4,133 billion yen, up 3.3% when translated into yen with sales increases recorded in the Home Appliances and Other categories, and on a local currency basis, sales increased 6.0%.

(2)Cost of Sales and Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

In fiscal 2005, cost of sales increased 16.2% to 6,176 billion yen due to the increase in net sales, along with the consolidation of MEW, PanaHome and their respective subsidiaries. Selling, general and administrative expenses were also up 13.1% to 2,229 billion yen due to the same reason.


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(3)Gain from the Transfer of the Substitutional Portion of JWPI

In fiscal 2005, Matsushita recorded a 32 billion yen gain from the transfer to the Japanese government of the substitutional portion of JWPI which represents a decrease of 56% compared with 72 billion yen gain in the previous fiscal year. The Company believes this transfer has reduced the risks of managing plan assets related to the substitutional portion of JWPI. (For further details, see Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)

(4)Interest Income, Dividends Received and Other Income

In fiscal 2005, interest income decreased 0.4% to 19 billion yen, and dividends received decreased 1.7% to 5 billion yen. In addition, other income totaled 83 billion yen, a 39.1% increase from fiscal 2004, due mainly to increased net gain on sale of available-for-sale securities. (For further details, see Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)

(5)Interest Expense and Other Deductions

In fiscal 2005, interest expense decreased 17.7% to 23 billion yen, owing to a reduction in the Company’s borrowings. Other deductions increased 15.8% to 178 billion yen. Other deductions in fiscal 2005 include restructuring charges of 111 billion yen, mainly consisting of expenses for early retirement programs to employees at certain domestic and overseas group companies and expenses associated with the closure/integration of locations, compared with 54 billion yen in the previous fiscal year. The substantial portion of the expenses for these restructuring activities were paid or settled in fiscal 2005 and related liability at March 31, 2005 was 3 billion yen. The Company also incurred 30 billion yen for impairment losses on fixed assets, compared with 12 billion yen in fiscal 2004 and a write-down of 16 billion yen on investment securities, compared with 52 billion yen in fiscal 2004. (For further details, see Notes 4, 5, 7 and 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)

(6)Income before Income Taxes

As a result of the above-mentioned factors, income before income taxes for fiscal 2005 increased 44.5% to 247 billion yen, compared with 171 billion yen in fiscal 2004. Its ratio to net sales increased 0.5% to 2.8%, compared with 2.3% in the previous year.

(7)Provision for Income Taxes

Provision for income taxes for fiscal 2005 amounted to 153 billion yen, compared with 99 billion yen in the previous year. Its ratio to income before income taxes rose to 62.1%, from 57.7% a year ago, due mainly to an increase in valuation allowance allocated to income tax expenses in certain of its subsidiaries.

(8)Minority Interests

Minority interests increased to 28 billion yen for fiscal 2005, compared with 20 billion yen in fiscal 2004, reflecting the increased minority interests of the newly consolidated subsidiaries including MEW and PanaHome.


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(9)Equity in Losses of Associated Companies

In fiscal 2005, equity in losses of associated companies decreased to 7 billion yen, from the previous year’s 11 billion yen, due mainly to improved earnings or decreased losses at certain associated companies, despite a decreased equity in earnings of associated companies due to the consolidation of MEW, PanaHome and their respective subsidiaries.

(10)Net Income

As a result of all the factors stated in the preceding paragraphs, the Company recorded net income of 58 billion yen for fiscal 2005, compared with net income of 42 billion yen in the previous fiscal year.

(11)Results of Operations

Results of operations by business segment for fiscal 2005, as compared with the previous fiscal year, were as follows*:

*As described in Note 20 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, from fiscal 2005, the Company added a new segment, “MEW and PanaHome” to the Company’s business segment classifications. Accordingly, its business segment is classified to six segments: AVC Networks, Home Appliances, Components and Devices, MEW and PanaHome, JVC and Other.

   Yen (billions)

    
   2005

  2004

  Percent change

 

Sales:

          

AVC Networks

  3,859  3,840  0.5%

Home Appliances

  1,333  1,223  9.0 

Components and Devices

  1,469  1,660  (11.5)

MEW and PanaHome

  1,556     

JVC

  730  819  (10.8)

Other

  1,027  949  8.3 

Eliminations

  (1,260) (1,011)  
   

 

 

Total

  8,714  7,480  16.5%
   

 

 

Segment profit:

          

AVC Networks

  127  129  (1.3)%

Home Appliances

  78  53  47.1 

Components and Devices

  58  50  15.3 

MEW and PanaHome

  64     

JVC

  10  25  (59.9)

Other

  38  15  160.9 

Corporate and eliminations

  (67) (77)  
   

 

 

Total

  308  195  57.8%
   

 

 


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Matsushita continues further implementing the selection of priority businesses and concentration of management resources into growth businesses. For the fiscal 2005, Matsushita strengthened its management structure through various cost rationalization initiatives at each business domain company, including the closure and integration of locations, the implementation of early retirement programs to employees, and the promotion of Company-wide cost reduction activities to eliminate redundancies throughout all areas.

Sales in the AVC Networks segment increased 0.5% to 3,859 billion yen, from 3,840 billion yen in the previous fiscal year. Within this segment, sales of video and audio equipment increased, due mainly to growth in sales of such digital AV products as flat-panel TVs and digital cameras, which more than offset declines in audio equipment. Sales of information and communications equipment decreased due mainly to the sales declines in cellular phones, fixed-line telephones and facsimile machines, which offset steady sales in PCs and automotive electronics.

With respect to this segment, profit decreased 1.3% from 129 billion yen for fiscal 2004, to 127 billion yen for fiscal 2005. This decrease was attributable mainly to lower sales in cellular phones and price declines in digital products, in spite of a sales increase and cost rationalization.

Sales of Home Appliances increased 9.0% to 1,333 billion yen. In Japan, sales gains were recorded in washing machines, air-conditioners and compressors, while overseas sales growth was achieved by strong sales including air-conditioners and compressors.

Profit in this segment rose 47.1% from 53 billion yen for fiscal 2004, to 78 billion yen for fiscal 2005. This increase was due mainly to the successful introduction of new value-added products and domestic sales gains, combined with the effects of various rationalization efforts.

Sales of Components and Devices decreased 11.5% to 1,469 billion yen, due mainly to the sales declines in electric motors, despite sales in semiconductors and general components remaining at the same level as previous year.

With respect to this segment, profit increased 15.3% from 50 billion yen for fiscal 2004, to 58 billion yen for fiscal 2005, owing largely to rationalization effects in general components and electric motors businesses, despite a decrease in sales.

Sales of newly consolidated MEW and PanaHome were 1,556 billion yen. MEW registered robust sales in various key areas, especially building products such as residential furnishings and storage units, electronic devices, and automation controls for applications in cellular phones and automotive devices. Meanwhile, performance at PanaHome, which is primarily involved in the housing field, was supported by steady sales in the residential real-estate market in Japan. With respect to this segment, profit amounted to 64 billion yen.

Sales of JVC were 730 billion yen, down 10.8% from the previous year. Although domestic sales of AV equipment were favorable, sluggish sales in the Americas and Europe, slow introduction of new products and lower sales in music CDs in Japan led to an overall sales decline.

With respect to this segment, profit decreased 59.9% from 25 billion yen for fiscal 2004, to 10 billion yen for fiscal 2005, due to decreased sales and effects of price declines in digital products, despite a reduction in materials procurement costs and a decrease in fixed costs.

Sales in the Other segment were 1,027 billion yen, up 8.3% from the previous year, due mainly to sales increases in FA equipment and industrial equipment.


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With respect to this segment, profit increased 160.9% from 15 billion yen for fiscal 2004, to 38 billion yen for fiscal 2005, owing to sales increases as well as the effects of various rationalization efforts.

 

Year ended March 31, 2004 compared with 2003

 

(1)Sales

 

Consolidated net sales for fiscal 2004 increased 1.1% to 7,480 billion yen, from 7,402 billion yen in the previous year. As mentioned earlier, the business environment during fiscal 2004 remained unstable but overall economic conditions began to show signs of a moderate recovery. Amid these circumstances, Matsushita aimed to increase sales and enhance profitability through the launch of a new series of competitive V-products, particularly those in the digital AV equipment area. The Company also expanded simultaneous global product introductions as a means of increasing market share and securing profits at an early stage in product life cycles.introductions. As a result of these initiatives, consolidated sales marked gains, led by strong sales of V-products, particularly in the areas of digital AV equipment, cellular phones and FA equipment, which were sufficient to offset sales declines in the Components and Devices, and JVC categories.


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Domestic sales edged up 0.7% to 3,478 billion yen. Although sales of products in the Home Appliances, Components and Devices, and Other categories remained at the same level as, or below the previous year, sales of products in the AVC Networks category, especially flat-panel TVs, DVD equipment and automotive electronics increased. Overseas sales were 4,002 billion yen, up 1.4% when translated into yen and up 4.0% on a local currency basis, with sales increases recorded in the AVC Networks, Home Appliances and Other categories.categories, and on a local currency basis, sales increased 4.0%.

 

(2)Other Revenues (Revenue excluding Net Sales)Cost of Sales and Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

Other revenues include interest income, dividends received, and other miscellaneous income. Of these, interest incomeIn fiscal 2004, despite the increase in net sales, cost of sales decreased 12.1%0.2% to 205,313 billion yen, reflecting a success in reducing materials costs. Selling, general and dividends received increased 21.5%administrative expenses edged up 1.0% to 51,971 billion yen. yen due mainly to an increase in research and development costs.

(3)Gain from the Transfer of the Substitutional Portion of JWPI

In addition,fiscal 2004, Matsushita recorded a 72 billion yen non-recurring gain from the transfer to the Japanese government of the substitutional portion of JWPI, following the enactment of changes to the Welfare Pension Insurance Law. The Company believes this transfer has reduced the risks of managing plan assets related to the substitutional portion of JWPI. (For further details, see Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)

(4)Interest Income, Dividends Received and Other Income

In fiscal 2004, interest income decreased 12.1% to 20 billion yen, and dividends received increased 21.5% to 5 billion yen. In addition, other income totaled 60 billion yen, a 7.9% decrease from fiscal 2003 when the Company recorded a one-time gain from the sale of Panasonic Disc Services Corporation.


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(3)(5)CostsInterest Expense and ExpensesOther Deductions

 

Despite the increase in net sales, cost of sales decreased 0.2% to 5,313 billion yen, reflecting a success in reducing materials costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses edged up 1.0% to 1,971 billion yen due mainly to an increase in research and development costs. Meanwhile,In fiscal 2004, interest expense decreased 15.4% to 28 billion yen, owing to a reduction in the Company’s borrowings. Other deductions increased 32.2% to 154 billion yen. Other deductions in fiscal 2004 include restructuring charges of 4554 billion yen, mainly consisting of expenses for early retirement programs to employees at certain domestic and overseas group companies 20 billion yen of otherand expenses associated with the closure/integration of manufacturing locations.locations, compared with 12 billion yen in the previous fiscal year. Under the newly inaugurated business domain-based organizational structure, several Group companies carried out closure/integration for certain of their facilities that suffered losses from operation. Expenses for these restructuring activities were paid or settled in fiscal 2004 and no liability existed as of March 31, 2004. The Company also incurred 12 billion yen for impairment losses on fixed assets, compared with 2 billion yen in fiscal 2003, and a write-down of 52 billion yen on investment securities, mainly stocks of affiliated companies.companies, compared with 53 billion yen in fiscal 2003. (For further details, see Notes 4, 5, 7 and 815 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)

 

(4)(6)Income before Income Taxes

 

As a result of the above-mentioned factors, income before income taxes for fiscal 2004 increased 147.9% to 171 billion yen, compared with 69 billion yen in fiscal 2003. Its ratio to net sales increased 1.4% to 2.3%, compared with 0.9% in the previous year.

 

(5)(7)Provision for Income Taxes

 

Provision for income taxes amounted to 99 billion yen for fiscal 2004, compared with 71 billion yen in the previous year. Its ratio to income before income taxes decreased to 57.7%, from 103.4% a year ago. This drop is caused mainly by a decrease in adjustments of net deferred tax assets to reflect the reduction in the statutory income tax rate due to revisions to local enterprise income tax laws on the introduction of a new pro-formapro forma standard taxation system in Japan, as well as a decrease in valuation allowance allocated to income tax expenses.


- 38 -

 

(6)(8)Minority Interests

 

Minority interests increased to 20 billion yen for fiscal 2004, compared with 6 billion yen in fiscal 2003, reflecting the earnings improvements of several subsidiaries.

 

(7)(9)Equity in Earnings (Losses)Losses of Associated Companies

 

Equity in losses of associated companies decreased to 11 billion yen, from the previous year’s 12 billion yen, due mainly to improved earnings or decreased losses at certain associated companies.

 

(8)(10)Net Income (Loss)

 

As a result of all the factors stated in the preceding paragraphs, the Company recorded a net income of 42 billion yen for fiscal 2004, compared with a net loss of 19 billion yen in the previous fiscal year.


- 46 -

 

(9)(11)Results of Operations

 

Results of operations by business segment for fiscal 2004, as compared with the previous fiscal year, were as follows*:

 

 *As described in Note 19 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, fromIn fiscal 2004, the Company changed its business segment classifications to five new segments: AVC Networks, Home Appliances, Components and Devices, JVC and Other. Prior year figures have been restated to reflect this change.

 

   Yen (billions)

     
   2004   2003     
   
   (Restated)

   Percent
change


 

Sales:

            

AVC Networks

  3,840   3,668   4.7%

Home Appliances

  1,223   1,197   2.1 

Components and Devices

  1,660   1,710   (2.9)

JVC

  819   852   (3.8)

Other

  949   819   15.8 

Eliminations

  (1,011)  (844)  —   
   

  

  

Total

  7,480   7,402   1.1%
   

  

  

Segment profit:

            

AVC Networks

  129   83   55.9%

Home Appliances

  53   45   16.6 

Components and Devices

  50   31   60.5 

JVC

  25   22   12.9 

Other

  15   13   12.7 

Corporate and eliminations

  (77)  (67)  —   
   

  

  

Total

  195   127   54.5%
   

  

  


- 39 -

   Yen (billions)

   Percent change

 
   2004

       2003    

   

Sales:

            

AVC Networks

  3,840   3,668   4.7%

Home Appliances

  1,223   1,197   2.1 

Components and Devices

  1,660   1,710   (2.9)

JVC

  819   852   (3.8)

Other

  949   819   15.8 

Eliminations

  (1,011)  (844)   
   

  

  

Total

  7,480   7,402   1.1%
   

  

  

Segment profit:

            

AVC Networks

  129   83   55.9%

Home Appliances

  53   45   16.6 

Components and Devices

  50   31   60.5 

JVC

  25   22   12.9 

Other

  15   13   12.7 

Corporate and eliminations

  (77)  (67)   
   

  

  

Total

  195   127   54.5%
   

  

  

 

Sales in the AVC Networks segment increased 4.7% to 3,840 billion yen, from 3,668 billion yen in the previous fiscal year. Within this segment, sales of video and audio equipment increased, due mainly to growth in sales of such digital AV products as flat-panel TVs and DVD recorders, which more than offset declines in CRT TVs, VCRs and audio equipment. Sales of information and communications equipment also increased owing mainly to strong sales of automotive electronics and cellular phones, although sales of fixed-line telephones and facsimile machines decreased.

 

With respect to this segment, profit increased 55.9% from 83 billion yen for fiscal 2003, to 129 billion yen for fiscal 2004. This increase was attributable mainly to higher sales in digital AV equipment, cellular phones and car electronics equipment, as well as positive effects of cost rationalization efforts.

 

Sales of Home Appliances increased 2.1% to 1,223 billion yen. Certain seasonal products recorded sales declines in Japan, but these were offset by solid sales of products such as washing machines, dishwashers and ventilation fans.


- 47 -

 

Profit in this segment rose 16.6% from 45 billion yen for fiscal 2003, to 53 billion yen for fiscal 2004. This increase was due mainly to the successful introduction of new value-added products and overseas sales growth, combined with the effects of various rationalization efforts.

 

Sales of Components and Devices decreased 2.9% to 1,660 billion yen. While semiconductor sales recorded solid gains, led by system LSIs for digital AV equipment, sales declines in general components and electronic tubes led to lower sales overall in this segment.

 

With respect to this segment, profit increased 60.5% from 31 billion yen for fiscal 2003, to 50 billion yen for fiscal 2004, owing largely to positive effects through the increased plant operating rate on higher sales in semiconductors, which more than offset the negative effects of decreased sales and price declines in general components and certain other product lines.

 

Sales of JVC were 819 billion yen, down 3.8% from the previous year. Despite sales increases of flat-panel TVs and DVD recorders, overall sales of consumer electronics in Japan and the Americas declined, particularly in such products as CRT TVs and VCRs.

 

With respect to this segment, profit increased 12.9% from 22 billion yen for fiscal 2003, to 25 billion yen for fiscal 2004, owing to such factors as a reduction in materials procurement costs and a decrease in personnel and other fixed costs, despite the decrease in sales and the effects of price declines.

 

Sales in the Other segment were 949 billion yen, up 15.8% from the previous year. FA equipment, especially modular placement machines increased overseas.

 

With respect to this segment, profit increased 12.7% from 13 billion yen for fiscal 2003, to 15 billion yen for fiscal 2004, owing to sales increases of FA equipment.


- 40 -

 

Year ended March 31, 2003 compared with 2002

(1)Sales

Consolidated net sales for fiscal 2003 increased 4.6% to 7,402 billion yen from 7,074 billion yen in the previous year. The business environment during fiscal 2003 was characterized by slow economic growth and persistent instability. Amid such an environment, Matsushita introduced 88 strategic V-products in Japan and overseas. The Company also implemented comprehensive Groupwide business and organizational restructuring, launching a new business domain-based management structure in January 2003 to accelerate the Company’s growth strategy. As a result of these initiatives, consolidated sales marked gains, led by video and audio equipment in the AVC Networks category and products in the Components and Devices category, with both categories benefiting from the success of V-products. An upward turn in sales of the Home Appliances category was also a positive factor.

Domestic sales increased 4.2% to 3,454 billion yen, with growth achieved in all major product categories. The AVC Networks category, especially video and audio equipment, and the Components and Devices category, especially devices for digital AV equipment, led the sales increases in Japan. Overseas sales were 3,948 billion yen, up 5.0% when translated into yen and up 4.3% on a local currency basis, with sales increases recorded in all major product categories, except for information and communications equipment of the AVC Networks category.

(2)Other Revenues (Revenue excluding Net Sales)

Other revenues include interest income, dividends received and other income. Of these, interest income decreased 35.2% to 22 billion yen, and dividends received also decreased 45.2% to 5 billion yen. Other income increased 19.4% to 65 billion yen due mainly to a gain from the sale of Panasonic Disc Services Corporation.

(3)Costs and Expenses

Despite the increase in net sales, cost of sales remained mostly flat, increasing only 0.2% to 5,324 billion yen, and selling, general and administrative expenses edged down 0.5% to 1,952 billion yen. Meanwhile, interest expense decreased 27.2% to 33 billion yen, owing to a reduction in the Company’s borrowings. Other deductions also decreased 70.2% to 116 billion yen, reflecting substantially reduced restructuring charges compared with the previous fiscal year. Other deductions in fiscal 2003 include 12 billion yen expensed as additional retirement allowances for early retirement programs of a domestic subsidiary and a write-down of 53 billion yen on investment securities. The expenses for these early retirement programs were paid or settled during fiscal 2003 and no liability existed as of March 31, 2004. In the previous fiscal year, Matsushita implemented aforementioned Companywide structural reforms to increase profitability and efficiency. In the process of these structural reforms, the Company incurred other deductions of 164 billion yen related to employment restructuring programs, such as additional retirement allowances for special early retirement programs, and 86 billion yen related to business restructuring expenses, such as impairment losses and other expenses associated with the closure or integration of several manufacturing locations. The expenses for these activities were paid or settled through fiscal 2003 and no liability existed as of March 31, 2004. The Company also recorded a write-down of 92 billion yen on investment securities during fiscal 2002. (For further details, see Notes 5, 7 and 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)


- 41 -

(4)Income (Loss) before Income Taxes

As a result of the above-mentioned factors, income (loss) before income taxes turned to an income of 69 billion yen, compared with a pretax loss of 538 billion yen in fiscal 2002.

(5)Provision for Income Taxes

Provision for income taxes amounted to an expense of 71 billion yen, compared with a benefit of 53 billion yen in the previous year. Its ratio to income (loss) before income taxes increased to 103.4% of pretax income, from 9.9% of pretax loss a year ago. This increase is caused mainly by adjustments of net deferred tax assets to reflect the reduction in the statutory income tax rate due to revisions to local enterprise income tax laws on the introduction of a new pro-forma standard taxation system in Japan, as well as an increase in valuation allowance allocated to income tax expenses.

(6)Minority Interests

Minority interests increased to 6 billion yen for fiscal 2003, compared with a negative 57 billion yen in fiscal 2002, reflecting the earnings improvements or a turnaround from losses of several subsidiaries.

(7)Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Associated Companies

Equity in earnings (losses) of associated companies decreased to a loss of 12 billion yen, from the previous year’s profit of 59 million yen, due mainly to losses of certain associated companies.

(8)Net Income (Loss)

As a result of all the factors stated in the preceding paragraphs, the Company recorded a net loss of 19 billion yen for fiscal 2003, compared with a net loss of 428 billion yen in the previous fiscal year.


- 42 -

(9)Results of Operations

Results of operations by business segment for fiscal 2003, as compared with fiscal 2002, were as follows*:

*As mentioned above, the Company changed its business segment classifications in fiscal 2004. Accordingly, the following prior year figures are presented on a restated basis to reflect this change.

   Yen (billions)

     
   2003
(Restated)


   2002
(Restated)


   Percent
change


 

Sales:

            

AVC Networks

  3,668   3,509   4.5%

Home Appliances

  1,197   1,171   2.3 

Components and Devices

  1,710   1,535   11.4 

JVC

  852   835   2.0 

Other

  819   725   12.9 

Eliminations

  (844)  (701)  —   
   

  

  

Total

  7,402   7,074   4.6%
   

  

  

Segment profit (loss):

            

AVC Networks

  83   (36)  —  %

Home Appliances

  45   33   38.7 

Components and Devices

  31   (96)  —   

JVC

  22   (12)  —   

Other

  13   (32)  —   

Corporate and eliminations

  (67)  (56)  —   
   

  

  

Total

  127   (199)  —  %
   

  

  

AVC Networks sales increased 4.5% to 3,668 billion yen, from 3,509 billion yen in the previous year. This increase was due mainly to sharp growth in sales of digital AV equipment, such as flat-panel TVs and DVD recorders, and automotive electronics products, as well as strong sales of cellular phones overseas, although sales of PC peripherals and audio equipment overseas waned.

With respect to this segment, profit increased from a loss of 36 billion yen for fiscal 2002, to a profit of 83 billion yen for fiscal 2003. The sharp increase in segment profit was attributable mainly to higher sales in video and audio equipment, particularly digital AV equipment, and the improvement in communications equipment, as well as positive effects of the previous year’s restructuring initiatives.

Sales of Home Appliances increased 2.3% to 1,197 billion yen. Weak consumer spending and lower housing investment led to falling overall demand and a generally severe market in Japan. However, through the introduction of new products, Matsushita recorded increased domestic sales. In addition, an upturn in overseas sales also contributed to the overall sales increase in this segment. By product line, refrigerators, vacuum cleaners and microwave ovens supported domestic growth, while overseas sales increases were led by growth in air conditioners and refrigerators.


- 43 -

Profit in this segment rose 38.7% from 33 billion yen for fiscal 2002, to 45 billion yen for fiscal 2003. This was due mainly to the successful introduction of new products and overseas sales increases, combined with the effects of various restructuring initiatives.

Sales of Components and Devices increased 11.4% to 1,710 billion yen. Sales of product lines, such as general electronic components and semiconductors, driven by V-products, showed strong growth in both the Japanese and overseas markets, and contributed to double-digit growth for this product segment as a whole.

With respect to this segment, profit increased from a loss of 96 billion yen for fiscal 2002, to a profit of 31 billion yen for fiscal 2003, principally owing to increased sales of components and devices for digital AV equipment and mobile communications equipment, combined with the effects of restructuring initiatives implemented in the previous fiscal year.

Sales of JVC were 852 billion yen, up 2.0% from the previous year. Despite sales decreases of digital video cameras and DVD players in the Americas, sales of AV equipment such as digital video cameras and TVs in Europe and Japan increased.

Profit in this segment increased from a loss of 12 billion yen for fiscal 2002, to a profit of 22 billion yen for fiscal 2003, owing mainly to such factors as sales increases and materials cost reduction.

Sales of Other were 819 billion yen, up 12.9% from the previous year. Sales of FA equipment centered on modular placement machines led the growth.

With respect to this segment, profit improved from a loss of 32 billion yen for fiscal 2002, to a profit of 13 billion yen for fiscal 2003, reflecting the sales gains mentioned above and positive effects of restructuring initiatives.

 

B.Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Matsushita’s Policy on Financial Position and Liquidity

 

As its basic policy, Matsushita has long placed emphasis on maintaining sound balance sheets, and on generating as much available funding as possible from internal sources through efforts to raise the operational efficiency or asset turnover ratios, so as not to overly rely on external fund raising. This conservativeness is exemplified in the tradition of maintaining the ratio of stockholders’ equity to total assets at a relatively high level and keeping a large cash balance. The ratio of stockholders’ equity to total assets as of March 31, 20042005 stood at 46.4%44.0%, and the total of short-term borrowings and long-term debt was 751863 billion yen as of March 31, 2004, down2005, up from 922751 billion yen a year ago. Cash balance (the total of cash and cash equivalents of 1,2751,170 billion yen plus time deposits with a maturity of more than three months of 170145 billion yen) also remained at the relatively high level of 1,4451,315 billion yen as of March 31, 2004,2005, although it decreased from the year-earlier 1,5631,445 billion yen (the total of cash and cash equivalents of 1,1671,275 billion yen plus time deposits of 396170 billion yen). due mainly to the transfer of deposits from certain employees to external institutions.


- 4448 -

 

In order to facilitate access to global capital markets, Matsushita obtains credit ratings from the world’s two leading credit rating agencies, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (Moody’s) and Standard & Poor’s Rating Services (S&P). In addition, Matsushita maintains credit ratings from Rating and Investment Information, Inc. (R&I), a rating agency nationally recognized in Japan, primarily for access to the Japanese capital markets. As of March 31, 2004,2005, Matsushita’s debt ratings are: Moody’s: Aa3(long-term)Aa3 (long-term); S&P: A+(long-term, outlook: stable), A-1(short-term)A-1 (short-term); and R&I: AA+(long-term), a-1+(short-term).

 

Within the rating classification system of R&I, “a-1” is the highest of five categories for short-term debt and indicates “a strong degree of certainty regarding debt repayment,” with a plus (+) sign added to a rating in that category to indicate an especially high degree of certainty regarding debt repayment; and “AA” is the second highest of nine categories for long-term debt and indicates “a very high degree of certainty regarding debt repayment,” with a plus (+) or minus (-) sign added to a rating in that category to indicate its relative standing within that category.

 

Matsushita believes that its credit ratings include the rating agencies’ assessment of the general operating environment, its positions in the markets in which it competes, reputation, movements and volatility in its earnings, risk management policies, liquidity and capital management. An adverse change in any of these factors could result in a reduction of Matsushita’s credit ratings, and that could, in turn, increase its borrowing costs and limit its access to the capital markets or require it to post additional collateral and permit counterparties to terminate transactions pursuant to certain contractual obligations.

 

With the above-mentioned cash balance, combined with the generally high credit ratings from leading credit rating agencies, Matsushita believes that it has sufficient sources of liquidity for either working capital or long-term investment needs.

 

As of March 31, 2004,2005, the outstanding balance of short-term borrowings totaled 290385 billion yen, and long-term debt was 461477 billion yen. Matsushita’s borrowings are not significantly affected by seasonal factors. (For further details, see Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.) Most borrowings are at fixed rates.

 

In recent years, Matsushita has focused on raising capital efficiency upon review of its balance sheet. As a part of this move, the Company initiated an endeavor to achieve more efficient utilization of available cash resources held by subsidiaries and associated companies. This is achieved by lending such cash resources to other Groupsubsidiaries and associated companies, as necessary, through a network of cash management systems at the corporate headquarters and financial subsidiaries located in each global region.

 

Furthermore, with the launch of the business domain-based Groupwide organizational structure in early 2003, Matsushita has reviseduses its system of evaluating the business performance of operating divisions (now, business domain companies), effective April 1, 2003. The system now used iscompanies based on two results-based standards, namely Capital Cost Management (CCM), which measures capital efficiency, and cash flows, which represents a company’s ability to generate cash. Both of these standards, that are deemed to share interests with investors, are applied to each business domain company’s performance on a global consolidated basis. Regarding cash flows, Matsushita uses free cash flow (see “Overview—Key performance indicators” in Section A of this Item 5) as an important indicator to evaluate its performance.

 

Regarding the use of financial instruments for hedging purposes, see Item 11.


- 4549 -

 

Fiscal 20042005 Financial Position and Liquidity

 

The Company’s consolidated total assets as of the end of fiscal 2004 decreased2005 increased to 7,4388,057 billion yen, compared with 7,8357,438 billion yen at the end of fiscal 2003.2004. The consolidation of MEW and PanaHome as of April 1, 2004 led to an increase in assets of 1,043 billion yen, which was offset by initiatives to decrease was mainly the result of increased capital efficiency achieved throughassets, including the reduction of assets such as trade receivables and property, plant and equipment, and a decrease of deferred tax assets included in other assets.inventories.

 

Regarding liabilities, the balance of retirement and severance benefits decreased significantly, mainly as a result of the return to the Government of the substitutional portion of the JWPI mentioned earlier.

Stockholders’ equity increased to 3,544 billion yen, compared with 3,452 billion yen at the end of fiscal 2004. This increase was due mainly to a substantial decrease in minimum pension liability adjustments, owing primarily to the transfer to the Japanese government of the substitutional portion of JWPI mentioned earlier.

Stockholders’ equity increased to 3,452 billion yen, compared with 3,178 billion yen at the end of fiscal 2003. This increase was due mainly toJWPI. Furthermore, a decrease in minimum pension liability adjustments, owing to the factors related to retirement and pension programs. (For further details, see Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.) Furthermore, an increase in unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities, which resulted in a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss, also affected the increase in stockholders’ equity, despite an increase in the negative balance of cumulative translation adjustments, caused by the appreciationwhich resulted in a decrease in an accumulated other comprehensive loss, also led to an increase of the Japanese yen.stockholders’ equity. Stockholders’ equity to total assets ratio increased 5.8%decreased 2.4% to 46.4%44.0% from 40.6%46.4% at the end of fiscal 2003.2004, due mainly to the consolidation of MEW and PanaHome. In addition, Matsushita again repurchasedcontinued to repurchase its own shares for 93 billion yen, as an integral part of the Company’s financial strategy to improveenhance shareholder value.

 

Capital investment (excluding intangibles) during fiscal 20042005 totaled 271374 billion yen, an increase of 7.9%38.0% from the previous fiscal year’s total of 251271 billion yen.yen, due partly to the consolidation of MEW and PanaHome. (For a reconciliation of capital investment to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure and related discussion, see “Overview—Key performance indicators” in Section A of this Item 5.) Matsushita curbed capital investment in a number of business areas, in line with increasing management emphasis on cash flows and capital efficiency. Matsushita did, however, selectively invest in facilities for those product areasstrategic businesses that are expected to drive future growth, including “Components and Devices” such key componentsas cutting-edge system LSIs for digital products and devices“AVC Networks” such as semiconductors, PDPs and other strategic areas.PDPs.

 

Depreciation (excluding intangibles) during the fiscal year fellrose 13.3% to 254287 billion yen, compared with 283254 billion yen in the previous fiscal year.year, due primarily to the consolidation of MEW and PanaHome.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 20042005 amounted to 489478 billion yen, compared with 698489 billion yen in the previous fiscal year. This decrease, despite the improvement in net income and a decrease in inventories, was attributable mainly to an increasea decrease in inventories to meet anticipated strong demand for digital AV products related to the 2004 Olympic games and the non-cash gain from the aforementioned transfer to the Japanese government of the substitutional portion of JWPI included in net income.trade payables. Net cash used in investing activities amounted to 85178 billion yen, compared with 1185 billion yen in fiscal 2003,2004, due mainly to a decrease in proceedscash provided from dispositiontime deposits, in spite of investments and advances and an increase in investment and advances, despitenet cash inflows as a decrease in time deposits.consequence of the acquisition of additional shares of newly consolidated subsidiaries. Net cash used in financing activities was 273419 billion yen, compared with 443273 billion yen in fiscal 2003.2004. This was mainly attributable mainly to smaller decreases in short-term borrowings,the refund of deposits from certain employees and decreases in repayments of long-term debt and in repurchases of the Company’s common stock. All these activities, compounded by the effect of exchange rate fluctuations, resulted in a net increasedecrease of 108105 billion yen in cash and cash equivalents during fiscal 2004.2005. Cash and cash equivalents at the end of fiscal 20042005 totaled 1,2751,170 billion yen, compared with 1,1671,275 billion yen a year ago. These are held primarily in yen (72%(65%), U.S. dollars (7%(10%) and Euro (4%(5%).


- 4650 -

 

Free cash flow in fiscal 20042005 amounted to 404300 billion yen, compared with 687404 billion yen in fiscal 2003.2004. (For a reconciliation of free cash flow to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure and related discussion, see “Overview—Key performance indicators” in Section A of this Item 5.)

 

Commitments for Capital Expenditures

 

As of March 31, 2004,2005, commitments outstanding for the purchase of property, plant and equipment amounted to 1649 billion yen.

 

 

C.Research and Development

 

Matsushita considers research and development (R&D) to be a key factor in its success and essential to the achievement of its corporate theme: to provide the utmost satisfaction to customers throughout the world through differentiated products and services and to contribute to the progress and happiness of mankind. Under this theme, Matsushita is committed to R&D activities that create next-generation businesses from a mid- to long-term viewpoint, while at the same time supporting current or ongoing products and businesses. Also, to address the 21st century’s needs for more convenient lifestyles around the evolving “ubiquitous” networking society and coexistence with the environment, the main focus of Matsushita’s R&D activities has been increasingly directed to digital networks and environmental technologies. Matsushita has concurrently been strengthening its global R&D networks to meet the needs of its overseas business expansion.

 

In fiscal 2001 through 2002, as part of its Value Creation 21 plan, Matsushita conducted a thorough review of all corporate-wide R&D organizations spanning various product divisions in a decentralized manner. As a result of this review, and to enable concentration of R&D resources into strategic areas, Matsushita established a “Strategic Product Platforms” structure in December 2001. Matsushita also established a development center or development task force for each business domain, concentrating all relevant development resources. Concurrently, to develop the basic and common technologies that support these strategic products, Matsushita established corporate-level “Core Technology Platforms,” which are responsible for the following areas: multimedia software technology; semiconductor technology; devices, environment and production engineering technologies; and cutting-edge technologies.

In fiscal 2003, Matsushita accelerated the development of V-products that would propel a sharp recovery in business performance through R&D efforts conducted through the above-mentioned new R&D structure.structures of Strategic Product Platforms that enable concentration of R&D resources into strategic areas, and corporate-level Core Technology Platforms that develop the basic and common technologies that support strategic products. In these efforts, the Company places an emphasis on creation of its own “black-box”Black-box or proprietary technologies which cannot be easily imitated by competitors. Matsushita also implemented the “TechnologyTechnology Business Plan”Plan to further increase R&D efficiency and strengthen technology management. Based on this plan, Matsushita created a system that infuses management resources in areas of comparative strength through the introduction of a scientific R&D management approach and objective evaluations of the Company’s technological competitiveness.


- 47 -

 

In fiscal 2004, Matsushita realigned technological management categorization and systems to further increase efficiency in R&D. In corporate R&D functions, to encourage engineers to concentrate on prioritized R&D themes and leading-edge technologies, Matsushita introduced a new management system with which it can administrate themes at each step in the research process. In business domain companies’ R&D functions, Matsushita significantly reduced lead time for product development by introducing an innovative R&D process management, developed from the standpoint of return on investment. Furthermore,


- 51 -

In fiscal 2005, under the aforementioned new R&D management structure, Matsushita formulatedhas strived to enhance the efficiency of its “10-year Technology Vision” asR&D activities, while continuously selecting priority R&D themes at the Corporate R&D Group and innovating R&D management of development processes at business domain companies. These actions reduced lead time for product development. Seeking to launch competitive products in the market in a Companywide strategy to step up developmentshorter period of products with high potential, such as next-generation system LSIs, networking electronic home appliances and fuel cell co-generation systems. Meanwhile, to minimize escalating software development costs in areas such as digital consumer electronics,time, the Company establishedpursued a software development site in China. Matsushita also aggressively promoted technological collaboration and industrial partnerships to further strengthen R&D capabilities.common platform structure strategy aimed at ensuring the most effective use of technology assets at each business domain company. As part of this effort,a result, the Company establishedsucceeded in increasing the efficiency of R&D. Matsushita developed an Integrated Platform that combines software and hardware resources across differing product categories to improve R&D Academia Collaboration Center to advance cooperative activities with prominent universitiesefficiency and design quality. The new platform successfully integrated Matsushita’s accumulated technological assets in Japan for the developmentareas of key, next-generation technologies. Besides these initiatives,cellular phones, digital TVs, DVD recorders, camcorders and automotive AVC equipment based on the common platform structure strategy. This integration is possible only through Matsushita’s expertise in a wide range of product categories, making full use of Groupwide strengths. Furthermore, the Company also reinforced its intellectual property rights initiatives by revitalizingeffectively utilizing patents, while actively making patent application filings and rights acquisitions worldwide.

