Mazda 2014 Annual Report Download - page 7

with additional technologies for improved fuel efficiency,
achieves a powerful driving performance with torque
equal to 2.5-liter gasoline engine while providing a high
level of environmental performance. We will also continue
to expand our lineup of SKYACTIV-equipped models going
forward.
In terms of sales, our Sales Method Innovation that
leverages the product strength of SKYACTIV-equipped
models is producing results. We are achieving sales vol-
ume growth while curtailing sales incentives by promoting
right-price policy. Through these initiatives, our vehicles
will retain high residual value, and we will maintain appro-
priate inventory levels.
With regard to production, our new plant in Mexico
began production of the new Mazda3 for North America
in January 2014 as scheduled. The construction of our
new engine machining factory in Mexico and our new
transmission plant in Thailand are also on track. In line
with increasing global sales of SKYACTIV-equipped
models, in Japan we are increasing our annual production
capacity for SKYACTIV-G and SKYACTIV-D engines at our
engine plant in Hiroshima and for SKYACTIV transmis-
sions at our Hofu Plant as planned.
As a result, global sales volume in the March 2014 fis-
cal year grew 7.8% from the previous year, to 1,331,000
units, led by the CX-5, the Mazda6, and the new Mazda3.
Net sales rose ¥487.0 billion, to ¥2,692.2 billion, operat-
ing income increased ¥128.2 billion, to ¥182.1 billion, and
net income grew ¥101.4 billion, to ¥135.7 billion.
*1. Automotive Researchers’ & Journalists’ Conference of Japan
Forecast for the March 2015 fiscal year
In the March 2015 fiscal year, we are aiming for growth in
global sales volume on a full-year contribution from sales
of the new Mazda3, and our enhanced supply structure
from full-scale operations at the Mexico Plant. We will
also continue to curtail sales incentives and maintain
right-price sales, underpinned by the product strength of
SKYACTIV-equipped models, while stepping up our pro-
motional activities for our products and the Mazda brand
and strengthening our sales network. We are forecasting
a 6.7% increase in global sales volume, to 1,420,000
units, with net sales of ¥2,900.0 billion (an increase of
¥207.8 billion), operating income of ¥210.0 billion (an
increase of ¥27.9 billion) and net income of ¥160.0 billion
(an increase of ¥24.3 billion). We will also strengthen our
management base to achieve solid growth in sales vol-
ume and a stable earnings structure.
Returns to shareholders
We view returns to shareholders as a very important man-
agement issue. Our policy in determining the dividend is to
take into account results for the fiscal year, the operating
environment, and our financial position. This year we are
placing priority on our responsibility to provide returns to
shareholders as quickly as possible, and have restored the
dividend for the first time in four years. We set the dividend
amount at ¥1 per share, which represents a balance
between our level of retained earnings and other internal
reserves, with investments for future growth. We will con-
tinue to strive to maintain a stable dividend with steady
increases in the amount going forward. For the March 2015
fiscal year, we intend to pay a year-end dividend of ¥10 per
share.*2
*2. Dividend amount based on the number of shares following the share consolidation
that was carried out on August 1, 2014. Please see page 39 for more information
on the consolidation of shares.
Consolidated Results and Forecast
(Fiscal years ended / ending March 31) 2013 2014 2015
Result Increase/
Decrease Result Increase/ Decrease Forecast Increase/ Decrease
Global sales volume (1,000 units) 1,235 (12) 1,331 +96 1,420 +89
Net sales (billion yen) 2,205.3 +172.2 2,692.2 + 4 87. 0 2,900.0 +2 0 7. 8
Operating income (billion yen) 53.9 +92.7 182.1 +128.2 210.0 +27.9
Net income (billion yen) 34.3 +142.0 135.7 +101.4 160.0 +24.3
05
Mazda Annual Report 2014
CONTENTS
Message from Management
Introduction
Brand Value Management
Review of Operations
Foundations Underpinning
Sustainable Growth
Financial Section