ANNUAL REPORT
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 20-F

(Mark One)

  ¨ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

 

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

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007

OR

 

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

For the transition period from                      to                     

OR

 

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

Date of event requiring this shell company report                                 

Commission file number: 1-8320

KABUSHIKI KAISHA HITACHI SEISAKUSHO

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Hitachi, Ltd.

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

Japan

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

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

Tokyo 100-8280, Japan

(Address of principal executive offices)

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

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

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

  New York Stock Exchange

Common stock without par value

    New York Stock Exchange*

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

None

(Title of Class)

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:

None

(Title of Class)

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period

covered by the annual report.

As of March 31, 2007, 3,368,126,056 shares of common stock were outstanding.

 


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

 

x Yes                   ¨ No

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

¨ Yes                   x No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

x Yes                   ¨ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer x   Accelerated filer ¨   Non-accelerated filer ¨

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

 

x Item 17             ¨ Item 18

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

¨ Yes                   x No

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

 



Table of Contents

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

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

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

fluctuations in rates of exchange for the yen and other currencies in which Hitachi makes significant sales or in which Hitachi’s assets and liabilities are denominated, particularly between the yen and the U.S. dollar;

 

 

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

 

 

general socio-economic and political conditions and the regulatory and trade environment of Hitachi’s major markets, particularly the United States, Japan and elsewhere in Asia, including, without limitation, a return to stagnation or deterioration of the Japanese economy, or direct or indirect restrictions by other nations on imports;

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

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


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page
CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS, CONVENTIONS AND PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION    ii
PART I    1
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS    1
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE    1
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION    1
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY    7
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS    20
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS    20
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES    36
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS    48
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION    49
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING    51
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION    52
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK    61
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES    67
PART II    67
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES    67
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS    67
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES    68
ITEM 16. [RESERVED]    68
ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT    69
ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS    69
ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES    69
ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES    70
ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS    70
PART III    71
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS    71
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS    141
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS    141
SIGNATURES    142
EXHIBIT INDEX    143

 

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CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS, CONVENTIONS AND

PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION

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

The Company’s fiscal year ends on March 31. The fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 is sometimes referred to in this annual report as “fiscal 2006,” and other fiscal years may be referred to in a corresponding manner. References to years not specified as fiscal years are to calendar years.

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

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

References in this annual report to the “Securities and Exchange Law” or the “Securities and Exchange Law of Japan” are to the Securities and Exchange Law of Japan and other laws and regulations amending and/or supplementing the Securities and Exchange Law of Japan.

References in this annual report to the “Company Law” or the “Japanese Company Law” are to the Japanese Company Law which became effective as of May 1, 2006 and other laws and regulations amending and/or supplementing the Japanese Company Law.

References in this annual report to the “Commercial Code” or the “Japanese Commercial Code” are to the former Japanese Commercial Code and other laws and regulations amending and/or supplementing the former Japanese Commercial Code which were revised or abolished in accordance with the enactment of the Company Law.

 

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PART I

 

ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION

A. Selected Financial Data

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

 

     Year ended March 31,  
     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007  
     (Millions of yen, except per share amounts and number of shares issued)  

Total revenues

   8,191,752     8,632,450     9,027,043     9,464,801     10,247,903  

Income before income taxes and minority interests

   96,828     237,149     264,506     274,864     202,338  

Net income (loss)

   27,867     15,876     51,496     37,320     (32,799 )

Per common share:

          

Net income (loss)

          

Basic

   8.31     4.81     15.53     11.20     (9.84 )

Diluted

   8.19     4.75     15.15     10.84     (9.87 )

Cash dividends declared

   6.00     8.00     11.00     11.00     6.00  
   ($0.049 )   ($0.074 )   ($0.105 )   ($0.094 )   ($0.051 )

Cash and cash equivalents

   828,171     764,396     708,715     658,255     617,866  

Short-term investments

   186,972     177,949     146,568     162,756     33,986  

Total assets

   10,179,389     9,590,322     9,736,247     10,021,195     10,644,259  

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

   1,328,446     1,183,463     1,183,474     1,000,555     1,197,607  

Long-term debt

   1,512,152     1,314,102     1,319,032     1,418,489     1,489,843  

Minority interests

   751,578     798,816     921,052     1,036,807     1,073,749  

Stockholders’ equity

   1,853,212     2,168,131     2,307,831     2,507,773     2,442,797  

Common stock

   282,032     282,032     282,033     282,033     282,033  

Number of shares issued (thousand shares)

   3,368,124     3,368,125     3,368,126     3,368,126     3,368,126  

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

 

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     Yen exchange rates per U.S.
dollar

Year ended March 31, except month data

   Average    High    Low

2003

   121.10      

2004

   112.75      

2005

   107.35      

2006

   113.67      

2007

   116.55      

December 2006

      119.02    114.98

January 2007

      121.81    118.49

February 2007

      121.77    118.33

March 2007

      118.15    116.01

April 2007

      119.84    117.69

May 2007

      121.79    119.77

On June 22, 2007, the yen exchange rate per U.S. dollar was 124.09 yen per $1.

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

Not applicable.