 

Research and development costs amounted to 567 billion yen, 551 billion yen, 579 billion yen and 579616 billion yen for the three fiscal years ended March 31, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2004,2005, respectively, representing 8.0%7.4%, 7.4%7.7% and 7.7%7.1% of Matsushita’s total net sales for each of those periods. These investments were used to strengthen R&D in core technologies, such as next-generation system LSIs, networkable electronic home appliances and fuel cell co-generation systems. The increased research and development costs and the decreased ratio to Matsushita’s total net sales for the fiscal 2005 are mainly due to the consolidation of MEW and PanaHome.

 

 

D.Trend Information

 

To increase profitability and efficiency through structural reforms and a new growth strategy, Matsushita implemented the three-year Value Creation 21 plan in fiscal 2002. As part of this plan, the Company has effectedimplemented various management reforms and restructuring initiatives as mentioned earlier. Also, under the aforementioned three-year Value Creation 21 plan, ended March 31, 2004. Based on this plan, the Company also commenced new growth strategies in fiscal 2003 and 2004. These included the strategic development and introduction of competitive V-products and the launch of a new business domain-based Group organizational structure. Under the new structure, business domain companies take full responsibility for R&D, manufacturing and sales in their respective business areas.

In fiscal 2005, Matsushita also embarked on a new mid-term Leap Ahead 21 plan and implemented initiatives to strengthen overseas operationsachieve growth, especially V-products and the addition of MEW, PanaHome and their respective subsidiaries to the Company’s results. Through collaboration with MEW, Matsushita will strategically utilize the management resources of both companies. In areas such as electrical supplies, building materials and equipment, home appliances and industrial equipment, the two companies successfully eliminated overlaps in R&D, manufacturing and sales, thereby creating an optimized group structure that facilitates the effective use of management resources to achieve growth strategies. Matsushita and MEW also opened joint showrooms and introduced a corporate growth engine.series of Collaboration V-products that incorporate black box technologies from both companies.


- 52 -

 

As a result of these initiatives, Matsushita achieved a turnaround in net income in fiscal 2004 from the net loss in the preceding two fiscal years. The Company also achieved some improvements in its balance sheets in fiscal 2004 as mentioned earlier. (See Liquidityaccelerated business and Capital Resources in section Borganizational restructuring. Major restructuring initiatives, including the implementation of this Item 5.)

Regardingearly retirement programs and the business environment for fiscal 2005, while Matsushita expects the Japanese economy to maintain gradual recovery, it views other global economies, beginning with the United States, with cautious optimism. Furthermore, Matsushita expects that trends toward a strong Japanese yen and increasing raw materials prices will continue. Amid such an environment, Matsushita embarked on its new mid-term “Leap Ahead 21” plan from fiscal 2005. Based on the plan, the Company will strive to maintain growthclosure/integration of locations, have been autonomously carried out by increasing sales through aggressive promotion of V-products, and to enhance Groupwide profitability and cash flows by further promoting autonomous management at each business domain company. As a result, Matsushita completed large-scale restructuring in fiscal 2005, leading to improved business performance and further concentration of management resources into growth businesses. (For further details about the Leap Ahead 21 plan, see Section A of Item 4.)


- 48 -As a result of these initiatives, Matsushita increased net income in fiscal 2005. The Company also achieved improvements in its balance sheets in fiscal 2005, as mentioned earlier. (See Liquidity and Capital Resources in Section B of this item 5.)

 

InRegarding the first yearbusiness environment for fiscal 2006, Matsushita expects to encounter severe conditions, such as slowing growth in the electronics industry, ever-intensifying global price declines in digital products and rising raw materials prices including crude oil prices. Under these circumstances, Matsushita views fiscal 2006 as critical to the success of theits Leap Ahead 21 plan for the three-year period ending March 2007. Accordingly, Matsushita is making efforts to achieve the goals of the plan by enhancing product competitiveness and management structures. Regarding growth strategies, Matsushita intends to continuously develop V-products and expand simultaneous global product introductions, including more models in a wide variety of product categories to increase both sales and earnings. Specifically, Matsushita will implement still more business and employment restructuring programs at several of its business domain companiesprovide customers with the goal of enhancing their earnings base and cost competitiveness. Matsushita currently expects approximately 80 billion yen to be incurred as expenses or charges associated with these restructuring programs in fiscal 2005.

On April 1, 2004, upon completion of a tender offer, Matsushita acquired 19.2% of the issued shares of common stock of Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. (MEW), in which Matsushita had already held a 31.8% equity ownership. Matsushita paid a total of 147 billion yen in cash to acquire the 19.2% equity ownershipsolutions for comfortable living through the tender offer. This acquisition also resulted insuccessive launch of Collaboration V-products and the acquisitionexpansion of a controlling interest in PanaHome Corporation (PanaHome) because the Companysystems solutions businesses, including security and MEW each have 27.0% equity ownership in PanaHome. Accordingly, MEW, PanaHome and their respective group companies became consolidated subsidiaries of Matsushita on April 1, 2004.

MEW is a comprehensive manufacturer of housing/building-related products, personal-care products, devices and plastic materials based in Osaka, Japan. MEW’s net sales amounted to 1,233 billion yen and net income was 20 billion yen for its fiscal year ended November 30, 2003. PanaHome is a builder of various types of residential houses based in Osaka, Japan. PanaHome’s net sales amounted to 264 billion yen and net income was 1 billion yen for its fiscal year ended March 31, 2004. MEW’s and PanaHome’s consolidated financial information above was prepared, for local reporting purposes, in conformity with financial reporting practices generally accepted in Japan.

The Company’s new basis of investment in MEW and PanaHome upon the acquisition of additional shares of MEW was 344 billion yen. Of this new basis of investment, approximately 11 billion yen was preliminarily allocated to intangible assets based on the current status of the valuation process. (For further details about MEW and PanaHome, see Note 20 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)

By joining forces with these companies, Matsushita expects to become a leading provider of a comprehensive range of home electric and household equipment and systems in Japan. It also expects to reduce costs through economies of scale and sharing of research and development resources and marketing channels.energy control management.

 

Through the aforementioned initiatives, and joining of the MEW and PanaHome group companies, Matsushita currently expects to attain further improvementimprovements in earnings, on a solid increase in sales in fiscal 2005, subject to external conditions including currency exchange volatility, and the success of its growth strategies and the effective establishment of management structures.

To establish reinforced management structures, Matsushita will implement further manufacturing innovations with a Next Cell Production Project, which targets the reduction of inventories. Furthermore, the Company will utilize IT to manage such initiatives as Just in Time Production and Vendor Managed Inventory. Matsushita will also construct a corporate IT architecture (CITA) and a common infrastructure for the year.Group. In this way, the Company will expedite the management process, strengthen the response capabilities to changes in the business environment, and reduce information systems costs. The Company will also strengthen management structures and increase profitability through a corporate project to eliminate redundancies throughout all areas of the Company.

 

For fiscal 2005,2006, Matsushita projects its capital investment will total approximately 340360 billion yen, including 40 billion yenyen. (For the definition of capital investment and related discussion, see “Overview—Key performance indicators” in Section A of the MEWthis item 5. For purposes of deriving this forward-looking figure, we have assumed that there are no material effects of timing difference between acquisition dates and PanaHome group companies.payment dates with respect to purchases of property, plant and equipment during fiscal 2006.) Matsushita will concentratecontinue to focus investment ininto such strategic areas as core components and devices, including semiconductors and plasma display panels, with construction of new factories forparticularly advanced system LSIs, which are the key components in digital products, plasma TVs, for which global demand is expected to increase significantly, and PDPs in Japan.fuel cell co-generation systems for the home to contribute to the prevention of global warming.

 

The discussion above includes forward-looking statements. For details about “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” see page 1.


- 4953 -

 

E.Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

The Company established sale-leaseback arrangements for manufacturing machinery and equipment, and sale of trade accounts receivablereceivables without recourse, as off-balance sheet arrangements in order to reduce its total assets.

 

In fiscal 2002,2005, Matsushita sold machinery and equipment for 50 billion yen, which are used to manufacture semiconductors for 108 billion yen. The assets were soldand plasma display panels, to a special-purpose entity, which in turn leased them back to Matsushita over a period of four years. Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation provided to the special-purpose entity a loan with the same terms as those of the resulting leases. The loan paid for approximately 88% of the cost of the machinery and equipment. SMBC Leasing Company, Limited, an affiliate of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, owns, through the special-purpose entity, an equity interest in the machinery and equipment, representing approximately 12%Corporation. The assets are leased back to Matsushita over a period of four to five years. Matsushita guarantees a specific value of the cost. Matsushita also entered into a similar sale-leaseback arrangement in the amount of 8 billion yen for machinery and equipment, which are used to manufacture semiconductors in August 2002. In March 2003, these contracts were modified to change the lessor to SMBC Leasing Company. Matsushita also entered into another sale-leaseback arrangement directly with SMBC Leasing Company in the amount of 15 billion yen for machinery and equipment used for manufacturing plasma display panels in December 2002. In fiscal 2004, Matsushita and a subsidiary also established another sale-leaseback arrangement where SMBC Leasing Company performs as a lessor in the amount of 45 billion yen for machinery and equipment used for manufacturing semiconductors and plasma display panels.leased assets. These leases are classified as operating leases for U.S. GAAP purposes. Including the above-mentioned, the amount of future minimum lease payment under operating lease is 135 billion yen at March 31, 2005. (For further details, see Notes 6 and 1819 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)

In fiscal 2005, Matsushita also sold, without recourse, trade accounts receivable of 49 billion yen and loans receivable of 96 billion yen to independent third parties for proceeds of 48 billion yen and 107 billion yen, respectively.

 

In addition, the Company provides several types of guarantees and similar arrangements. (For further details, see Note 1819 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)

 

 

F.Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

 

The two tables below show Matsushita’s cash payment obligations and guarantees and other commercial commitments, broken down by the payment amounts due for each of the periods specified below, as of March 31, 2004:2005:

 

   Yen (millions)

   Payments Due by Period

   Total

  Less than
1 year


  

1-3

years


  4-5
years


  After 5
years


Contractual Obligations:

               

Long-Term Debt Obligations

  667,727  212,677  298,867  55,699  100,484

Capital Lease Obligations

  10,087  4,498  5,067  360  162

Operating Lease Obligations

  121,272  33,035  70,407  17,829  1

Purchase Obligations

  15,535  15,535  —    —    —  
   
  
  
  
  

Total Contractual Cash Obligations

  814,621  265,745  374,341  73,888  100,647
   
  
  
  
  


- 50 -

   Yen (millions)

   Payments Due by Period

   Total

  Less than
1 year


  

1-3

    years    


  4-5
    years    


  

    After 5    

years


Contractual Obligations:

               

Long-Term Debt Obligations

  709,224  245,262  269,273  73,325  121,364

Capital Lease Obligations

  23,683  10,502  9,751  2,214  1,216

Operating Lease Obligations

  134,541  42,957  62,986  22,375  6,223

Purchase Obligations

  49,217  49,217      
   
  
  
  
  

Total Contractual Cash Obligations

  916,665  347,938  342,010  97,914  128,803
   
  
  
  
  

 

   Yen (millions)

   Total Amounts
Committed


Other Commercial Commitments:

   

Letters of CreditDiscounted exported bills

  6,663  4,269

Guarantees

  30,90533,395
   

Total Commercial Commitments

  37,56837,664
   


- 54 -

 

Letters of creditDiscounted exported bills generally have contractual lives of less than one year. Loan guarantees are principally provided on behalf of employees, associated companies customers and consolidated subsidiariescustomers and generally have long-term contractual lives coinciding with the maturities of the guaranteed obligations. (For further details, see Notes 6, 9 and 1819 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)

 

G.Safe Harbor

 

Not applicable

 

H.Accounting Principles

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The Company has identified the following critical accounting policies which are important to its financial condition and results of operations, and require management’s judgment.

 

Long-lived Assets

 

The useful lives of long-lived assets are summarized in Note 1(h) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this annual report and reflect the estimated period that the Company expects to derive economic benefit from their use. In estimating the useful lives and determining whether subsequent revisions to the useful lives are necessary, the Company considers the likelihood of technological obsolescence, changes in demand for the products related to such assets, and other factors which may affect their utilization of the long-lived assets. The effect of any future changes to the estimated useful lives of the long-lived assets could be significant to the Company’s results of operations.

 

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less selling costs. Factors which may contribute to the need for future impairment charges include changes in the use of assets resulting from the Company’s restructuring initiatives, technological changes or any significant declines in the demand for related products.


- 51 -

 

Valuation of Investment Securities

 

The Company holds available-for-sale securities, equity method securities and cost method securities, included in short-term investments and investments and advances. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable taxes.


- 55 -

 

Individual securities are reduced to net realizable value by a charge to earnings for other than temporaryother-than-temporary declines in fair value. Management regularly reviews each investment security for impairment based on criteria that include the extent to which cost exceeds market value, the duration of that market decline and the financial health of and specific prospects for the issuer. Because such specific information may become available after the Company makes the impairment evaluation, and whether the impairment is other-than-temporary depends upon future events that may or may not occur, the Company may be required to recognize an other-than-temporary impairment in the future. Determination of whether a decline in value is other than temporaryother-than-temporary requires judgment. At March 31, 2004,2005, the Company has recorded 419495 billion yen of available-for-sale securities, 229190 billion yen of cost method securities, 3 billion yen of equity method securities that have market values, and 592470 billion yen of equity method securities that do not have market values, cost method securities and advances, part or all of which could be determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired in future periods, depending on changes to the current facts and assumptions. In fiscal 2005, the Company recorded 16 billion yen impairment losses on investment securities.

 

For further discussion on valuation of investment securities, see Notes 4 and 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this annual report.

 

Valuation of Inventory

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, determined on a first-in, first-out basis, or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to make a sale. The Company routinely reviews its inventories for their salability and for indications of obsolescence to determine if inventories should be written-down to net realizable value. Judgments and estimates must be made and used in connection with establishing such allowances in any accounting period. In estimating the net realizable value of its inventories, the Company considers the age of the inventories and the likelihood of spoilage or changes in market demand for its inventories.

 

Warranties

 

The Company makes estimates of potential warranty claims related to its goods sold. The Company provides for such costs based upon historical experience and its estimate of the level of future claims. Management makes judgments and estimates in connection with establishing the warranty reserve in any accounting period. Differences may result in the amount and timing of its revenue for any period if management makes different judgments or utilizes different estimates. (For further details, see Note 19 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)

 

Valuation of Accounts Receivable and Noncurrent Receivables

 

The Company reviews its accounts receivable on a periodic basis and provides an allowance for doubtful receivables based on historical loss experience and current economic conditions. In evaluating the collectibility of individual receivable balances, the Company considers the age of the balance, the customers’ historical payment history, their current credit-worthiness and adequacy of collateral.


- 5256 -

 

The Company records noncurrent receivables, representing loans from finance lease transactions, at cost, less the related allowance for impaired receivables. A loan is considered to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. When a loan is considered to be impaired, the amount of impairment is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows or the fair value of the collateral. Cash receipts on impaired receivables are applied to reduce the principal amount of such receivables until the principal has been recovered and are recognized as interest income thereafter. Management’s judgment is required in making estimates of the future cash flows of an impaired loan. Such estimates are based on current economic conditions and the current and expected financial condition of the debtor. (For further details, see Schedule II of Item 18.)

 

Valuation of Goodwill

 

Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the goodwill may be impaired, such as an adverse change in business climate. Impairment is recorded if the fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying amount. The fair value determination used in the impairment assessment requires estimates based on quoted market prices, prices of comparable businesses, present value or other valuation techniques, or a combination thereof, necessitating management to make subjective judgments and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions could result in significant differences to the amounts reported if underlying circumstances were to change. At March 31, 2004,2005, the Company has recorded 419462 billion yen of goodwill, part or all of which could be determined to be impaired in future periods, depending on changes to the current facts and assumptions. For further discussion on goodwill and other intangible assets, see Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this annual report.

 

Valuation of Deferred Tax Assets

 

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized based on available evidence. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment.

 

At March 31, 2004,2005, the Company has recorded gross deferred tax assets of 1,0401,089 billion yen with a total valuation allowance of 246311 billion yen. Included in the gross deferred tax assets is 181212 billion yen resulting from net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs) of 484566 billion yen, which are available to offset future taxable income. In order to fully realize these NOLs, the Company will need to generate sufficient taxable income by the expiration of these NOLs. AThese NOLs of 428 billion yen expire from fiscal 2009 through 2012 and the substantial majority of these NOLs willthe remaining balance expire in fiscal 2009 and thereafter.thereafter or do not expire. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences, net of the existing valuation allowance at March 31, 20042005 based on available evidence. The Company could be required to increase the valuation allowance if such assumptions would change concluding that the Company would not be able to generate sufficient taxable income. For further discussion on valuation of deferred tax assets, see Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this annual report.


- 5357 -

 

Retirement and Severance Benefits

 

Retirement and severance benefits costs and obligations are dependent on assumptions used in calculating such amounts. The discount rate and expected return on assets are the most critical assumptions among others, including retirement rates, mortality rates and salary growth.

 

While management believes that the assumptions used are appropriate, actual results in any given year could differ from actuarial assumptions because of economic and other factors. The resulting difference is accumulated and amortized over future periods and therefore, generally affect the Company’s retirement and severance benefit cost and obligations.

 

The Company determines discount rates by looking to rates of return on high-quality fixed income investments, and the expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets by considering the current and expected asset allocations, as well as historical and expected returns on various categories of plan assets.

 

Decreases in discount rates lead to increases in benefit obligations which, in turn, could lead to an increase in amortization cost through amortization of actuarial gain or loss, and vice versa. A decrease of 50 basis points in the discount rate is expected to increase the projected benefit obligation by approximately nine percent.

 

A decline in market stock values generally results in a lower expected rate of return on plan assets, which would result in an increase of future retirement and severance benefit costs.

 

Accounting for Derivatives

 

The Company has limited involvement with derivative financial instruments and does not use them for trading purposes. The Company uses derivative instruments principally to manage foreign currency risks resulting from transactions denominated in currencies other than the Japanese yen. As discussed in Note 1(o) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this annual report, the Company recognizes all derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at their fair values. Changes in the fair value of a derivative are reported in earnings or other comprehensive income depending on their use and whether they qualify for hedge accounting. The accounting for gains and losses associated with changes in the fair value of the derivative depends on its hedge designation and whether the hedge is highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. The Company evaluates and determines on a continuous basis if the derivative remains highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. If the derivative ceases to be highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item, the Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively. Because the derivatives the Company uses are not complex, significant judgment is not required to determine their fair values. Fair values are determined principally by receiving quotations from banks or brokers.


- 5458 -

 

Loss Contingencies

 

Loss contingencies may from time to time arise from situations such as product liability claims, warranty claims, disputes over intellectual property rights, environmental remediation obligations, and other legal actions. Loss contingencies are recorded as liabilities when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable. Disclosure is required when there is a reasonable possibility that the ultimate loss will exceed the recorded provision. Contingent liabilities are often resolved over long time periods. In recording liabilities for probable losses, management is required to make estimates and judgments regarding the amount or range of the probable loss. Management continually assesses the adequacy of estimated loss contingencies and, if necessary, adjusts the amounts recorded as better information becomes known.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2004, FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS No. 123R), which addresses accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services, with a primary focus on transactions in which an entity obtains employee services in share-based payment transactions. SFAS No. 123R is a revision to SFAS No. 123 and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25 and its related implementation guidance. SFAS No. 123R will require measurement of the cost of employee services received in exchange for stock compensation based on the grant-date fair value of the employee stock options. Incremental compensation costs arising from subsequent modifications of awards after the grant date must be recognized. SFAS No. 123R will be effective for the Company as of April 1, 2006. The application of SFAS No. 123R is not expected to have a material effect.

In December 2004, FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs,” which clarifies the accounting for abnormal amounts of its idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material (spoilage). Under SFAS No. 151, such items will be recognized as current-period charges. In addition, SFAS No. 151 requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. SFAS No. 151 will be effective for the Company for inventory costs incurred on or after April 1, 2006. The Company is currently in the process of assessing the impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 151.

In December 2004, FASB issued SFAS No. 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets,” which eliminates an exception in APB Opinion No. 29, “Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions,” for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with a general exception for exchanges of nonmonetary assets that do not have commercial substance. SFAS No. 153 will be effective for the Company for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring on or after April 1, 2006. The Company is currently in the process of assessing the impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 153.


- 59 -

Item 6.Directors, Senior Management and Employees

 

A.Directors and Senior Management

 

The Articles of Incorporation of the Company provide that the number of Directors of the Company shall be three or more and that of Corporate Auditors shall be three or more. Directors and Corporate Auditors shall be elected by the general meeting of shareholders. The Board of Directors has ultimate responsibility for administration of the Company’s affairs. Directors may, by resolution of the Board of Directors, appoint a Chairman of the Board of Directors, a Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, a President and Director, and one or more Executive Vice Presidents and Directors, Senior Managing Directors and Managing Directors, as well as Representative Directors. The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Director, Executive Vice Presidents and Directors, and Senior Managing Directors are Representative Directors and severally represent the Company. The term of office of Directors shall, under the Articles of Incorporation of the Company, expire at the conclusion of the ordinary general meeting of shareholders with respect to the last closing of accounts within one year from their assumption of office, and in the case of Corporate Auditors, within four years from their assumption of office. However, they may serve any number of consecutive terms.

 

The Corporate Auditors of the Company are not required to be, and are not, certified public accountants. However,Under the Commercial Code of Japan (Commercial Code) and other related laws and ordinances, at least one of the Corporate Auditors shall be a person who has not been a Director, corporate executive officer, general manager or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries during the five-year period prior to his or her assumption of office as a Corporate Auditor. After the conclusion of the ordinary general meeting of shareholders to be held in June 2006, at least half of the Corporate Auditors shall be required to be persons who have not been a Director, corporate executive officer, general manager or employee of the Company or its subsidiaries, prior to his or her assumption of office as a Corporate Auditor. The Company already satisfies these requirements. Each Corporate Auditor has the statutory duty to audit the non-consolidated financial statements (and, after the conclusion of the ordinary general meeting of shareholders with respect to fiscal 2004,and consolidated financial statements)statements and business reports to be submitted by the Board of Directors at the general meeting of shareholders and also to audit the Director’s execution of their duties. The Corporate Auditors are required to attend meetings of the Board of Directors and express opinions, if necessary, at such meetings, but they are not entitled to vote.


- 55 -

 

The Corporate Auditors constitute the Board of Corporate Auditors. The Board of Corporate Auditors has a statutory duty to prepare and submit its audit report to a Representative Director each year. A Corporate Auditor may note his or her opinion in the audit report if his or her opinion is different from the opinion expressed in the audit report. The Board of Corporate Auditors is empowered to establish auditing policies, the manner of investigation of the status of the corporate affairs and assets of the Company, and any other matters relating to the execution of the duties of the Corporate Auditors. However, the Board of Corporate Auditors may not prevent each Corporate Auditor from exercising his or her powers.

 

Corporate Auditors may not at the same time be directors, corporate executive officers, managers or employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries.


- 60 -

 

Under the Commercial Code of Japan (Commercial Code) and the Articles of Incorporation of the Company, the Company may, by a resolution of the Board of Directors, exempt Directors or Corporate Auditors from their liabilities owed to the Company arising in connection with their failure to perform their duties to the extent permitted by the Commercial Code. In addition, the Company has entered into liability limitation agreements with each of the Outside Directors which limits the maximum amount of their liabilities owed to the Company arising in connection with their failure to perform their duties to the extent permitted by the Commercial Code.

 

The Company implemented in fiscal 2004 the reform of its corporate management and governance structure by (i) reorganizing the role of the current Board of Directors, (ii) introducing a Matsushita’s own Executive Officer system* in its Group and (iii) strengthening its Corporate Auditor system, all tailored to the Group’s new business domain-based, autonomous management structure. (For details of the Groupwide reorganization, see explanation of the “Value Creation 21” plan in, Section A of Item 4.)

 

Matsushita’s Executive Officer system was introduced to address the diversity of business operations over the entire Group through delegation of authority and to help integrate the comprehensive strengths of all Group companies in Japan and overseas. The Board of Directors appoints Executive Officers mainly from the senior management personnel of business domain companies, such as internal divisional companies and subsidiaries, as well as from management personnel responsible for overseas subsidiaries and certain senior corporate staff. The Executive Officers assume responsibility as the Group’s executives regarding execution of business. The Executive Officers may be given such titles as Senior Managing Executive Officer, Managing Executive Officer and Executive Officer, depending on the extent of responsibility and achievement of each individual. The term of office of the Executive Officers shall be one year from their assumption of office. Each of the Executive Officers has the authority to operate businesses for which such Executive Officer is responsible, under the supervision of the Board of Directors and in accordance with the Board of Directors’ decisions of the management regarding corporate affairs.

 


*Matsushita’s Executive Officer (“Yakuin”) system is a voluntary system and different from the corporate executive officer (“Shikkoyaku”) system that large Japanese corporations may adopt at their option under the new statutory corporate governance system referred to as “Company with Committees” system stipulated in the Commercial Code of Japan and related legislation, which became effective on April 1, 2003.


- 56 -

The Board of Directors has, at the same time, been reformed in order to concentrate its role to establish corporate strategies and to supervise implementation thereof by the Executive Officers. The Company has reduced the number of Directors to facilitate more effective decision-making, and shortened their term of office to one year in order to clarify their responsibilities. Taking into consideration the diversified scope of Matsushita’s business operations, the Company has chosen to hold its policy of having management personnel, who are well-versed in day-to-day operations at operational fronts, be members of the Board of Directors, while Outside Directors continue to fully participate in such meetings.

 

Furthermore, compensation for members of the Board of Directors and Executive Officers is linked to the new business performance evaluation standards, namely CCM and cash flows, which are similar to the evaluation standards used by capital markets, to pursue management based on shareholder interests and enhance corporate value.


*Matsushita’s Executive Officer (“Yakuin”) system is a non-statutory system and different from the corporate executive officer (“Shikkoyaku”) system that large Japanese corporations may adopt at their option under the statutory corporate governance system referred to as “Company with Committees” system stipulated in the Commercial Code of Japan and related legislation, which became effective on April 1, 2003.


- 61 -

 

In fiscal 2004, the non-statutory full-time Senior Auditors were newly appointed within the Company’s internal divisional companies in order to strengthen auditing functions at each business domain company. In addition, the Company has also launched the “Group Auditor’s Meeting” in order to promote collaboration between the Company’s Corporate Auditors, the non-statutory full-time Senior Auditors of the internal divisional companies and the corporate auditors of the Company’s subsidiaries and affiliates.

 

The following table shows information about Matsushita’s Directors and Corporate Auditors as of June 29, 2004,2005, including their dates of birth, positions, responsibilities and brief personal records.

 

  Name  


 

Positions, responsibilities and brief personal records


(Date of birth)  

Yoichi Morishita

(Jun. 23, 1934)

 

Yoichi Morishita

Chairman of the Board of Directors—Directors – since June 2000
(Jun. 23, 1934)

-1987

-1987    -1992

-1993

Director of the Company;

-1992    Executive Vice President and Director of the Company;

-1993    President and Director of the Company.

Masayuki Matsushita

(Oct. 16, 1945)

 

Masayuki Matsushita    

Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors—Directors – since June 2000
(Oct. 16, 1945)

-1986

-1986    -1990

-1992

-1996

Director of the Company;

-1990    Managing Director of the Company;

-1992    Senior Managing Director of the Company;

-1996    Executive Vice President and Director of the Company.

Kunio Nakamura

President and Director – since June 2000
(Jul. 5, 1939)

-1993

-1996

-1997

    

President and Director—since June 2000

-1993    Director of the Company, and Director of Corporate Management Division for the Americas;

-1996    Managing Director of the Company;

-1997    Senior Managing Director of the Company, and President of AVC Company.


- 57 -

        Name  


 

Positions, responsibilities and brief personal records


(Date of birth)

Kazuo Toda

(Feb. 13, 1941)

 

Executive Vice President and Director—Director – since June 2003

In charge of Corporate Marketing Division for Panasonic Brand, andCorporate Marketing Division for National Brand Home Appliances, Corporate Marketing Division for National Brand Wellness Products, Corporate Sales Strategy Division for National / Panasonic Retailers, Commodity Products andSales, Electrical Supplies Sales, Project Sales and Building Products Sales, Corporate Construction Business Promotion Division, Advertising, Logistics, Corporate CS Division, Design, Network Marketing Strategy Office, and Chairman of Corporate Brand Committee.Division.

-1994

-1994    -1996

-1997

-1999

-2000

Director of the Company, and in charge of Home Appliance Business;

-1996    Managing Director of the Company;

-1997    President of Home Appliance & Housing Electronics Company;

-1999    Senior Managing Director of the Company;

-2000    President of AVC Company;

-2001    Director of Corporate Marketing Division for Panasonic  Brand.Company.


- 62 -

Osamu Tanaka  Name  


            Positions, responsibilities and brief personal records            


    (Date of birth)
Takami Sano*
(Nov. 1, 1940)

Apr. 2, 1943)
    

Executive Vice President and Director—Director – since June 20032005

Representative in Tokyo, and in charge of External Relations, Panasonic Center and Panasonic System Solutions Company.

-1995    Director of the Company, and Director of Corporate Consumer  Sales Division;

-1997    Managing Director of the Company;

-1999    Senior Managing Director of the Company, and in charge of  Corporate Consumer Sales;

-2001    In charge of Corporate Consumer Products Distribution  Division and Public and Private Institutions.

Yukio Shohtoku

(Nov. 8, 1939)

Executive Vice President and Director—since June 2003

In charge of Overseas Operations, Global Strategy Research Institute, Corporate Overseas Planning Group and Corporate International Affairs Group, Vivendi Universal Liaison Office and Olympic Affairs.

-1994    Director of the Company, and Director of Corporate  Management Division for China;

-1999    Managing Director of the Company.

Takami Sano

(Apr. 2, 1943)

Senior Managing Director—since June 2003

President of Panasonic Automotive Systems Company, and in charge of Industrial Sales and Panasonic EV Energy Co., Ltd.Sales.

-1997    Senior Managing Director of Matsushita Battery Industrial Co.,  Ltd.;

-1998    Director of the Company, and Director of Corporate Industrial Marketing  & Sales Division;

-2000    Managing Director of the Company;

-2002    President of Factory Automation Company;

-2003    Senior Managing Director of the Company, and President of  Panasonic Automotive Systems Company.


- 58 -

        Name  


 

Positions, responsibilities and brief personal records


(Date of birth)

Susumu Koike

Koike*
(Nov. 15, 1945)

    

Senior Managing Director—Director – since June 2003

In charge of Technology, Devices and Environmental Technology, Production Engineering, Intellectual Property, Overseas Research Laboratories, and President of Semiconductor Company and Camera Module Business.

-1998    Senior Managing Director of Matsushita Electronics Corporation,  Director of the Company, and in charge of Semiconductor Technology;

-2000    Managing Director of the Company;

-2001    President of Semiconductor Company.

Fumio Ohtsubo

Ohtsubo*
(Sep. 5, 1945)

    

Senior Managing Director—Director – since June 2003

President of Panasonic AVC Networks Company, and in charge of Storage Device Business and Digital Network Strategic Planning Office.Business.

-1998    Director of the Company, and Vice President of AVC Company;

-2000    Managing Director of the Company;

-2001    Business Group Executive of AVC Network Business Group;

-2002    President of AVC Company;

-2003    President of Panasonic AVC Networks Company.

Tetsuya Kawakami

Kawakami*
(Dec. 7, 1941)

    

Senior Managing Director—Director – since June 2004

In charge of Finance and Accounting.

-1996    General Manager of Corporate Accounting Department;

-2000    Director of the Company, and in charge of Accounting;

-2003    Managing Director of the Company, and in charge of Finance  and  Accounting.


- 63 -

Hidetsugu Otsuru    Name    


            Positions, responsibilities and brief personal records            

    (Date of birth)
Yoshitaka Hayashi*
(Jun. 7, 1946)
Senior Managing Director – since June 2005
In charge of Home Appliances Business, and President of Matsushita Home
Appliances Company, and in charge of Lighting Company and Healthcare
Business Company.
-1999
-2000

(Aug. 20, 1943)

    

Vice President of Home Appliance & Housing Electronics Company;

Director of the Company, and President of Home Appliance &
Housing Electronics Company;

-2001

Director of Corporate Marketing Division for National Brand,  and in charge of Healthcare & Medical Business Center;
-2002
-2003

In charge of Appliance Business;

Managing Director of the Company, and President of Matsushita
Home Appliances Company.

Hidetsugu Otsuru*
(Aug. 20, 1943)
Managing Director—Director – since June 2001


In charge of Facility Management, Quality AssistanceAdministration and Environment Environmental
Affairs and Recycling Business Promotion.

-1998

-1998    

Director of the Company (resigned in March 1999), and in charge  of Corporate Quality Administration Division and Purchasing
Administration Department;

   -1999
-2001

-1999    

President of Matsushita Electronics Corporation;

-2001    President of Display Devices Company.

Toshihiro Sakamoto*
(Oct. 27, 1946)
Managing Director – since June 2004
In charge of Planning.
-1998
-2000
-2001
-2003

President of Matsushita Electric (Taiwan) Co., Ltd.;

Director of the Company, and Vice President of AVC Company;

Senior Vice President of AVC Company;

In charge of Corporate Planning.

Takahiro Mori*
(June 16, 1947)
Managing Director – since June 2005
In charge of Corporate Communications Division and CSR Office.
-2001
-2003

Director of Corporate Communications Division;

In charge of CSR Office.

Shinichi Fukushima*
(Nov. 13, 1948)
Managing Director – since June 2005
In charge of Personnel, General Affairs and Social Relations.
-1997
-2003

General Manager of Personnel Department;

Director of the Company.

Ikuo Uno
(Jan. 4, 1935)
Director – since June 2005
(Chairman of the Board of Nippon Life Insurance Co.)
-1997
-2005

President of Nippon Life Insurance Co.;

Chairman of the Board of Nippon Life Insurance Co.


- 5964 -

 

  Name  


    

Positions, responsibilities and brief personal records


(Date    (Date of birth)     

Yoshitaka Hayashi

(Jun. 7, 1946)

Managing Director—since June 2003

In charge of Home Appliances Business, and President of Matsushita Home Appliances Company, and in charge of Healthcare Business Company and Matsushita Refrigeration Company.

-1999    Vice President of Home Appliance & Housing Electronics  Company;

-2000    Director of the Company, and President of Home Appliance &  Housing Electronics Company;

   

-2001    Director of Corporate Marketing Division for National Brand,  and in charge of Healthcare & Medical Business Center;

-2002    In charge of Appliance Business;

-2003    President of Home Appliances Company.

Toshihiro Sakamoto

Yoshifumi Nishikawa
(Oct. 27, 1946)

Aug. 3, 1938)
    

Managing Director—Director – since June 2004

In charge of Planning, and Associate Director of Corporate Management Quality Innovation Division and Corporate IT Innovation Division, and in charge of Panasonic Spin-up Fund.

-1998    President of Matsushita Electric (Taiwan) Co., Ltd.;

-2000    Director of the Company, and Vice President of AVC  Company;

-2001    Senior Vice President of AVC Company;

-2003    In charge of Corporate Planning.

Josei Ito

(May 25, 1929)

Director—since June 19942005

(Chairman of the Board of Nippon Life Insurance Co.)

-1989    President of Nippon Life Insurance Co.;

-1997    Chairman of the Board of Nippon Life Insurance Co.

Toshio Morikawa

(Mar. 3, 1933)

Director—since June 2000

(Special Advisor of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation)

-1997    Chairman of the BoardPresident of The Sumitomo Bank, Ltd.;

-2001    AdvisorPresident of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation;

-2002    Special AdvisorPresident of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation.Financial Group, Inc.

Masaki Akiyama

Akiyama*
(Jun. 29, 1943)

    

Director—Director – since June 2004

President of Panasonic System Solutions Company, Director of Corporate Construction Business Promotion Division, and in charge of Corporate eNeteNet Business Division.

-1998    Senior Managing Director of Matsushita Communication Industrial  Co., Ltd.;

-2000    Director of Corporate Systems Solutions Division of the Company;

-2001    Director of the Company (resigned in June 2003) and Director  of Corporate Broadband Systems Division of AVC Company;;

-2003    President of Panasonic System Solutions Company.


- 60 -

        Name  


  

Positions, responsibilities and brief personal recordsMikio Ito*



(Date of birth)

Shinichi Fukushima

(Nov. 13, 1948)

29, 1946)
    

Director—since June 2003

In charge of Personnel, General Affairs and Social Relations.

-1997    General Manager of Personnel Department.

Mikio Ito

(Nov. 29, 1946)

Director—Director – since June 2004

Director of Corporate Legal Affairs Division, and in charge of Corporate Risk Management, Corporate Information Security and Business Ethics.

-1997    General Manager of Industrial Relations Department;

-2001    Assistant Director of Tokyo Branch, and General Manager of  Corporate External Relations;

-2003    Director of Tokyo Branch.

Ikusaburo Kashima*
(Oct. 8, 1948)

Director – since June 2005

Deputy Chief of Overseas Operations.

-1999    Director General, Price Bureau of Economic Planning Agency;

-2001    Retired from office at Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and  Trustee of Agency of Industrial Science and Technology;

-2003    Vice Chairman of Information Technology Promotion Agency;

-2004    Joined the Company as an Executive Counsellor.

Masaharu Matsushita


(Sep. 17, 1912)

    

Honorary Chairman of the Board of Directors and Executive Advisor—Advisor – since June 2000

-1947    Director of the Company;

-1961    President and Director of the Company;

-1977    Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company.


- 65 -

Kazumi Kawaguchi  Name  

(Oct. 25, 1943)


  

Positions, responsibilities and brief personal records


    (Date of birth)
Kazumi Kawaguchi        Senior Corporate Auditor—Auditor – since June 2003

(Oct. 25, 1943)-1996
-1999

-1996    Senior Managing Director of Kyushu Matsushita Electric Co., Ltd.;

-1999    General Manager of Affiliates Management Department of the Company;

-2000
-2001

-2000    General Manager of Corporate Accounting Department;

-2001    In charge of Corporate Accounting Group.

Yukio Furuta

(Sep. 20, 1944)

  

Yukio Furuta

Senior Corporate Auditor—Auditor – since June 2004

(Sep. 20, 1944)-1995
-2001

-1995    Director of Matsushita Electronics Corporation;

-2001    Director of Corporate Manufacturing & Development Division of

Semiconductor Company;

   

-2003Vice President of Semiconductor Company.

Yasuo Yoshino


(Oct. 5, 1939)

  

Corporate Auditor—Auditor – since June 2003


(Chairman of Sumitomo Life Insurance Co.)

-1997    Deputy President of Sumitomo Life Insurance Co.;

-2001Chairman of Sumitomo Life Insurance Co.

Ikuo Hata


(Aug. 6, 1931)

  

Corporate Auditor—Auditor – since June 2004


(Attorney at Law, Oh-ebashi LPC & Partners)

-1992
-1995
-1998

-1992    President of Osaka District Court;

-1995    Registered as an attorney-at-law (Osaka Bar Association);

-1998    Vice Board Chairman of Japan Federation of Arbitration Associations;

-2001Member of Supreme Court Committee on Construction-related Disputes.


- 61 -Asterisks (*) denote members of the Board of Directors who concurrently serve as Executive Officers, pursuant to the Executive Officer system which was introduced to facilitate the development of optimum corporate strategies that integrate the Group’s comprehensive strengths.

 

There are no family relationships among any Directors or Corporate Auditors except as described below:

 

Masayuki Matsushita, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors is the son of Masaharu Matsushita, Honorary Chairman of the Board of Directors and Executive Advisor.

 

The following table shows information about Matsushita’s Executive Officers as of June 29, 2004,2005, including their positions and responsibilities.

 

Name


    

Positions and responsibilities


Hajime Sakai

Senior Managing Executive Officer

In charge of Production Engineering,

Groupwide Manufacturing Human Resources Innovation Project


- 66 -

  Name  


Positions and responsibilities


Koshi Kitadai

Senior Managing Executive Officer

President of Panasonic Electronics Devices Co., Ltd.

Yoshiaki Kushiki

    

Managing Executive Officer

President of Panasonic Mobile Communications Co., Ltd.

Yasuo Katsura

Hajime SakaiManaging Executive Officer

Director of Tokyo Branch

Shunzo Ushimaru

Managing Executive Officer

Director of Corporate Marketing Division for Panasonic Brand

Tameshige Hirata    

Managing Executive Officer

President Panasonic Communicationsof Matsushita Ecology Systems Co., Ltd.

Koshi Kitadai

 

Managing Executive Officer

President, Matsushita Electronic Components Co., Ltd., in charge of Electronic Circuit Capacitor Division and Toyama Matsushita Electric Co., Ltd.

Yasuo Katsura

Managing Executive Officer

Director, Tokyo Branch

Shunzo Ushimaru

Managing Executive Officer

Director, Corporate Marketing Division for Panasonic Brand, in charge of Matsushita Consumer Electronics Co., Ltd.

Toru Ishida

    

Executive Officer

President of Matsushita Battery Industrial Co., Ltd.

Tameshige Hirata

 

Executive Officer

President, Matsushita Ecology Systems Co., Ltd., in charge of Matsushita Environmental and Air-conditioning Engineering Co., Ltd.

Hideaki Iwatani

Executive Officer

In charge of International Affairs, Director, Global Strategy Research Institute

Yoichiro Maekawa

Executive Officer

In charge of External Relations

Tomikazu Ise

    

Executive Officer

Director of Corporate Management Division for China and Northeast Asia

Chairman Matsushita Electric (China) Co., Ltd.of Panasonic Corporation of China


- 62 -

Name


 

                                    Positions and responsibilities


Fujio Nakajima

    

Executive Officer

Senior Vice President of Panasonic AVC Networks Company

Director AVCof Technology Planning & Development Center

General Manager, Digital Broadcasting Business Promotion Office

Tomiyasu Chiba

    

Executive Officer

President Matsushita Kotobukiof Panasonic Shikoku Electronics Industries,Co., Ltd.

Nobutane Yamamoto

    

Executive Officer

Director of Corporate Procurement Division

Kazuyoshi Fujiyoshi

    

Executive Officer

Vice President of Panasonic Communications Co., Ltd.

Tomio Kawabe

    

Executive Officer

Director of Corporate Management Division for Asia and Oceania President Matsushita Electricof Panasonic Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.

Junji Esaka

    

Executive Officer

Vice President of Matsushita Home Appliances Company,

in charge of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Business

President, Matsushita Refrigeration Company

Takae Makita

    

Executive Officer

In charge of Information Systems Associate Director, Corporate IT Innovation Division


- 67 -

  Name  


Positions and responsibilities


Hitoshi Otsuki

    

Executive Officer

Director of Corporate Management Division for Europe

Chairman and CEO, Matsushita Electricof Panasonic Europe (Headquarters) Ltd.

Takahiro Mori

 

Executive Officer

Director, Corporate Communications Division, in charge of CSR Office

Tsutomu Ueda

    

Executive Officer

Senior Vice President of Panasonic AVC Networks Company

Director of Visual Products and Display Devices Business Group

Masashi Makino

    

Executive Officer

Director of Corporate Manufacturing Innovation Division

Katsutoshi Kanzaki

    

Executive Officer

President of Panasonic Factory Solutions Co., Ltd.

In charge of Matsushita Welding Systems Co., Ltd.

Yoshinobu Sato

    

Executive Officer

Director of Corporate Sales Strategy Division for National/Panasonic Retailers


- 63 -

Name


 

                                    Positions and responsibilities


Osamu Nishijima

    

Executive Officer

Vice President of Semiconductor Company in charge of Technology General Manager, Semiconductor Technologies Strategy Office

Joachim Reinhart

    

Executive Officer

President and COO Matsushita Electricof Panasonic Europe (Headquarters) Ltd.

Yutaka Mizuno

    

Executive Officer

Executive Vice President in charge of Sales and Director, OEM Automotive Systems Marketing and Sales Division, Panasonic Automotive Systems Company

in charge of Sales

Yoshihiko Yamada

    

Executive Officer

Director of Corporate Management Division for North America

Chairman Matsushita Electricof Panasonic Corporation of North America

Kazuhiro Tsuga

    

Executive Officer

In charge of Digital Network and Software Technologies

Ikuo Miyamoto

Executive Officer

President of Motor Company

Ken Morita

Executive Officer

Senior Vice President of Panasonic AVC Networks Company

Assistant Director of Visual Products and Display Devices Business Group

 

(Directors who concurrently serve as Executive Officers are not included in the above list.)


- 68 -

 

B.Compensation

 

The aggregate amount of remuneration, including bonuses, paid by the Company during fiscal 20042005 to all Directors and Corporate Auditors (34(26 persons) for services in all capacities was 947905 million yen.

 

In accordance with customary Japanese business practices, a retiring Director or Corporate Auditor receives a lump-sum retirement payment, which is subject to approval of the general meeting of shareholders. Retirement allowances provided for Directors and Corporate Auditors for fiscal 20042005 amounted to 312110 million yen. (For details of the Company’s stock option plans for Board members and select senior executives, see Section E of this Item 6.)

 

C.Board Practices

 

For information on the Company’s Directors and Corporate Auditors, see Section A of this Item 6.

 

The Company has made available on its web site (http://panasonic.co.jp/global/governance/) a general summary of the significant differences between its corporate governance practices and those followed by U.S. companies under NYSENew York Stock Exchange (NYSE) listing standards.

 

The rights of ADR holders, including their rights relating to corporate governance practices, are governed by the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement (incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form F-6 (File No. 333-12694) filed on October 4, 2000).


- 64 -

 

D.Employees

 

The following table lists the number of consolidated full-time employees of the Company as of March 31, 2005, 2004 2003 and 2002:2003:

 

  2004

  2003

  2002

  2005

    2004

    2003

Employees:

                      

Domestic

  119,528  121,451  126,378  150,642    119,528    121,451

Overseas

  170,965  166,873  164,854  184,110    170,965    166,873
  
  
  
  
    
    

Total

  290,493  288,324  291,232  334,752    290,493    288,324
  
  
  
  
    
    

On April 1, 2004, MEW, PanaHome and their respective subsidiaries became consolidated subsidiaries of the Company. Therefore the number of employees as of March 31, 2005 has increased compared with the number as of March 31, 2004.

 

Most regular employees in Japan, except management personnel, are union members, principally of the Matsushita Electric Industrial Workers Union, which is affiliated with the Japanese Electrical Electronic & Information Union.

 

As is customary in Japan, Matsushita negotiates annually with the unions and executesrevises annual wage increases.wage. The annual bonuses of all employees are linked to the Company’s performance of the previous year. Matsushita also renews the terms and conditions of labor contracts, other than those relating to


- 69 -

wages and bonuses, every other year. In recent years, Matsushita has introduced in Japan new comprehensive employment and personnel systems to satisfy the diversified needs of employees.

 

Such systems include an individual performance-oriented annual salary system, a regional-based employee remuneration system and an alternative payment system under which employees can receive retirement and fringe benefits up front as an addition to their semiannual bonuses. During the last few years, the Company and its several subsidiaries have also implemented special early retirement programs for employees who wished to pursue careers outside Matsushita. For a quarter century, Matsushita has not experienced any major labor strikes or disputes. Matsushita considers its labor relations to be excellent.


- 65 -

 

E.Share Ownership

 

(1)The following table lists the number of shares owned by the Directors and Corporate Auditors of the Company as of June 29, 2004.2005. The total is 17,876,95217,854,225 shares constituting 0.77%0.79% of all outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

Name


  

Position


  Number of Matsushita Shares
Owned as of June 29, 20042005


Yoichi Morishita

  Chairman of the Board of Directors         85,56889,568            

Masayuki Matsushita

  Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors  7,913,351

Kunio Nakamura

  President and Director         35,00039,000            

Kazuo Toda

  Executive Vice President and Director         23,29926,299            

Osamu Tanaka

Takami Sano
  Executive Vice President and Director         20,75023,923            

Yukio Shohtoku

Executive Vice President and Director       30,037

Takami Sano

Susumu Koike
  Senior Managing Director         21,92320,562            

Susumu Koike

Fumio Ohtsubo
  Senior Managing Director         18,56221,000            

Fumio Ohtsubo

Tetsuya Kawakami
  Senior Managing Director         18,00013,057            

Tetsuya Kawakami

Yoshitaka Hayashi
  Senior Managing Director         11,05716,798            

Hidetsugu Otsuru

  Managing Director         18,00020,000            

Yoshitaka Hayashi

Toshihiro Sakamoto
  Managing Director         13,79812,278            

Toshihiro Sakamoto

Takahiro Mori
  Managing Director         10,2789,060            

Josei Ito

Shinichi Fukushima
Managing Director8,005            
Ikuo Uno  Director         12,0000            

Toshio Morikawa

Yoshifumi Nishikawa
  Director           5,0000            

Masaki Akiyama

  Director         11,88412,884            

Shinichi Fukushima

Mikio Ito
  Director           6,0056,000            

Mikio Ito

Ikusaburo Kashima
  Director           5,0003,000            

Masaharu Matsushita

  Honorary Chairman of the Board of Directors and Executive Advisor  9,598,637

Kazumi Kawaguchi

  Senior Corporate Auditor         10,80311,803            

Yukio Furuta

  Senior Corporate Auditor           5,0006,000            

Yasuo Yoshino

  Corporate Auditor  3,000

Ikuo Hata

  Corporate Auditor              —0            
      

Total

     17,876,95217,854,225            
      

In May 1998, the Board of Directors decided to implement the Company’s first stock option plan for Board members and select senior executives, and to purchase the Company’s own shares for transfer to them under the plan, pursuant to then effective Article 210-2 of the Commercial Code of Japan. Upon approval at the ordinary general meeting of shareholders held in June 1998 and subsequent Board of Directors’ resolutions, stock options (rights to purchase shares of common stock) were provided to the then 32 Directors on the Board and four select senior executives in amounts ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 shares of common stock each, exercisable from July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2004, at an exercise price of 2,291 yen per share, which was calculated by a formula approved by shareholders at the said ordinary general meeting of shareholders. To cover these options, the Company in early July 1998 purchased on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) a total of 113,000 shares of common stock with an aggregate purchase price of approximately 252 million yen.


- 6670 -

 

At the ordinary general meeting of shareholders held in June 1999, the shareholders again approved a stock option plan for Board members and select senior executives. The then 32 Directors on the Board and four select senior executives were granted stock options at a price of 2,476 yen per share, exercisable from July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2005, ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 shares of common stock each. For this purpose, the Company in early August 1999 purchased on the TSE a total of 116,000 shares of common stock with an aggregate purchase price of approximately 287 million yen.

 

In June 2000, another stock option plan for Board members and select senior executives was approved at the ordinary general meeting of shareholders. The then 28 Directors on the Board and five select senior executives were granted stock options ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 shares of common stock each, at a price of 2,815 yen per share, exercisable from July 1, 2002 through June 30, 2006. For the stock option plan, the Company in early July 2000 purchased on the TSE a total of 109,000 shares of common stock with an aggregate purchase price of approximately 306 million yen.

 

In June 2001, another stock option plan for Board members and select senior executives was approved at the ordinary general meeting of shareholders. The then 30 Directors on the Board and nine select senior executives were granted stock options ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 shares of common stock each, at a price of 2,163 yen per share, exercisable from July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2007. For the stock option plan, the Company in early July 2001 purchased on the TSE a total of 128,000 shares of common stock with an aggregate purchase price of approximately 250 million yen.

 

In June 2002, the Company obtained approval at the ordinary general meeting of shareholders regarding the issue of stock acquisition rights as stock options (the Stock Acquisition Rights) for Board members and select senior executives, pursuant to Articles 280-20 and 280-21 of the Commercial Code of Japan, as amended.Japan. Upon the shareholders’ approval, the Board of Directors adopted resolutions to issue at no charge an aggregate of 116 Stock Acquisition Rights,stock acquisition rights, each representing a stock option to purchase 1,000 shares of common stock of the Company, to the then 27 Directors on the Board and eight select senior executives. The Stock Acquisition Rightsstock acquisition rights are exercisable during the period from July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2008. The amount to be paid by qualified persons upon exercise of each Stock Acquisition Rightstock acquisition right is set at 1,734 yen per share of common stock, which was calculated by a formula approved by shareholders at the said ordinary general meeting of shareholders.

 

In June 2003, the Company introduced new business performance evaluation standards (See Section A of this Item 6.) which affect compensation of Directors and Executive Officers. This new evaluation system is intended to encourage pursuit of continuous growth and enhanced profitability for the Group as a whole, thereby accomplishing the goal of increasing corporate value in the interest of shareholders. Upon the introduction of this incentive type compensation system, Stock Acquisition Rightsstock acquisition rights as stock options for Directors and select senior executives have not been offered since June 2003.

 

(For more details, see Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)


- 6771 -

 

(2)The full-time employees of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. and its major subsidiaries in Japan are eligible to participate in the Matsushita Electric Employee Shareholding Association, whereby participating employees contribute a portion of their salaries to the Association and the Association purchases shares of the Company’s common stock on their behalf. The Company had uniformly provided a 10% subsidy on top of any funds employees contribute to the Association. However, from July 2004 the Company started to provide the subsidy in proportion to the number of points that each employee selects to exchange within certain limitations under the “Cafeteria Plan,” the Company’s new flexible benefit plan. Under the Cafeteria Plan, each employee is allotted a certain number of points based on prescribed standards, which he or she may exchange for various benefits, including the Company’s subsidy for contributions to the Association, subsidies for rental housing, subsidies, subsidies for asset building savings, educational assistance, hotel accommodations, etc. As of March 31, 2004,2005, the Association owned 37,19338,358 thousand shares of the Company’s common stock constituting 1.60%1.56% of all outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

Item 7.Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

 

A.Major Shareholders

 

(1)To the knowledge of the Company, except as discussed below, no shareholders beneficially own more than five percent of the Company’s common stock, which is the only class of stock it has issued. The shareholders that owned more than five percent of the Company’s common stock on the register of shareholders as of March 31, 2004 were The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Ltd. (trust account) and Japan Trustee Services Bank, Ltd. (trust account), which are securities processing services companies. The Company understands that these shareholders are not the beneficial owners of the Company’s common stock, but the Company does not have available further information concerning such beneficial ownership. The ten largest shareholders of record and their share holdings as of the end of the last fiscal year are as follows:

 

Name


  

Share ownership

(in thousands of shares)


  Percentage of
total issued
shares


The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Ltd. (trust account)

  167,220  6.81%

Japan Trustee Services Bank, Ltd. (trust account)

  165,982  6.76   

Moxley & Co.

  103,610  4.22   

Nippon Life Insurance Co.

    67,796  2.76   

Matsushita Investment & Development Co., Ltd.

    56,949  2.32   

Sumitomo Life Insurance Co.

    54,212  2.20   

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

    48,824  1.99   

State Street Bank and Trust Co.

    40,069  1.63   

Matsushita Electric Employee Shareholding Association

    37,193  1.51   

Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co., Ltd.

    35,106  1.43   


- 68 -

 

Except as otherwise provided by lawAs explained in Section B of Item 10, the Securities and Exchange Law of Japan and regulations thereunder (collectively, “SEL”) requires any person, regardless of his/her residence, who has become, beneficially and solely or by the Company’s Articlesjointly, a holder of Incorporation, a resolution can be adopted at a general meeting of shareholders by a majority of the number of voting rights of all the shareholders represented at the meeting. The Commercial Code and the Company’s Articles of Incorporation provide, however, that the quorum for the election of Directors and Corporate Auditors shall not be lessmore than one-thirdfive percent of the total number of voting rights of all the shareholders. The Company’s shareholders are not entitled to cumulative voting in the election of Directors. A corporate shareholder, more than one-quarter of whose total voting rights are directly or indirectly owned by the Company, may not exercise its voting rights in respect of theissued shares of common stock of a company listed on any Japanese stock exchange or whose shares are traded on the Company it owns.over-the-counter market in Japan, to file with the Director-General of a competent Local Finance Bureau of Ministry of Finance within five business days (or in the case of certain financial institutions prescribed by SEL, within certain longer periods prescribed by SEL) a report concerning such shareholdings. The Company has no voting rights with respect tois aware of the July 14, 2005 filing by Dodge & Cox (an investment advisory company), stating that, as of the end of June 2005, Dodge & Cox and its ownaffiliates owned, beneficially or of record, 5.41% in total of the issued shares of the Company’s common stock. Shareholders may exercise their voting rights through proxies, provided that the proxies are also shareholders holding voting rights. The Company’s shareholders also may cast their votes in writing, or exercise their voting rights by electronic meansstock, as calculated pursuant to the method determined by the BoardSecurities and Exchange Law of Directors.Japan.


- 72 -

 

The Commercial Code andshareholders that owned more than five percent of the Company’s Articlescommon stock on the register of Incorporation provideshareholders as of March 31, 2005 were Japan Trustee Services Bank, Ltd. (trust account) and The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Ltd. (trust account), which are securities processing services companies. The Company understands that in order to amendthese shareholders are not the Articles of Incorporation and in certain other instances, including a reduction of stated capital, the removal of a Director or a Corporate Auditor, a merger or dissolution with a certain exception under which a shareholders resolution is not required, the transferbeneficial owners of the whole or an important partCompany’s common stock, but the Company does not have available further information concerning such beneficial ownership by these shareholders. The ten largest shareholders of record and their share holdings as of the business, the taking overend of the whole of the business of any other corporation with a certain exception under which a shareholders resolution is not required, share exchange or share transfer for the purpose of establishing 100% parent-subsidiary relationships with a certain exception under which a shareholders resolution is not required, splitting of the corporation into two or more corporations with a certain exception under which a shareholders resolution is not required, or any offering of new shares at a “specially favorable” price (or any offering of stock acquisition rights to subscribe for or acquire shares of common stock (“stock acquisition rights”) or bonds with stock acquisition rights at a “specially favorable” exercise conditions) to any persons other than shareholders, the quorum shall be one-third of the total voting rights of all the shareholders and the approval by at least two-thirds of the voting rights of all the shareholders represented at the meeting is required (the “special shareholders resolution”).last fiscal year are as follows:

    Name    


  Share ownership
(in thousands of shares)


  Percentage of
total issued
shares


Japan Trustee Services Bank, Ltd. (trust account)

  144,417            5.88%    

The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Ltd. (trust account)

  139,872            5.70       

Moxley & Co.

  120,802            4.92       

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

  99,543            4.05       

Nippon Life Insurance Co.

  66,303            2.70       

Sumitomo Life Insurance Co.

  50,212            2.04       

State Street Bank and Trust Co. 505103

  41,072            1.67       

Matsushita Electric Employee Shareholding Association

  38,358            1.56       

Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co., Ltd.

  35,106            1.43       

Euroclear Bank S.A/N.V.

  26,523            1.08       

 

(2)As of March 31, 2004,2005, approximately 10.51%13.30% of the Company’s common stock was owned by 167160 United States shareholders, including the ADR Depositary’s nominee, Moxley & Co., considered as one shareholder of record, owning approximately 4.22%4.92% of the total common stock.

 

(3)Matsushita is not, directly or indirectly, owned or controlled by other corporations, by the Japanese government or any foreign government or by any natural or legal person or persons severally or jointly.

 

(4)As far as is known to the Company, there is no arrangement, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of Matsushita.

 

 

B.Related Party Transactions

 

Matsushita is not a party to any material related party transactions.transactions that are required to be disclosed under Item 7.B of Form 20-F.

 

 

C.Interests of Experts and Counsel

 

Not applicable


- 6973 -

 

Item 8.Financial Information

 

A.Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

 

(1)(1)Consolidated Statements

 

Refer to Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (see Item 18).

 

Finished goods and materials sent out of Japan are mainly bound for consolidated subsidiaries of the Matsushita Group, and are not, therefore, recorded as exports on a consolidated basis. For this reason, the proportion of exports to total net sales is not significant.

 

(2)Legal Proceedings

 

The appeal by Loral Fairchild to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit described in this section last year was dismissed by an Order entered by the Federal Circuit.

There are a number of othersome legal actions and administrative investigations against Matsushita. Management is of the opinion that damages, based on the information currently available, if any, resulting from these actions will not have a material effect on Matsushita’s results of operations or financial position.

 

(3)Dividend Policy

 

Maximizing benefit forSince its founding, Matsushita has consistently regarded returning profits to shareholders as a key management priority. Historically, Matsushita has always been onemaintained stable levels of cash dividends. Then, in fiscal 2005, the fundamental policies of the Company. Consistent withCompany reassessed this policy and in line with growth strategies outlined in the Leap Ahead 21 plan, decided to proactively return profits to shareholders taking into consideration consolidated business performance. Specifically, the Company will provide shareholder return in the form of cash dividends and share repurchases, with due consideration to the level of cash flows. With respect to dividends, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (MEI) traditionally has distributed regularwill pursue steady and continuous growth of return to shareholders, while at the same time taking into consideration various factors including mid-term business performance, capital expenditure requirements and the Company’s financial condition. As for share repurchases, the Company aims to achieve reductions in the total number of outstanding shares, in effect, in an effort to raise shareholder value on a per-share basis. Based on this new policy, in fiscal 2005 the Company increased annual cash dividends to its shareholders on15.00 yen consisting of an interim dividend of 7.50 yen per share and a periodic basis.

Atyear-end cash dividend of 7.50 yen per share that was approved at the ordinary general meeting of shareholders held on June 29, 2004, a year-end cash dividend for fiscal 2004 of MEI was approved at the rate of 7.75 yen per share of common stock, consisting of a 6.25 yen ordinary dividend and 1.50 yen special dividend to commemorate the 85 th anniversary of the Company’s founding. The Company had already paid an interim dividend of 6.25 yen per share to each shareholder during the year; accordingly the annual cash dividend for fiscal 2004 was 14.00 yen per share.2005.

 

Matsushita plans to utilize retained earnings for future business growth and to strengthen the corporate management structure.

 

B.Significant Changes

 

No significant changes have occurred since the date of the annual financial statements included in this annual report.


- 7074 -

 

Item 9.The Offer and Listing

 

A.Offer and Listing Details

 

The primary market for the Company’s common stock (Common Stock) is the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE). The Common Stock is traded on the First Section of the TSE and is also listed on two other stock exchanges (Osaka and Nagoya) in Japan. In addition, the Company’s Common Stock is listed on the Euronext Amsterdam Stock Exchange in the form of original Common Stock of the Company, and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in the form of co-ownership shares in a Global Bearer Certificate. In the United States, the Company’s American Depositary Shares (ADSs) have been listed on and traded in the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)NYSE in the form of American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). There may from time to time be a differential between the Common Stock’s price on exchanges outside the United States and the market price of ADSs in the United States.

 

Matsushita delisted its shares from two stock exchanges (Fukuoka and Sapporo) in Japan in January 2004, Dusseldorf Stock Exchange in February 2004, the Pacific Exchange in March 2004 and Euronext Paris Stock Exchange in April 2004 and Dusseldorf Stock Exchange in February 2004.

 

ADRs were originally issued pursuant to a Deposit Agreement dated as of April 28, 1970, as amended from time to time (Deposit Agreement), among the Company, the Depositary for ADRs, and the holders of ADRs. The current Depositary for ADRs is JP MorganJPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., which succeeded to this business from Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York upon their merger. Effective December 11, 2000, Matsushita again revised its ADR Deposit Agreement and executed a 10:1 ADS ratio change. As a result, one ADS now represents one share of Common Stock. ADRs evidence ADSs that represent the underlying Common Stock deposited under the Deposit Agreement with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, as agent of the Depositary.

 

The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the reported high and low closing prices of the Company’s Common Stock on the TSE, and the reported high and low closing composite prices of the Company’s ADSs on the NYSE:

 

   Tokyo Stock Exchange

    New York Stock Exchange

  Tokyo Stock Exchange

  New York Stock Exchange

   

Price per Share of

Common Stock (yen)


    Price per American
Depositary Share (dollars) *


  Price per Share of
Common Stock (yen)


  Price per American
Depositary Share (dollars)*


Fiscal Year ended March 31


   High

  Low

    High

  Low

        High      

        Low      

      High    

      Low    

2000

    3,230  2,060    30.30  17.48

2001

    3,180  1,994    29.90  16.30  3,180  1,994  29.90  16.30

2002

    2,325  1,408    19.15  11.33  2,325  1,408  19.15  11.33

2003

    1,780  1,011    14.47  8.53  1,780  1,011  14.47  8.53

2004

    1,648  875    15.57  7.33  1,648  875  15.57  7.33

2005

  1,685  1,385  16.05  12.72

2004

            

1st quarter

  1,189  875  10.05  7.33

2nd quarter

  1,580  1,210  13.68  10.19

3rd quarter

  1,529  1,322  14.06  12.21

4th quarter

  1,648  1,494  15.57  13.95


- 7175 -

 

  Tokyo Stock Exchange

    New York Stock Exchange

  Tokyo Stock Exchange

  New York Stock Exchange

  Price per Share of
Common Stock (yen)


    Price per American
Depositary Share (dollars) *


  Price per Share of
Common Stock (yen)


  Price per American
Depositary Share (dollars)*


Fiscal Year ended March 31


  High

  Low

    High

  Low

        High      

        Low      

      High    

      Low    

2003

              

2005

            

1st quarter

  1,780  1,528    14.47  12.27  1,685  1,452  15.80  12.72

2nd quarter

  1,682  1,259    14.29  10.36  1,550  1,385  14.22  12.72

3rd quarter

  1,303  1,121    10.88  9.37  1,626  1,462  16.05  13.62

4th quarter

  1,258  1,011    10.53  8.53  1,629  1,512  15.84  14.43

2004

              

1st quarter

  1,189  875    10.05  7.33

2nd quarter

  1,580  1,210    13.68  10.19

3rd quarter

  1,529  1,322    14.06  12.21

4th quarter

  1,648  1,494    15.57  13.95

2005

              

2006

            

1st quarter

  1,685  1,452    15.80  12.72  1,695  1,520  15.60  14.31

Most recent 6 months


  High

  Low

    High

  Low

        High      

        Low      

  High

  Low

February, 2004

  1,593  1,503    15.13  14.31

March, 2004

  1,640  1,554    15.57  13.95

April, 2004

  1,685  1,580    15.80  14.33

May, 2004

  1,595  1,452    14.96  12.72

June, 2004

  1,580  1,485    14.60  13.21

July, 2004

  1,549  1,417    14.22  13.07

February 2005

  1,590  1,512  15.23  14.43

March 2005

  1,584  1,549  15.16  14.45

April 2005

  1,631  1,520  15.07  14.31

May 2005

  1,651  1,576  15.36  14.70

June 2005

  1,695  1,610  15.60  15.10

July 2005

  1,832  1,681  16.22  15.12

 

 *The prices of American Depositary SharesADSs are based upon reports by the NYSE, with all fractional figures rounded up to the nearest two decimal points. The prices of ADSs, prior to the December 11, 2000 ADS ratio change, have been restated on the current basis that each ADS represents one share of Common Stock.

 

B.Plan of Distribution

 

Not applicable

 

C.Markets

 

See Section A of this Item 9.

 

D.Selling Shareholders

 

Not applicable


- 72 -

 

E.Dilution

Not applicable


- 76 -

F.Expenses of the Issue

 

Not applicable

 

F.Expenses of the Issue

 

Not applicable

Item 10.Additional Information

 

A.Share Capital

 

Not applicable

 

B.Memorandum and Articles of Association

 

Organization

 

The Company is a joint stock corporation (kabushiki kaisha) incorporated in Japan under the Commercial Code (shoho) of Japan (Commercial Code). The Company is registered in the Commercial Register (shogyo tokibo) maintained by the Moriguchi Branch Office of the Osaka Legal Affairs Bureau.

 

Objects and purposes

 

Article 3 of the Articles of Incorporation of the Company provides that its purpose is to engage in the following lines of business:

 

 1.manufacture and sale of electric machinery and equipment, communication and electronic equipment, as well as lighting equipment;

 

 2.manufacture and sale of gas, kerosene and kitchen equipment, as well as machinery and equipment for building and housing;

 

 3.manufacture and sale of machinery and equipment for office and transportation, as well as for sales activities;

 

 4.manufacture and sale of medical, health and hygienic equipment, apparatus and material;

 

 5.manufacture and sale of optical and precision machinery and equipment;

 

 6.manufacture and sale of batteries, battery-operated products, carbon and manganese and other chemical and metal products;

 

 7.manufacture and sale of air conditioning and anti-pollution equipment, as well as industrial machinery and equipment;


- 73 -

 

 8.manufacture and sale of other machinery and equipment;

 

 9.engineering and installation of machinery and equipment related to any of the preceding items as well as engineering and performance of and contracting for other construction work;

 

 10.production and sale of software;


- 77 -

 

 11.sale of iron and steel, nonferrous metals, minerals, oil, gas, ceramics, paper, pulp, rubber, leather, fibre and their products;

 

 12.sale of foods, beverages, liquor and other alcoholics, agricultural, livestock, dairy and marine produces, animal feed and their raw materials;

 

 13.manufacture and sale of drugs, quasi-drugs, cosmetics, fertilizer, poisonous and deleterious substance and other chemical products;

 

 14.manufacture and sale of buildings and other structures and components thereof;

 

 15.motion picture and musical entertainment business and promotion of sporting events;

 

 16.export and import of products, materials and software mentioned in each of the preceding items (other than item 9);

 

 17.providing repair and maintenance services for the products, goods and software mentioned in each of the preceding items for itself and on behalf of others;

 

 18.provision of information and communication services, and broadcasting business;

 

 19.provision of various services utilizing the Internet including Internet access and e-commerce;

 

 20.business related to publishing, printing, freight forwarding, security, maintenance of buildings, nursing care, dispatch of workers, general leasing, financing, non-life insurance agency and buying, selling, maintaining and leasing of real estate;

 

 21.investment in various businesses;

 

 22.accepting commission for investigations, research, development and consulting related to any of the preceding items; and

 

 23.all other business or businesses incidental or related to any of the preceding items.


- 74 -

 

Directors

 

Each Director (excluding an outside Director) has executive powers and duties to manage the affairs of the Company and each Representative Director, who is elected from among the Directors by the Board of Directors, has the statutory authority to represent the Company in all respects. Under the Commercial Code, the Directors must refrain from engaging in any business competing with the Company unless approved by the Board of Directors and any Director who has a special interest in the subject matter of a resolution to be taken by the Board of Directors cannot vote on such resolution. The maximum total amount of remuneration to Directors and that to Corporate Auditors are subject to the approval of themust be, and accordingly has been, approved at a general meeting of shareholders. The Company must also obtain the approval at a general meeting of shareholders if the Company desires to change such maximum amount of compensation. Within such authorized amounts the amount of remuneration for each Director is determined by the Company’s Representative Director who is delegated to do so by the Board of Directors, and the amount of remuneration for each Corporate Auditor is determined upon discussions amongst the Corporate Auditors.


- 78 -

 

Except as stated below, neither the Commercial Code nor the Company’s Articles of Incorporation make special provisions as to the Directors’ or Corporate Auditors’ power to vote in connection with their own compensation or retirement age, the borrowing power exercisable by a Representative Director (or a Director who is given power by a Representative Director to exercise such power), or requirements to hold any shares of Common Stock of the Company. The Commercial Code requires the resolution of the Board of Directors in specific circumstances, e.g. for a company to acquire or dispose of material assets; to borrow a substantial amount of money; to appoint or dismiss important employees such as Executive Officers; and to establish, change or abolish material corporate organizations such as a branch office. The Regulations of the Board of Directors of the Company require a resolution of the Board of Directors for the Company to borrow a large amount of money or to give a guarantee in a large amount. There is no statutory requirement as to what constitutes a “large” amount in these contexts. However, it has been the general practice of the Company’s Board of Directors to adopt a resolution for a borrowing in an amount not less than 10 billion yen or its equivalent.

 

Common Stock

 

General

 

SetExcept as otherwise stated, set forth below is information relating to the Company’s Common Stock, including brief summaries of the relevant provisions of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation and Share Handling Regulations, as currently in effect, and of the Commercial Code of Japan and related legislation.

A bill to modernize and make overall amendments to the Commercial Code by replacing the current provisions with regard to corporations with a new company law (the “New Company Law”) was enacted on June 29, 2005. The New Company Law will come into effect within one year and a half after its promulgation, and currently, it is expected that the New Company Law and other related laws and ordinances will take effect in the Spring of 2006. Descriptions of the New Company Law are made below to the extent necessary or appropriate in the context and are not intended to constitute a complete analysis of the New Company Law.

Under the Commercial Code, generally, shares may be transferred only by delivering share certificates.

 

In order to assert shareholders’ rights against the Company, a shareholder must have its name and address registered on the Company’s register of shareholders, in accordance with the Company’s Share Handling Regulations. The registered beneficial holder of deposited shares underlying the ADSs is the Depositary for the ADSs. Accordingly, holders of ADSs will not be able to directly to assert shareholders’ rights toagainst the Company.

 

A new law to establish a new central clearing system for shares of listed companies and to eliminate the issuance and use of certificates for such shares was promulgated in June 2004 and the relevant part of the law will come into effect within five years of the date of the promulgation. On the effective date, a new central clearing system will be established and the shares of all Japanese companies listed on any Japanese stock exchange, including the shares of common stock of the Company, will be subject to the new central clearing system. On the same day, all existing share certificates will become null and void and the companies are not required to withdraw those share certificates from shareholders. The transfer of such shares will be effected through entry in the books maintained under the new central clearing system.


- 79 -

Authorized capital

 

Article 5 of the Articles of Incorporation of the Company provides that the total number of shares authorized to be issued by the Company is four billion nine hundred and fifty million (4,950,000,000) shares.


- 75 -

 

As of March 31, 2004,2005, 2,453,053,497 shares of Common Stock were issued. All shares of Common Stock of the Company have no par value.

 

Dividends

Dividends – General

 

The Articles of Incorporation of the Company provide that the accounts shall be closed on March 31 of each year and that year-end dividends, if any, shall be paid to its shareholders, beneficial shareholders and pledgees of record as of the end of such day. After the close of the fiscal period, the Board of Directors prepares, among other things, a proposed allocation of profits for year-end dividends and other purposes; this proposal is submitted to the Board of Corporate Auditors of the Company and to independent certified public accountants and then submitted for approval at the ordinary general meeting of shareholders, which is normally held in June each year. In addition

Under the New Company Law, subject to provisions for year-endcertain limitations on the distributable surplus as described below, a joint stock corporation may pay dividends, if any, to its shareholders, beneficial shareholders, and forpledgees of record as of a record date as set forth by its articles of incorporation or as determined by its board of directors from time to time. Dividends shall be paid by way of distribution of surplus. Dividends may be distributed in cash or in kind. In distributing dividends, it may determine the legal reserve and other reserves,kind of assets to be distributed, the book value of such assets, matters regarding allocation of profits customarily includessuch assets, and the effective date of such dividends, by a bonusresolution of a general meeting of shareholders. However, it may generally determine such matters by a resolution of its board of directors if (a) its articles of incorporation so provide, (b) the term of its directors is set to Directorsbe until the conclusion of the ordinary general meeting of shareholders held with respect to the last closing of accounts within one year after such Director’s assumption of office, and Corporate Auditors. (c) certain requirements regarding its financial statements and certain documents as set forth in an ordinance of the Ministry of Justice are met; provided, however, that when it is to make in-kind dividends without giving shareholders the right to request payment of cash dividends in lieu of in-kind dividends, it shall determine such matters by a special shareholders resolution (as defined in “—Voting Rights”). When it makes payment of dividends, it shall allocate such dividends in proportion to the number of shares of any specific class held by each shareholder.