C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

D. Risk Factors

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

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

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

Risks Related to Economic Environment

Economic trends

Decreases in consumer spending and private-sector plant and equipment investment due to economic downturns in Japan, North America, Asia and other major markets where Hitachi does business, or direct or indirect restrictions on imports by other nations, may negatively impact Hitachi’s business results by reducing demand and increasing price competition for the products and services Hitachi offers. In addition, the adverse economic environment may result in increased risks of excess inventories and overcapacities, and further restructuring measures by Hitachi, which could involve associated expenses.

Currency exchange rate fluctuations

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

 

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Risks Related to Industrial Sectors and Business Lines

Intense competition

The industrial sectors and business lines in which Hitachi is engaged are experiencing increasingly intense competition. Hitachi competes with diverse competitors ranging from huge global corporations to specialized companies. Competitors are increasingly manufacturing products, including sophisticated electronic products, in low-cost jurisdictions. Globalization of markets and commoditization of such products are making price competition in the business sectors in which Hitachi is engaged increasingly intense. Products which are facing intense price competition or decreases in prices include computer-related products, such as hard disk drives, disk array subsystems and optical disk drives, semiconductors, liquid crystal displays, digital media products and home appliances. To succeed in this competitive environment, Hitachi believes its products and services must be competitive in terms of price, engineering expertise, quality and brand value. Hitachi cannot be certain that the products or services that it offers will be competitive, and should such products or services fail to be competitive, Hitachi’s business results may be negatively affected.

Rapid technological innovation

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

Material and component procurement

Hitachi’s manufacturing operations rely on third parties for supplies of materials, parts, components and services of adequate quality and quantity and in a timely manner. External suppliers may have other customers and may not have sufficient capacity to meet all of the needs of such customers during periods of excess demand. Shortages of materials, parts, components and services may cause a sharp rise in their prices. Prices of certain raw materials, parts and components that Hitachi purchases, such as petroleum products, copper, aluminum and semiconductor memory chips, are extremely volatile. Increases in the price of petroleum and other materials, such as copper, steel and synthetic resins, are increasing Hitachi’s production costs and may adversely affect its results of operations. Although, in general, Hitachi maintains multiple sources of supply and works closely with its suppliers to avoid supply-related problems, such problems including shortages and delays may occur, which could materially harm Hitachi’s business. In addition, reliance on outside sources increases the risk that Hitachi will not be able to control or avoid the introduction under the Hitachi name of products incorporating defective or inferior components, which could result in expenses for product recalls and lawsuits against Hitachi and adversely affect Hitachi’s business results or its reputation for quality products.

Supply and demand balance

Supply in excess of demand leads to a decline in selling prices and, thus, such oversupply in the markets in which Hitachi is involved may adversely affect Hitachi’s performance. In addition, Hitachi may be forced to dispose of overcapacity or obsolete equipment or reduce production to adjust to demand, which can cause Hitachi losses. The semiconductor industry and the liquid crystal display industry, in particular, are highly cyclical, and cyclical downturns are characterized by sharp declines in prices and overcapacity. The liquid crystal display business and the semiconductor business conducted primarily by subsidiaries and affiliates of the Company may be negatively impacted by periodic oversupply in the global markets in the future.

 

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Risks Related to Operations

Dependence on specially skilled personnel

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

Acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic alliances

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

Restructuring of business

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

Business activities in overseas markets

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

Intellectual property

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

 

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Litigation and regulatory investigations

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

Product quality and liability

Hitachi increasingly provides products and services utilizing sophisticated and complicated technologies, including but not limited to components of nuclear power stations. Reliance on external suppliers reduces Hitachi’s control over quality assurance. There is a risk that defects may occur in Hitachi’s products and services. The occurrence of such defects could negatively impact Hitachi’s reputation for quality products, expose Hitachi to liability for damages caused by such defects and negatively impact Hitachi’s ability to sell certain products. Even a single significant product defect, could materially and adversely affect Hitachi’s business results and future business prospects. For example, there can be no assurance that the Company could not be liable for repair costs or other damages incurred by power companies due to the breakdown of the turbine vanes in the nuclear reactors at Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station and at Shika Nuclear Power Station. See “Item 4. Information on the Company – B. Business Overview – Description of Industry Segments – Power & Industrial Systems”, “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects – A. Operating Results – Fiscal 2006 Compared with Fiscal 2005” and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects – D. Trend Information.”

Risks of natural disasters and similar events

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

Information security

With the increased importance of information systems to Hitachi’s operating activities, disruptions in such information systems, due to computer viruses and other factors, could have a negative impact on Hitachi’s operating activities, results of operations and financial condition. Hitachi maintains personal information and confidential information of Hitachi and information relating to the technology, R&D, production, marketing and business operations of Hitachi and its customers/clients. Although Hitachi seeks to maintain the confidentiality of such information, the leak of such information caused by a disruption to the information systems, human error or other events could have a negative impact on Hitachi’s operating activities, results of operations, financial condition, reputation and credibility.