Dividends – Interim cash dividends

In addition to year-end dividends, the Board of Directors may by its resolution declare a cash distribution pursuant to Article 293-5 of the Commercial Code and Article 3436 of the Articles of Incorporation (an “interim dividend”) to shareholders, beneficial shareholders and pledgees of record as of the end of each September 30, without the shareholders’ approval, but subject to the limitations described below.in subsequent sections.


- 80 -

Under the New Company Law, notwithstanding the necessity of obtaining approval of the general meeting of shareholders in general under the New Company Law as described above, a joint stock corporation is allowed to make payment of interim dividends during a fiscal year by way of distribution of surplus by resolution of its board of directors; provided, however, that such payment of interim dividends shall be limited to cash dividends and also limited to once per fiscal year.

Dividends – Legal reserve

 

The Commercial Code provides that a company may not make any distribution of profit by way of year-end dividends or interim dividends for any fiscal period unless it has set aside in its legal reserve an amount equal to at least one-tenth of the amount paid by way of appropriation of retained earnings for such fiscal period and equal to one-tenth of the amount of such interim dividends until the aggregate amount of capital surplus and legal reserve equals to at least one-quarter of its stated capital.

The New Company Law provides that when a joint stock corporation makes a distribution of surplus, it shall set aside in its capital surplus or legal reserve an amount equal to 10% of the amount of the surplus to be decreased as a result of such distribution of surplus in accordance with the provisions set forth in an ordinance of the Ministry of Justice.

Dividends – Distributable amount

Under the Commercial Code, the Company is permitted to distribute profits by way of year-end or interim dividends out of the excess of its net assets, as appearing on its non-consolidated balance sheet as at the end of the preceding fiscal year, over the aggregate of:

 

 (i)its stated capital;

 

 (ii)its capital surplus;

 

 (iii)its accumulated legal reserve;

 

 (iv)the legal reserve to be set aside in respect of the fiscal period concerned; and

 

 (v)such other amounts as provided for by an ordinance of the Ministry of Justice.


- 76 -

 

In the case of interim dividends, the net assets are calculated by reference to the non-consolidated balance sheet as at the last closing of the Company’s accounts in the same manner as year-end dividends, but adjusted to reflect; (a) the legal reserve to be set aside in respect of such interim dividends; (b) any subsequent payment by way of appropriation of retained earnings; (c) any subsequent transfer of retained earnings to stated capital; (d) if the Company has been authorized, pursuant to a resolution of an ordinary general meeting of shareholders or a Board of Directors, to purchase shares of its Common Stock (see “Item 10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association—Association–Common StockAcquisition by the Company of its Common Stock”), the total amount of the purchase price of such shares so authorized by such resolution that may be paid by the Company; and (e) such other amounts as are set out in an ordinance of the Ministry of Justice, provided that (x) if the Company reduces its stated capital, capital surplus or accumulated legal reserve after the end of the preceding fiscal year, the amount so reduced, less the amount paid to shareholders upon such reduction and certain other amounts, and (y) such other amounts as are set out in an ordinance of the Ministry of Justice, shall be added to the amount distributable as interim dividends as described above. Interim dividends may not be paid when the net assets amount on the balance sheet at the end of the fiscal year is likely to fall below the total of the amounts referred to in (i) through (v) above.


- 81 -

Under the New Company Law, a joint stock corporation is permitted to make distribution of surplus to the extent that the aggregate book value of the assets to be distributed to shareholders does not exceed the Distributable Amount (as defined below) as at the effective date of such distribution of surplus. Under the New Company Law, the Distributable Amount would include amounts gained or incurred as a result of certain events occurring after the end of the last fiscal year. In addition, under the New Company Law, a joint stock corporation will be permitted to prepare extraordinary financial statements (“Extraordinary Financial Statements”) as of a certain date during the fiscal year immediately after the last fiscal year (the “Extraordinary Account Settlement Date”) which must be audited by its corporate auditors and accounting auditors and approved by its board of directors and, in certain cases, its general meeting of shareholders. Once the Extraordinary Financial Statements are so audited and approved, it can make adjustments to the Distributable Amount by adding net income or by deducting loss for the period after the end of the last fiscal year until the Extraordinary Account Settlement Date.

The amount of surplus of a joint stock corporation at any given time shall be the amount of its assets and the book value of its treasury stock after subtracting the amounts of the following items (1) through (4) as they appear on its non-consolidated balance sheet as at the end of the last fiscal year, and after reflecting the changes in its surplus after the end of the last fiscal year, by adding the amounts of the following items (5), (6) and (7) and/or subtracting the amounts of the following items (8), (9) and (10):

(1)its liabilities;

(2)its stated capital;

(3)its capital surplus and accumulated legal reserve;

(4)other amounts as provided for by an ordinance of the Ministry of Justice;

(5)(if it transferred its treasury stock after the end of the last fiscal year) the transfer price of its treasury stock after subtracting the book value thereof;

(6)(if it decreased its stated capital after the end of the last fiscal year) the amount of decrease in its stated capital (excluding the amount transferred to the capital surplus or legal reserve);

(7)(if it decreased its capital surplus or legal reserve after the end of the last fiscal year) the amount of decrease in its capital surplus or legal reserve (excluding the amount transferred to the stated capital);

(8)(if it cancelled its treasury stock after the end of the last fiscal year) the book value of its treasury stock so cancelled;

(9)(if it distributed surplus to shareholders after the end of the last fiscal year) the assets distributed to shareholders by way of such distribution of surplus; and

(10)other amounts as provided for by an ordinance of the Ministry of Justice.

The Distributable Amount of a joint stock corporation at any given time shall be the aggregate amount of (a) the surplus, (b) (if it prepares Extraordinary Financial Statements) the amount of profit as recorded for the period after the end of the last fiscal year until the Extraordinary Account Settlement Date as provided for in an ordinance of the Ministry of Justice and (c) (if it prepares Extraordinary Financial Statements) the transfer price of its treasury stock in the same period, after subtracting the amounts of the following items:

(1)the book value of its treasury stock;

(2)(if it transferred its treasury stock after the end of the last fiscal year) the transfer price of its treasury stock;


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(3)(if it prepares Extraordinary Financial Statements) the losses as recorded for the period after the end of the last fiscal year until the Extraordinary Account Settlement Date as provided for in an ordinance of the Ministry of Justice; and

(4)other amounts as provided for by an ordinance of the Ministry of Justice.

Dividends – Ex-dividend date and prescription

 

In Japan the ex-dividend date and the record date for dividends precede the date of determination of the amount of the dividends to be paid.

 

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

 

For information as to Japanese taxes on shareholder dividends, see “E. Taxation—Japanese Taxation.”

 

Stock splits

 

The Company may at any time split shares in issue into a greater number of shares by resolution of the Board of Directors, and may in principle amend its Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares to be issued in proportion to the relevant stock split pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors rather than a special shareholders resolution of a general meeting of shareholders(as defined in “—Voting Rights”) as is otherwise required for amending the Articles of Incorporation.

 

In the event of a stock split, generally, shareholders will not be required to exchange share certificates for new share certificates, but certificates representing the additional shares resulting from the stock split will be issued to shareholders. When a stock split is to be made, the Company must give public notice of the stock split, specifying the record date therefor, at least two weeks prior to such record date. In addition, promptly after the stock split takes effect, the Company must give notice to each shareholder specifying the number of shares to which such shareholder is entitled by virtue of the stock split. After the New Company Law becomes effective, no such notice to each shareholder is required.

 

Consolidation of Shares

The Company may at any time consolidate shares in issue into a smaller number of shares by a special shareholders resolution (as defined in “—Voting Rights”). When a consolidation of shares is to be made, the Company must give public notice and notice to each shareholder that, within a period of not less than one month specified in the notice, share certificates must be submitted to the Company for exchange. The Company must disclose the reason for the consolidation of shares at the general meeting of shareholders.

General meeting of shareholders

 

The ordinary general meeting of shareholders of the Company for each fiscal year is normally held in June in each year in Kadoma-shi, Osaka, Japan. In addition, the Company may hold an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders whenever necessary by giving notice of convocation thereof at least two weeks prior to the date set for the meeting.


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Notice of convocation of a shareholders’ meeting setting forth the place, time and purpose thereof, must be mailed to each shareholder having voting rights (or, in the case of a non-resident shareholder, to his or her standing proxy or mailing address in Japan) at least two weeks prior to the date set for the meeting. Under the Commercial Code, such notice may be given to shareholders by electronic means, subject to the consent of the relevant shareholders. The record date for anexercising voting rights at the ordinary general meeting of shareholders is March 31 of each year.

 

Any shareholder or group of shareholders holding at least three percent of the total number of voting rights for a period of six months or more may require the convocation of a general meeting of shareholders for a particular purpose by submitting a written request to a Representative Director. Unless such shareholders’ meeting is convened promptly or a convocation notice of a meeting which is to be held not later than eight weeks from the day of such demand is dispatched, the requiring shareholder may, upon obtaining a court approval, convene such shareholders’ meeting.

 

Any shareholder or group of shareholders holding at least 300 voting rights or one percent of the total number of voting rights for a period of six months or more may propose a matter to be considered at a general meeting of shareholders by submitting a written request to a Representative Director at least eight weeks prior to the date of such meeting.

 

Under the New Company Law, any of minimum percentages, time periods and number of voting rights necessary for exercising the minority shareholder rights described above may be decreased or shortened if the articles of incorporation of a joint stock corporation so provide.

Voting rights

 

So long as the Company maintains the unit share system (see “Item 10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association—Association – Common StockUnit share system” below; currently 1,000 shares constitute one unit) a holder of shares constituting one or more full units is entitled to one voting right per unit of shares subject to the limitations on voting rights set forth in the following two sentences. A corporate shareholder, more than one-quarter of whose total voting rights are directly or indirectly owned by the Company (or, when the New Company Law becomes effective, management of which is being controlled in substance by the Company as provided for by an ordinance of the Ministry of Justice) may not exercise its voting rights with respect to shares of Common Stock of the Company that it owns. In addition, the Company may not exercise its voting rights with respect to its shares that it owns. If the Company eliminates from its Articles of Incorporation the provisions relating to the unit of shares, holders of Common Stock will have one voting right for each share they hold. Except as otherwise provided by law or by the Articles of Incorporation, a resolution can be adopted at a general meeting of shareholders by a majority of the number of voting rights of all the shareholders represented at the meeting. The Commercial Code (or, when the New Company Law becomes effective, the New Company Law) and the Company’s Articles of Incorporation provide, however, that the quorum for the election of Directors and Corporate Auditors shall not be less than one-third of the total number of voting rights of all the shareholders. The Company’s shareholders are not entitled to cumulative voting in the election of Directors. Shareholders may exercise their voting rights through proxies, provided that the proxies are also shareholders holding voting rights. The Company’s shareholders also may cast their votes in writing, or exercise their voting rights by electronic means pursuant to the method determined by the Board of Directors.


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The Commercial Code (or, when the New Company Law becomes effective, the New Company Law) and the Company’s Articles of Incorporation provide that in order to amend the Articles of Incorporation and in certain other instances, including a reduction of stated capital, the removal of a Director or Corporate Auditor, a merger or dissolution with a certain exception under which a shareholders resolution is not required, 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 with a certain exception under which a shareholders resolution is not required, share exchange or share transfer for the purpose of establishing 100% parent-subsidiary relationships with a certain exception under which a shareholders resolution is not required, splitting of the corporation into two or more corporations with a certain exception under which a shareholders resolution is not required, or any issue of new shares at a “specially favorable” price (or any issue of stock acquisition rights to subscribe for or acquire shares of Common Stock (“stock acquisition rights”) or bonds with stock acquisition rights at a “specially favorable” exercise conditions) to any persons other than shareholders, including:

(1)acquisition of its own shares from a specific party;

(2)consolidation of shares;

(3)any offering of new shares at a “specially favorable” price (or any offering of stock acquisition rights to subscribe for or acquire shares of capital stock, or bonds with stock acquisition rights at “specially favorable” conditions) to any persons other than shareholders;

(4)the removal of a Director or Corporate Auditor (when the New Company Law becomes effective, the removal of a board member who is elected by cumulative voting);

(5)the exemption of liability of a Director or Corporate Auditor with certain exceptions;

(6)a reduction of stated capital (when the New Company Law becomes effective, with certain exceptions in which a shareholders’ resolution is not required);

(7)(when the New Company Law becomes effective) a distribution of in-kind dividends which meets certain requirements;

(8)dissolution, merger, or consolidation with certain exceptions in which a shareholders’ resolution is not required;

(9)the transfer of the whole or a material part of the business;

(10)the taking over of the whole of the business of any other corporation with certain exceptions in which a shareholders’ resolution is not required;

(11)share exchange or share transfer for the purpose of establishing 100% parent-subsidiary relationships with certain exceptions in which a shareholders’ resolution is not required; or

(12)separating of the corporation into two or more corporations with certain exceptions in which a shareholders’ resolution is not required,

the quorum shall be one-third of the total voting rights of all the shareholders and the approval by at least two-thirds of the voting rights of all the shareholders represented at the meeting is required (the “special shareholders resolutions”).

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Amended and RestartedRestated Deposit Agreement relating to American Depositing Receipts (ADRs) evidencing American Depositing Shares (ADSs), each ADS representing one share of Common Stock of the Company, as soon as practicable after receipt of notice of any meeting of shareholders of the Company, the depositaryDepositary (currently JP MorganJPMorgan Chase Bank)Bank, N.A.) will mail to the record holders of ADRs a notice which will contain the information in the notice of the meeting. The record holders of ADRs on a date specified by the depositaryDepositary will be entitled to instruct the depositaryDepositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the shares of Common Stock of the Company represented by their ADSs. The depositaryDepositary will endeavor, in so far as practicable, to vote the number of shares of Common Stock of the Company represented by such ADSs in accordance with such instructions. In the absence of such instructions, the depositaryDepositary has agreed to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by the Company to vote in favor of any proposals or recommendations of the Company. However, such proxy may not be given with respect to any matter which the Company informs the depositaryDepositary that the Company does not wish such proxy given, or for any proposal that has, in the discretion of the depositary,Depositary, a materially adverse effect on the rights of shareholders of the Company.


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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 the Board of Directors determines, subject to the limitations as to the offering of new shares at a “specially favorable” price mentioned under “Voting rights” above. The Board of Directors may, however, determine that shareholders shall be given subscription rights regarding a particular issue of new shares, in which case such rights must be given on uniform terms to all shareholders as at a record date at least two weeks prior to which public notice must be given. Each of the shareholders to whom such rights are given must also be given notice of the expiry thereof at least two weeks prior to the date on which such rights expire.

 

Rights to subscribe for new shares may be made generally transferable by a resolution of the Board of Directors. Whether the Company will make subscription rights generally transferable in future rights offerings will depend upon the circumstances at the time of such offerings.


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Subject to certain conditions, the Company may issue stock acquisition rights or bonds with stock acquisition rights by a resolution of 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 the 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 treasury stock held by it.

 

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 shareholders in proportion to the respective numbers of shares of Common Stock held.

 

Record date

 

March 31 is the record date for the Company’s year-end dividends. So long as the Company maintains the unit share system, the shareholders and beneficial shareholders who are registered as the holders of one or more units of shares in the Company’s registers of shareholders and/or that of beneficial shareholders at the end of each March 31 are entitled to exercise shareholders’ rights at the ordinary general meeting of shareholders with respect to the fiscal year ending on such March 31. September 30 is the record date for interim dividends. In addition, the Company may set a record date for determining the shareholders and/or beneficial shareholders entitled to other rights and for other purposes by giving at least two weeks’ prior public notice.

 

The price of shares generally goes ex-dividends or ex-rights on Japanese stock exchanges on the third business day prior to a record date (or if the record date is not a business day, the fourth business day prior thereto), for the purpose of dividends or rights offerings.


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Acquisition by the Company of its Common Stock

 

The Company may acquire its own sharesshares: (a) through a stock exchange on which such shares are listed (pursuantor by way of tender offer, pursuant to an ordinary resolution of an ordinary general meeting of shareholders or a resolution of the Board of Directors), by way of tender offer (pursuant to an ordinary resolution of an ordinary general meeting of shareholders or a resolution of the Board of Directors),Directors; (b) by purchase from a specific party other than a subsidiary of the Company, (pursuantpursuant to a special shareholders resolution of an ordinary general meeting of shareholders)shareholders; or (c) by purchase from a subsidiary of the Company, (pursuantpursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors). Directors.

Under the New Company Law, a joint stock corporation will be able to obtain the approval of the acquisition of its own shares at its extraordinary general meeting of shareholders as well as at its ordinary general meeting of shareholders in the cases of (a) and (b) above.

If shares are purchased by the Company pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors in the case of (a) above, then the reason for the purchase, as well as the kind, number and aggregate purchase price of such shares must be reported to the shareholders at the ordinary general meeting of shareholders to be held immediately after such purchase of shares. When the proposal for such acquisition by the Company from a specific party other than a subsidiary of the Company is submitted to an ordinary general meeting of shareholders, any other shareholder may make a written request to a Representative Director, more than five calendar days prior to the relevant shareholders’ meeting, to include him/her as the seller in the proposed purchase. However, under the New Company Law, the acquisition of its own shares at a price not exceeding the then market price to be provided under an ordinance of the Ministry of Justice will not trigger the right of any shareholder to include him/her as the seller of his/her shares in such proposed purchase.

Any such acquisition of shares must satisfy certainthe requirements including that, inunder the Commercial Code. In the case of the acquisition by the Company of its own shares pursuant to an ordinary resolution of an ordinary general meeting of shareholders, the total amount of the purchase price may not exceed the amount of the retained earnings available for dividend payments after taking into account a reduction, if any, of the stated capital, capital surplus or legal reserve (if such reduction of the stated capital, capital surplus or legal reserve has been authorized pursuant to a resolution of the relevant ordinary general meeting of shareholders), minus the amount to be paid by way of appropriation of retained earnings for the relevant fiscal year and the amount to be transferred from retained earnings to stated capital. If the Company purchases shares pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors, the total amount of the purchase price may not exceed the amount of the retained earnings available for interim dividend payments minus the amount of any interim dividend the Company actually paid. However, if it is anticipated that the net assets on the non-consolidated balance sheet as at the end of the relevant fiscal year will be less than the aggregate amount of the stated capital, capital surplus and other items as described in (i) through (v) to “Dividends”Dividends Distributable amount above, the Company may not acquire such shares.

Under the New Company Law, the restriction on the source of funds for the acquisition by a joint stock corporation of its own shares will be integrated into those for the distribution of surplus to the shareholders. See “Section B of this Item 10 – Memorandum and Articles of Association – Common Stock – Dividends.”


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Shares acquired by the Company may be held by it for any period or may be cancelled by a resolution of the Board of Directors. The Company may also transfer such shares to any person, the shares held by it, subject to a resolution of the Board of Directors and to other requirements similar to those applicable to the issuance of new shares, as described in “Issue of additional shares and pre-emptive rights” above. The Company may also utilize its treasury stock for the purpose of transfer to any person upon exercise of stock acquisition rights or for the purpose of acquiring another company by way of merger, share exchange or corporate split through exchange of treasury stock for shares or assets of the acquired company.

 

Unit share system

 

The Articles of Incorporation of the Company provide that 1,000 shares constitute one unit of shares of Common Stock. Although the number of shares constituting one unit is included in the Articles of Incorporation, any amendment to the Articles of Incorporation reducing (but not increasing) the number of shares constituting one unit or eliminating the provisions for the unit of shares may be made by a resolution of the Board of Directors rather than by a special shareholders resolution, which is otherwise required for amending the Articles of Incorporation. The number of shares constituting one unit, however, cannot exceed 1,000 or one two-hundredth (1/200) of all issued shares.


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Under the unit share system, shareholders shall have one voting right for each unit of shares that they hold. Any number of shares less than a full unit will carry no voting rights.

 

Unless the Company’s Board of Directors adopts a resolution to eliminate the provision for the unit shares from the Articles of Incorporation or the shareholders amend the Articles of Incorporation by a special shareholders resolution to eliminate the provision not to issue share certificates for less than a unit of shares, a share certificate for any number of shares less than one full unit will in general not be issued. As the transfer of shares normally requires the delivery of the share certificates therefor, any fraction of a unit for which no share certificates are issued is not transferable.

 

A holder of shares constituting less than one unit may require the Company to purchase such shares at their market value in accordance with the provisions of the Share Handling Regulations of the Company. In addition, the Articles of Incorporation of the Company provide that a holder of shares constituting less than one full unit may request the Company to sell to such holder such amount of shares which will, when added together with the shares constituting less than one full unit held by such holder, constitute one full unit of stock, in accordance with the provisions of the Share Handling Regulations of the Company.

 

A holder who owns ADRs evidencing less than 1,000 ADSs will indirectly own less than one full unit of shares of Common Stock. Although, as discussed above, under the unit share system holders of less than one full unit have the right to require the Company to purchase their shares or sell shares held by the Company to such holders, holders of ADRs evidencing ADSs that represent other than integral multiples of full units are unable to withdraw the underlying shares of Common Stock representing less than one full unit and, therefore, are unable, as a practical matter, to exercise the rights to require the Company to purchase such underlying shares or sell shares held by the Company to such holders unless the Company’s Articles of Incorporation are amended to eliminate the provision not to issue share certificates for the numbers of shares less than a unit. As a result, access to the Japanese markets by holders of ADRs through the withdrawal mechanism will not be available for dispositions of shares of Common Stock in lots less than one full unit. The unit share system does not affect the transferability of ADSs, which may be transferred in lots of any size.


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Sale by the Company of shares held by shareholders whose location is unknown

 

The Company is not required to send a notice to a shareholder if a notice to such shareholder fails to arrive at the registered address of the shareholder in the Company’s register of shareholders or at the address otherwise notified to the Company continuously for five years or more.

 

In addition, the Company may sell or otherwise dispose of shares of Common Stock for which the location of the shareholder is unknown. Generally, if (i) notices to a shareholder fail to arrive continuously for five years or more at the shareholder’s registered address in the Company’s register of shareholders or at the address otherwise notified to the Company, and (ii) the shareholder fails to receive dividends on the shares continuously for five years or more at the address registered in the Company’s register of shareholders or at the address otherwise notified to the Company, the Company may sell or otherwise dispose of the shareholder’s shares by a resolution of the Board of Directors and after giving at least three months’ prior public and individual notice, and hold or deposit the proceeds of such sale or disposal of shares at the then market price of the shares for the shareholder, the location of which is unknown.


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Reporting of substantial shareholdings

 

The Securities and Exchange Law of Japan and regulations thereunder requires any person, regardless of his/her residence, who has become, beneficially and solely or jointly, a holder of more than five percent of the total issued shares of Common Stockcommon 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 a competent Local Finance Bureau of Ministry of Finance within five business days a report concerning such shareholdings.

 

A similar report must also be filed in respect to any subsequent change of one percent or more in any such holding or any change in material matters set out in reports previously filed, with certain exceptions. For this purpose, shares issuable to such person upon conversion of convertible securities or exercise of share subscription warrants or stock acquisition rights 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 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.

 

Except for the general limitationlimitations under Japanese anti-trust and anti-monopoly regulations against holding of shares of Common Stockcommon stock of a Japanese corporation which leads or may lead to a restraint of trade or a monopoly, and except for general limitations under the Commercial Code or the Company’s Articles of Incorporation on the rights of shareholders applicable regardless of residence or nationality, there is practically no limitation under Japanese laws and regulations applicable to the Company or under its Articles of Incorporation on the rights of non-resident or foreign shareholders to hold the shares of Common Stock of the Company or exercise voting rights thereon.

 

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 merger, consolidation, acquisition or corporate restructuring involving the Company.


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Daily price fluctuation limits under Japanese stock exchange rules

 

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

 

 

C.Material Contracts

 

All contracts concluded by the Company during the two years preceding the date of this report were entered into in the ordinary course of business.


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D.Exchange Controls

 

The Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Law of Japan and its related cabinet orders and ministerial ordinances (the “Foreign Exchange Regulations”) govern the acquisition and holding of shares of Common Stock of the Company by “exchange non-residents” and by “foreign investors.” The Foreign Exchange Regulations currently in effect do not, however, affect transactions between exchange non-residents to purchase or sell shares outside Japan using currencies other than Japanese yen, except in limited circumstances.

 

Exchange non-residents are:

 

 (i)individuals who do not reside in Japan; and

 

 (ii)corporations whose principal offices are located outside Japan.

 

Generally, branches and other offices of non-resident corporations that are located within Japan are regarded as residents of Japan. Conversely, branches and other offices of Japanese corporations located outside Japan are regarded as exchange non-residents.

 

Foreign investors are:

 

 (i)individuals who are exchange non-residents;

 

 (ii)corporations that are organized under the laws of foreign countries or whose principal offices are located outside of Japan; and

 

 (iii)corporations (1) of which 50% or more of their shares are held by individuals who are exchange non-residents and/or corporations (a) that are organized under the laws of foreign countries or (b) whose principal offices are located outside of Japan or (2) a majority of whose officers, or officers having the power of representation, are individuals who are exchange non-residents.


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In general, the acquisition of shares of a Japanese company (such as the shares of Common Stock of the Company) by an exchange non-resident from a resident of Japan is not subject to any prior filing requirements. In certain limited circumstances, however, the Minister of Finance may require prior approval of an acquisition of this type. While prior approval, as described above, is not required, in the case where a resident of Japan transfers shares of a Japanese company (such as the shares of Common Stock of the Company) for consideration exceeding 100 million yen to an exchange non-resident, the resident of Japan who transfers the shares is required to report the transfer to the Minister of Finance within 20 days from the date of the transfer, unless the transfer was made through a bank, securities company or financial futures trader licensed under Japanese law.

 

If a foreign investor acquires shares of a Japanese company that is listed on a Japanese stock exchange (such as the shares of Common Stock of the Company) or that is traded on an over-the-counter market in Japan and, as a result of the acquisition, the foreign investor, in combination with any existing holdings, directly or indirectly holds 10% or more of the issued shares of the relevant company, the foreign investor must file a report of the acquisition with the Minister of Finance and any other competent Ministers having jurisdiction over that Japanese company within 15 days from and including the date of the acquisition, except where the offering of the company’s shares was made overseas. In limited circumstances, such as where the foreign investor is in a country that is not listed on an exemption schedule in the Foreign Exchange Regulations, a prior notification of the acquisition must be filed with the Minister of Finance and any other competent Ministers, who may then modify or prohibit the proposed acquisition.


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Under the Foreign Exchange Regulations, dividends paid on and the proceeds from the sale in Japan of shares of Common Stock of the Company held by non-residents of Japan may generally be converted into any foreign currency and repatriated abroad.

 

E.Taxation

 

The discussion below is not intended to constitute a complete analysis of all tax consequences relating to the ownership and disposition of shares of Common Stock and ADSs. Prospective purchasers and holders of the shares of Common Stock or ADSs should consult their own tax advisors concerning the tax consequences of their particular situations.


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The following is a summary of the principal Japanese national and U.S. federal tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of shares of Common Stock or ADSs by an Eligible U.S. Holder and a U.S. Holder (each as defined below), as the case may be, that holds those shares or ADSs as capital assets (generally, property held for investment). This summary does not purport to address all material tax consequences that may be relevant to holders of shares of Common Stock or ADSs, and does not take into account the specific circumstances of any particular investors, some of which (such as tax-exempt entities, banks, insurance companies, broker-dealers, traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities holdings, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, investors liable for alternative minimum tax, investors that own or are treated as owning 10% or more of the Company’s voting stock, investors that hold shares of Common Stock or ADSs as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion or constructive sale transaction or other integrated transaction, persons that hold shares of Common Stock or ADSs through a partnership or other pass-through entity and Eligible U.S. Holders and U.S. Holders, as the case may be, whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar) may be subject to special tax rules. This summary is based on the national or federal tax laws of Japan and of the United States as in effect on the date hereof, as well as on the current income tax convention between the United States and Japan (the “Treaty”), all of which are subject to change (possibly with retroactive effect) and to differing interpretations.

U.S. Holders should note that the United States and Japan have ratified the new income tax convention (the “New Treaty”), which is to replace its predecessor income tax convention signed on March 8, 1971 (the “Prior Treaty”). The New Treaty entered into force on March 30, 2004 and shall be applicable in Japan, in place of the Prior Treaty, (i) with respect to taxes withheld at source, for amounts taxable on or after July 1, 2004, and (ii) with respect to taxes on income which are not withheld at source and the enterprise taxes, as regards income for any taxable year beginning on or after January 1, 2005 (subject to certain transitional rules with respect to both items (i) and (ii) above). The Prior Treaty shall cease to have effect in relation to any tax from the date on which the New Treaty shall be applicable (subject to certain transitional rules allowing for exceptions). Where relevant, U.S. Holders are urged to confirm whether they are entitled to the treaty benefit provided under the Prior Treaty or the New Treaty, as the case may be, with their tax advisors.

 

In addition, this summary is based in part upon the representations of the Depositary and the assumption that each obligation in the Deposit Agreement for ADSs and in any related agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms.


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For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. Holder” is any beneficial owner of shares of Common Stock or ADSs that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is:

 

 (i)a citizen or individual resident of the United States,States;

 

 (ii)a corporation or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes organized in or under the laws of the United States, any State, or the District of Columbia,Columbia;

 

 (iii)an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax without regard to its source,source; or

 

 (iv)a trust that is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and the control of one or more U.S. persons, or that has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

 

An “Eligible U.S. Holder” is a U.S. Holder that:

 

 (i)is a resident of the United States for purposes of the Prior Treaty or the New Treaty, as applicable from time to time,Treaty;

 

 (ii)does not maintain a permanent establishment or fixed base in Japan to(a) with which shares of Common Stock or ADSs are attributable and througheffectively connected or (b) of which shares of Common Stock or ADSs form part of the U.S. Holder carries on or has carried on business (or, in the case of an individual, performs or has performed independent personal services),property; and

 

 (iii)is otherwise eligible for benefits under the Prior Treaty, or the New Treaty, as applicable, with respect to income and gain derived in connection with the shares of Common Stock or ADSs.


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This summary does not address any aspects of U.S. federal tax law other than income taxation, and does not discuss any aspects of Japanese tax law other than national income taxation, inheritance and gift taxation. Investors are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal, state and local and Japanese and other tax consequences of owning and disposing of shares of Common Stock or ADSs. In particular, where relevant, investors are urged to confirm their status as Eligible U.S. Holders with their tax advisors and to discuss with their tax advisors any possible consequences of their failure to qualify as Eligible U.S. Holders. In general, taking into account the earlier assumption, for purposes of the Prior Treaty and the New Treaty, as applicable, and for U.S. federal income and Japanese income tax purposes, beneficial owners of ADRs evidencing ADSs will be treated as the owners of the shares of Common Stock represented by those ADSs, and exchanges of shares of Common Stock for ADSs,ADRs, and exchanges of ADSsADRs for shares of Common Stock, will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or Japanese income tax.

 

Japanese taxation

 

The following is a summary of the principal Japanese tax consequences (limited to national taxes) to holders of shares of Common Stock of the Company or ADRs evidencing ADSs representing shares of Common Stock of the Company who are either individuals who are not residents of Japan or non-Japanese corporations, without a permanent establishment in Japan (“non-resident Holders”).

 

Generally, an individual who is a non-resident of Japan or a non-Japanese corporation is subject to Japanese withholding tax on dividends paid by a Japanese corporation. The Company withholds taxes from dividends it pays as required by Japanese law. Stock splits in themselves are not subject to Japanese income tax.


- 86 -

 

In the absence of an applicable treaty, convention or agreement reducing the maximum rate of Japanese withholding tax or allowing exemption from Japanese withholding tax, the rate of Japanese withholding tax applicable to dividends paid by Japanese corporations to individuals who are non-residents of Japan or non-Japanese corporations is 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 any corporate or individual shareholders (including those shareholders who are non-Japanese corporations or Japanese non-resident individuals, such as non-resident Holders), except for any individual shareholder who holds 5% or more of the total issued shares of the relevant Japanese corporation, the aforementioned 20% withholding tax rate is reduced to (i) 7% for dividends due and payable on or before March 31, 2008, and (ii) 15% for dividends due and payable on or after April 1, 2008. At the date of this annual report, Japan has income tax treaties, conventions or agreements whereby the above-mentioned withholding tax rate is reduced, in most cases to 15% for portfolio investors with, among other countries, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Thethe Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the U.K.

 

Under the Prior Treaty, the maximum rate of Japanese withholding tax which may be imposed on dividends paid by a Japanese corporation to an Eligible U.S. Holder that is a portfolio investor was limited to 15% of the gross amount actually distributed. However, under the New Treaty which would become applicable to dividends declared by the Company on or after July 1, 2004, the maximum rate of Japanese withholding tax which may be imposed on dividends paid by a Japanese corporation to an Eligible U.S. Holder that is a portfolio investor is generally limited to 10% of the gross amount actually distributed, and dividends paid by a Japanese corporation to an Eligible U.S. Holder that is a pension fund is exempt from Japanese taxation by way of withholding or otherwise unless such dividends are derived from the carrying on of a business, directly or indirectly, by such pension fund.


- 8793 -

 

If the maximum tax rate provided for in the income tax treaty applicable to dividends paid by the Company to any particular non-resident Holder is lower than the withholding tax rate otherwise applicable under Japanese tax law or any particular non-resident Holder is exempt from Japanese income tax with respect to such dividends under the income tax treaty applicable to such particular non-resident Holder, such non-resident Holder who is entitled to a reduced rate of or exemption from Japanese withholding tax on payment of dividends on the Company’s shares of Common Stock is required to submit an Application Form for Income Tax Convention Regarding Relief from Japanese Income Tax on Dividends in advance through the Company to the relevant tax authority before such payment of dividends. A standing proxy for non-resident Holders of a Japanese corporation may provide this application service. With respect to ADSs, this reduced rate or exemption is applicable if the Depositary or its agent submits two Application Forms (one before payment of dividends, the other within eight months after the Company’s fiscal year-end or semi-fiscal year-end) to the Japanese tax authorities. To claim this reduced rate or exemption, any relevant non-resident Holder of ADSs will be required to file a proof of taxpayer status, residence and beneficial ownership (as applicable) and to provide other information or documents as may be required by the Depositary. A non-resident Holder who is entitled, under an applicable income tax treaty, to a reduced treaty rate lower than the withholding tax rate otherwise applicable under Japanese tax law or an exemption from the withholding tax, but failed to submit the required application in advance will be entitled to claim the refund of withholding taxes withheld in excess of the rate under an applicable tax treaty (if such non-resident Holder is entitled to a reduced treaty rate under the applicable income tax treaty) or the whole of the withholding tax withheld (if such non-resident Holder is entitled to an exemption under the applicable income tax treaty) from the relevant Japanese tax authority. The Company does not assume any responsibility to ensure withholding at the reduced treaty rate or not withholding for shareholders who would be eligible under an applicable tax treaty but do not follow the required procedures as stated above.

 

Gains derived from the sale of shares of Common Stock or ADSs outside Japan by a non-resident Holder holding such shares or ADSs as a portfolio investor are, in general, not subject to Japanese income or corporation tax. Eligible U.S. Holders are not subject to Japanese income or corporation tax with respect to such gains under the Prior Treaty and the New Treaty, as applicable.Treaty.

 

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 legatee, heir or donee even though neither the individual nor the deceased nor donor is a Japanese resident.

 

Holders of shares of Common Stock of the Company or ADSs should consult their tax advisors regarding the effect of these taxes and, in the case of U.S. Holders, the possible application of the Estate and Gift Tax Treaty between the U.S. and Japan.

 

U.S. federal income taxation

 

The following is a summary of certain United States federal income tax consequences of the ownership of shares of Common Stock or ADSs by a U.S. Holder. This summary is based on United States tax laws, including the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and on the New Treaty all of which are subject to change possibly with retroactive effect.


- 8894 -

 

Taxation of dividends

 

Under the United States federal income tax laws, and subject to the passive foreign investment company (PFIC) rules discussed below, the gross amount of any dividends received by a U.S. Holder (before reduction for Japanese withholding taxes) to the extent paid out of the Company’s current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for United States federal income tax purposes) will be subject to U.S. federal taxation. Dividends paid to non-corporate U.S. Holders in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2002 and before January 1, 2009 that constitute qualified dividend income will be taxable at a maximum tax rate of 15% provided that the U.S. Holders held the shares of Common Stock or ADSs for more than 60 days during the 120-day121-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date and meet other holding period requirements. The IRS has announced that it will permit taxpayers to apply a proposed legislative change to the holding period requirement described in the preceding sentence as if such change were already effective. This legislative “technical correction” would change the minimum required holding period, retroactive to January 1, 2003, to more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date. Dividends the Company pays with respect to the shares of Common Stock or ADSs generally will be qualified dividend income. The U.S. Holder must include any Japanese tax withheld from the dividend payment in this gross amount even though it does not in fact receive it. The dividend is taxable to the U.S. Holder when the U.S. Holder, in the case of shares of Common Stock, or the Depositary, in the case of ADSs, receives the dividend, actually or constructively. The dividend will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally allowed to United States corporations in respect of dividends received from other United States corporations. The amount of the dividend the U.S. Holder must include in its income will be the U.S. dollar value of the Japanese yen payments made, determined at the spot Japanese yen/U.S. dollar rate on the date the dividend is includible in the U.S. Holder’s income, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars. Generally, any gain or loss resulting from currency exchange fluctuations during the period from the date the U.S. Holder includes the dividend payment in income to the date the U.S. Holder converts the payment into U.S. dollars will be treated as ordinary income or loss and will not be eligible for the special tax rate applicable to qualified dividend income. The gain or loss generally will be income or loss from sources within the United States for foreign tax credit limitation purposes. Distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for United States federal income tax purposes, will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of the U.S. Holder’s basis in the shares of Common Stock or ADSs and thereafter as capital gain.