Governmental regulations

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

Marketable securities risks

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

 

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Access to liquidity and long-term financing

Hitachi’s primary sources of funds are cash flows from operations, borrowings from banks and other institutional lenders, and funding from the capital markets, such as offerings of commercial paper and other debt securities. A downgrade in Hitachi’s credit ratings could result in increases in Hitachi’s interest expenses and could have an adverse impact on Hitachi’s ability to access the commercial paper market or the public and private debt markets, which could have an adverse effect on Hitachi’s financial position and liquidity. Although Hitachi has access to other sources of liquidity, including bank borrowings, cash flows from its operations and sales of its assets, Hitachi cannot be sure that these other sources will be adequate or on terms acceptable to it if any adverse conditions arise. A failure of one or more of Hitachi’s major lenders, a decision by one or more of them to stop lending to Hitachi or instability in the capital markets could have an adverse impact on Hitachi’s access to funding.

Retirement benefits

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

Risks Related to Hitachi’s Securities

Unit shares

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

Foreign exchange fluctuations

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

Rights of ADS holders

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

 

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

 

ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

A. History and Development of the Company

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

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

In November 2006, Hitachi launched a new corporate strategy aiming to establish a business structure that consistently generates high profits, with the basic management policy of (i) rigorous business management using an economic value-added evaluation index based on the cost of capital, (ii) establishment of a business structure focusing on profitability, (iii) innovation by collaborations with business partners and utilizing internal R&D resources, (iv) strengthening overseas business and (v) creating synergies. The basic management policies are as follows.

 

   

Rigorous business management using an economic value-added evaluation index based on the cost of capital

With the strict application of the above evaluation index, the Company will rigorously monitor and evaluate performance of each Hitachi business and will implement necessary reorganization measures, including sale, divestiture or closure of businesses which cannot satisfy the threshold set by the above evaluation index, in order to strengthen each business and to improve profitability.

 

   

Establishment of a business structure focusing on profitability

Utilizing technology, knowledge, experience and know-how relating to social and information infrastructure systems, Hitachi will provide products and services in response to the growing overseas social infrastructure market, such as power systems and railway systems, and will expand maintenance and services business based on such products; among other things, Hitachi will further strengthen its social, industrial, life and information infrastructure business by channeling capital and management resources into strong businesses. Further, Hitachi seeks to maximize synergy with products, components and materials businesses in which Hitachi has technological advantages and which constitute the basis of the above businesses.

 

   

Innovation by collaborations with business partners and by utilizing internal R&D resources

Hitachi will establish and utilize various alliances with business partners and will increase sales of innovative products that can generate high profits. Hitachi will also establish an R&D structure geared to profitability by strengthening the alignment between business divisions and the R&D division and shortening the development period.

 

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Strengthening overseas business

Hitachi will strengthen its competitiveness in overseas markets by focusing on the markets in which demands on social infrastructure are expanding, promoting localization by entering into alliances with strategic partners, strengthening business solutions sales operations and corporate brands, and systematic human resource development.

 

   

Creating synergy

Hitachi will seek to improve its profitability by creating new value-added products and services utilizing technology, knowledge, experience and know-how among Hitachi’s diversified business fields and by seeking synergy in administrative areas such as cost reducing activities utilizing Hitachi’s management resources.

Further to the above, Hitachi will enhance its corporate governance structure in order to maximize its medium and long-term corporate value, reorganizing its internal control system on a consolidated basis, implementing multidisciplinary risk management, promoting prompt information sharing systems and optimizing share capital relationships among Hitachi group companies.

In recent years, Hitachi has accelerated its business reorganization, including to facilitate Hitachi’s goal of maximizing growth by combining and utilizing the diverse management resources within Hitachi in the most effective and efficient ways.

On October 1, 2004, the Company merged its equity-method affiliate, TOKICO LTD., and its wholly owned subsidiary, Hitachi Unisia Automotive, Ltd. into itself. As part of strengthening its automotive systems business, the Company aims to establish an efficient operation system through the integration of these companies’ sales and R&D functions and to create differentiated technology in the areas of brakes, steering and suspensions of automobiles.

On April 1, 2005, the Company acquired 30.1% of the shares of its equity-method affiliate, Fujitsu Hitachi Plasma Display Limited (“FHP”), from Fujitsu Limited, and made it a consolidated subsidiary. By vertically integrating FHP’s manufacturing operations and the Company’s sales operations, the Company is trying to stably generate profits in flat panel TVs business by focusing on high-value added products, and by reducing production and sales costs through improvement in supply chain management.

In April 2006, the Company transferred a part of its social and industrial systems operation to Hitachi Plant Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd., which was then merged with Hitachi Kiden Kogyo, Ltd. and Hitachi Industries Co., Ltd. to form Hitachi Plant Technologies, Ltd. The Company expects this consolidation of capabilities to accelerate the growth of businesses in the social and industrial infrastructure sectors by improving product development, design and manufacturing technologies; engineering capabilities; and construction techniques and project management abilities and enhancing the efficiency of business operations.

In October 2006, the Company conducted a tender offer for shares of Clarion Co., Ltd. (“Clarion”), a company which manufactures and sells car audio systems and car navigation systems, etc. Subsequently, Clarion became a consolidated subsidiary of the Company in December 2006. The Company expects this transaction will strengthen Hitachi’s car information systems business by making use of Clarion’s planning and development capabilities for in-vehicle entertainment systems such as audio-visual and navigation systems and devices, as well as its marketing capabilities that have been applied in the aftermarket and with car manufacturers around the world. See “B. Business Overview — Description of Industry Segments — Power & Industrial Systems” and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — D. Trend Information” for more information.

In November 2006, the Company entered into a letter of intent with General Electric Company, or GE, expressing both party’s intent to create a global alliance for their nuclear businesses to improve and expand their boiling water reactor technology offerings, aiming at synergy in the area of design, manufacture, construction, maintenance and engineering services. Subsequently, in May 2007, in order to implement such alliance, the Company and GE entered into an agreement to form joint venture companies in each of the U.S, Canada and Japan. Based on the agreement, the U.S. and Canadian companies were established in June 2007, and the Company will transfer its nuclear power systems operations to the Japanese company in July 2007 by way of corporate split under the Company Law. See “B. Business Overview — Description of Industry Segments — Power & Industrial Systems” and “Item 8. Financial Information — B. Significant Changes” for more information.

 

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Hitachi’s capital expenditures for fixed assets on a completion basis were ¥1,048,572 million, ¥954,706 million and ¥959,593 million in fiscal 2006, 2005 and 2004. While Hitachi has maintained a selective attitude toward investment decisions, it has placed an emphasis on capital expenditures for strategically important products. Excluding the purchase of assets to be leased, a significant portion of capital expenditures have been directed toward information-related products, including large capital investments in manufacturing facilities to maintain or enhance competitiveness in those product sectors. The increase in capital expenditures in fiscal 2006 was primarily due to investments in manufacturing equipment for hard disk drives, construction machinery, elevators, escalators, plasma display panels and automotive-related materials and components made in response to increased demand for these products. The decrease in fiscal 2005 was primarily due to a decrease in capital expenditures in the electronic devices sectors in response to reductions in production of large-sized liquid crystal displays (“LCDs”). In fiscal 2007, Hitachi expects to increase its capital expenditures in the areas of construction machinery, railway vehicles, plasma display panels and high-functional materials. Hitachi expects capital expenditure investments in fiscal 2007 to be funded primarily through internal sources of financing and to be made primarily in Japan.

B. Business Overview

Main Categories of Products and Services

Hitachi’s business is highly diversified. Hitachi classifies its operations into seven industry segments based primarily along related assets and operations management lines, as well as on the similarity of products and services by type, use, production method and marketing method, as required by a ministerial ordinance under the Securities and Exchange Law of Japan. The industry segments and major categories of products and services offered in each segment as of March 31, 2007 are as follows:

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

   

Financial Services. Leasing, loan guarantees and insurance services.

Sales and Distribution

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

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

 

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Overseas revenues amounted to ¥4,154,276 million in fiscal 2006, accounting for 41% of total revenues. Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations influence Hitachi’s operating environment. A strong yen reduces the price competitiveness of products exported to foreign markets and diminishes profit by decreasing revenue when foreign currency income from overseas product sales is converted to yen. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — A. Operating Results.”

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

Segment Information

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

Industry Segment

 

     Year ended March 31,  
     2005     2006     2007  
     (Millions of yen, except percentage data)  

Revenues (note 1)

            

Information & Telecommunication Systems

   2,268,386     21 %   2,360,956     21 %   2,472,227     21 %

Electronic Devices

   1,320,177     12     1,204,407     11     1,287,492     11  

Power & Industrial Systems

   2,515,366     24     2,805,169     25     3,022,299     26  

Digital Media & Consumer Products

   1,280,302     12     1,305,658     12     1,506,073     13  

High Functional Materials & Components

   1,504,312     14     1,600,246     15     1,794,506     15  

Logistics, Services & Others

   1,248,296     12     1,214,784     11     1,213,529     10  

Financial Services

   529,695     5     517,975     5     500,065     4  
                        

Subtotal

   10,666,534     100 %   11,009,195     100 %   11,796,191     100 %
                        

Eliminations and Corporate Items

   (1,639,491 )     (1,544,394 )     (1,548,288 )  
                        

Total

   9,027,043       9,464,801       10,247,903    
                        

Operating Income (Loss) (note 2)

            

Information & Telecommunication Systems

   67,761     21 %   84,687     26 %   60,343     23 %

Electronic Devices

   37,017     12     20,439     6     45,755     18  

Power & Industrial Systems

   73,661     23     92,552     28     36,391     14  

Digital Media & Consumer Products

   8,694     3     (35,771 )   (11 )   (58,435 )   (23 )

High Functional Materials & Components

   87,514     28     110,069     34     132,399     51  

Logistics, Services & Others

   9,808     3     19,511     6     20,233     8  

Financial Services

   31,073     10     35,001     11     23,534     9  
                        

Subtotal

   315,528     100 %   326,488     100 %   260,220     100 %
                        

Eliminations and Corporate Items

   (36,473 )     (70,476 )     (77,708 )  
                        

Total

   279,055       256,012       182,512    
                        

Segment Assets

            