 

Subject to certain limitations, the Japanese tax withheld in accordance with the Treaty will be creditable against the U.S. Holder’s United States federal income tax liability. Special rules apply in determining the foreign tax credit limitation with respect to dividends that are subject to the maximum 15% tax rate. For foreign tax credit limitation purposes, the dividend will be income from sources outside the United States, butStates. Dividends paid in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2007 generally will be “passive” or “financial services” income, and dividends paid in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2006 will, depending on the U.S. Holder’s circumstances, be “passive” or “general” income which, in either case, is treated separately together withfrom other itemstypes of “passive income” or “financial services income.”


- 89 -income for purposes of computing the foreign tax credit allowable to a U.S. Holder.

 

Taxation of capital gains

 

Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, upon a sale or other disposition of shares of Common Stock or ADSs, a U.S. Holder will recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the U.S. dollar value of the amount realized and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis (determined in U.S. dollars) in such shares of Common Stock or ADSs. Generally, such gain or loss will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder’s holding period for such shares of Common Stock or ADSs is greater than 1 year. Long-term capital gain of a non-corporate U.S. Holder that is recognized on or after May 6, 2003 and before January 1, 2009 is generally taxed at a maximum rate of 15%. Any such gain or loss will generally be income or loss from sources within the United States for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.


- 95 -

 

Transfers of retained earnings and sales of shares of Common Stock to the Company

 

A transfer of retained earnings or legal reserve to stated capital is generally treated as a dividend payment for Japanese tax purposes subject to withholding tax. A sale of shares of Common Stock or ADSs to the Company results in a deemed dividend to the selling shareholders to the extent that the sales price exceeds the aggregate of the stated capital and the capital surplus attributable to the shares sold. Transfers of retained earnings or legal reserves to stated capital and deemed dividends that may result from sales of shares of Common Stock to the Company are not generally taxable events that give rise to foreign source income for U.S. federal income tax purposes and U.S. Holders would not be able to use the foreign tax credit arising from any Japanese withholding tax imposed on such transactions unless they can apply the credit (subject to limitations) against U.S. tax due or other foreign source income in the appropriate category for foreign tax credit purposes.

 

Passive foreign investment company considerations

 

The Company believes that shares of Common Stock and ADSs should not be treated as stock of a PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes, but this conclusion is a factual determination made annually and thus may be subject to change. If the Company were to be treated as a PFIC (unless a U.S. Holder elects to be taxed annually on a mark-to-market basis with respect to the shares of Common Stock or ADSs), gain realized on the sale or other disposition of shares of Common Stock or ADSs would in general not be treated as capital gain, and a U.S. Holder would be treated as if such holder had realized such gain and certain “excess distributions” ratably over the holder’s holding period for the shares of Common Stock or ADSs and would be taxed at the highest tax rate in effect for each such year to which the gain was allocated, together with an interest charge in respect of the tax attributable to each such year. In addition, notwithstandingWith certain exceptions, shares of Common stock or ADSs will be treated as stock in a PFIC if the Company were a PFIC at any election atime during the U.S. Holder makes with regard toHolder’s holding period in the shares of Common Stock or ADSs, dividendsADSs. Dividends that asuch U.S. Holder receives from the Company will not constitutebe eligible for the special tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income if the Company is treated as a PFIC with respect to such U.S. Holder either in the taxable year of the distribution or the preceding taxable year. Dividends that a U.S. Holder receives that do not constitute qualified dividend income are not eligible for taxation at the 15% maximum rate applicable to qualified dividend income. Instead, the U.S. Holder must include the gross amount of any such dividend paid by the Company out of its accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for United States federal income tax purposes) in the U.S. Holder’s gross income, and ityear, but instead will be subject to taxtaxable at rates applicable to ordinary income.

 

 

F.Dividends and Paying Agents

 

Not applicable


- 90 -

 

G.Statement by Experts

 

Not applicable


- 96 -

 

H.Documents on Display

 

According to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Matsushita is subject to the requirements of informational disclosure. Matsushita files various reports and other information, including its annual report on Form 20-F, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These reports and other information may be inspected at the public reference room at the Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth100 F Street, N.W.N.E., Washington D.C. 20549. You can also obtain a copy of such material by mail from the public reference room of the Securities and Exchange Commission at prescribed fees. You may obtain information on the operation of the Securities and Exchange Commission public reference room by calling the Securities and Exchange Commission in the United States at 1-800-SEC-0330.

 

Also, documents filed via the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system (EDGAR) are available at the website of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (http://www.sec.gov).

 

 

I.Subsidiary Information

 

Not applicable

 

 

Item 11.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

The Company is exposed to market risk, including changes of foreign exchange rates, interest rates and prices of marketable securities and commodities. In order to hedge the risks of changes in foreign exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices, the Company uses derivative financial instruments. The Company does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes. Although the use of derivative financial instruments exposes the Company to the risk of credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties, the Company believes that such risk is minor because of the high credit rating of the counterparties.

 

Equity Price Risk

 

The Company holds available-for-sale securities included in short-term investments and investments and advances. In general, highly-liquid and low risk instruments are preferred in the portfolio. Available-for-sale securities included in investments and advances are held as longer term investments. The Company does not hold marketable securities for trading purposes.


- 9197 -

 

Maturities, costs and fair values of available-for-sale securities were as follows at March 31, 20042005 and 2003:2004:

 

  Yen (millions)

  Yen (millions)

  2004

  2003

  2005

  2004

  Cost

  Fair
value


  Cost

  Fair
value


  Cost

  Fair
value


  Cost

  Fair
value


Due within one year

  2,683  2,684  1,196  1,196  11,978  11,978  2,683  2,684

Due after one year through five years

  18,325  18,300  34,514  33,584  79,841  80,008  18,325  18,300

Due after five years through ten years

  10,261  10,378  —    —  

Equity securities

  217,470  398,425  242,946  254,032  228,202  392,903  217,470  398,425
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  238,478  419,409  278,656  288,812  330,282  495,267  238,478  419,409
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Foreign Exchange Risk

 

The primary purpose of the Company’s foreign currency hedging activities is to protect against the volatility associated with foreign currency transactions. The Company primarily utilizes forward exchange contracts and options with a duration of less than a few months. The Company also enters into foreign exchange contracts from time to time to hedge the risk of fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates associated with long-term debt that is denominated in foreign currencies. Foreign exchange contracts related to such long-term debt have the same maturity as the underlying debt.

 

The following table provides the contract amounts and fair values of foreign exchange contracts, primarily hedging U.S. dollar and euro revenues, at March 31, 20042005 and 2003.2004. Amounts related to foreign exchange contracts entered into in connection with long-term debt denominated in foreign currencies which eliminate all foreign currency exposures, are shown in the table of “Interest Rate Risk.”

 

  Yen (millions)

   Yen (millions)

 
  2004

 2003

   2005

 2004

 
  Contract
amount


  Fair
value


 Contract
amount


  Fair
value


   Contract
amount


  Fair
value


 Contract
amount


  Fair
value


 

Forward:

                  

To sell foreign currencies

  398,782  9,446  387,605  (1,383)  317,506  (3,122) 398,782  9,446 

To buy foreign currencies

  205,039  (469) 214,075  1,664   200,705      1,643  205,039  (469)

Options purchased to sell foreign currencies

  44,886  746  50,883  127   29,981  61  44,886  746 

Options written to sell foreign currencies

  29,046  (455) —    —     —    —    29,046  (455)

Cross currency swaps

  14,914  227  8,420  (26)  16,879  123  14,914         227 

 

Commodity Price Risk

 

The Company is exposed to market risk of changes in prices of commodities including various non-ferrous metals used in the manufacturing of electronic components and devices. The Company enters into commodity future contracts to offset such exposure.


- 9298 -

 

The following table provides the contract amounts and fair values of commodity futures, at March 31, 20042005 and 2003.2004.

 

  Yen (millions)

   Yen (millions)

 
  2004

 2003

   2005

 2004

 
  Contract
amount


  Fair
value


 Contract
amount


  Fair
value


   Contract
amount


  Fair
value


 Contract
amount


  Fair
value


 

Commodity futures:

                  

To sell commodity

  14,915  (1,223) 13,341  672   31,978     (2,832) 14,915     (1,223)

To buy commodity

  52,888  5,709  43,214  (1,940)  75,824  12,554  52,888  5,709 

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

The Company’s exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates principally to its debt obligations. The Company has long-term debt primarily with fixed rates. Fixed-rate debt obligations expose the Company to variability in their fair values due to changes in interest rates. To manage the variability in the fair values caused by interest rate changes, the Company enters into interest rate swaps when it is determined to be appropriate based on market conditions. Interest rate swaps change fixed-rate debt obligations to variable-rate debt obligations by entering into fixed-receiving, variable -payingvariable-paying interest rate swap contracts. The hedging relationship between interest rate swaps and hedged debt obligations is highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair values resulting from interest rate risk. The following tables provide information about the Company’s derivative financial instruments and other financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates at March 31, 20042005 and 2003.2004. For debt obligations, the table presents principal cash flows by expected maturity dates, related weighted average interest rates and fair values of financial instruments. For interest rate swaps, the table presents notional principal amounts and weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates. Notional principal amounts are used to calculate the contractual payments to be exchanged under the contracts.

 

Long-term debt, including current portion:

 

  Average
interest
rate


 Yen (millions)

     Yen (millions)

 Carrying amount and maturity date (as of March 31, 2004)

  Fair
value


     Carrying amount and maturity date (as of March 31, 2005)

 Total

  2005

  2006

  2007

  2008

  2009

  There-
after


    Average
interest
rate


  Total

  2006

  2007

      2008    

      2009    

      2010    

  There-
after


  Fair
value


Japanese yen convertible bonds

  0.9% 27,496  10,968  16,528              28,272  0.9%  86,411  86,411                 87,197

Straight bonds

  1.0% 300,135  100,086     100,049        100,000  306,210  1.3%  200,084     100,084           100,000  207,364

Straight bonds issued by subsidiaries

  1.8% 46,364     16,364  20,000  10,000        47,633  1.3%  116,583  36,583  20,000  10,000  30,000     20,000  119,093

Unsecured yen loans from banks and insurance companies

  0.5% 293,732  101,623  85,928  59,998  30,616  15,083  484  292,112  0.5%  306,146  122,268  82,987  56,202  36,379  6,946  1,364  305,400
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Total

   667,727  212,677  118,820  180,047  40,616  15,083  100,484  674,227     709,224  245,262  203,071  66,202  66,379  6,946  121,364  719,054
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  


- 9399 -

 

   Yen (millions)

     Yen (millions)

   Carrying amount and maturity date (as of March 31, 2003)

  Fair
value


     Carrying amount and maturity date (as of March 31, 2004)

  Average
interest
rate


 Total

  2004

  2005

  2006

  2007

  2008

  There-
after


    Average
interest
rate


  Total

  2005

  2006

  2007

      2008    

      2009    

  

There-

after


  Fair
value


Japanese yen convertible bonds

  1.3% 126,225  97,742  11,483  17,000           128,334  0.9%  27,496  10,968  16,528              28,272

Straight bonds

  1.0% 300,272     100,120     100,152     100,000  308,407  1.0%  300,135  100,086     100,049        100,000  306,210

Straight bonds issued by subsidiaries

  1.8% 52,206  5,000     17,206  20,000  10,000     54,192  1.8%  46,364     16,364  20,000  10,000        47,633

Unsecured yen loans from banks and insurance companies

  0.5% 322,630  115,680  86,259  80,331  31,107  8,850  403  321,975  0.5%  293,732  101,623  85,928  59,998  30,616  15,083  484  292,112
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Total

   801,333  218,422  197,862  114,537  151,259  18,850  100,403  812,908     667,727  212,677  118,820  180,047  40,616  15,083  100,484  674,227
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Interest rate swaps:

 

      Yen (millions)

     Yen (millions)

      

Notional amount and maturity

date (as of March 31, 2004)


  Fair
value


     Notional amount and maturity date (as of March 31, 2005)

Average
receive
rate


   

Average pay rate


   2005

  2006

  2007

  

2008


  

    2009    


    There-  
after


    

          Average pay rate          


  2006

  2007

  2008

  

    2009    


      2010    

  

  There-  

after


  Fair
value


0.42%

    JPY6M LIBOR + 0.21%    100,000                          86

0.87%

    JPY6M LIBOR + 0.40%            15,000           49  JPY6M LIBOR + 0.40%       15,000                       84
      

Notional amount and maturity date

(as of March 31, 2003)


  Fair
value


     Notional amount and maturity date (as of March 31, 2004)

Average
receive
rate


   

Average pay rate


   2004

  2005

  2006

  2007

  2008

  There-
after


    

          Average pay rate          


  2005

  2006

  2007

      2008    

  2009

  There-
after


  Fair
value


0.42%

    JPY6M LIBOR + 0.21%       100,000              120  JPY6M LIBOR + 0.21%  100,000                 86

0.87%

    JPY6M LIBOR + 0.40%               15,000        152  JPY6M LIBOR + 0.40%          15,000           49

 

Item 12.Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

 

Not applicable


- 94100 -

 

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

 

The Company’s management, with the participation of its principal executive and principal financial officers, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15 (e)13a-15(e) under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of March 31, 2004.2005. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of that date.

 

No change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15 (f)13a-15(f) under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934) occurred during the year ended March 31, 20042005 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

 

Matsushita’s Board of Corporate Auditors has determined that Kazumi Kawaguchi, a Senior Corporate Auditor of Matsushita, is an “audit committee financial expert” as such term is defined by Item 16A of Form 20-F.

 

 

Item 16B.Code of Ethics

 

Matsushita has adopted a Code of Ethics applicable to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and other Executive Officers. The Code of Ethics is attached as an exhibit to thisthe annual report for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004 on Form 20-F. [incorporated by reference to the annual report on Form 20-F.20-F (File No. 1-06784) filed on September 13, 2004]


- 95101 -

 

Item 16C.Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

Fees and services by the Company’s principal accountant

 

The following table shows the aggregate fees accrued or paid to KPMG AZSA & Co. and its member firms (KPMG), the Company’s principal accountant for the years ended March 31, 20042005 and 2003:2004:

 

  Yen (millions)

  Yen (millions)

  2004

  2003

  2005

  2004

Audit fees

  1,195  1,146  1,579  1,195

Audit-related fees

  242  187  211  242

Tax fees

  465  603  352  465

All other fees

  15  6  27  15
  
  
  
  

Total

  1,917  1,942  2,169  1,917
  
  
  
  

 

Audit fees are fees for professional services for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements. Audit-related fees are fees for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Company’s financial statements and are not reported under the Audit fees category, such as assistance in review of internal controls related to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, due diligence and issuance of certificated documents. Tax fees are fees for professional services rendered mainly for tax compliance, tax advice, tax consulting associated with international transfer prices and expatriate employee tax services. All other fees are fees for those services not reported under the Audit fees, Audit-related fees, and Tax fees categories, such as professional advices related to environmental regulations.

 

No services were provided for which pre-approval was waived pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

 

Policy of the Company’s Board of Corporate Auditors on pre-approval of audit or non-audit services

 

In accordance with paragraph (c)(7)(i) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X and the related adopting release of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Company’s Board of Corporate Auditors must pre-approve the engagement of the Company’s principal accountant, currently KPMG, by Matsushita or its subsidiaries to render audit or non-audit services. Also, paragraph (c)(4) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X provides that an accountant is not independent from an audit client if the accountant provides certain non-audit services to the audit client. Under the policy adopted by the Company’s Board of Corporate Auditors, all audit or non-audit services provided by KPMG must be specifically pre-approved by the Board of Corporate Auditors. Such pre-approval is considered at the monthly meetings of the Board of Corporate Auditors. Any service that either falls into a category of services that are not permitted by the applicable law or regulation or is otherwise deemed by the Board of Corporate Auditors to be inconsistent with the maintenance of the principal accountant’s independence is rejected. Management’s requests for proposed engagement of the principal accountant to render services that require immediate approval, if considered necessary, are pre-approved by a designated member of the Board of Corporate Auditors, and then reported to the Board of Corporate Auditors at its next meeting.


- 96102 -

 

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

 

Not applicable

 

 

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

 

Not applicableThe following table sets forth, for each of the months indicated, the total number of shares purchased by or on behalf of the Company or any affiliated purchaser, the average price paid per share, the number of shares purchased as part of the repurchase plan announced on August 27, 2004 as described above and the maximum number of shares or approximate Japanese Yen value that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs.

  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 Plan
(Shares)


  

(d) Maximum
Number of Shares

that May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plan

(Shares)


April 1 - 30, 2004

    119,044  1,625  —    —  

May 1 - 31, 2004

    65,732  1,537  —    —  

June 1 - 30, 2004

    68,439  1,526  —    —  

July 1 - 31, 2004

    169,320  1,497  —    —  

August 1 - 31, 2004

    103,338  1,448  —    80,000,000

September 1 - 30, 2004

    14,042,527  1,499  13,334,000  66,666,000

October 1 - 31, 2004

    6,730,370  1,522  6,570,000  60,096,000

November 1 - 30, 2004

    13,287,621  1,535  13,026,000  47,070,000

December 1 - 31, 2004

    10,173,574  1,545  9,712,000  37,358,000

January 1 - 31, 2005

    6,451,439  1,592  6,279,000  31,079,000

February 1 - 28, 2005

    9,675,632  1,567  9,570,000  21,509,000

March 1 - 31, 2005

    122,549  1,566  —    21,509,000
     
  
  
  

Total

    61,009,585  1,538  58,491,000   
     
  
  
   

On August 27, 2004, the Company announced that the Board of Directors resolved to repurchase its own shares, pursuant to Article 211-3, Paragraph 1, Item 2 of the Commercial Code of Japan as follows:

Class of shares

:Common stock

Aggregate number of repurchaseable shares    

:Up to 80 million shares

Aggregate repurchase amount

:Up to 100 billion yen

Period of repurchase

:Between August 30, 2004 and late March 2005

On September 29, 2004, the Company repurchased its own shares from MEW, a consolidated subsidiary of the Company in conformity with provisions of Article 211-3, Paragraph 1, Item 1 of the Japanese Commercial Code. The details of the share repurchase are as follows:

Class of shares

:Common stock

Aggregate number of shares to be repurchased

:574,922 shares

Aggregate repurchase amount

:845,710,262 yen


- 97103 -

 

Under the Commercial Code of Japan, a holder of shares constituting less than one full unit may require Matsushita to purchase such shares at their market value (see “Common Stock—Unit share system” in Section B of Item 10). During the year ended March 31, 2005, Matsushita purchased 1,872,663 shares for a total purchase price of 2,885,356,887 yen upon such requests from holders of shares constituting less than one full unit.

The Directors, Corporate Auditors, Executive Officers and Executive Counsellors in Japan are eligible to participate in the Matsushita Electric Directors and Executive Officers Shareholding Association, which is an affiliated purchaser, and the Association purchases shares of the Company’s common stock on their behalf. During the year ended March 31, 2005, the Association purchased 71,000 shares for a total purchase price of 108,526,000 yen.


- 104 -

PART III

 

Item 17.Financial Statements

 

Not applicable

 

Item 18.Financial Statements

 

Index of Consolidated Financial Statements of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. and Subsidiaries:

 

   Page

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

  98105

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 20042005 and 20032004

  99106

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 2003 and 20022003

  101108

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 2003 and 20022003

  102109

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 2003 and 20022003

  104111

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  106113

 

Schedule for the years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 2003 and 2002:2003:

 

Schedule II     Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves for the years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 2003 and 20022003

  152169

 

All other schedules are omitted as permitted by the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission as the required information is presented in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto, or the schedules are not applicable.


- 98105 -

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.:

 

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries as listed in the accompanying index. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedule as listed in the accompanying index. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement 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.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries as of March 31, 20042005 and 2003,2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2004,2005, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

 

As described in Notes 1(i) and 8 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements, effective April 1, 2002, the Company changed its method of accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets as a result of the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.”

 

KPMG AZSA & Co.

 

 

Osaka, Japan

April 28, 2004May 18, 2005


- 99106 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

March 31, 20042005 and 20032004

 

  Yen (millions)

   Yen (millions)

 

Assets


  2004

 2003

   2005

 2004

 

Current assets:

      

Cash and cash equivalents (Note 9)

  1,275,014  1,167,470   1,169,756  1,275,014 

Time deposits (Note 9)

  170,047  395,559   144,781  170,047 

Short-term investments (Notes 5 and 17)

  2,684  1,196 

Short-term investments (Notes 5 and 18)

  11,978  2,684 

Trade receivables (Notes 6 and 9):

      

Related companies (Note 4)

  15,071  18,389   17,612  15,071 

Notes

  62,762  67,351   107,258  62,762 

Accounts

  1,037,707  1,114,208   1,170,704  1,037,707 

Allowance for doubtful receivables

  (47,873) (53,043)  (43,836) (47,873)
  

 

  

 

Net trade receivables

  1,067,667  1,146,905   1,251,738  1,067,667 
  

 

  

 

Inventories (Notes 3 and 9)

  777,540  783,262   893,425  777,540 

Other current assets (Notes 11 and 17)

  482,025  491,786 

Other current assets (Notes 7, 11 and 18)

  558,854  482,025 
  

 

  

 

Total current assets

  3,774,977  3,986,178   4,030,532  3,774,977 
  

 

  

 

Noncurrent receivables (Note 6)

  280,398  299,239   246,201  280,398 

Investments and advances (Notes 5 and 17):

   

Investments and advances (Notes 5 and 18):

   

Associated companies (Note 4)

  372,732  427,189   166,955  372,732 

Other investments and advances

  864,695  592,948   979,550  864,695 
  

 

  

 

Total investments and advances

  1,237,427  1,020,137   1,146,505  1,237,427 
  

 

  

 

Property, plant and equipment (Notes 6 and 7):

      

Land

  251,419  264,148   393,635  251,419 

Buildings

  1,253,350  1,280,448   1,665,243  1,253,350 

Machinery and equipment

  2,705,251  2,840,184   3,087,155  2,705,251 

Construction in progress

  46,037  64,792   84,139  46,037 
  

 

  

 

  4,256,057  4,449,572   5,230,172  4,256,057 

Less accumulated depreciation

  3,046,555  3,150,677   3,572,092  3,046,555 
  

 

  

 

Net property, plant and equipment

  1,209,502  1,298,895   1,658,080  1,209,502 
  

 

  

 

Other assets:

      

Goodwill (Notes 2 and 8)

  418,907  410,627   461,912  418,907 

Intangible assets (Note 8)

  73,099  74,810 

Other assets (Note 11)

  443,702  744,807 

Intangible assets (Notes 2 and 8)

  101,585  73,099 

Other assets (Notes 10 and 11)

  412,066  443,702 
  

 

  

 

Total other assets

  935,708  1,230,244   975,563  935,708 
  

 

  

 

  7,438,012  7,834,693   8,056,881  7,438,012 
  

 

  

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


- 100107 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

March 31, 20042005 and 20032004

 

  Yen (millions)

   Yen (millions)

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity


  2004

 2003

   2005

 2004

 

Current liabilities:

      

Short-term borrowings, including current portion of long-term debt (Notes 6, 9 and 17)

  290,208  333,686 

Short-term borrowings, including current portion of long-term debt (Notes 6, 9 and 18)

  385,474  290,208 

Trade payables:

      

Related companies (Note 4)

  41,325  32,104   30,121  41,325 

Notes

  36,162  29,615   37,099  36,162 

Accounts

  707,247  665,565   798,799  707,247 
  

 

  

 

Total trade payables

  784,734  727,284   866,019  784,734 
  

 

  

 

Accrued income taxes (Note 11)

  44,179  33,499   47,916  44,179 

Accrued payroll

  141,932  150,095   145,871  141,932 

Other accrued expenses (Note 18)

  696,741  683,569 

Other accrued expenses (Note 19)

  789,999  696,741 

Deposits and advances from customers

  83,798  100,469   92,089  83,798 

Employees’ deposits

  124,800  125,024   118,441  124,800 

Other current liabilities (Notes 11 and 17)

  403,394  417,206 

Other current liabilities (Notes 11 and 18)

  383,082  403,394 
  

 

  

 

Total current liabilities

  2,569,786  2,570,832   2,828,891  2,569,786 
  

 

  

 

Noncurrent liabilities:

      

Long-term debt (Notes 6, 9 and 17)

  460,639  588,202 

Long-term debt (Notes 6, 9 and 18)

  477,143  460,639 

Retirement and severance benefits (Note 10)

  801,199  1,375,143   597,163  801,199 

Other liabilities (Note 11)

  26,697  11,939   113,491  26,697 
  

 

  

 

Total noncurrent liabilities

  1,288,535  1,975,284   1,187,797  1,288,535 
  

 

  

 

Minority interests

  128,115  110,177   495,941  128,115 

Stockholders’ equity:

      

Common stock (Notes 9 and 12):

   

Authorized - 4,950,000,000 shares

Issued - 2,453,053,497 shares (2,447,923,088 shares in 2003)

  258,740  258,738 

Capital surplus (Notes 9 and 12)

  1,230,476  1,219,686 

Common stock (Note 12):

   

Authorized - 4,950,000,000 shares

Issued - 2,453,053,497 shares (2,453,053,497 shares in 2004)

  258,740  258,740 

Capital surplus (Note 12)

  1,230,701  1,230,476 

Legal reserve (Note 12)

  83,175  80,700   87,838  83,175 

Retained earnings (Note 12)

  2,442,504  2,432,052   2,461,071  2,442,504 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Notes 5, 10, 13 and 16):

   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Notes 5, 10, 13 and 17):

   

Cumulative translation adjustments

  (282,287) (161,124)  (245,642) (282,287)

Unrealized holding gains (losses) of available-for-sale securities

  88,104  (18,082)

Unrealized gains (losses) of derivative instruments

  6,676  (1,090)

Unrealized holding gains of available-for-sale securities

  72,608  88,104 

Unrealized gains of derivative instruments

  6,403  6,676 

Minimum pension liability adjustments

  (211,995) (525,346)  (71,746) (211,995)
  

 

  

 

Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

  (399,502) (705,642)  (238,377) (399,502)
  

 

  

 

Treasury stock, at cost (Note 12):

      

134,645,885 shares (88,606,377 shares in 2003)

  (163,817) (107,134)

194,695,787 shares (134,645,885 shares in 2004)

  (255,721) (163,817)
  

 

  

 

Total stockholders’ equity

  3,451,576  3,178,400   3,544,252  3,451,576 

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 18)

   

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 19)

   
  

 

  

 

  7,438,012  7,834,693   8,056,881  7,438,012 
  

 

  

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


- 101108 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

Years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 2003 and 20022003

 

  Yen (millions)

   Yen (millions)

 
  2004

 2003

 2002

   2005

 2004

 2003

 

Revenues:

   

Revenues, costs and expenses:

   

Net sales:

      

Related companies (Note 4)

  179,270  150,920  116,354   192,489  179,270  150,920 

Other

  7,300,474  7,250,794  6,957,483   8,521,147  7,300,474  7,250,794 
  

 

 

  

 

 

Total net sales

  7,479,744  7,401,714  7,073,837   8,713,636  7,479,744  7,401,714 

Cost of sales (Notes 4 and 16)

  (6,176,046) (5,313,065) (5,323,605)

Selling, general and administrative expenses (Note 16)

  (2,229,096) (1,971,187) (1,951,538)

Interest income

  19,564  22,267  34,361   19,490  19,564  22,267 

Dividends received

  5,475  4,506  8,219   5,383  5,475  4,506 

Gain from the transfer of the substitutional portion of Japanese Welfare Pension Insurance (Note 10)

  72,228  —    —     31,509  72,228  —   

Other income (Notes 5, 6, 15 and 16)

  59,544  64,677  54,146 

Other income (Notes 5, 6, 16 and 17)

  82,819  59,544  64,677 

Interest expense

  (22,827) (27,744) (32,805)

Other deductions (Notes 4, 5, 7, 8, 15, 16 and 17)

  (177,955) (153,737) (116,300)
  

 

 

  

 

 

Total revenues

  7,636,555  7,493,164  7,170,563 

Costs and expenses:

   

Cost of sales (Notes 4 and 15)

  5,313,065  5,323,605  5,312,039 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (Note 15)

  1,971,187  1,951,538  1,960,796 

Interest expense

  27,744  32,805  45,088 

Other deductions (Notes 4, 5, 7, 8, 15 and 16)

  153,737  116,300  390,419 
  

 

 

Total costs and expenses

  7,465,733  7,424,248  7,708,342 
  

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

  170,822  68,916  (537,779)

Income before income taxes

  246,913  170,822  68,916 

Provision for income taxes (Note 11):

      

Current

  77,375  51,704  33,902   96,529  77,375  51,704 

Deferred

  21,160  19,572  (87,177)  56,805  21,160  19,572 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  98,535  71,276  (53,275)  153,334  98,535  71,276 
  

 

 

  

 

 

Income (loss) before minority interests and equity in earnings (losses) of associated companies

  72,287  (2,360) (484,504)

Income (loss) before minority interests and equity in losses of associated companies

  93,579  72,287  (2,360)

Minority interests

  19,618  5,505  (56,666)  27,719  19,618  5,505 

Equity in earnings (losses) of associated companies (Note 4)

  (10,524) (11,588) 59 

Equity in losses of associated companies (Note 4)

  (7,379) (10,524) (11,588)
  

 

 

  

 

 

Net income (loss)

  42,145  (19,453) (427,779)  58,481  42,145  (19,453)
  

 

 

  

 

 

  Yen

   Yen

 

Net income (loss) per share of common stock (Note 14):

      

Basic

  18.15  (8.70) (206.09)  25.49  18.15  (8.70)

Diluted

  18.00  (8.70) (206.09)  25.49  18.00  (8.70)

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


- 102109 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

 

Years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 2003 and 20022003

 

  Yen (millions)

   Yen (millions)

 
  2004

 2003

 2002

   2005

 2004

 2003

 

Common stock (Notes 12 and 15):

   

Common stock (Notes 12 and 16):

   

Balance at beginning of year

  258,738  258,737  210,994   258,740  258,738  258,737 

Issuance of common stock for conversion of bonds

  2  1  47,743   —    2  1 
  

 

 

  

 

 

Balance at end of year

  258,740  258,738  258,737   258,740  258,740  258,738 
  

 

 

  

 

 

Capital surplus (Notes 12 and 15):

   

Capital surplus (Notes 12 and 16):

   

Balance at beginning of year

  1,219,686  682,848  621,267   1,230,476  1,219,686  682,848 

Issuance of common stock for conversion of bonds

  2  1  47,743   —    2  1 

Treasury stock provided for conversion of bonds

  4,209  —    —     —    4,209  —   

Stock issued under exchange offering (Note 2)

  6,579  537,487  —     —    6,579  537,487 

Transfer from legal reserve and retained earnings due to merger of subsidiaries

  —    —    11,008 

Sale of treasury stock

  225  —    —   

Capital transactions by consolidated and associated companies

  —    (650) 2,830   —    —    (650)
  

 

 

  

 

 

Balance at end of year

  1,230,476  1,219,686  682,848   1,230,701  1,230,476  1,219,686 
  

 

 

  

 

 

Legal reserve (Note 12):

      

Balance at beginning of year

  80,700  82,647  88,499   83,175  80,700  82,647 

Transfer from (to) retained earnings

  2,475  (1,947) 816   4,663  2,475  (1,947)

Transfer to capital surplus due to merger of subsidiaries

  —    —    (6,668)
  

 

 

  

 

 

Balance at end of year

  83,175  80,700  82,647   87,838  83,175  80,700 
  

 

 

  

 

 

Retained earnings (Note 12):

      

Balance at beginning of year

  2,432,052  2,470,356  2,929,281   2,442,504  2,432,052  2,470,356 

Net income (loss)

  42,145  (19,453) (427,779)  58,481  42,145  (19,453)

Cash dividends

  (29,218) (20,798) (25,990)  (35,251) (29,218) (20,798)

Transfer from (to) legal reserve

  (2,475) 1,947  (816)  (4,663) (2,475) 1,947 

Transfer to capital surplus due to merger of subsidiaries

  —    —    (4,340)
  

 

 

  

 

 

Balance at end of year

  2,442,504  2,432,052  2,470,356   2,461,071  2,442,504  2,432,052 
  

 

 

  

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 13):

      

Balance at beginning of year

  (705,642) (154,543) (79,089)  (399,502) (705,642) (154,543)

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

  306,140  (551,099) (75,454)  161,125  306,140  (551,099)
  

 

 

  

 

 

Balance at end of year

  (399,502) (705,642) (154,543)  (238,377) (399,502) (705,642)
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(Continued)


- 103110 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

 

Years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 2003 and 20022003

 

  Yen (millions)

   Yen (millions)

 
  2004

 2003

 2002

   2005

 2004

 2003

 

Treasury stock (Note 12):

      

Balance at beginning of year

  (107,134) (92,185) (739)  (163,817) (107,134) (92,185)

Treasury stock acquired due to acquisition of additional shares of newly consolidated subsidiaries (Note 2)

  (124) —    —   

Repurchase of common stock

  (69,394) (115,770) (91,969)  (92,879) (69,394) (115,770)

Stock exchanged under exchange offering (Note 2)

  —    100,821  —     —    —    100,821 

Sale of treasury stock

  —    —    523   1,099  —    —   

Conversion of bonds

  12,711  —    —     —    12,711  —   
  

 

 

  

 

 

Balance at end of year

  (163,817) (107,134) (92,185)  (255,721) (163,817) (107,134)
  

 

 

  

 

 

Disclosure of comprehensive income (loss) (Note 13):

      

Net income (loss)

  42,145  (19,453) (427,779)  58,481  42,145  (19,453)

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

      

Translation adjustments

  (121,163) (106,003) 102,832   36,645  (121,163) (106,003)

Unrealized holding gains (losses) of available-for-sale securities

  106,186  (68,894) (28,052)  (15,496) 106,186  (68,894)

Unrealized gains (losses) of derivative instruments

  7,766  (1,218) 128   (273) 7,766  (1,218)

Minimum pension liability adjustments

  313,351  (374,984) (150,362)  140,249  313,351  (374,984)
  

 

 

  

 

 

Total comprehensive income (loss)

  348,285  (570,552) (503,233)  219,606  348,285  (570,552)
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


- 104111 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

Years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 2003 and 20022003

 

  Yen (millions)

   Yen (millions)

 
  2004

 2003

 2002

   2005

 2004

 2003

 

Cash flows from operating activities (Note 15):

   

Cash flows from operating activities (Note 16):

   

Net income (loss)

  42,145  (19,453) (427,779)  58,481  42,145  (19,453)

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation and amortization

  278,177  302,141  362,052   325,465  278,177  302,141 

Net gain on sale of investments

  (11,327) (93) (6,160)  (31,399) (11,327) (93)

Provision for doubtful receivables

  3,154  17,621  4,428   4,963  3,154  17,621 

Deferred income taxes

  21,160  19,572  (87,177)  56,805  21,160  19,572 

Write-down of investment securities (Notes 4 and 5)

  52,492  52,611  92,297   16,186  52,492  52,611 

Impairment loss on long-lived assets (Notes 7 and 8)

  11,666  2,375  24,420   29,519  11,666  2,375 

Minority interests

  19,618  5,505  (56,666)  27,719  19,618  5,505 

(Increase) decrease in trade receivables

  35,248  (72,604) 200,966   61,207  35,248  (72,604)

(Increase) decrease in inventories

  (37,016) 82,573  270,360   84,405  (37,016) 82,573 

(Increase) decrease in other current assets

  13,450  27,996  (35,579)  14,649  13,450  27,996 

Increase (decrease) in trade payables

  87,226  162,378  (130,275)  (74,276) 87,226  162,378 

Increase (decrease) in accrued income taxes

  12,254  4,960  (31,505)  (3,422) 12,254  4,960 

Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other current liabilities

  10,782  79,252  9,199   (10,736) 10,782  79,252 

Increase (decrease) in retirement and severance benefits

  (67,332) 16,622  (86,144)  (99,499) (67,332) 16,622 

Other

  17,435  16,861  10,509   18,368  17,435  16,861 
  

 

 

  

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  489,132  698,317  112,946   478,435  489,132  698,317 
  

 

 

  

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities (Note 15):

   

Cash flows from investing activities (Note 16):

   

Proceeds from sale of short-term investments

  —    10,523  36,976   6,117  —    10,523 

Purchase of short-term investments

  (702) —    (27,509)  (9,001) (702) —   

Proceeds from disposition of investments and advances

  68,468  121,001  172,763   101,374  68,468  121,001 

Increase in investments and advances

  (207,869) (80,774) (123,330)  (133,636) (207,869) (80,774)

Capital expenditures

  (275,544) (246,603) (342,107)  (352,203) (275,544) (246,603)

Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment

  113,008  58,270  142,924   78,131  113,008  58,270 

(Increase) decrease in finance receivables

  30,697  29,158  60,731   26,823  30,697  29,158 

(Increase) decrease in time deposits

  202,808  96,371  29,742   27,748  202,808  96,371 

Inflows due to acquisition of additional shares of newly consolidated subsidiaries, net of cash paid

  82,208  —    —   

Other

  (16,311) 877  (24,662)  (5,857) (16,311) 877 
  

 

 

  

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

  (85,445) (11,177) (74,472)  (178,296) (85,445) (11,177)
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(Continued)


- 105112 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

Years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 2003 and 20022003

 

  Yen (millions)

   Yen (millions)

 
  2004

 2003

 2002

   2005

 2004

 2003

 

Cash flows from financing activities (Note 15):

   

Cash flows from financing activities (Note 16):

   

Decrease in short-term borrowings

  (39,577) (106,630) (83,703)  (8,009) (39,577) (106,630)

Increase (decrease) in deposits and advances from customers and employees

  (15,787) (20,589) (22,739)  (139,134) (15,787) (20,589)

Proceeds from long-term debt

  108,026  122,288  447,458   119,422  108,026  122,288 

Repayments of long-term debt

  (228,039) (293,088) (218,159)  (251,554) (228,039) (293,088)

Dividends paid

  (29,218) (20,798) (25,990)  (35,251) (29,218) (20,798)

Dividends paid to minority interests

  (4,675) (8,267) (10,112)  (14,765) (4,675) (8,267)

Repurchase of common stock (Note 12)

  (69,394) (115,770) (91,969)  (92,879) (69,394) (115,770)

Decrease of treasury stock (Note 12)

  —    —    523 

Sale of treasury stock (Note 12)

  1,324  —    —   

Other

  5,963  —    5,107   1,395  5,963  —   
  

 

 

  

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

  (272,701) (442,854) 416 

Net cash used in financing activities

  (419,451) (272,701) (442,854)
  

 

 

  

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

  (23,442) (9,948) 16,541   14,054  (23,442) (9,948)
  

 

 

  

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

  107,544  234,338  55,431 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

  (105,258) 107,544  234,338 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

  1,167,470  933,132  877,701   1,275,014  1,167,470  933,132 
  

 

 

  

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

  1,275,014  1,167,470  933,132   1,169,756  1,275,014  1,167,470 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


- 106113 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

March 31, 2005, 2004 2003 and 20022003

 

(1)Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

 (a)Description of Business

 

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (hereinafter, the “Company,” including consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires) is one of the world’s leading producers of electronic and electric products. The Company currently offers a comprehensive range of products, systems and components for consumer, business and industrial use based on sophisticated electronics and precision technology.technology, expanding to building materials and equipment, and housing business. Most of the Company’s products are marketed under “Panasonic” and several other trade names, including “National,” “Technics,” “Quasar,” “Victor”“Victor,” “JVC” and “JVC.“PanaHome.