Information & Telecommunication Systems

   1,767,074     18 %   1,844,979     17 %   1,987,603     17 %

Electronic Devices

   838,605     8     856,147     8     840,986     7  

Power & Industrial Systems

   2,357,504     23     2,474,327     23     2,728,817     24  

Digital Media & Consumer Products

   719,168     7     841,935     8     971,187     9  

High Functional Materials & Components

   1,301,039     13     1,363,833     13     1,503,733     13  

Logistics, Services & Others

   932,354     9     958,337     9     1,049,916     9  

Financial Services

   2,157,409     22     2,280,880     22     2,442,066     21  
                        

Subtotal

   10,073,153     100 %   10,620,438     100 %   11,524,308     100 %
                        

Eliminations and Corporate Items

   (336,906 )     (599,243 )     (880,049 )  
                        

Total

   9,736,247       10,021,195       10,644,259    
                        

 

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     Year ended March 31,  
     2005     2006     2007  
     (Millions of yen, except percentage data)  

Depreciation & Amortization

             

Information & Telecommunication Systems

   158,184    29 %   164,245     28 %   183,057     30 %

Electronic Devices

   48,240    9     50,504     9     42,549     7  

Power & Industrial Systems

   83,947    15     89,846     15     103,176     17  

Digital Media & Consumer Products

   40,275    7     49,517     9     53,280     9  

High Functional Materials & Components

   69,425    13     68,531     12     71,119     11  

Logistics, Services & Others

   28,887    5     28,584     5     30,150     5  

Financial Services

   118,251    22     129,129     22     131,425     21  
                         

Subtotal

   547,209    100 %   580,356     100 %   614,756     100 %
                         

Eliminations and Corporate Items

   10,241      9,541       7,242    
                       

Total

   557,450      589,897       621,998    
                       

Tangible & Intangible Asset Increase

             

Information & Telecommunication Systems

   176,885    15 %   198,811     16 %   230,193     17 %

Electronic Devices

   50,834    4     39,271     3     37,196     3  

Power & Industrial Systems

   110,234    10     118,132     10     173,493     13  

Digital Media & Consumer Products

   45,063    4     46,169     4     87,244     6  

High Functional Materials & Components

   81,326    7     91,645     8     151,895     11  

Logistics, Services & Others

   35,830    3     29,136     2     34,937     3  

Financial Services

   667,667    57     684,109     57     642,016     47  
                         

Subtotal

   1,167,839    100 %   1,207,273     100 %   1,356,974     100 %
                         

Eliminations and Corporate Items

   23,052      (55,257 )     (63,557 )  
                       

Total

   1,190,891      1,152,016       1,293,417    
                       

Geographic Segment (note 3)

 

     Year ended March 31,  
     2005     2006     2007  
     (Millions of yen, except percentage data)  

Revenues (note 1)

            

Japan

            

Outside customer sales

   6,598,002     63 %   6,747,222     61 %   7,010,181     57 %

Intersegment transactions

   937,814     9     1,033,180     9     1,274,048     11  
                                    

Total

   7,535,816     72     7,780,402     70     8,284,229     68  

Asia

            

Outside customer sales

   1,059,197     10     1,178,568     11     1,459,549     12  

Intersegment transactions

   388,249     4     453,823     4     561,208     4  
                                    

Total

   1,447,446     14     1,632,391     15     2,020,757     16  

North America

            

Outside customer sales

   798,266     8     899,608     8     981,098     8  

Intersegment transactions

   34,224     0     64,486     1     89,912     1  
                                    

Total

   832,490     8     964,094     9     1,071,010     9  

Europe

            

Outside customer sales

   470,792     5     519,042     5     645,354     5  

Intersegment transactions

   20,015     0     27,390     0     37,454     1  
                                    

Total

   490,807     5     546,432     5     682,808     6  

Other Areas

            

Outside customer sales

   100,786     1     120,361     1     151,721     1  

Intersegment transactions

   3,545     0     11,182     0     21,574     0  
                                    

Total

   104,331     1     131,543     1     173,295     1  
                        

Subtotal

   10,410,890     100 %   11,054,862     100 %   12,232,099     100 %
                        

Eliminations and Corporate Items

   (1,383,847 )     (1,590,061 )     (1,984,196 )  
                        

Total

   9,027,043       9,464,801       10,247,903    
                        

 

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     Year ended March 31,  
     2005     2006     2007  
     (Millions of yen, except percentage data)  

Operating Income (Loss) (note 2)

            

Japan

   274,389     83 %   275,715     83 %   212,316     80 %

Asia

   27,538     8     6,727     2     (3,664 )   (1 )

North America

   10,188     3     23,428     7     25,310     9  

Europe

   16,382     5     18,702     6     23,312     9  

Other Areas

   3,260     1     6,555     2     8,647     3  
                        

Subtotal

   331,757     100 %   331,127     100 %   265,921     100 %
                        

Eliminations and Corporate Items

   (52,702 )     (75,115 )     (83,409 )  
                        

Total

   279,055       256,012       182,512    
                        

Segment Assets

            