 

Sales in fiscal 20042005 were categorized as follows: AVC Networks—48%41%, Home Appliances—16%14%, Components and Devices—15%13%, MEW and PanaHome*—17%, JVC—11%8%, and Other—10%7%. A sales breakdown in fiscal 20042005 by geographical market was as follows: Japan—46%53%, North and South America—18%14%, Europe—15%13%, and Asia and Others—21%20%.

 

The Company is not dependent on a single supplier, and has no significant difficulty in obtaining raw materials from suppliers.

*MEW stands for Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. and PanaHome stands for PanaHome Corporation.

 

 (b)Basis of Presentation of Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The Company and its domestic subsidiaries maintain their books of account in conformity with financial accounting standards of Japan, and its foreign subsidiaries in conformity with those of the countries of their domicile.

 

The consolidated financial statements presented herein have been prepared in a manner and reflect the adjustments which are necessary to conform with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

 (c)Principles of Consolidation (See Note 4)

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned, controlled subsidiaries. Significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation.

Investments in associated companies, including the companiesThe Company also consolidates entities in which the Company’s ownership is 20%controlling interest exists through variable interests in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (FIN 46R). The Company currently does not have any variable interest entities to 50% and corporate joint ventures, are stated at their underlying net equity value after elimination of intercompany profits.be consolidated.


- 107114 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The difference between the acquisition cost and the Company’s equity in net assets of associated companies at acquisition was being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from ten to forty years prior to the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” as of April 1, 2002. Subsequent to the adoption of SFAS No. 142, the unamortized balance of such equity method goodwill is not amortized and is instead tested for impairment.

Investments in associated companies are reduced to fair value by a charge to earnings for other-than-temporary declines in fair value.

In accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (FIN 46R), variable interest entities, of which the Company has controlling financial interests through means other than voting rights, are consolidated. FIN 46R was effective as of March 31, 2004, except for special purpose entities, to which FIN 46R should be applied as of December 31, 2003. The adoption of FIN 46R did not have a material effect on the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

 (d)Revenue Recognition

 

The Company generates revenue principally through the sale of consumer and industrial products, equipment, and supplies. The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, and title and risk of loss have been transferred to the customer or services have been rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured.

 

Revenue from sales of products is generally recognized when the products are received by customers. Revenue from sales of certain products with customer acceptance provisions related to their functionality is recognized when the product is received by the customer and the specific criteria of the product functionality are successfully tested and demonstrated.

 

The Company enters into arrangements with multiple elements, which may include any combination of products, equipment, installment and maintenance. The Company allocates revenue to each element based on its relative fair value if such element meets the criteria for treatment as a separate unit of accounting as prescribed in the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue 00-21, “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables” (EITF 00-21). EITF 00-21 was effective for revenue arrangements entered into after June 30, 2003. EITF 00-21 did not have a material effect on the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

The Company’s policy is to accept product returns only in the case that the products are defective. The Company issues contractual product warranties under which it guarantees the performance of products delivered and services rendered for a certain period of time. A liability for the estimated product warranty related cost is established at the time revenue is recognized, and is included in “Other accrued expenses.” Estimates for accrued warranty cost are primarily based on historical experience and current information on repair cost.

Historically the Company has made certain allowances related to sales to its consumer business distributors. Such allowances are generally provided to compensate the distributors for a decline in the product’s value, and are classified as a reduction of revenue on the consolidated statements of operations. Estimated price adjustments are accrued when the related sales are recognized. The estimate is made based primarily on the historical experience or specific arrangements made with the distributors.

The Company also occasionally offers incentive programs to its distributors in the form of rebates. These rebates are accrued at the later of the date at which the related revenue is recognized or the date at which the incentive is offered, and are recorded as reductions of sales in accordance with EITF 01-09, “Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer (Including a Reseller of the Vendor’s Products).”


- 115 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 (e)Leases (See Note 6)

 

A subsidiary of the Company leases machinery and equipment. Leases of such assets are principally accounted for as direct financing leases and included in “Trade receivables—Accounts” and “Noncurrent receivables” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.


- 108 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 (f)Inventories (See Note 3)

 

Finished goods and work in process are stated at the lower of cost (average) or market. Raw materials are stated at cost, principally on a first-in, first-out basis, not in excess of current replacement cost.

 

 (g)Foreign Currency Translation (See Note 13)

 

Foreign currency financial statements are translated in accordance with SFASStatement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 52, “Foreign Currency Translation,” under which all assets and liabilities are translated into yen at year-end rates and income and expense accounts are translated at weighted-average rates. Adjustments resulting from the translation of financial statements are reflected under the caption, “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss),” a separate component of stockholders’ equity.

 

 (h)Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is computed primarily using the declining balance method based on the following estimated useful lives:

 

Buildings ......................................................................

  5 to 50 years

Machinery and equipment ............................................

  2 to 10 years

 

 (i)Goodwill and Other Intangible assets (See Note 8)

 

Goodwill represents the excess of costs over the fair value of net assets of businesses acquired. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 142, for“Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” from the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2002. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, and are instead tested for impairment at least annually in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142. SFAS No. 142 also requires that intangible assets with estimable useful lives be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” SFAS No. 142 required the Company to perform an assessment of whether there was an indication that goodwill is impaired as of the date of adoption. The results of this assessment did not require the Company to recognize an impairment loss. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 142, goodwill was being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from ten to forty years.


- 109116 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 (j)Investments in Available-for-Sale Securitiesand Advances (See Notes 4, 5 and 13)

Investments and advances primarily consist of investments in and advances to associated companies, cost method investments, available-for-sale securities, and long-term deposits. Cost method investments and long-term deposits are recorded at historical cost.

The equity method is used to account for investments in associated companies in which the Company exerts significant influence, generally having a 20% to 50% ownership interest, and corporate joint ventures. The Company also uses the equity method for some subsidiaries if the minority shareholders have substantive participating rights. Under the equity method of accounting, investments are stated at their underlying net equity value after elimination of intercompany profits. The cost method is used when the Company does not have significant influence.

The excess of cost of the stock of the associated companies over the Company’s share of their net assets at the acquisition date, included in the equity investment balance, was recognized as goodwill. Such equity method goodwill is not being amortized and is instead tested for impairment, in accordance with SFAS No. 142.

 

The Company accounts for debt and equity securities in accordance with SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.”

 

SFAS No. 115 requires that certain investments in debt and equity securities be classified as held-to-maturity, trading, or available-for-sale securities. The Company classifies its existing marketable equity securities other than investments in associated companies and all debt securities as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value with unrealized holding gains or losses included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable taxes.

 

Individual securities classified as available-for-sale are reduced to net realizable value by a charge to earnings for other-than-temporary declines in fair value. Realized gains and losses are determined on the average cost method and reflected in earnings.

On a continuous basis, but no less frequently than at the end of each semi-annual period, the Company evaluates the carrying amount of each of the investments in associated companies, cost method investments and available-for-sale securities for possible impairment. Factors considered in assessing whether an indication of other-than-temporary impairment exists include the period of time the fair value has been below the carrying amount or cost basis of investment, financial condition and prospects of each investee, and other relevant factors.


- 117 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Investments in associated companies, cost method investments and available-for-sale securities are reduced to fair value by a charge to earnings when impairment is considered to be other than temporary. Impairment is measured based on the amount by which the carrying amount or cost basis of the investment exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined based on quoted market prices, discounted cash flows or other valuation techniques as appropriate.

 

 (k)Income Taxes (See Note 11)

 

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

 

 (l)Advertising (See Note 15)16)

 

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

 

 (m)Net Income (Loss) per Share (See Notes 9, 12 and 14)

 

The Company accounts for net income (loss) per share in accordance with SFAS No. 128, “Earnings per Share.” This Statement establishes standards for computing net income (loss) per share and requires dual presentation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share on the face of the statements of operations for all entities with complex capital structures.


- 110 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Under SFAS No. 128, basic net income (loss) per share is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each period, and diluted net income per share assumes the 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.

 

 (n)Cash Equivalents

 

Cash equivalents include all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less.


- 118 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 (o)Derivative Financial Instruments (See Notes 1617 and 17)18)

 

Derivative financial instruments utilized by the Company and its subsidiaries are comprised principally of foreign exchange contracts, interest rate swaps, cross currency swaps and commodity futures used to hedge currency risk, interest rate risk and commodity price risk.

 

The Company adoptedaccounts for derivative instruments in accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended, for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2001.amended. The cumulative effect upon adoption was not significant. After the adoption of SFAS No. 133, as amended, the Company recognizes derivatives in the consolidated balance sheets at their fair value in “Other current assets,” “Other assets,” “Other current liabilities” or “Other liabilities.” On the date the derivative contract is entered into, the Company designates the derivative as either a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (“fair-value” 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 (“cash-flow” hedge), or a foreign-currency fair-value or cash-flow hedge (“foreign-currency” hedge). The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items.


- 111 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is highly effective and that is designated and qualifies as a fair-value hedge, along with the loss or gain on the hedged asset or liability or unrecognized firm commitment of the hedged item that is attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in earnings. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is highly effective and that is designated and qualifies as a cash-flow hedge are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss), until earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the designated hedged item. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are highly effective as hedges and that are designated and qualify as foreign-currency hedges are recorded in either earnings or other comprehensive income (loss), depending on whether the hedge transaction is a fair-value hedge or a cash-flow hedge. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of a derivative instrument that qualifies as either a fair-value hedge or a cash-flow hedge is reported in earnings.


- 119 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 (p)Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (See Note 7)

 

The Company adoptedaccounts for impairment or disposition of long-lived assets in accordance with SFAS No. 144 for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2002. The adoption of SFAS No. 144 did not affect the Company’s consolidated financial statements. SFAS No. 144 provides a single accounting model for long-lived assets to be disposed of. SFAS No. 144 also changes the criteria for classifying an asset as held for sale, and broadens the scope of businesses to be disposed of that qualify for reporting as discontinued operations and changes the timing of recognizing losses on such operations.

144. In accordance with SFAS No. 144, long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment, and purchased intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.

 

(q)Restructuring Charges (See Note 15)

Prior

In June 2002, FASB issued SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.” SFAS No. 146 addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and nullifies EITF 94-3, “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity.” The provisions of this Statement are effective for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002. The Company adopted SFAS No. 146 on January 1, 2003. Pursuant to SFAS No. 146, liabilities for restructuring costs are recognized when the liability is incurred, which may be subsequent to the date when the Company has committed to a restructuring plan. The adoption of SFAS No. 144,146 did not have a material effect on the Company accounted for long-lived assets in accordance with SFAS No. 121, “Accounting for Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of.”Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

 (q)(r)Stock-Based Compensation (See Note 12)

 

TheSFAS No. 123 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” and SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure, an amendment of SFAS No. 123,” established accounting and disclosure requirements using a fair-value-based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation plans.

As permitted by existing accounting standards, the Company applieshas elected to continue to apply the intrinsic-based-method of accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations in accountingto account for its stock option plans described in Note 12.


- 112 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements12, and has adopted only the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123, as amended.

 

As the option price at the date of grant exceeded the fair market value of common stock, no compensation costs have been recognized in connection with the plans.

If the accounting provision of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,”as amended, had been adopted, the impact on the Company’s net income (loss) for the three years ended March 31, 20042005 would not be material.


- 120 -

(r)Product Warranties (See Note 18)

 

A liability for the estimated product warranty related cost is established at the time revenue is recognized, and is included in “Other accrued expenses.” Estimates for accrued warranty cost are primarily based on historical experience and current information on repair costs.MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 (s)Use of Estimates

 

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 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

(t)New Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2004, FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS No. 123R), which addresses accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services, with a primary focus on transactions in which an entity obtains employee services in share-based payment transactions. SFAS No. 123R is a revision to SFAS No. 123 and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25 and its related implementation guidance. SFAS No. 123R will require measurement of the cost of employee services received in exchange for stock compensation based on the grant-date fair value of the employee stock options. Incremental compensation costs arising from subsequent modifications of awards after the grant date must be recognized. SFAS No. 123R will be effective for the Company as of April 1, 2006. The application of SFAS No. 123R is not expected to have a material effect.

In December 2004, FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs,” which clarifies the accounting for abnormal amounts of its idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material (spoilage). Under SFAS No. 151, such items will be recognized as current-period charges. In addition, SFAS No. 151 requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. SFAS No. 151 will be effective for the Company for inventory costs incurred on or after April 1, 2006. The Company is currently in the process of assessing the impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 151.

In December 2004, FASB issued SFAS No. 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets,” which eliminates an exception in APB Opinion No. 29, “Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions,” for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with a general exception for exchanges of nonmonetary assets that do not have commercial substance. SFAS No. 153 will be effective for the Company for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring on or after April 1, 2006. The Company is currently in the process of assessing the impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 153.


- 121 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(u)Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ consolidated financial statements and notes thereto to conform with the presentation used for the year ended March 31, 2005.

(2)Acquisition

On April 1, 2004, the Company acquired 19.2% of the issued common shares of Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. (MEW) through a tender offer to obtain its controlling interest. Until then, the Company had a 31.8% equity ownership.

This acquisition also resulted in another acquisition of controlling interest of PanaHome Corporation (PanaHome) because both the Company and MEW have 27% equity ownership.

The results of operations of MEW and PanaHome are included in the consolidated financial statements since that date. MEW is a manufacturer of household electric equipment, building products and related materials based in Osaka, Japan. As a result of the acquisition, the Company is expected to provide a comprehensive range of home electric and household equipment and systems in Japan. It also expects to reduce costs through economies of scale and sharing of research and development resources and marketing channels. The aggregate purchase cost of additional MEW shares was 147,187 million yen and was paid in cash. The carrying value of the Company’s common shares of MEW immediately before the acquisition was 200,174 million yen. The carrying value of the Company’s existing common shares of PanaHome at April 1, 2004 was 22,861 million yen.


- 122 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The purchase price of additional MEW shares has been allocated based upon the estimated fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The excess of the purchase price over fair value of net identifiable assets was allocated to goodwill. The Company’s new basis of investments in MEW and PanaHome upon the acquisition of additional shares of MEW was 343,844 million yen, which consisted of the purchase price of acquired shares and the carrying value of the existing shares, net of deferred tax liabilities of 26,378 million yen on the outside basis of existing shares that had been accounted for using the equity method. Such new basis of investments in MEW and PanaHome was allocated as follows:

Yen (millions)

Cash and cash equivalents

226,911

Other current assets

431,633

Property, plant and equipment

440,584

Goodwill

41,523

Intangible assets

25,533

In-process research and development

311

Other assets

220,631

Total assets acquired

1,387,126

Current liabilities

335,899

Noncurrent liabilities

419,803

Total liabilities assumed

755,702

Minority interests

287,580

Net assets acquired

343,844

In-process research and development represents the estimated value of in-process research and development projects that had not yet reached technical feasibility. The related technology had no alternative use and required substantial additional development by the Company. In-process research and development was charged to operations during the year ended March 31, 2005 and included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Of the 25,533 million yen of acquired intangible asset, 20,005 million yen was assigned to assets subject to amortization, which have a weighted-average useful life of approximately seven years and include technologies of 9,592 million yen with a 10-year weighted-average useful life, and software of 8,892 million yen with a 5-year weighted-average useful life.

The total amount of goodwill is included in “MEW and PanaHome” segment, and is not deductible for tax purposes.


- 123 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The unaudited pro forma information shows the results of the Company’s consolidated operations for the year ended March 31, 2004 as though MEW and PanaHome had been consolidated at the beginning of fiscal 2004. The unaudited pro forma results include the unaudited historical operating results of MEW and PanaHome for the year ended March 31, 2004.

The unaudited pro forma data is not necessarily indicative of the Company’s results of operations that would actually have been reported if the transaction in fact had occurred on April 1, 2003, and is not necessarily representative of the Company’s consolidated results of operations for any future period.

Unaudited

Yen (millions)

2004

Net sales

8,771,836

Net income

49,129
Yen

2004

Net income per share:

Basic

21.16

Diluted

20.94

 

On October 1, 2002, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (MEI) transformed Matsushita Communication Industrial Co., Ltd. (MCI), Kyushu Matsushita Electric Co., Ltd. (KME), Matsushita Seiko Co., Ltd. (MSC), Matsushita Kotobuki Electric Industries, Ltd. (MKEI) and Matsushita Graphic Communication Systems, Inc. (MGCS) into wholly owned subsidiaries, through share exchange transactions, in order to facilitate optimum groupwideGroupwide allocation of management resources, as well as enhance management speed. Prior to these transactions, MEI owned 56.3%, 51.5%, 57.6%, 57.6% and 67.8% of common stock of MCI, KME, MSC, MKEI and MGCS, respectively. The share exchange ratios were one share of MCI, KME, MSC, MKEI and MGCS for 2.884, 0.576, 0.332, 0.833 and 0.538 shares of MEI, respectively. MEI provided 309,407,251 shares of newly issued common stock and 59,984,408 shares of its treasury stock to the minority shareholders.

 

These transactions were accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. The fair value of the acquired minority interests was determined based on the weighted-average quoted market price of 1,728 yen per share of MEI for a few days before and after January 10, 2002 when the terms of the share exchanges were agreed to and announced.


- 113124 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Effects of the transactions to the consolidated balance sheet at October 1, 2002 are as follows:

 

   Yen (millions)

 

Acquisition costs:

    

Fair value of shares provided to minority interests

  638,308 

Direct costs

��  424 
   

Total acquisition costs

  638,732 

Book value of acquired minority interests

  336,763 
   

Excess costs over the book value of minority interests

  301,969 
   

Excess of costs allocated to:

    

Current assets

  1,216 

Property, plant and equipment

  38,343 

Other assets:

    

Goodwill

  314,436 

Intangible assets

  610 

Other assets

  8,386 

Noncurrent liabilities

  (61,022)
   

   301,969 
   

 

The amount of goodwill by reportable segment recognized through the above transactions is as follows. As discussed in Note 19, the Company has reclassified its segments effective April 1, 2003 and accordingly restated the figures of prior periods.follows:

 

   

Yen (millions)

(Restated)



AVC Networks

  305,780

Home Appliances

  7,562

Other

  1,094
   
   314,436
   

 

The total amount of goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.

 

Prior to these transactions, those five subsidiaries were consolidated subsidiaries, and the Company’s consolidated statements of operations included the operating results of those subsidiaries for the full year. After the date of the transactions, minority interests relating to these subsidiaries were no longer recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.


- 114125 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The following unaudited pro forma information shows the results of the Company’s consolidated operations for the yearsyear ended March 31, 2003 and 2002 as though the transactions had been completed at the beginning of each fiscal year presented.2003.

 

   Unaudited

 
   Yen (millions)

 
   2003

  2002

 

Net loss

  (18,995) (465,479)
   Yen

 
   2003

  2002

 

Net loss per share:

       

Basic

  (7.85) (190.38)

Diluted

  (7.85) (190.38)
Unaudited

Yen (millions)

2003

Net loss

(18,995)
Yen

2003

Net loss per share:

Basic

(7.85)

Diluted

(7.85)

 

(3)Inventories

 

Inventories at March 31, 20042005 and 20032004 are summarized as follows:

 

  Yen (millions)

  Yen (millions)

  2004

  2003

  2005

  2004

Finished goods

  427,674  426,834  491,381  427,674

Work in process

  126,215  129,180  139,745  126,215

Raw materials

  223,651  227,248  262,299  223,651
  
  
  
  
  777,540  783,262  893,425  777,540
  
  
  
  


- 115126 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(4)Investments in and Advances to, and Transactions with Associated Companies

 

Certain financial information in respect of associated companies in aggregate at March 31, 20042005 and 20032004 and for the three years ended March 31, 20042005 is shown below. The most significant of these associated companies isare Toshiba Matsushita Electric Works,Display Technology Co., Ltd. (MEW)(TMD) and Matsushita Toshiba Picture Display Co., Ltd. (MTPD). At March 31, 2004,2005, the Company has a 31.8%40% equity ownership in MEW.TMD. At March 31, 2005, the Company has a 64.5% equity ownership in MTPD, but accounts for the investment under the equity method of accounting as the minority shareholder has a substantive participating right. As described in Note 2, MEW, PanaHome and their respective subsidiaries, which were formerly accounted for under the equity method, became consolidated subsidiaries of the Company on April 1, 2004. Accordingly, the financial information associated with MEW, PanaHome and their respective subsidiaries in fiscal 2005 are not included below.

 

  Yen (millions)

  Yen (millions)

  2004

    2003

  2005

  2004

Current assets

  1,047,518    887,752    417,848  1,047,518

Other assets

  1,429,442    1,489,617  383,739  1,429,442
  
    
  
  
  2,476,960    2,377,369  801,587  2,476,960

Current liabilities

  996,607    907,947  423,858  996,607

Other liabilities

  706,644    628,438  97,800  706,644
  
    
  
  

Net assets

  773,709    840,984  279,929  773,709
  
    
  
  

Company’s equity in net assets

  276,966    312,682  118,489  276,966
  
    
  
  

 

   Yen (millions)

   2004

   2003

   2002

Net sales

  2,552,682   1,969,387   1,629,396

Gross profit

  577,451   479,985   436,936

Net income (loss)

  (6,598)  (57,088)  4,495

Purchases and dividends received from associated companies for the three years ended March 31, 2004 are as follows:

   Yen (millions)

   2004

    2003

    2002

Purchases from

      366,943        234,608        212,577

Dividends received

  5,525    7,927    5,693

Retained earnings include undistributed earnings of associated companies in the amount of 56,303 million yen and 91,355 million yen, as of March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

   Yen (millions)

 
   2005

  2004

  2003

 

Net sales

  1,187,975  2,552,682  1,969,387 

Gross profit

  176,765  577,451  479,985 

Net loss

  (11,178) (6,598) (57,088)


- 116127 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

DuringPurchases and dividends received from associated companies for the yearthree years ended March 31, 2005 are as follows:

   Yen (millions)

   2005

  2004

  2003

Purchases from

  260,745  366,943  234,608

Dividends received

  1,480  5,525  7,927

Retained earnings include undistributed earnings of associated companies in the amount of 11,974 million yen and 56,303 million yen, as of March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

During the years ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, the Company incurred a write-down of 2,833 million yen and 50,793 million yen, respectively, for other-than-temporary impairment of investments in associated companies. The write-down is included in other deductions of costs and expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

Investments in associated companies include equity securities which have quoted market values at March 31, 20042005 and 20032004 compared with related carrying amounts as follows:

 

  Yen (millions)

  Yen (millions)

  2004

    2003

  2005

  2004

Carrying amount

  229,169    255,352      3,168  229,169

Market value

  261,476    165,918  4,133  261,476

 

(5)Investments in Available-for-Sale Securities

 

The Company classifies its existing marketable equity securities other than investments in associated companies and all debt securities as available-for-sale.


- 128 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The cost, fair value, gross unrealized holding gains, and gross unrealized holding losses of available-for-sale securities included in short-term investments and investments and advances at March 31, 20042005 and 20032004 are as follows:

 

  Yen (millions)

  Yen (millions)

  2004

  2005

  Cost

  Fair
value


  Gross
unrealized
holding
gains


  Gross
unrealized
holding
losses


  Cost

  Fair
value


  Gross
unrealized
holding
gains


  Gross
unrealized
holding
losses


Current:

                        

Japanese and foreign government bonds

  35  35  —    —  

Convertible and straight bonds

  1,000  1,001  1  —    5,000  5,000  —    —  

Other debt securities

  1,683  1,683  —    —    6,943  6,943  —    —  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  2,683  2,684  1  —    11,978  11,978  —    —  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Noncurrent:

                        

Equity securities

  217,470  398,425  181,219  264  228,202  392,903  164,826  125

Japanese and foreign government bonds

  40,200  40,233  33  —  

Convertible and straight bonds

  8,254  8,229  4  29  31,644  31,871  230  3

Other debt securities

  10,071  10,071  —    —    18,258  18,282  101  77
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  235,795  416,725  181,223  293  318,304  483,289  165,190  205
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

   2004

   Cost

  Fair
value


  Gross
unrealized
holding
gains


  Gross
unrealized
holding
losses


Current:

            

Convertible and straight bonds

  1,000  1,001  1  —  

Other debt securities

  1,683  1,683  —    —  
   
  
  
  
   2,683  2,684  1  —  
   
  
  
  

Noncurrent:

            

Equity securities

  217,470  398,425  181,219  264

Convertible and straight bonds

  8,254  8,229  4  29

Other debt securities

  10,071  10,071  —    —  
   
  
  
  
   235,795  416,725  181,223  293
   
  
  
  


- 117129 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

   Yen (millions)

   2003

   Cost

  Fair
value


  Gross
unrealized
holding
gains


  Gross
unrealized
holding
losses


Current:

            

Convertible and straight bonds

  4  4  —    —  

Other debt securities

  1,192  1,192  —    —  
   
  
  
  
   1,196  1,196  —    —  
   
  
  
  

Noncurrent:

            

Equity securities

  242,946  254,032  37,913  26,827

Japanese and foreign government bonds

  21,138  20,372  1  767

Convertible and straight bonds

  2,525  2,542  35  18

Investment trusts

  605  557  —    48

Other debt securities

  10,246  10,113  1  134
   
  
  
  
   277,460  287,616  37,950  27,794
   
  
  
  

Maturities of investments in available-for-sale securities at March 31, 20042005 and 20032004 are as follows:

 

  Yen (millions)

  Yen (millions)

  2004

  2003

  2005

  2004

  Cost

  Fair
value


  Cost

  Fair
value


  Cost

  Fair
value


  Cost

  Fair
value


Due within one year

  2,683  2,684  1,196  1,196  11,978  11,978  2,683  2,684

Due after one year through five years

  18,325  18,300  34,514  33,584  79,841  80,008  18,325  18,300

Due after five years through ten years

  10,261  10,378  —    —  

Equity securities

  217,470  398,425  242,946  254,032  228,202  392,903  217,470  398,425
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  238,478  419,409  278,656  288,812  330,282  495,267  238,478  419,409
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities for the years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 and 2002 were 74,719 million yen, 40,611 million yen 94,864 million yen and 174,39694,864 million yen, respectively. The gross realized gains for the years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 and 2002 were 31,655 million yen, 12,391 million yen 4,839 million yen and 10,5824,839 million yen, respectively. The gross realized losses on sale of available-for-sale securities for the years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 and 2002 were 256 million yen, 1,064 million yen 4,746 million yen and 4,4224,746 million yen, respectively. The cost of securities sold in computing gross realized gains and losses is determined by the average cost method.

During the years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, the Company incurred a write-down of 2,661 million yen, 1,699 million yen and 52,611 million yen, respectively, for other-than-temporary impairment of available-for-sale securities, mainly reflecting the aggravated condition of the Japanese stock market or market conditions of specific industries in Japan. The write-down is included in other deductions in the consolidated statements of operations.


- 118130 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

During the years ended March 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company incurred a write-down of 1,699 million yen, 52,611 million yen and 92,297 million yen, respectively, for other-than-temporary impairment of investment securities, mainly reflecting the aggravated condition of the Japanese stock market. The write-down is included in other deductions of costs and expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

Gross unrealized holding losses on investment 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, at March 31, 2005 and 2004, are as follows:

 

  Yen (millions)

  2005

  Less than 12 months

  12 months or more

  Total

  Fair
value


  Unrealized
losses


  Fair
value


  Unrealized
losses


  Fair
value


  Unrealized
losses


Equity securities

  5,828  125  —    —    5,828  125

Convertible and straight bonds

  1,497  3  —    —    1,497  3

Other debt securities

  1,423  77  —    —    1,423  77
  
  
  
  
  
  
  8,748  205  —    —    8,748  205
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Yen (millions)

  2004

  Less than 12 months

  12 months or more

  Total

  Less than 12 months

  12 months or more

  Total

  Fair
value


  Unrealized
losses


  Fair
value


  Unrealized
losses


  Fair
value


  Unrealized
losses


  Fair
value


  Unrealized
losses


  Fair
value


  Unrealized
losses


  Fair
value


  Unrealized
losses


Equity securities

  13,334  264  —    —    13,334  264  13,334  264  —    —    13,334  264

Convertible and straight bonds

  971  29  —    —    971  29  971  29  —    —    971  29
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  14,305  293  —    —    14,305  293  14,305  293  —    —    14,305  293
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Because theThe gross unrealized loss position has been continuing for a relatively short period of time,time. Based on this and other relevant factors, management has determined that these investments are not considered other-than-temporarily impaired. The Company has not held unrealized losses for twelve months or more length at March 31, 2005 or 2004.

The aggregate cost of the Company’s cost method investments totaled 189,740 million yen at March 31, 2005. For investments with an aggregate cost of 34,245 million yen, the Company estimated that the fair value exceeded the cost of investments (that is, the investments were not impaired). The remaining investments were considered other-than-temporarily impaired, resulting in a write-down of 10,692 million yen.


- 131 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(6)Leases

 

The Company and its subsidiaries havehas capital and operating leases for certain machinery and equipment. At March 31, 20042005 and 2003,2004, the gross amountbook value of machinery and equipment under capital leases was 19,72647,765 million yen and 15,75319,726 million yen, and the related accumulated depreciation recorded under capital leases was 10,14827,052 million yen and 8,23910,148 million yen, respectively.

 

During the years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 2003 and 2002,2003, the Company and its subsidiary sold and leased back certain machinery and equipment for 49,574 million yen, 44,636 million yen 21,083 million yen and 108,02421,083 million yen, respectively. The base lease base term is 4 to 5 years. The resulting leases are being accounted for as operating leases. The resulting gains of these transactions, included in other income in the consolidated statements of operations, were not significant. The Company has options to purchase the leased assets, or to terminate the leases and guarantee a specified value of the leased assets thereof, subject to certain conditions, during or at the end of the lease term.

 

Rental expenses for operating leases, including the above-mentioned sale-leaseback transactions were 34,800 million yen, 29,049 million yen 25,323 million yen and 6,81125,323 million yen for the years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable capital leases and 2002, respectively.operating leases at March 31, 2005 are as follows:

   Yen (millions)

Year ending March 31  Capital
leases


  Operating
leases


2006

  10,755  42,957

2007

  6,303  42,142

2008

  4,400  20,844

2009

  1,749  14,408

2010

  681  7,967

Thereafter

  1,335  6,223
   
  

Total minimum lease payments

  25,223  134,541
      

Less amount representing interest

  1,540   
   
   

Present value of net minimum lease payments

  23,683   

Less current portion

  10,502   
   
   

Long-term capital lease obligations

  13,181   
   
   


- 119132 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable capital leases and operating leases at March 31, 2004 are as follows:

   Yen (millions)

   Capital
leases


  Operating
leases


Year ending March 31

      

2005

  4,928  33,035

2006

  3,894  36,519

2007

  1,227  33,888

2008

  231  12,667

2009

  132  5,162

Thereafter

  164  1
   
  

Total minimum lease payments

  10,576  121,272
      

Less amount representing interest

  489   
   
   

Present value of net minimum lease payments

  10,087   

Less current portion

  4,498   
   
   

Long-term capital lease obligations

  5,589   
   
   

A subsidiary of the Company leases machinery and equipment. Leases of such assets are principally accounted for as direct financing leases. Subsequent to March 31, 2005, the Company sold the majority shares of this subsidiary to a third party, and began to account for its remaining investment using the equity method (see Note 21). Investments in non-cancelable financing leases at March 31, 20042005 and 20032004 are as follows:

 

   Yen (millions)

   2004

  2003

Total minimum lease payments to be received

  375,948  421,913

Less amounts representing estimated executory cost

  15,405  17,908

Less unearned income

  18,720  37,106
   
  
   341,823  366,899

Less allowance for doubtful receivables

  4,733  4,536
   
  

Net investment in financing leases

  337,090  362,363

Less current portion

  118,358  124,795
   
  

Long-term investment in financing leases

  218,732  237,568
   
  


- 120 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   Yen (millions)

   2005

  2004

Total minimum lease payments to be received

  332,292  375,948

Less amounts representing estimated executory cost

  13,840  15,405

Less unearned income

  15,677  18,720
   
  
   302,775  341,823

Less allowance for doubtful receivables

  5,946  4,733
   
  

Net investment in financing leases

  296,829  337,090

Less current portion

  105,817  118,358
   
  

Long-term investment in financing leases

  191,012  218,732
   
  

 

The aggregate annual maturities of the investments in non-cancelable financing leases after March 31, 20042005 are as follows:

 

  Yen (millions)

Year ending March 31

     Yen (millions)

2005

  133,756

2006

  98,946  119,654

2007

  69,909  86,702

2008

  43,363  61,680

2009

  20,416  38,355

2010

  17,722

Thereafter

  9,558  8,179
  
  

Total minimum lease payments to be received

  375,948  332,292
  
  

 

(7)Long-Lived Assets

 

The Company periodically reviews the recorded value of its long-lived assets to determine if the future cash flows to be derived from these propertiesassets will be sufficient to recover the remaining recorded asset values. As discussed in Note 1 (p), the Company accounts for impairment of long-lived assets in accordance with SFAS No. 144144. Impairment losses included in other deductions in the consolidated statements of operations, and SFAS No. 121 (priorare not charged to segment profit.


- 133 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The Company recognized impairment losses in the adoptionaggregate of SFAS No. 144).28,265 million yen of property, plant and equipment during fiscal 2005.

Due to severe competition primarily in the domestic audio and visual industry, the Company is currently in the process of realigning various branches of a certain domestic sales subsidiary. Consequently the Company decided to sell the land and buildings of the subsidiary near the end of fiscal 2005, and classified those land and buildings as assets held for sale, which were included in other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. As a result, the Company recognized an impairment loss. The fair value of the land and buildings was determined by using a purchase price offered by a third party.

The Company also recorded an impairment loss related to write-down of land and buildings used in connection with the manufacture of certain information and communications equipment at a domestic subsidiary. As a result of plans to reduce production of these products, the Company estimated the carrying amounts would not be recovered by the future cash flows. The fair value of land was determined by specific appraisal. The fair value of buildings was determined based on the discounted estimated future cash flow expected to result from the use of the buildings and their eventual disposition.

Impairment losses of 13,393 million yen, 8,555 million yen and 6,317 million yen were related to “AVC Networks,” “Home Appliances” and the remaining segments, respectively.

 

The Company recognized impairment losses of 10,623 million yen of property, plant and equipment during fiscal 2004. One of the impairment losses is related to write-down of certain land and buildings at a domestic sales subsidiary to the fair value. Those assets are currentlywere unused and the Company estimated the carrying amounts would not be recovered by the future cash flows. The fair value was determined by estimating the market value. The remaining impairment loss is mainly related to write-down of machinery and equipment toused in connection with the manufacture of certain electric components at a foreign subsidiary. As the prices of these products significantly decreased due to highly competitive market, the Company projected that the future business of those products would result in operating losses. The fair value was determined by estimating the market value. Impairment losses of 2,530 million yen, 2,663 million yen, 4,099 million yen and 1,331 million yen were related to “AVC Networks,” “Home Appliances,” “Components and Devices” and the remaining segments, respectively.

 

Due to the sale of certain assets and liabilities that consisted of a portion of the entertainment media disc manufacturing business at Panasonic Disc Services Corporation, the Company estimated that the carrying value of the remaining assets iswas impaired. As a result, the Company recognized an impairment loss of 2,375 million yen during fiscal 2003 related to write-down of the carrying value of machinery and equipment to manufacture entertainment media discs to their estimated fair values. The impaired assets are reported in “AVC Networks.”