Japan

   7,680,748     79 %   7,894,858     75 %   8,381,453     73 %

Asia

   857,825     9     1,060,394     10     1,327,954     12  

North America

   611,098     6     616,631     6     668,202     6  

Europe

   520,391     5     840,866     8     935,087     8  

Other Areas

   75,590     1     98,752     1     116,157     1  
                        

Subtotal

   9,745,652     100 %   10,511,501     100 %   11,428,853     100 %
                        

Eliminations and Corporate Items

   (9,405 )     (490,306 )     (784,594 )  
                        

Total

   9,736,247       10,021,195       10,644,259    
                        

Revenues by Market (note 4)

 

     Year ended March 31,  
     2005     2006     2007  
     (Millions of yen, except percentage data)  

Domestic revenues

   5,749,603    64 %   5,825,156    62 %   6,093,627    59 %

Overseas revenues

               

Asia

   1,406,883    15     1,619,235    17     1,859,664    18  

North America

   901,855    10     968,957    10     1,057,389    10  

Europe

   709,770    8     748,480    8     869,022    9  

Other Areas

   258,932    3     302,973    3     368,201    4  

Subtotal

   3,277,440    36     3,639,645    38     4,154,276    41  
                                 

Total

   9,027,043    100 %   9,464,801    100 %   10,247,903    100 %
                                 

Notes:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

4. Figures for revenues by market are based on the locations of the customer to whom Hitachi’s products or services are sold.

Description of Industry Segments

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

 

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Information & Telecommunication Systems

Products and services provided by Hitachi in this segment include systems integration, outsourcing services, computer hardware, software and telecommunications equipment and components. This segment groups products with many common technological aspects, facilitating operations management.

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

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

Hitachi focuses on such businesses as the consulting services, outsourcing, storage solutions and HDD businesses within the Information & Telecommunication Systems segment.

Hitachi seeks to strengthen its consulting services business by bolstering the operating structure principally by increasing the number of consultants; consolidating the consulting resources of the Company and its subsidiaries in Japan and Asia into Hitachi Consulting Co., Ltd., a Japanese subsidiary of the Company; and establishing Hitachi Consulting Europe Limited in the U.K. to oversee consulting operations in Europe as a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi Consulting Corporation in the U.S., a subsidiary of the Company. By sharing strategies and business resources among consulting subsidiaries in Japan, Asia, the U.S. and Europe, Hitachi will provide its customers with strategic solutions on a global basis and strengthen its competitiveness.

Hitachi is expanding its outsourcing business in response to demands from companies that want to outsource their information systems to concentrate resources on core competences. The outsourcing business includes data center outsourcing and strategic outsourcing. Data center outsourcing entails the monitoring, operation and maintenance of information systems on behalf of clients, and the hosting of servers and networks under tightly controlled security environments. Strategic outsourcing provides comprehensive support for customers’ information systems, ranging from consulting to systems design, construction, operation and maintenance. As necessary, Hitachi establishes joint venture companies with clients to conduct strategic outsourcing.

In the storage solutions business, Hitachi is seeking to expand its business by enhancing the high-performance functions of disk array subsystems and storage management software and deepening strategic alliances with overseas partners. In fiscal 2005, the Company and Hewlett-Packard Company extended their joint technology agreement and original equipment manufacturer relationship for high-end disk arrays through 2010. In addition, in fiscal 2005, Hitachi Data Systems Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a global distribution agreement with Ingram Micro, Inc. in the area of storage solutions for small and medium sized enterprises.

In the HDDs business, Hitachi is trying to improve the profitability of Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. Hitachi expects that the HDDs market will grow firmly due to the increasing numbers of PCs and DVD/HDD recorders, although the market is facing intensive cost competition. Hitachi is seeking to strengthen its HDD operations by increasing production capacity, expanding its high value-added product lineup, increasing the yield rate and reorganizing production facilities. As part of this strategy, in March 2007, Hitachi determined to integrate several manufacturing and developing facilities in order to reduce costs by improving production efficiency, reorganizing development structure and reducing materials, logistics and labor costs.

 

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In fiscal 2006, this segment accounted for 21% of total revenues before eliminations and recorded operating income of ¥60,343 million.

Electronic Devices

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

The display business is highly competitive and characterized by significant price fluctuations with changes in the supply-demand balance. In an effort to improve profitability, Hitachi has changed its product mix, shifting its focus from LCDs for notebook PCs to small and medium-sized LCDs, for mobile phones, digital cameras, printers and in-vehicle equipments. In October 2004, the Company and Hitachi Displays, Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, together with Toshiba Corporation and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., entered into an agreement to establish a joint-venture company called IPS Alpha Technology, Ltd., which is accounted for under the equity method, to manufacture and sell LCD panels for flat panel televisions. Hitachi is also trying to strengthen its competitiveness by reducing raw material costs and fixed costs, and improving productivity by expanding its product lineup.

Due to the unfavorable business environment, Hitachi realigned its semiconductor operations in recent years. On April 1, 2003, the Company transferred its semiconductor operations centered in system LSIs to a new company, Renesas. In September 2005, the Company sold a portion of its shares of Elpida Memory, Inc. (“Elpida Memory”). The Company established Elpida Memory together with NEC Corporation to operate the DRAM business. The Company previously accounted for Elpida Memory under the equity method; however, as a result of this share sale, Elpida Memory is no longer an equity-method affiliate.