- 121134 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The Company recognized an impairment loss of 24,420 million yen during fiscal 2002 related to the write-down of machinery and equipment to manufacture display devices and other components. As the prices of these products significantly decreased due to highly competitive market conditions, the Company projected that the future business of those products would result in operating losses.

Impairment losses recorded in fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002 are included in other deductions of costs and expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

(8)Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by business segment for the years ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 are as follows:

   Yen (millions)

 
   

AVC

Networks


  

Home

Appliances


  Components
and Devices


  MEW and
PanaHome


  JVC

  Other

  Total

 

Balance at March 31, 2003

  310,928  21,708  67,642  —    2,943  7,406  410,627 

Goodwill acquired during the year

  1,072  82  2,889  —    —    4,237  8,280 
   
  
  
  
  
  

 

Balance at March 31, 2004

  312,000  21,790  70,531  —    2,943  11,643  418,907 

Goodwill acquired during the year

  25  698  376  43,113  254  2,098  46,564 

Goodwill impaired during the year

  —    —    —    —    —    (3,559) (3,559)
   
  
  
  
  
  

 

Balance at March 31, 2005

  312,025  22,488  70,907  43,113  3,197  10,182  461,912 
   
  
  
  
  
  

 

The Company recognized an impairment loss of 3,559 million yen during fiscal 2005 related to goodwill of a cable-broadcasting subsidiary. As the growth rate of the cable-broadcasting business is lower than the Company’s expectation, the carrying amount of the cable-broadcasting unit was greater than the fair value of the reporting unit. The fair value was determined by using the estimated present fair value of future cash flows or quoted market prices. The impairment is included in other deductions in the consolidated statements of operations.


- 135 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Acquired intangible assets, excluding goodwill, at March 31, 2005 and 2004 are as follows:

   Yen (millions)

   
   2005

  2004

  

Average
amortization
period


   Gross
carrying
amount


  Accumulated
amortization


  Gross
carrying
amount


  Accumulated
amortization


  

Amortizing intangible assets:

               

Patents

  39,183  27,901  34,449  24,769  8 years

Software

  162,794  97,035  112,470  61,099  4 years

Other

  25,183  11,237  11,838  6,461  15 years
   
  
  
  
   
   227,160  136,173  158,757  92,329   
   
  
  
  
   

   Yen (millions)

   2005

  2004

Non-amortizing intangible assets:

      

Leasehold

  9,459  4,464

Other

  1,139  2,207
   
  
   10,598  6,671
   
  

Aggregate amortization expense for amortizing intangible assets for the years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 arewas 37,569 million yen, 23,789 million yen and 17,499 million yen, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for the next five years is as follows. As discussed in Note 19, the Company has reclassified its segments effective April 1, 2003 and accordingly restated the figures of prior periods.follows:

 

   Yen (millions)

 
   

AVC

Networks


  

Home

Appliances


  

Components

and Devices


  JVC

  Other

  Total

 

Balance at March 31, 2002 (Restated)

  3,197  12,880  70,506  2,943  6,312  95,838 

Goodwill acquired during the year (Restated)

  307,731  8,828  1,313  —    1,094  318,966 

Goodwill transferred to investments in associated companies (Restated)

  —    —    (4,177) —    —    (4,177)
   
  
  

 
  
  

Balance at March 31, 2003 (Restated)

  310,928  21,708  67,642  2,943  7,406  410,627 

Goodwill acquired during the year

  1,072  82  2,889  —    4,237  8,280 
   
  
  

 
  
  

Balance at March 31, 2004

  312,000  21,790  70,531  2,943  11,643  418,907 
   
  
  

 
  
  

Year ending March 31  Yen (millions)

            2006

  24,185

            2007

  16,599

            2008

  10,415

            2009

  6,260

            2010

  4,512

 

The following table reconciles previously reported netCompany recorded an impairment loss of 349 million yen of amortizing intangible assets in fiscal 2005. The Company estimated the carrying amount would not be recovered by the future cash flows, due to severe competition in the domestic market. The Company also recognized an impairment loss of 905 million yen and basic1,043 million yen of non-amortizing intangible assets, in connection with the decline of their market value during fiscal 2005 and diluted net2004, respectively. The impairment loss per share as provisionsis included in other deductions in the consolidated statements of SFAS No. 142 were in effect for the year ended March 31, 2002.operations.

 

Yen (millions)

2002

Reported net loss

(427,779)

Add back: goodwill amortization

7,190


Adjusted net loss

(420,589)



- 122136 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Yen

2002

Basic net loss per share:

Reported net loss per share

(206.09)

Add back: goodwill amortization

3.46


Adjusted basic net loss per share

(202.63)


Diluted net loss per share:

Reported diluted net loss per share

(206.09)

Add back: goodwill amortization

3.46


Adjusted diluted net loss per share

(202.63)


Acquired intangible assets, excluding goodwill, at March 31, 2004 and 2003 are as follows:

   Yen (millions)

   
   2004

  2003

   
   Gross
carrying
amount


  Accumulated
amortization


  Gross
carrying
amount


  Accumulated
amortization


  Average
amortization
period


Amortizing intangible assets:

               

Patents

  34,449  24,769  31,827  22,757  8 years

Software

  112,470  61,099  97,243  40,233  3 years

Other

  11,838  6,461  9,822  6,402  15 years
   
  
  
  
   
   158,757  92,329  138,892  69,392   
   
  
  
  
   

   Yen (millions)

   2004

    2003

Non-amortizing intangible assets:

        

Leasehold

  4,464    1,407

Other

  2,207    3,903
   
    
   6,671    5,310
   
    


- 123 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Aggregate amortization expense for amortizing intangible assets for the years ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 was 23,789 million yen and 17,499 million yen, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for the next five years is as follows:

   Yen (millions)

Year ending March 31

   

2005

  20,339

2006

  16,217

2007

  9,655

2008

  2,161

2009

  1,353

The Company recognized an impairment loss of 1,043 million yen during fiscal 2004 related to write-down of non-amortizing intangible assets to the fair value, in connection with the decline of the market value. The impairment loss is included in other deductions of costs and expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

(9)Long-term Debt and Short-term Borrowings

 

Long-term debt at March 31, 20042005 and 20032004 is set forth below:

 

   Yen (millions)

   2004

  2003

Convertible bonds, due 2004, interest 1.4%

  —    97,742

Convertible bonds issued by a subsidiary, due 2005, interest 0.55% - 1.5%

  27,496  28,483

Straight bonds, due 2005, interest 0.42%

  100,086  100,120

Straight bonds, due 2007, interest 0.87%

  100,049  100,152

Straight bonds, due 2011, interest 1.64%

  100,000  100,000

Straight bonds issued by subsidiaries, due 2003 - 2007, interest 1.5% - 2.15%

  46,364  52,206

Unsecured yen loans from banks and insurance companies, principally by financial subsidiaries, due 2003 - 2008, effective interest 0.5% in 2004 and 2003

  293,732  322,630

Capital lease obligations

  10,087  8,473
   
  
   677,814  809,806

Less current portion

  217,175  221,604
   
  
   460,639  588,202
   
  


- 124 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   Yen (millions)

   2005

  2004

Convertible bonds issued by subsidiaries, due 2005, interest 0.55% - 1.5%

  86,411  27,496

Straight bonds, due 2005, interest 0.42%

  —    100,086

Straight bonds, due 2007, interest 0.87%

  100,084  100,049

Straight bonds, due 2011, interest 1.64%

  100,000  100,000

Straight bonds issued by subsidiaries, due 2005 - 2013, interest 0.6% - 2.15%

  116,583  46,364

Unsecured yen loans from banks and insurance companies, principally by financial subsidiaries, due 2004 - 2014, effective interest 0.5% in 2005 and 2004

  306,146  293,732

Capital lease obligations

  23,683  10,087
   
  
   732,907  677,814

Less current portion

  255,764  217,175
   
  
   477,143  460,639
   
  

 

The aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt after March 31, 20042005 are as follows:

 

  Yen (millions)

Year ending March 31

     Yen (millions)

2005

  217,175

2006

  122,673  255,764

2007

  181,261  208,813

2008

  40,845  70,211

2009

  15,214  67,973

2010

  7,566

 

As is customary in Japan, short-term and long-term bank loans are made under general agreements which provide that security and guarantees for future and present 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 due to the bank.

 


- 137 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Each of the loan agreements grants the lender the right to request additional security or mortgages on property, plant and equipment. At March 31, 20042005 and 2003,2004, short-term loans subject to such general agreements amounted to 1,24529,687 million yen and 27,0621,245 million yen, respectively. The balance of short-term loans also includes borrowings under acceptances and short-term loans of foreign subsidiaries. The weighted-average interest rate on short-term borrowings outstanding at March 31, 2005 and 2004 was 4.0% and 2003 was 4.6% and 4.8%, respectively.

 

Acceptances payable by foreign subsidiaries, in the amount of 549465 million yen and 54549 million yen at March 31, 20042005 and 2003,2004, respectively, are secured by a portion of the cash, accounts receivable and inventories of such subsidiaries. The amount of assets pledged is not calculable.

 

The convertible bonds maturing in 2005 issued by a subsidiarysubsidiaries are redeemable at the option of the subsidiarysubsidiaries at prices ranging from 101% of principal to 100% of principal near maturity.principal.

 

(10)Retirement and Severance Benefits

 

The Company and certain subsidiaries have contributory, funded benefit pension plans covering substantially all employees who meet eligibility requirements. Benefits under the plans are primarily based on the combination of years of service and compensation.

 

Effective April 1, 2002, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries amended their benefit pension plans by introducing a “point-based benefits system,” under which benefits are calculated based on accumulated points allocated to employees each year according to their job classification and years of service.


- 125 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The contributory, funded benefit pension plans includeincluded those under Employees Pension Funds (EPF) as is stipulated by the Welfare Pension Insurance Law (the “Law”). The pension plans under the EPF are composed of the substitutional portion of Japanese Welfare Pension Insurance that the Company and certain of its subsidiaries operate on behalf of the Japanese Government, and the corporate portion which is the contributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all of their employees and provides benefits in addition to the substitutional portion.

 

In addition to the plans described above, upon retirement or termination of employment for reasons other than dismissal, employees are entitled to lump-sum payments based on the current rate of pay and length of service. If the termination is involuntary or caused by death, the severance payment is greater than in the case of voluntary termination. The lump-sum payment plans are not funded.

 

Effective April 1, 2002, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries amended their lump-sum payment plans to cash balance pension plans. Under the cash balance pension plans, each participant has an account which is credited yearly based on the current rate of pay and market-related interest rate.


- 138 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Effective October 1, 2003, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries amended a part of their contributory, funded benefit pension plans.

 

Following the enactment of changes to the Law, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries obtained Government’s approval for exemption from the benefit obligation related to future employee services under the substitutional portion in fiscal 2003. After obtaining the approval, some of these companies obtained another approval for separation of the remaining benefit obligation of substitutional portion which is related to past employee services and returned the remaining benefit obligation along with the plan assets calculated pursuant to the Government formula by March 31, 2004. In accordance with EITF 03-2, “Accounting for the Transfer to the Japanese Government of the Substitutional Portion of Employee Pension Fund Liabilities,” the Company recognized a gain of 72,228 million yen under the caption of “Gain from the transfer of the substitutional portion of Japanese Welfare Pension Insurance” for the year ended March 31, 2004. This consists of 287,145 million yen of a subsidy from the Government calculated as the difference between accumulated benefit obligation settled and the amount transferred to the Government, 69,756 million yen of derecognition of previously accrued salary progression and 284,673 million yen of recognition of related unrecognized actuarial loss, at the time when the past benefit obligation was transferred.

 

In fiscal 2005, certain other subsidiary of the Company transferred the substitutional portion of Japanese Welfare Pension Insurance to the Government. The Company recognized a gain of 31,509 million yen in accordance with EITF 03-2. This consists of 165,266 million yen of a subsidy from the Government, 22,660 million yen of derecognition of previously accrued salary progression and 156,417 million yen of recognition of related unrecognized actuarial loss.

The Company uses a December 31 measurement date used to determinefor the pension measures for pension plans is December 31.


- 126 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statementsmajority of its benefit plans.

 

Net periodic benefit cost for the contributory, funded benefit pension plans, the unfunded lump-sum payment plans, and the cash balance pension plans of the Company for the three years ended March 31, 20042005 consisted of the following components:

 

  Yen (millions)

   Yen (millions)

 
  2004

 2003

 2002

   2005

 2004

 2003

 

Service cost – benefits earned during the year

  69,614  73,536  86,465   71,081  69,614  73,536 

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation

  73,665  78,909  84,846   54,417  73,665  78,909 

Expected return on plan assets

  (35,741) (46,496) (51,458)  (35,101) (35,741) (46,496)

Amortization of net transition obligation

  —    3,298  9,974   —    —    3,298 

Amortization of prior service benefit

  (9,879) (6,442) (3,965)  (23,533) (9,879) (6,442)

Recognized actuarial loss

  63,746  45,347  17,215   48,641  63,746  45,347 
  

 

 

  

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

  161,405  148,152  143,077   115,505  161,405  148,152 
  

 

 

  

 

 


- 127139 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Reconciliation of beginning and ending balances of the benefit obligations of the contributory, funded benefit pension plans, the unfunded lump-sum payment plans, and the cash balance pension plans, and the fair value of the plan assets at March 31, 20042005 and 20032004 are as follows:

 

  Yen (millions)

   Yen (millions)

 
  2004

 2003

   2005

 2004

 

Change in benefit obligations:

      

Benefit obligations at beginning of year

  2,787,688  2,481,297   1,900,657  2,787,688 

Service cost

  69,614  73,536   71,081  69,614 

Interest cost

  73,665  78,909   54,417  73,665 

Plan participants’ contributions

  —    3,442 

Prior service benefit

  (174,600) (6,570)  (97,360) (174,600)

Actuarial (gain) loss

  (34,189) 213,564   (12,070) (34,189)

Benefits paid

  (69,626) (53,261)  (86,803) (69,626)

Transfer of the substitutional portion

  (747,917) —     (415,930) (747,917)

Acquisition of MEW and PanaHome (Note 2)

  470,676  —   

Foreign currency exchange impact

  (3,978) (3,229)  560  (3,978)
   
  

 

  

 

Benefit obligations at end of year

  1,900,657  2,787,688   1,885,228  1,900,657 
  

 

  

 

Change in plan assets:

      

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

  1,256,922  1,310,040   1,072,621  1,256,922 

Actual return on plan assets

  117,406  (163,296)  74,873  117,406 

Employer contributions

  148,927  137,273   165,018  148,927 

Plan participants’ contributions

  —    3,442 

Benefits paid

  (57,403) (28,089)  (67,089) (57,403)

Transfer of the substitutional portion

  (391,016) —     (228,004) (391,016)

Acquisition of MEW and PanaHome (Note 2)

  276,566  —   

Foreign currency exchange impact

  (2,215) (2,448)  321  (2,215)
  

 

  

 

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

  1,072,621  1,256,922   1,294,306  1,072,621 
  

 

  

 

Funded status

  (828,036) (1,530,766)  (590,922) (828,036)
  

 

  

 

Unrecognized prior service benefit

  (261,857) (97,136)  (338,948) (261,857)

Unrecognized actuarial loss

  599,252  1,103,917   491,691  599,252 
  

 

  

 

Net amount recognized

  (490,641) (523,985)  (438,179) (490,641)
  

 

  

 

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of:

      

Retirement and severance benefits

  (801,199) (1,375,143)  (597,163) (801,199)

Other assets

  22,462  —   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), gross of tax

  310,558  851,158   136,522  310,558 
  

 

  

 

Net amount recognized

  (490,641) (523,985)  (438,179) (490,641)
  

 

  

 


- 128140 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The accumulated benefit obligation for the pension plans was 1,834,1341,837,817 million yen and 2,603,1431,834,134 million yen at March 31, 20042005 and 2003,2004, respectively.

 

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at March 31, 20042005 and 20032004 are as follows:

 

    

2004


    

2003


    

2005


    

2004


     

Discount rate

    2.7%    2.7%   2.7%    2.7%    

Rate of compensation increase

    1.8%    2.0%   1.8%    1.8%    

 

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net cost for the three years ended March 31, 20042005 are as follows:

 

  

2004


  

2003


  

2002


  2005

    2004

    2003

Discount rate

  2.7%  3.2%  4.0%  2.7%    2.7%    3.2%

Expected return on plan assets

  2.7%  3.5%  4.0%  3.0%    2.7%    3.5%

Rate of compensation increase

  2.0%  2.6%  2.6%  1.8%    2.0%    2.6%

 

The expected return on plan assets is determined based on the portfolio as a whole and not on the sum of the returns on individual asset categories.categories, considering long-term historical returns, asset allocation, and future estimates of long-term investment returns.

 

During the yearyears ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, the balance of “retirement and severance benefits” decreased, mainly as a result of the derecognition of an additional minimum pension liability, due to the transfer of the substitutional portion of Japanese Welfare Pension Insurance and a plan amendment of the Company and certain of its domestic subsidiaries and an improved return on plan assets.subsidiaries.

 

The weighted-average asset allocation of the Company’s pension plans at March 31, 20042005 and 20032004 are as follows:

 

    

2004


    

2003


    2005

    2004

     

Asset category:

                      

Equity securities

    39%    45%   44%    39%    

Debt securities

    31    31   37       31       

Life insurance company general accounts

    13    13   9       13       

Other

    17    11   10     �� 17       
    
    
   
    
    

Total

    100%    100%   100%    100%    
    
    
   
    
    


- 129141 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Each plan of the Company has a different investment policy, which is designed to ensure sufficient plan assets are available to provide future payments of pension benefits to the eligible plan participants and is individually monitored for compliance and appropriateness on an on-going basis. Considering the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, each plan of the Company establishes a “basic” portfolio comprised of the optimal combination of equity securities and debt securities. Plan assets are invested in individual equity and debt securities using the guidelines of the “basic” portfolio in order to generate a total return that will satisfy the expected return on a mid-term to long-term basis. The Company evaluates the difference between expected return and actual return of invested plan assets on an annual basis to determine if such differences necessitate a revision in the formulation of the “basic” portfolio. The Company revises the “basic” portfolio when and to the extent considered necessary to achieve the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets.

 

The Company expects to contribute 142,174165,427 million yen to its domestic defined benefit plans in the year ending March 31, 2005.2006.

The benefits expected to be paid from the defined pension plans in each fiscal year 2006 – 2010 are 52,412 million yen, 59,375 million yen, 65,267 million yen, 71,383 million yen, and 78,037 million yen, respectively. The aggregate benefits expected to be paid in the five years from fiscal 2011 – 2015 are 479,568 million yen. The expected benefits are based on the same assumptions used to measure the Company’s benefit obligation at December 31 and include estimated future employee service.

 

(11)Income Taxes

 

Income (loss) before income taxes and income taxes for the three years ended March 31, 20042005 are summarized as follows:

 

  Yen (millions)

  Yen (millions)

  Domestic

 Foreign

 Total

  Domestic

  Foreign

 Total

For the year ended March 31, 2004

   

For the year ended March 31, 2005

      

Income before income taxes

  40,353  130,469  170,822  140,464  106,449  246,913

Income taxes:

         

Current

  43,723  33,652  77,375  63,710  32,819  96,529

Deferred

  25,702  (4,542) 21,160  64,229  (7,424) 56,805
  

 

 
  
  

 

Total income taxes

  69,425  29,110  98,535  127,939  25,395  153,334
  

 

 
  
  

 

For the year ended March 31, 2003

   

Income (loss) before income taxes

  (46,634) 115,550  68,916

Income taxes:

   

Current

  27,224  24,480  51,704

Deferred

  18,162  1,410  19,572
  

 

 

Total income taxes

  45,386  25,890  71,276
  

 

 


- 130142 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

  Yen (millions)

   Yen (millions)

  Domestic

 Foreign

 Total

   Domestic

 Foreign

 Total

For the year ended March 31, 2002

   

Loss before income taxes

  (537,387) (392) (537,779)

For the year ended March 31, 2004

   

Income before income taxes

  40,353  130,469  170,822

Income taxes:

      

Current

  12,450  21,452  33,902   43,723  33,652  77,375

Deferred

  (77,619) (9,558) (87,177)  25,702  (4,542) 21,160
  

 

 

  

 

 

Total income taxes

  (65,169) 11,894  (53,275)  69,425  29,110  98,535
  

 

 

  

 

 

For the year ended March 31, 2003

   

Income (loss) before income taxes

  (46,634) 115,550  68,916

Income taxes:

   

Current

  27,224  24,480  51,704

Deferred

  18,162  1,410  19,572
  

 

 

Total income taxes

  45,386  25,890  71,276
  

 

 

 

For the years ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, domestic income taxes—deferred include the impact of 8,614 million yen and 22,317 million yen, respectively, attributable to adjustments of net deferred tax assets to reflect the reduction in the statutory income tax rate due to revisions to local enterprise income tax law on introduction of a new pro forma standard taxation system.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries in Japan are subject to a National tax of 30%, an Inhabitant tax of approximately 20.5%, and a deductible Enterprise tax of approximately 9.9%7.4% varying by local jurisdiction, which, in aggregate, resulted in a combined statutory tax rate in Japan of approximately 40.5% for the year ended March 31, 2005. The Company and its subsidiaries in Japan were subject to a National tax of 30%, an Inhabitant tax of approximately 20.5%, and a deductible Enterprise tax of approximately 9.9%, which, in aggregate, resulted in a combined statutory tax rate in Japan of approximately 41.9% for the years ended March 31, 2004 2003 and 2002.2003.

The effective tax rates for the years differ from the combined statutory tax rates for the following reasons:

   2004

  2003

  2002

 

Combined statutory tax rate

  41.9% 41.9% (41.9)%

Tax credit related to research expenses

  (1.3) (2.3) (0.2)

Lower tax rates of overseas subsidiaries

  (10.6) (18.7) (0.8)

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

  3.0  4.9  1.8 

Change in valuation allowance allocated to income tax expenses

  14.8  46.5  25.8 

Adjustments of deferred tax assets and liabilities for enacted changes in tax laws and rates

  5.0  32.4  —   

Other

  4.9  (1.3) 5.4 
   

 

 

Effective tax rate

  57.7% 103.4% (9.9)%
   

 

 


- 131143 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The effective tax rates for the years differ from the combined statutory tax rates for the following reasons:

   2005

  2004

  2003

 

Combined statutory tax rate

  40.5% 41.9% 41.9%

Tax credit related to research expenses

  (2.4) (1.3) (2.3)

Lower tax rates of overseas subsidiaries

  (5.9) (10.6) (18.7)

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

  2.8  3.0  4.9 

Change in valuation allowance allocated to income tax expenses

  25.7  14.8  46.5 

Adjustments of deferred tax assets and liabilities for enacted changes in tax laws and rates

  —    5.0  32.4 

Tax effects attributable to investments in subsidiaries

  4.4  2.3  0.1 

Other

  (3.0) 2.6  (1.4)
   

 

 

Effective tax rate

  62.1% 57.7% 103.4%
   

 

 

The significant components of deferred income tax expenses for the three years ended March 31, 20042005 are as follows:

 

  Yen (millions)

   Yen (millions)

 
  2004

 2003

 2002

   2005

 2004

 2003

 

Deferred tax expense (exclusive of the effects of other components listed below)

  20,376  27,608  (31,402)  78,649  20,376  27,608 

Adjustment to deferred tax assets and liabilities for enacted changes in tax laws and regulations

  8,614  22,317  —     —    8,614  22,317 

Benefits of net operating loss carryforwards

  (7,830) (30,353) (55,775)  (21,844) (7,830) (30,353)
  

 

 

  

 

 

  21,160  19,572  (87,177)  56,805  21,160  19,572 
  

 

 

  

 

 


- 144 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at March 31, 20042005 and 20032004 are presented below:

 

   Yen (millions)

 
   2004

  2003

 

Deferred tax assets:

       

Inventory valuation

  77,476  81,552 

Expenses accrued for financial statement purposes but not currently included in taxable income

  223,884  201,835 

Property, plant and equipment

  154,415  160,076 

Retirement and severance benefits

  236,071  410,816 

Tax loss carryforwards

  181,214  254,189 

Other

  166,878  139,861 
   

 

Total gross deferred tax assets

  1,039,938  1,248,329 

Less valuation allowance

  246,026  241,209 
   

 

Net deferred tax assets

  793,912  1,007,120 

Deferred tax liabilities:

       

Net unrealized holding gains of available-for-sale securities

  (71,185) (3,175)

Other

  (43,341) (35,888)
   

 

Total gross deferred tax liabilities

  (114,526) (39,063)
   

 

Net deferred tax assets

  679,386  968,057 
   

 


- 132 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   Yen (millions)

 
   2005

  2004

 

Deferred tax assets:

       

Inventory valuation

  73,414  77,476 

Expenses accrued for financial statement purposes but not currently included in taxable income

  230,640  223,884 

Property, plant and equipment

  181,826  154,415 

Retirement and severance benefits

  224,564  236,071 

Tax loss carryforwards

  211,996  181,214 

Other

  166,247  166,878 
   

 

Total gross deferred tax assets

  1,088,687  1,039,938 

Less valuation allowance

  311,153  246,026 
   

 

Net deferred tax assets

  777,534  793,912 

Deferred tax liabilities:

       

Net unrealized holding gains of available-for-sale securities

  (65,744) (71,185)

Other

  (34,827) (43,341)
   

 

Total gross deferred tax liabilities

  (100,571) (114,526)
   

 

Net deferred tax assets

  676,963  679,386 
   

 

 

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences and loss carryforwards become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences and loss carryforwards, net of the existing valuation allowances at March 31, 2004.2005.

 

The net change in total valuation allowance for the years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 was an increase of 65,127 million yen, 4,817 million yen and 15,259 million yen, respectively.


- 145 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

At March 31, 2004,2005, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries had, for income tax purposes, net operating loss carryforwards of approximately 483,924565,621 million yen, of which 428,267 million yen expire from fiscal 2009 through 2012 and the substantial majority of whichthe remaining balance expire in fiscal 2009 and thereafter.thereafter or do not expire.

 

Net deferred tax assets and liabilities at March 31, 20042005 and 20032004 are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets under the following captions:

 

  Yen (millions)

   Yen (millions)

 
  2004

 2003

   2005

 2004

 

Other current assets

  320,098  293,653   343,038  320,098 

Other assets

  388,295  688,384   344,648  388,295 

Other current liabilities

  (2,310) (4,518)  (1,340) (2,310)

Other liabilities

  (26,697) (9,462)  (9,383) (26,697)
  

 

  

 

Net deferred tax assets

  679,386  968,057   676,963  679,386 
  

 

  

 

 

The Company has not recognized a deferred tax liability for the undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries and foreign corporate joint ventures of 649,059731,390 million yen as of March 31, 2004,2005, because the Company currently does not expect those unremitted earnings to reverse and become taxable to the Company in the foreseeable future. A deferred tax liability will be recognized when the Company no longer plans to permanently reinvest undistributed earnings. Calculation of related unrecognized deferred tax liability is not practicable.


- 133 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(12)Stockholders’ Equity

 

In accordance with the Japanese Commercial Code, at least 50% of the amount of converted debt must be credited to the common stock account. The Company issued 2,468 shares 1,234 shares and 58,941,8661,234 shares in connection with the conversion of bonds for the years ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

The Company sold 888,683 shares of its treasury stock for the year ended March 31, 2005. The difference between sales price and 2002, respectively.book value was charged to capital surplus in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

The Company also provided 10,444,421 shares of its treasury stock in connection with the conversion of bonds for the year ended March 31, 2004. The difference of carrying values of the bonds converted and treasury stocks provided was charged to capital surplus.surplus in the consolidated balance sheets.


- 146 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

On April 1, 2003, the Company issued 5,127,941 shares under share exchange transactions to transform two subsidiaries into wholly owned subsidiaries. On October 1, 2002, the Company issued 309,407,251 shares for the share exchange transactions described in Note 2.

 

The Company may repurchase its common stock from the market pursuant to a revision in the Japanese Commercial Code. For the years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively, 60,363,663, 56,483,929 and 93,797,377 shares were repurchased for the aggregate cost of approximately 92,879 million yen, 69,394 million yen and 115,770 million yen, respectively, primarily with the intention to hold as treasury stock to improve capital efficiency.

For the year ended March 31, 2002, 54,000,0002005, the Company recognized 574,922 shares were repurchased for the aggregate cost of approximately 90,598 million yen, primarily with the intention to holdits common stock held by a newly consolidated subsidiary as treasury stock to improve capital efficiency, and to use for the share exchange transactions described in Note 2.stock.

 

As discussed in Note 2, MEI transformed MCI, KME, MSC, MKEI and MGCS into wholly owned subsidiaries through share exchange transactions on October 1, 2002. MEI provided 309,407,251 shares of newly issued common stock and 59,984,408 shares of its treasury stock to the minority shareholders.

 

The Japanese Commercial Code provides that an amount equal to at least 10% of appropriations paid in cash be appropriated as a legal reserve until the aggregated amount of capital surplus and legal reserve equals 25% of stated capital. The capital surplus and legal reserve, up to 25% of stated capital, are not available for dividends but may be used to reduce a deficit or may be transferred to stated capital. The capital surplus and legal reserve, exceeding 25% of stated capital, are available for distribution upon approval of the shareholders’ meeting.

 

Cash dividends and transfers to the legal reserve charged to retained earnings during the three years ended March 31, 20042005 represent dividends paid out during the periods and related appropriation to the legal reserve. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any provision for the year-end dividend of 7.757.50 yen per share, totaling approximately 17,96816,938 million yen, planned to be proposed in June 20042005 in respect of the year ended March 31, 20042005 or for the related appropriation.


- 134 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

In accordance with the Japanese Commercial Code, there are certain restrictions on payment of dividends in connection with the treasury stock repurchased. As a result of restrictions on the treasury stock repurchased, retained earnings of approximately 163,817256,443 million yen at March 31, 20042005 were restricted as to the payment of cash dividends.


- 147 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The Company’s directors and certain senior executives were granted options to purchase the Company’s common stock. All stock options have a four-year term and become fully exercisable two years from the date of grant.grant and have a four-year term. Information with respect to stock options is as follows:

 

  Number of
shares


 Weighted-average
exercise price (Yen)


Balance at March 31, 2001

  295,000  2,557

Granted

  128,000  2,163

Forfeited

  (28,000) 2,490
  

 
  Number of
shares


 Weighted-average
exercise price (Yen)


Balance at March 31, 2002

  395,000  2,434  395,000  2,434

Granted

  116,000  1,734  116,000  1,734

Forfeited

  (40,000) 2,398  (40,000) 2,398
  

 
  

 

Balance at March 31, 2003

  471,000  2,265  471,000  2,265

Forfeited

  (57,000) 2,574  (57,000) 2,574
  

 
  

 

Balance at March 31, 2004, weighted-average remaining life – 2.76 years

  414,000  2,223

Balance at March 31, 2004

  414,000  2,223

Forfeited

  (95,000) 2,285
  

 
  

 

Balance at March 31, 2005,
weighted-average remaining life – 2.05 years

  319,000  2,204
  

 

 

Treasury stock reserved for options at March 31, 2005 and 2004 and 2003 was 298,000203,000 shares and 355,000298,000 shares, respectively.


- 135148 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(13)Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

Components of other comprehensive income (loss) for the three years ended March 31, 20042005 are as follows:

   Yen (millions)

 
   Pre-tax
amount


  Tax
expense


  Net-of-tax
amount


 

For the year ended March 31, 2005

          

Translation adjustments

  36,645  —    36,645 

Unrealized holding gains of available-for-sale securities:

          

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period

  8,768  (7,669) 1,099 

Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income

  (27,611) 11,016  (16,595)
   

 

 

Net unrealized gains (losses)

  (18,843) 3,347  (15,496)
   

 

 

Unrealized holding gains of derivative instruments:

          

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period

  (8,156) 3,409  (4,747)

Less: Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income

  7,520  (3,046) 4,474 
   

 

 

Net unrealized gains (losses)

  (636) 363  (273)
   

 

 

Minimum pension liability adjustments

  189,519  (49,270) 140,249 
   

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

  206,685  (45,560) 161,125 
   

 

 


- 149 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

   Yen (millions)

 
   Pre-tax
amount


  Tax
expense


  Net-of-tax
amount


 

For the year ended March 31, 2004

          

Translation adjustments

  (121,163) —    (121,163)

Unrealized holding gains of available-for-sale securities:

          

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period

  179,822  (67,626) 112,196 

Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income

  (9,628) 3,618  (6,010)
   

 

 

Net unrealized gains (losses)

  170,194  (64,008) 106,186 
   

 

 

Unrealized holding gains of derivative instruments:

          

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period

  13,410  (5,462) 7,948 

Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income

  (314) 132  (182)
   

 

 

Net unrealized gains (losses)

  13,096  (5,330) 7,766 
   

 

 

Minimum pension liability adjustments

  502,543  (189,192) 313,351 
   

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

  564,670  (258,530) 306,140 
   

 

 


- 136150 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

   Yen (millions)

 
   Pre-tax
amount


  Tax
expense


  Net-of-tax
amount


 

For the year ended March 31, 2003

          

Translation adjustments

  (106,003) —    (106,003)

Unrealized holding gains of available-for-sale securities:

          

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period

  (166,295) 63,963  (102,332)

Less: Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net loss

  52,518  (19,080) 33,438 
   

 

 

Net unrealized gains (losses)

  (113,777) 44,883  (68,894)
   

 

 

Unrealized holding gains of derivative instruments:

          

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period

  (7,315) 3,077  (4,238)

Less: Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net loss

  5,198  (2,178) 3,020 
   

 

 

Net unrealized gains (losses)

  (2,117) 899  (1,218)
   

 

 

Minimum pension liability adjustments

  (605,507) 230,523  (374,984)
   

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

  (827,404) 276,305  (551,099)
   

 

 


- 137 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   Yen (millions)

 
   Pre-tax
amount


  Tax
expense


  Net-of-tax
amount


 

For the year ended March 31, 2002

          

Translation adjustments

  102,832  —    102,832 

Unrealized holding gains of available-for-sale securities:

          

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period

  (133,095) 53,314  (79,781)

Less: Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net loss

  85,337  (33,608) 51,729 
   

 

 

Net unrealized gains (losses)

  (47,758) 19,706  (28,052)
   

 

 

Unrealized holding gains of derivative instruments:

          

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period

  (28,241) 11,821  (16,420)

Less: Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net loss

  28,482  (11,934) 16,548 
   

 

 

Net unrealized gains (losses)

  241  (113) 128 
   

 

 

Minimum pension liability adjustments

  (199,175) 48,813  (150,362)
   

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

  (143,860) 68,406  (75,454)
   

 

 


- 138151 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(14)Net Income (Loss) per Share

 

A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted net income (loss) per share computation for the three years ended March 31, 20042005 is as follows:

 

  Yen (millions)

   Yen (millions)

 
  2004

  2003

 2002

   2005

  2004

  2003

 

Net income (loss) available to common stockholders

       42,145      (19,453) (427,779)       58,481      42,145  (19,453)

Effect of assumed conversions:

               

Convertible bonds, due 2004, interest 1.4%

  727  —    —     —    727  —   
  
  

 

  
  
  

Diluted net income (loss)

  42,872  (19,453)   (427,779)  58,481  42,872    (19,453)
  
  

 

  
  
  

 

  Number of shares

  Number of shares

  2004

  2003

  2002

  2005

  2004

  2003

Average common shares outstanding

  2,321,835,314  2,234,968,907  2,075,667,943  2,294,607,915  2,321,835,314  2,234,968,907

Dilutive effect of assumed conversions:

                  

Convertible bonds, due 2004, interest 1.4%

  59,460,443  —    —    —    59,460,443  —  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Diluted common shares outstanding

  2,381,295,757  2,234,968,907  2,075,667,943  2,294,607,915  2,381,295,757  2,234,968,907
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

  Yen

  Yen

 
  2004

  2003

 2002

  2005

 2004

 2003

 

Net income (loss) per share:

       

Basic

      18.15      (8.70) (206.09)     25.49     18.15     (8.70)

Diluted

      18.00      (8.70) (206.09)     25.49     18.00     (8.70)

Stock options were outstanding for the three years ended March 31, 2005, but were not included in the calculation of diluted net income per share because the stock options’ effect would be antidilutive (see Note 12).

 

The effect of potentially dilutive securities was not included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share for the yearsyear ended March 31, 2003 and 2002 as their effect would be antidilutive due to the net loss incurred for the respective year.


- 139152 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(15)Restructuring Charges

In connection with the reorganization of the Company’s operations, the Company has incurred certain restructuring charges. Components and related amounts of the restructuring charges, before the related tax effects, for the years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 are as follows:

   Yen (millions)

   2005

  2004

  2003

Expenses associated with the implementation of early retirement programs:

         

Domestic

  93,170  45,056  12,476

Overseas

  7,966  875  —  
   
  
  

Total

  101,136  45,931  12,476

Expenses associated with the closure and integration of locations

  9,432  8,216  —  
   
  
  

Total restructuring charges

  110,568  54,147  12,476
   
  
  

These restructuring charges are included in other deductions in the consolidated statements of operations.

The Company has provided early retirement programs to those employees voluntarily leaving the Company. The accrued early retirement programs are recognized when the employees accept the offer and the amount can be reasonably estimated. An analysis of the accrued early retirement programs for the years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 is as follows:

   Yen (millions)

 
   2005

  2004

  2003

 

Balance at beginning of the year

  —    —    —   

New charges

  101,136  45,931  12,476 

Cash payments

  (97,729) (45,931) (12,476)
   

 

 

Balance at end of the year

  3,407  —    —   
   

 

 

Expenses associated with the closure and integration of locations include amounts such as moving expense of facilities and costs to terminate leasing contracts incurred at domestic and overseas manufacturing plants and sales offices. All the payments for expenses associated with closure and integration of locations were completed by the end of each fiscal year.