In fiscal 2006, this segment accounted for 11% of total revenues before eliminations and recorded operating income of ¥45,755 million.

Power & Industrial Systems

In this segment, Hitachi offers power plants, industrial machinery, automotive products, construction machinery, transportation equipment and other products and related services for power utilities and industry.

Power companies are the main customers of the power sector. In this sector, Hitachi must respond to customer demand for low-priced products with high added value. In addition, in recent years Hitachi has given high priority to environmental protection in its product design. The entry of independent power producers into the domestic electric power industry brought about by deregulation has put pressure on power companies to lower electricity prices. This causes more intense price competition among vendors to match lower electricity prices. Since the orders the sector receives are generally for large items with long delivery periods, a portion of the purchase price from those orders is generally paid in advance to finance the production of the items.

On June 15, 2006, Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station No. 5 of Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. shut down due to turbine damage. As a precautionary measure, on July 5, 2006, Shika Nuclear Power Station No. 2 of Hokuriku Electric Power Company, which uses the same type of turbines, was shut down for an examination of the turbines and the examination revealed damage to the turbine vanes. The accrued amount of the repair costs was included in Hitachi’s operating results for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 and was recorded as part of cost of sales. Although the Company cannot estimate specified damages at the present time, there can be no assurance that the Company could not be liable for repair costs or other damages incurred by Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. and Hokuriku Electric Power Company. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects – A. Operating Results – Fiscal 2006 Compared with Fiscal 2005” and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects – D. Trend Information”.

 

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In nuclear power systems business, integration and alliances are implemented among large-scale nuclear power plant manufacturers, as seen by the acquisition of Westinghouse Electric Company’s nuclear power business by Toshiba Corporation. In this environment, the Company plans to strengthen and expand its nuclear power systems business throughout the world, including the U.S. In November 2006, the Company entered into a letter of intent with GE, expressing both party’s intent to create a global alliance for their nuclear businesses to improve and expand their boiling water reactor technology offerings. Subsequently, in May 2007, the Company and GE entered into an agreement to form joint venture companies in each of the U.S, Canada and Japan that will engage in the nuclear power systems business. Based on the agreement, the U.S. and Canadian companies were established in June 2007, and the Company will transfer its nuclear power systems operations to the Japanese company in July 2007 by way of corporate split under the Company Law. These joint venture companies will construct and maintain nuclear power plants and provide related services. See “A. History and Development of the Company” and “Item 8. Financial Information — B. Significant Changes” for more information.

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

In April 2006, the Company transferred a part of its social and industrial systems operation to Hitachi Plant Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd., which was then merged with Hitachi Kiden Kogyo, Ltd. and Hitachi Industries Co., Ltd. to form Hitachi Plant Technologies, Ltd. See “A. History and Development of the Company.”

Hitachi designated the automotive products business as a target business in this segment. In connection with this focus on the automotive products business, on October 1, 2004, the Company merged its equity-method affiliate, TOKICO LTD., and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Hitachi Unisia Automotive, Ltd. into itself. Further, in December 2006, the Company acquired a controlling interest in Clarion, making it a consolidated subsidiary of the Company, through a tender offer. Hitachi, with the expected synergy from these mergers and acquisitions, plans to strengthen the automotive products business in three areas: environmental systems such as low fuel consumption vehicles and electric vehicles; safety systems such as vehicle movement management systems; and car information systems such as traffic information systems, navigation systems and damage/deterioration diagnosis systems. See “A. History and Development of the Company.”

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

In fiscal 2006, this segment accounted for 26% of total revenues before eliminations and recorded operating income of ¥36,391 million.

Digital Media & Consumer Products

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

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

In this segment, Hitachi is facing intense price competition caused by increasing commoditization and oversupply both in the digital media products business and consumer products business. Especially in digital media products such as plasma TVs and LCD TVs, price reductions have been significant because of domestic and overseas competitors. Hitachi is working to maintain its competitiveness in these business fields by:

 

   

developing high value-added products;

 

   

introducing new products quickly;

 

   

reducing production costs by rationalizing supply chain management and centralized purchasing of core components;

 

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expanding production capacity of plasma display panels and flat panel TVs;

 

   

strengthening sales channels with major retailers in the U.S. and Europe;

 

   

increasing the number of sales locations in China; and

 

   

strengthening the Hitachi brand by increasing investment in marketing and conducting a worldwide brand promotional campaign.

In March 2005, the Company acquired, in an agreement with Fujitsu Limited, a joint-owner of FHP, patents on plasma display panel technology. The Company then acquired shares of FHP from Fujitsu Limited, which resulted in FHP becoming a consolidated subsidiary of the Company as of April 1, 2005. By vertically integrating FHP’s manufacturing operations and the Company’s sales operations, the Company is trying to stably generate profits by focusing on high-value added products, and by reducing production and sales costs through improvement in supply chain management. Hitachi is also trying to utilize comprehensive alliances with Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. to develop plasma TVs in order to enhance product performance, reduce R&D costs and increase production efficiency, responsiveness to customer needs and proper management of intellectual property. In May 2007, the Company and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. formed an agreement regarding cross-supply of large-sized plasma display panels in order to strengthen competitiveness of these products in the global market.