- 153 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The following represent significant restructuring activities for the year ended March 31, 2005 by business segment:

AVC Networks

AVC Networks segment restructured mainly to cope with sharp price declines in digital products. The restructuring activities mainly consisted of the implementation of early retirement programs covering both video and audio equipment business and information and communications equipment business in Japan and Europe, shutting down of the manufacturing plant in Europe for video and audio equipment business and closure and integration of manufacturing plants and sales offices in Japan for information and communications equipment business.

Total restructuring charges amounted to 57,742 million yen, including expenses associated with the implementation of early retirement programs 52,666 million yen.

Home Appliances

Home Appliances segment restructured mainly to address rising raw material costs as well as to enhance cost competitiveness. The restructuring activities mainly consisted of the implementation of early retirement programs and closure and integration of locations in Japan, and shutting down of the manufacturing plant in Europe for home appliances business.

Total restructuring charges amounted to 8,288 million yen, including expenses associated with the implementation of early retirement programs of 6,970 million yen.

Components and Devices

Components and Devices segment restructured to address the downturn in components and devices industries, such as price declines. The restructuring activities mainly consisted of the implementation of early retirement programs in electronic components business and batteries business and closure and integration of manufacturing locations in Japan for electronic components business.

Total restructuring charges amounted to 22,986 million yen, including expenses associated with the implementation of early retirement programs of 21,979 million yen.

MEW and PanaHome

MEW and PanaHome segment incurred restructuring charges in the amount of 1,783 million yen, mainly related to a reorganization conducted to eliminate duplication of product lines and corporate functions with other Matsushita companies.

JVC

JVC segment restructured to enhance competitiveness in global markets. The restructuring activities mainly consisted of closure and integration of locations in electronic components business. Total restructuring charges amounted to 9,208 million yen, mainly representing expenses associated with the implementation of early retirement programs.


- 154 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Other

Other segment restructured to strengthen competitiveness of sales companies. The restructuring activities mainly consisted of the implementation of early retirement programs in domestic and overseas sales companies.

Total restructuring charges amounted to 10,561 million yen, including expenses associated with the implementation of early retirement programs of 10,370 million yen.

The following represent significant restructuring activities for the year ended March 31, 2004 by business segment:

AVC Networks

AVC Networks segment restructured mainly to address price declines in digital products. The restructuring activities mainly consisted of the implementation of early retirement programs mainly in Japan for both video and audio equipment business and information and communications equipment business.

Total restructuring charges amounted to 4,187 million yen, representing expenses associated with the implementation of early retirement programs.

Home Appliances

Home Appliances segment restructured to enhance cost competitiveness. The restructuring activities consisted of the implementation of early retirement programs in Japan for refrigerator and air conditioner business.

Total restructuring charges amounted to 31,286 million yen, representing expenses associated with the implementation of early retirement programs.

Components and Devices

Components and Devices segment restructured to enhance cost competitiveness through selecting and concentrating on key business areas. The restructuring activities mainly consisted of the implementation of early retirement programs and closure and integration of business locations in Japan and shutting down of the manufacturing plant in Asia for motor business.

Total restructuring charges amounted to 14,700 million yen, including expenses associated with the closure and integration of locations of 8,305 million yen.

JVC

JVC segment restructured to enhance cost competitiveness. Total restructuring charges amounted to 2,408 million yen, mainly representing expenses associated with the implementation of early retirement programs.


- 155 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Other

Other segment incurred restructuring charges in the amount of 1,566 million yen for domestic sales companies.

For the year ended March 31, 2003, JVC segment restructured to strengthen its management structure.

Total restructuring charges amounted to 12,476 million yen in JVC segment, representing expenses associated with the implementation of early retirement programs.

(16)Supplementary Information to the Statements of Operations and Cash Flows

 

Research and development costs, advertising costs, shipping and handling costs and depreciation charged to operations for the three years ended March 31, 20042005 are as follows:

 

   Yen (millions)

   2004

  2003

  2002

Research and development costs

  579,230  551,019  566,567

Advertising costs

  146,046  130,426  116,867

Shipping and handling costs

  141,570  140,498  137,681

Depreciation

  253,762  283,434  341,549

Included in other deductions of costs and expenses for the years ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 is a loss of 45,056 million yen and 12,476 million yen, respectively, associated with the implementation of the early retirement programs in some domestic companies, and for the year ended March 31, 2002 is a loss of 164,056 million yen associated with the implementation of the early retirement programs and the regional-based employee remuneration system in some domestic companies.

Included in other deductions of costs and expenses for the years ended March 31, 2004 and 2002 is a loss of 19,572 million yen and 61,622 million yen, respectively, associated with the closure or integration of several manufacturing facilities or locations. Of 61,622 million yen, a total of 6,660 million yen was accrued at March 31, 2002 and paid during fiscal 2003.

   Yen (millions)

   2005

  2004

  2003

Research and development costs

  615,524  579,230  551,019

Advertising costs

  174,604  146,046  130,426

Shipping and handling costs

  166,404  141,570  140,498

Depreciation

  287,400  253,762  283,434

 

Included in other income of revenues for the year ended March 31, 2003 is a gain of 10,805 million yen from the sale of Panasonic Disc Services Corporation.

 

Foreign exchange gains and losses included in other deductions of costs and expenses for the years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 2003 and 20022003 is a loss of 7,542 million yen, 13,588 million yen 7,962 million yen and 13,2097,962 million yen, respectively.

 

Shipping and handling costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

In fiscal 2005 and 2004, the Company sold, without recourse, trade accounts receivable of 48,578 million yen and 4,661 million yen to independent third parties for proceeds of 48,469 million yen and 4,657 million yen, and recorded losses on the sale of trade accounts receivable of 109 million yen and 4 million yen, respectively, which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses. The Company is responsible for servicing the receivables. The sale of the receivables was accounted for under SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities.”


- 140156 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

In fiscal 2005, the Company sold, without recourse, loans receivable of 96,339 million yen to independent third parities for proceeds of 106,779 million yen, and recorded gains on the sale of loans receivable of 10,440 million yen, which is included in other income. The sale of the receivables was accounted for under SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfer and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities.”

Interest expenses and income taxes paid, and noncash investing and financing activities for the three years ended March 31, 20042005 are as follows:

 

  Yen (millions)

  Yen (millions)

  2004

  2003

  2002

  2005

  2004

  2003

Cash paid:

                  

Interest

  30,505  32,587  53,055  25,513  30,505  32,587

Income taxes

  65,121  46,744  65,407  99,951  65,121  46,744

Noncash investing and financing activities:

                  

Conversion of bonds

  16,924  2  95,486  —    16,924  2

Capital transactions by consolidated and associated companies

  —    650  2,830  —    —    650

Stock provided under exchange offering

  6,579  638,308  —    —    6,579  638,308

Contribution of assets and liabilities to associated companies

  3,278  31,740  —    4,302  3,278  31,740

 

(16)(17)Derivatives and Hedging Activities

 

The Company and its subsidiaries operateoperates internationally, giving rise to significant exposure to market risks arising from changes in foreign exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices. The Company assesses these risks by continually monitoring changes in these exposures and by evaluating hedging opportunities. Derivative financial instruments utilized by the Company and some of its subsidiaries to hedge these risks are comprised principally of foreign exchange contracts, interest rate swaps, cross currency swaps and commodity derivatives. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for any purposes other than hedging.

 

Gains and losses related to derivative instruments are classified in other income (deductions) in the consolidated statements of operations. The amount of the hedging ineffectiveness and net gain or loss excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness is not material for the three years ended March 31, 2004.2005. Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at March 31, 20042005 are expected to be recognized in earnings principally over the next twelve months. The maximum term over which the Company is hedging exposures to the variability of cash flows for foreign currency exchange risk is approximately five months.


- 157 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The Company and its subsidiaries areis exposed to credit risk in the event of non-performance by counterparties to the derivative contracts, but such risk is considered mitigated by the high credit rating of the counterparties.


- 141 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The contract amounts of foreign exchange contracts, interest rate swaps, cross currency swaps and commodity futures at March 31, 20042005 and 20032004 are as follows:

 

  Yen (millions)

  Yen (millions)

  2004

  2003

  2005

  2004

Forward:

            

To sell foreign currencies

  398,782  387,605  317,506  398,782

To buy foreign currencies

  205,039  214,075  200,705  205,039

Options purchased to sell foreign currencies

  44,886  50,883  29,981  44,886

Options written to sell foreign currencies

  29,046  —    —    29,046

Variable-paying interest rate swaps

  115,000  115,000  15,000  115,000

Cross currency swaps

  14,914  8,420  16,879  14,914

Commodity futures:

            

To sell commodity

  14,915  13,341  31,978  14,915

To buy commodity

  52,888  43,214  75,824  52,888

 

(17)(18)Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:

 

Cash and cash equivalents, Time deposits, Trade receivables, Short-term borrowings, Trade payables and Accrued expenses

The carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.

 

Short-term investments

The fair value of short-term investments is estimated based on quoted market prices.

 

Noncurrent receivables

The carrying amount which is generally stated at the net realizable value approximates fair value.

 

Investments and advances

The fair value of investments and advances is estimated based on quoted market prices or the present value of future cash flows using appropriate current discount rates.


- 158 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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 appropriate current discount rates.

 

Derivative financial instruments

The fair value of derivative financial instruments, all of which are used for hedging purposes, are estimated by obtaining quotes from brokers.


- 142 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The estimated fair values of financial instruments, all of which are held or issued for purposes other than trading, at March 31, 20042005 and 20032004 are as follows:

 

  Yen (millions)

   Yen (millions)

 
  2004

 2003

   2005

 2004

 
  Carrying
amount


 Fair
value


 Carrying
amount


 Fair
value


   Carrying
amount


 Fair
value


 Carrying
amount


 Fair
value


 

Non-derivatives:

      

Assets:

      

Short-term investments

  2,684  2,684  1,196  1,196   11,978  11,978  2,684  2,684 

Investments and advances

  812,586  813,750  544,544  545,194   945,759  943,981  812,586  813,750 

Liabilities:

      

Long-term debt, including current portion

  (677,814) (684,314) (809,806) (821,381)  (732,907) (742,737) (677,814) (684,314)

Derivatives:

      

Other current assets:

      

Forward:

      

To sell foreign currencies

  9,446  9,446  —    —     —    —    9,446  9,446 

To buy foreign currencies

  —    —    1,664  1,664   1,643  1,643  —    —   

Options purchased to sell foreign currencies

  746  746  127  127   61  61  746  746 

Variable-paying interest rate swaps

  135  135  298  298   84  84  135  135 

Cross currency swaps

  229  229  19  19   123  123  229  229 

Commodity futures:

   

To sell commodity

  —    —    672  672 

To buy commodity

  5,709  5,709  —    —   

Commodity futures to buy commodity

  12,554  12,554  5,709  5,709 

Other current liabilities:

      

Forward:

      

To sell foreign currencies

  —    —    (1,383) (1,383)  (3,122) (3,122) —    —   

To buy foreign currencies

  (469) (469) —    —     —    —    (469) (469)

Options written to sell foreign currencies

  (455) (455) —    —     —    —    (455) (455)

Cross currency swaps

  (2) (2) (45) (45)  —    —    (2) (2)

Commodity futures:

   

To sell commodity

  (1,223) (1,223) —    —   

To buy commodity

  —    —    (1,940) (1,940)

Commodity futures to sell commodity

  (2,832) (2,832) (1,223) (1,223)


- 159 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Limitations

 

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instruments. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgements and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.


- 143 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(18)(19)Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

 

The Company provides guarantees to third parties on bank loans provided to its employees, associated companies and customers. The guarantees for the employees are principally made for their housing loans. The guarantees for the associated companies and customers are made to enhance the credit of these companies.their credit. For each guarantee provided, the Company is required to perform under the guarantee if the guaranteed party defaults on a payment. The maximum amount of undiscounted payments the Company would have to make in the event of default is 7,48814,388 million yen. The carrying amount of the liabilities recognized for the Company’s obligations as a guarantor under those guarantees at March 31, 20042005 and 20032004 was insignificant.

 

A financial subsidiary of the Company provides guarantees to third parties on certain consumer loans of its customers. For each guarantee provided, the subsidiary is required to perform under the guarantee if the guaranteed party defaults on a payment. The maximum amount of undiscounted payments the subsidiary would have to make in the event of default is 23,41719,007 million yen. The carrying amount of the liabilities recognized for the subsidiary’s obligations as a guarantor under those guarantees at March 31, 20042005 and 20032004 was insignificant.

 

As discussed in Note 6, in connection with the sale and lease back of certain machinery and equipment, the Company and its subsidiary guaranteeguarantees a specific value of the leased assets. For each guarantee provided, the Company or the subsidiary areis required to perform under the guarantee if certain conditions are met during or at the end of the lease term. The maximum amount of undiscounted payments the Company or the subsidiary would have to make in the event ofthat these conditions are met is 27,77135,315 million yen. The carrying amount of the liabilities recognized for the Company and the subsidiary’sCompany’s obligations as guarantors under those guarantees at March 31, 20042005 and 20032004 was insignificant.


- 160 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The Company issues contractual product warranties under which it generally guarantees the performance of products delivered and services rendered for a certain period or term. The change in accrued warranty costs for the years ended March 31, 20042005 and 20032004 are summarized as follows:

 

   Yen (millions)

 
   2004

  2003

 

Balance at beginning of year

  24,834  20,202 

Liabilities accrued for warranties issued during the period

  39,409  38,102 

Warranty claims paid during the period

  (31,805) (33,293)

Changes in liabilities for pre-existing warranties during the period, including expirations

  (1,718) (177)
   

 

Balance at end of year

  30,720  24,834 
   

 


- 144 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   Yen (millions)

 
   2005

  2004

 

Balance at beginning of year

  30,720  24,834 

Increase due to acquisition (Note 2)

  2,482  —   

Liabilities accrued for warranties issued during the period

  51,471  39,409 

Warranty claims paid during the period

  (44,209) (31,805)

Changes in liabilities for pre-existing warranties during the period, including expirations

  (5,248) (1,718)
   

 

Balance at end of year

  35,216  30,720 
   

 

 

At March 31, 2004,2005, commitments outstanding for the purchase of property, plant and equipment approximated 15,53549,217 million yen.

Contingent liabilities at March 31, 20042005 for discounted export bills of exchange amounted to 6,6634,269 million yen.

 

Liabilities for environmental remediation costs are recorded when it is probable that obligations have been incurred and the amounts can be reasonably estimated. In January 2003, the Company announced that disposed electric equipment that contained polychlorinated biphenyls (“PCB equipment”) might be buried in the ground of its four manufacturing facilities and one former manufacturing facility. The applicable laws require that PCB equipment be appropriately maintained and disposed of by July 2016. The Company has accrued estimated the total cost of 8,27417,269 million yen for necessary actions such as investigating whether the PCB equipment is buried at the facilities, including excavations, and maintaining and disposing the PCB equipment that is already discovered, which amount has been accruedand soil remediation, since it represents management’s best estimate or minimum of the cost, but the payments are not considered to be fixed and reliably determinable.

 

There are a number of legal actions against the Company and certain subsidiaries. Management is of the opinion that damages, if any, resulting from these actions will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.


- 161 -

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(19)(20)Segment Information

 

In accordance with SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” the segments reported below are the components of the Company for which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker of the Company in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. In January 2003, the Company launched a new business domain-based organizational structure, followed by the introduction of a new groupwide management system effective from April 1, 2003.

 

The Company has reclassified its previous four business segments: AVC Networks, Home Appliances, Industrial Equipment, and Components and Devices, into five new segments effective from April 1, 2003. Accordingly, the figures of all prior periods presented have been restated.

The five new segments are: “AVC Networks,” “Home Appliances,” “Components and Devices,” “JVC,” and “Other.” Business segments correspond to categories of activity classified primarily by markets, products and brand names. “AVC Networks” includes video and audio equipment, and information and communications equipment. “Home Appliances” includes home appliances and household equipment.housing equipment and systems. “Components and Devices” includes electronic components, semiconductors, electric motors and batteries. “MEW and PanaHome” includes electrical supplies, electric products, building materials and equipment, and housing business. “JVC” includes products marketed under the brand name of JVC or Victor. “Other” includes electronic-parts-mounting machines, industrial robots and industrial equipment.

As discussed in Note 2, MEW, PanaHome and their respective subsidiaries became consolidated subsidiaries of the Company on April 1, 2004. Accordingly, a new segment, “MEW and PanaHome,” has been added to the Company’s business segment classifications from fiscal 2005.


- 145162 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Information by segment for the three years ended March 31, 20042005 is shown in the tables below:

 

By Business Segment:

 

  Yen (millions)

 
  2004 2003 2002   Yen (millions)

 
  
 (Restated)

 (Restated)

   2005

 2004

 2003

 

Sales:

      

AVC Networks:

      

Customers

  3,771,516  3,621,211  3,473,339   3,745,339  3,771,516  3,621,211 

Intersegment

  68,752  46,984  35,285   113,442  68,752  46,984 
  

 

 

  

 

 

Total

  3,840,268  3,668,195  3,508,624   3,858,781  3,840,268  3,668,195 

Home Appliances:

      

Customers

  1,174,138  1,169,608  1,141,543   1,245,478  1,174,138  1,169,608 

Intersegment

  49,052  27,873  29,242   87,298  49,052  27,873 
  

 

 

  

 

 

Total

  1,223,190  1,197,481  1,170,785   1,332,776  1,223,190  1,197,481 

Components and Devices:

      

Customers

  1,073,108  1,145,092  1,066,456   1,006,893  1,073,108  1,145,092 

Intersegment

  586,564  564,640  468,272   462,114  586,564  564,640 
  

 

 

  

 

 

Total

  1,659,672  1,709,732  1,534,728   1,469,007  1,659,672  1,709,732 

MEW and PanaHome:

   

Customers

  1,485,689  —    —   

Intersegment

  70,374  —    —   
  

 

 

Total

  1,556,063  —    —   

JVC:

      

Customers

  802,650  827,967  812,479   721,391  802,650  827,967 

Intersegment

  16,349  23,542  22,340   8,818  16,349  23,542 
  

 

 

  

 

 

Total

  818,999  851,509  834,819   730,209  818,999  851,509 

Other:

      

Customers

  658,332  637,836  580,020   508,846  658,332  637,836 

Intersegment

  290,396  181,219  145,337   518,277  290,396  181,219 
  

 

 

  

 

 

Total

  948,728  819,055  725,357   1,027,123  948,728  819,055 

Eliminations

  (1,011,113) (844,258) (700,476)  (1,260,323) (1,011,113) (844,258)
  

 

 

  

 

 

Consolidated total

  7,479,744  7,401,714  7,073,837   8,713,636  7,479,744  7,401,714 
  

 

 

  

 

 


- 146163 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

  Yen (millions)

   Yen (millions)

 
  2004 2003 2002   2005

 2004

 2003

 
  
 (Restated)

 (Restated)

 

Segment profit (loss):

   

Segment profit:

   

AVC Networks

  129,102  82,828  (35,626)  127,366  129,102  82,828 

Home Appliances

  52,759  45,240  32,611   77,632  52,759  45,240 

Components and Devices

  50,099  31,213  (95,714)  57,761  50,099  31,213 

MEW and PanaHome

  63,923  —    —   

JVC

  24,675  21,863  (12,345)  9,887  24,675  21,863 

Other

  14,701  13,042  (32,388)  38,352  14,701  13,042 

Corporate and eliminations

  (75,844) (67,615) (55,536)  (66,427) (75,844) (67,615)
  

 

 

  

 

 

Total segment profit (loss)

  195,492  126,571  (198,998)

Total segment profit

  308,494  195,492  126,571 
  

 

 

  

 

 

Interest income

  19,564  22,267  34,361   19,490  19,564  22,267 

Dividends received

  5,475  4,506  8,219   5,383  5,475  4,506 

Gain from the transfer of the substitutional portion of Japanese Welfare Pension Insurance

  72,228  —    —     31,509  72,228  —   

Other income

  59,544  64,677  54,146   82,819  59,544  64,677 

Interest expense

  (27,744) (32,805) (45,088)  (22,827) (27,744) (32,805)

Other deductions

  (153,737) (116,300) (390,419)  (177,955) (153,737) (116,300)
  

 

 

  

 

 

Consolidated income (loss) before income taxes

  170,822  68,916  (537,779)

Consolidated income before income taxes

  246,913  170,822  68,916 
  

 

 

  

 

 

Identifiable assets:

      

AVC Networks

  2,090,130  2,355,671  2,026,953   2,205,663  2,090,130  2,355,671 

Home Appliances

  701,143  805,437  895,931   660,841  701,143  805,437 

Components and Devices

  1,157,984  1,317,882  1,456,440   930,315  1,157,984  1,317,882 

MEW and PanaHome

  1,346,029  —    —   

JVC

  503,943  488,595  520,543   483,867  503,943  488,595 

Other

  754,117  795,103  830,256   883,706  754,117  795,103 

Corporate and eliminations

  2,230,695  2,072,005  2,038,334   1,546,460  2,230,695  2,072,005 
  

 

 

  

 

 

Consolidated total

  7,438,012  7,834,693  7,768,457   8,056,881  7,438,012  7,834,693 
  

 

 

  

 

 

Depreciation (including intangibles other than goodwill):

      

AVC Networks

  85,085  81,332  108,513   88,550  85,085  81,332 

Home Appliances

  31,674  39,367  41,757   32,098  31,674  39,367 

Components and Devices

  103,898  133,113  159,265   96,659  103,898  133,113 

MEW and PanaHome

  50,269  —    —   

JVC

  16,339  16,596  28,009   15,985  16,339  16,596 

Other

  28,954  20,570  6,469   30,329  28,954  20,570 

Corporate and eliminations

  11,601  9,955  9,639   11,079  11,601  9,955 
  

 

 

  

 

 

Consolidated total

  277,551  300,933  353,652   324,969  277,551  300,933 
  

 

 

  

 

 


- 147164 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

  Yen (millions)

  2004  2003  2002  Yen (millions)

  
  (Restated)

  (Restated)

  2005

  2004

  2003

Capital investment (including intangibles other than goodwill):

                  

AVC Networks

  80,543  77,008  98,052  103,340  80,543  77,008

Home Appliances

  26,268  34,720  33,658  36,512  26,268  34,720

Components and Devices

  142,540  119,639  174,509  126,826  142,540  119,639

MEW and PanaHome

  32,518  —    —  

JVC

  17,735  14,709  16,303  23,045  17,735  14,709

Other

  28,298  20,525  8,366  74,570  28,298  20,525

Corporate and eliminations

  21,376  21,213  13,814  14,286  21,376  21,213
  
  
  
  
  
  

Consolidated total

  316,760  287,814  344,702  411,097  316,760  287,814
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Corporate expenses include certain corporate R&D expenditures and general corporate expenses.

 

Corporate assets consist of cash and cash equivalents, time deposits, marketable securities in short-term investments, investments and advances and other assets related to unallocated expenses.

 

Intangibles mainly represent patents and software.

 

By Geographical Area:

 

Sales attributed to countries based upon the customer’s location and long-lived assets are as follows:

 

  Yen (millions)

  Yen (millions)

  2004

  2003

  2002

  2005

  2004

  2003

Sales:

                  

Japan

  3,477,492  3,453,836  3,313,912  4,580,555  3,477,492  3,453,836

North and South America

  1,326,940  1,420,802  1,495,258  1,282,956  1,326,940  1,420,802

Europe

  1,080,143  999,637  839,248  1,122,493  1,080,143  999,637

Asia and Others

  1,595,169  1,527,439  1,425,419  1,727,632  1,595,169  1,527,439
  
  
  
  
  
  

Consolidated total

  7,479,744  7,401,714  7,073,837  8,713,636  7,479,744  7,401,714
  
  
  
  
  
  

United States of America included in North and South America

  1,184,446  1,282,861  1,353,502  1,127,412  1,184,446  1,282,861


- 148165 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

  Yen (millions)

  Yen (millions)

  2004

  2003

  2002

  2005

  2004

  2003

Long-lived assets:

                  

Japan

  1,359,677  1,412,415  1,171,115  1,808,813  1,359,677  1,412,415

North and South America

  64,955  80,104  137,981  66,233  64,955  80,104

Europe

  54,456  68,216  68,155  71,868  54,456  68,216

Asia and Others

  222,420  223,597  270,414  274,663  222,420  223,597
  
  
  
  
  
  

Consolidated total

  1,701,508  1,784,332  1,647,665  2,221,577  1,701,508  1,784,332
  
  
  
  
  
  

United States of America included in North and South America

  58,297  71,554  129,439  58,679  58,297  71,554

 

There are no individually material countries of which sales and long-lived assets should be separately disclosed in North and South America, Europe and Asia and Others, except for the United States of America.

 

Transfers between business segments or geographic segments are made at arms-length prices. There are no sales to a single external major customer for the three years ended March 31, 2004.2005.


- 149166 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The following information shows sales, geographical profit (loss) and identifiable assets which are attributed to geographic areas based on the country location of the Company or its subsidiaries for the three years ended March 31, 2004.2005. In addition to the disclosure requirements under SFAS No. 131, the Company discloses this information as supplemental information in light of the disclosure requirements of the Japanese Securities and Exchange Law, which a Japanese public company is subject to:

 

  Yen (millions)

   Yen (millions)

 
  2004

 2003

 2002

   2005

 2004

 2003

 

Sales:

      

Japan:

      

Customers

  3,989,576  4,032,432  3,866,575   5,033,645  3,989,576  4,032,432 

Intersegment

  1,521,459  1,107,962  1,150,530   1,586,407  1,521,459  1,107,962 
  

 

 

  

 

 

Total

  5,511,035  5,140,394  5,017,105   6,620,052  5,511,035  5,140,394 

North and South America:

      

Customers

  1,271,914  1,364,283  1,408,838   1,248,012  1,271,914  1,364,283 

Intersegment

  25,269  26,116  36,910   23,605  25,269  26,116 
  

 

 

  

 

 

Total

  1,297,183  1,390,399  1,445,748   1,271,617  1,297,183  1,390,399 

Europe:

      

Customers

  1,014,687  922,312  770,886   1,046,159  1,014,687  922,312 

Intersegment

  12,648  16,938  15,907   26,405  12,648  16,938 
  

 

 

  

 

 

Total

  1,027,335  939,250  786,793   1,072,564  1,027,335  939,250 

Asia and Others:

      

Customers

  1,203,567  1,082,687  1,027,538   1,385,820  1,203,567  1,082,687 

Intersegment

  972,843  754,725  802,986   1,059,178  972,843  754,725 
  

 

 

  

 

 

Total

  2,176,410  1,837,412  1,830,524   2,444,998  2,176,410  1,837,412 

Eliminations

  (2,532,219) (1,905,741) (2,006,333)  (2,695,595) (2,532,219) (1,905,741)
  

 

 

  

 

 

Consolidated total

  7,479,744  7,401,714  7,073,837   8,713,636  7,479,744  7,401,714 
  

 

 

  

 

 

Geographical profit (loss):

   

Geographical profit:

   

Japan

  131,796  88,152  (166,134)  262,063  131,796  88,152 

North and South America

  23,258  22,449  (4,092)  20,834  23,258  22,449 

Europe

  16,325  21,741  (14,600)  7,393  16,325  21,741 

Asia and Others

  89,706  71,016  48,530   75,324  89,706  71,016 

Corporate and eliminations

  (65,593) (76,787) (62,702)  (57,120) (65,593) (76,787)
  

 

 

  

 

 

Consolidated total

  195,492  126,571  (198,998)  308,494  195,492  126,571 
  

 

 

  

 

 


- 150167 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

  Yen (millions)

  Yen (millions)

  2004

  2003

  2002

  2005

  2004

  2003

Identifiable assets:

                  

Japan

  3,887,504  4,445,983  4,170,989  5,055,700  3,887,504  4,445,983

North and South America

  411,615  526,918  602,427  402,155  411,615  526,918

Europe

  308,687  335,813  402,238  379,571  308,687  335,813

Asia and Others

  858,238  831,289  872,628  995,785  858,238  831,289

Corporate and eliminations

  1,971,968  1,694,690  1,720,175  1,223,670  1,971,968  1,694,690
  
  
  
  
  
  

Consolidated total

  7,438,012  7,834,693  7,768,457  8,056,881  7,438,012  7,834,693
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

(20)(21)Subsequent Event

 

On April 1, 2004,2005, the Company acquired 19.2% of the issued commonsold approximately 2,707 thousand shares of MEW throughMatsushita Leasing & Credit Co., Ltd. (MLC) to The Sumitomo Trust & Banking Co., Ltd. (STB) for cash proceeds of 27,756 million yen and recorded a tender offer,gain of which10,313 million yen, pursuant to a basic agreement regarding the Company had a 31.8% equity ownership until then, to obtain its controlling interest.

This acquisition also resulted in another acquisition of controlling interest of PanaHome Corporation (PanaHome) because bothMLC concluded between the Company and MEW have 27% equity ownership.

The results of operations of MEW and PanaHome will be included in the consolidated financial statements since that date. MEW is a manufacturer of household electric equipment, building products and related materials based in Osaka, Japan.STB. As a result of the acquisition,sale, the Company is expectednow owns 34% of MLC’s total issued shares. MLC (renamed Sumishin Matsushita Financial Services Co., Ltd. on May 1, 2005) was changed from a consolidated subsidiary to bean equity method investee of the Company as of April 1, 2005.

With the aim of maximizing shareholder value, on April 28, 2005, the Board of Directors approved plans to proactively provide returns to shareholders and adopted a leading provider of a comprehensive range of home electric and household equipment and systems in Japan. It also expects to reduce costs through economies of scale and sharing of research and development resources and marketing channels. The aggregate purchase cost of additional MEW shares was 147,187 million yen and was paid in cash. The carrying valuepolicy toward large-scale purchases of the Company’s commonshares.

For fiscal 2006, the Company plans to increase total dividends per share to 20.00 yen, as compared with the planned 15.00 yen for fiscal 2005. The Company will continue to repurchase the Company’s own shares, up to 120 million shares for a maximum of MEW immediately before150 billion yen in fiscal 2006, to enhance shareholder value per share.

Under the acquisition was 200,174 million yen. The carrying valuebasic philosophy that shareholders should make final decisions regarding large-scale purchases of the Company’s existing common shares, sufficient information should be provided through the Board of PanaHome at April 1, 2004 was 22,861 million yen.Directors to shareholders if a large-scale purchase is to be conducted. Under the above-mentioned basic philosophy, the Board of Directors decided to adopt a new rule applicable to large-scale purchasers who intend to acquire 20% or more of all voting rights of the Company. The new rule requires that (i) a large-scale purchaser provides sufficient information to the Board of Directors before a large-scale purchase is to be conducted and (ii) after all required information is provided, the Board of Directors should be allowed a sufficient period of time during which it will assess, examine, negotiate, form an opinion and seek alternatives. In the event of non-compliance with such rules by a prospective large-scale purchaser, the Board of Directors may take countermeasures to protect the interest of all shareholders.


- 151168 -

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The purchase priceCompany announced the details of additional MEW shares has been preliminarily allocated based uponthis policy on April 28, 2005 as the initial estimated fair valuepolicy toward large-scale purchases of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the dateCompany’s shares (ESV plan). (For further details, see No. 15.1 of acquisition. The excess of the purchase price over fair value of net identifiable assets was preliminarily allocated to goodwill. The Company’s new basis of investments in MEW and PanaHome upon the acquisition of additional shares of MEW was 343,844 million yen, which consisted of the purchase price of acquired shares and the carrying value of the existing shares, net of deferred tax liabilities of 26,378 million yen on the outside basis of existing shares that had been accounted for using the equity method. Such new basis of investments in MEW and PanaHome was allocated as follows:

Yen (millions)

Current assets

658,544

Property, plant and equipment

440,584

Other assets

287,998

Total assets acquired

1,387,126

Current liabilities

335,899

Noncurrent liabilities

419,803

Total liabilities assumed

755,702

Minority interests

287,580

Net assets acquired

343,844

The allocation of the purchase price is preliminary and subject to adjustments following the completion of the valuation process.Item 19.)


- 152169 -

 

Schedule II

 

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves

(In millions of yen)

 

Years ended March 31, 2005, 2004 2003 and 20022003

 

         Deduct

      
   Balance
at
beginning
of
period


  Add-
charged
to
income


  Bad
debts
written
off


  Reversal

  Add (deduct)-
cumulative
translation
adjustments


  Balance
at end of
period


Allowance for doubtful trade receivables:

                  

2004

  53,043  3,154  3,088  3,662  (1,574) 47,873

2003

  43,265  17,621  2,919  3,011  (1,913) 53,043

2002

  45,239  4,507  3,729  4,013  1,261  43,265

Allowance for doubtful noncurrent receivables:

                  

2004

  —    —    —    —    —    —  

2003

  50  —    —    50  —    —  

2002

  98  1,514  1,562  —    —    50

   

Balance

at
beginning

of period


  Add

  Deduct

  

Add (deduct)

-cumulative
translation
adjustments


  

Balance

at

end

of period


    Due to
acquisition


  

Charged
to

income


  

Bad debts

written

off


  Reversal

   

Allowance for doubtful trade receivables:

                     

2005

  47,873  7,278  4,963  6,384  10,364  470  43,836

2004

  53,043    3,154  3,088  3,662  (1,574) 47,873

2003

  43,265    17,621  2,919  3,011  (1,913) 53,043

Allowance for doubtful noncurrent receivables:

                     

2005

              

2004

              

2003

  50        50    


- 153170 -

 

Item 19.Exhibits

 

Documents filed as exhibits to this annual report are as follows:

 

1.1  Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant (English translation) [incorporated by reference to the Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-06784) filed on September 13, 2004]
1.2  Share Handling Regulations of the Registrant (English translation) [incorporated by reference to the Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-06784) filed on September 13, 2004]
1.3  Regulations of the Board of Directors of the Registrant (English translation) [incorporated by reference to the Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-06784) filed on September 10, 2003]
1.4  Regulations of the Board of Corporate Auditors of the Registrant (English translation) [incorporated by reference to the Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-06784) filed on September 10, 2003]
2.1  Specimen common stock certificates of the Registrant (English translation) [incorporated by reference to the Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-06784) filed on September 10, 2003]
2.2  Form of Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement among the Registrant, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York (now JP MorganJPMorgan Chase Bank)Bank, N.A.) as Depositary and all owners and holders from time to time of American Depositary Receipts, including the form of American Depositary Receipt [incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form F-6 (File No. 333-12694) filed on October 4, 2000]
4.1  Liability Limitation Agreement (English translation) [Matsushita and each of Josei ItoIkuo Uno and Toshio Morikawa,Yoshifumi Nishikawa, entered into a Liability Limitation Agreement, each dated June 27, 2003,29, 2005, in the form of this Exhibit.] [incorporated by reference to the Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-06784) filed on September 10, 2003]
8.1  Subsidiaries of the Registrant [List of significant subsidiaries (see Section C of Item 4)]
11.1  Code of Ethics for Directors and Executive Officers (English translation) [incorporated by reference to the Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-06784) filed on September 13, 2004]
12.1  Certification of the principal executive officer of the Company required by Rule 13a-14(a)
12.2  Certification of the principal financial officer of the Company required by Rule 13a-14(a)
13.1  Certification required by Rule 13a-14(a) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code
15.1Policy toward Large-scale Purchases of Matsushita Shares (ESV Plan)


- 171 -

 

The Company has not included as exhibits certain instruments with respect to its long-term debt, the amount of debt authorized under each of which does not exceed 10% of its total assets, and it agrees to furnish a copy of any such instrument to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.


- 154172 -

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

    

MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

    (Registrant)

Date:

 

September 10, 20049, 2005

   By /s/    Yukitoshi Onda
        

Yukitoshi Onda

President of

Panasonic Finance (America), Inc.

1 Rockefeller Plaza, Suite 1001,

New York, N.Y. 10020-2002


Index to Exhibits

 

Documents filed as exhibits to this annual report are as follows:

 

1.1  Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant (English translation) [incorporated by reference to the Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-06784) filed on September 13, 2004]
1.2  Share Handling Regulations of the Registrant (English translation) [incorporated by reference to the Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-06784) filed on September 13, 2004]
1.3  Regulations of the Board of Directors of the Registrant (English translation) [incorporated by reference to the Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-06784) filed on September 10, 2003]
1.4  Regulations of the Board of Corporate Auditors of the Registrant (English translation) [incorporated by reference to the Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-06784) filed on September 10, 2003]
2.1  Specimen common stock certificates of the Registrant (English translation) [incorporated by reference to the Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-06784) filed on September 10, 2003]
2.2  Form of Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement among the Registrant, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York (now JP MorganJPMorgan Chase Bank)Bank, N.A.) as Depositary and all owners and holders from time to time of American Depositary Receipts, including the form of American Depositary Receipt [incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form F-6 (File No. 333-12694) filed on October 4, 2000]
4.1  Liability Limitation Agreement (English translation) [Matsushita and each of Josei ItoIkuo Uno and Toshio Morikawa,Yoshifumi Nishikawa, entered into a Liability Limitation Agreement, each dated June 27, 2003,29, 2005, in the form of this Exhibit.] [incorporated by reference to the Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-06784) filed on September 10, 2003]
8.1  Subsidiaries of the Registrant [List of significant subsidiaries (see Section C of Item 4)]
11.1  Code of Ethics for Directors and Executive Officers (English translation) [incorporated by reference to the Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-06784) filed on September 13, 2004]
12.1  Certification of the principal executive officer of the Company required by Rule 13a-14(a)
12.2  Certification of the principal financial officer of the Company required by Rule 13a-14(a)
13.1  Certification required by Rule 13a-14(a) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code
15.1Policy toward Large-scale Purchases of Matsushita Shares (ESV Plan)