In fiscal 2006, this segment accounted for 13% of total revenues before eliminations and recorded an operating loss of ¥58,435 million.

High Functional Materials & Components

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

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

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

In fiscal 2006, this segment accounted for 15% of total revenues before eliminations and recorded operating income of ¥132,399 million.

Logistics, Services & Others

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

In fiscal 2006, this segment accounted for 10% of total revenues before eliminations and recorded operating income of ¥20,233 million.

 

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Financial Services

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

In fiscal 2006, this segment accounted for 4% of total revenues before eliminations and recorded operating income of ¥23,534 million.

Competition

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

Seasonality

Hitachi’s revenues in the fourth quarter ending March 31 tend to be higher than those in other quarters due in part to the purchase customs of governmental agencies in Japan.

Sources of Supply

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

Intellectual Property and Licenses

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

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

Government Regulations

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

 

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C. Organizational Structure

The table below shows major subsidiaries of the Company as of March 31, 2007. Ownership percentage of voting rights indicates voting rights owned by the Company and its subsidiaries.

 

Name of company

  

Country of

incorporation

  

Ownership

percentage of

voting rights

 

Information & Telecommunication Systems

     

Hitachi Communication Technologies, Ltd.

   Japan    100.0 %

Hitachi Electronics Services Co., Ltd.

   Japan    100.0  

Hitachi Information & Control Solutions, Ltd.

   Japan    100.0  

Hitachi Information Systems, Ltd.

   Japan    52.1  

Hitachi-Omron Terminal Solutions, Corp.

   Japan    55.0  

Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd.

   Japan    53.0  

Hitachi Systems & Services, Ltd.

   Japan    51.2  

Hitachi Computer Products (America), Inc.

   U.S.A.    100.0  

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

   France    100.0  

Hitachi Data Systems Holding Corp.

   U.S.A.    100.0  

Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.

   Netherlands    100.0  

Electronic Devices

     

Hitachi Displays, Ltd.

   Japan    100.0 %

Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation

   Japan    51.7  

Hitachi Medical Corporation

   Japan    63.2  

Hitachi Display Device (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.

   China    100.0  

Hitachi Semiconductor Singapore Pte. Ltd.

   Singapore    100.0  

Power & Industrial Systems

     

Babcock-Hitachi Kabushiki Kaisha

   Japan    100.0 %

Clarion Co., Ltd.

   Japan    64.0  

Hitachi Building Systems Co., Ltd.

   Japan    100.0  

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.

   Japan    51.3  

Hitachi Engineering & Services Co., Ltd.

   Japan    100.0  

Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd.

   Japan    100.0  

Hitachi Mobile Co., Ltd.

   Japan    100.0  

Hitachi Plant Technologies, Ltd.

   Japan    69.9  

Hitachi Via Mechanics, Ltd.

   Japan    100.0  

Japan Servo Co., Ltd.

   Japan    57.6  

Guangzhou Hitachi Elevator Co., Ltd.

   China    70.0  

Hitachi Automotive Products (USA), Inc.

   U.S.A.    100.0  

Digital Media & Consumer Products

     

Fujitsu Hitachi Plasma Display Limited

   Japan    90.8 %

Hitachi Appliances, Inc.

   Japan    100.0  

Hitachi Maxell, Ltd.

   Japan    53.6  

Hitachi Media Electronics Co., Ltd.

   Japan    100.0  

Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc.

   U.S.A.    100.0  

Shanghai Hitachi Household Appliances Co., Ltd.

   China    60.0  

High Functional Materials & Components

     

Hitachi Cable, Ltd.

   Japan    53.2 %

Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.

   Japan    51.6  

Hitachi Metals, Ltd.

   Japan    56.9  

 

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Name of company

   Country of
incorporation
   Ownership
percentage of
voting rights
 

Logistics, Services & Others

     

Chuo Shoji, Ltd.

   Japan    100.0 %

Hitachi Life Corporation

   Japan    100.0  

Hitachi Transport System, Ltd.

   Japan    59.0  

Nikkyo Create, Ltd.

   Japan    100.0  

Hitachi America, Ltd.

   U.S.A.    100.0  

Hitachi Asia Ltd.

   Singapore    100.0  

Hitachi (China), Ltd.

   China    100.0  

Hitachi Europe Ltd.

   U.K.    100.0  

Financial Services

     

Hitachi Capital Corporation

   Japan    58.0 %

Hitachi Insurance Services, Ltd.

   Japan    100.0  

 

Note:    Japan Servo Co., Ltd. is no longer a consolidated subsidiary of the Company as a result of the sale of its shares in April 2007 in response to a tender offer.

D. Property, Plants and Equipment

Hitachi owns a significant portion of the land, plants, offices and other fixed assets necessary to conduct its business and a significant portion of Hitachi’s land, plants, offices and other fixed assets are located in Japan. Hitachi considers its properties to be well maintained and believes its plant capacity is adequate for its current needs and future plans. Certain of Hitachi’s properties such as land and buildings are subject to mortgages in respect of bonds and loans. The total outstanding balance of the secured loans and bonds as of March 31, 2007 was ¥52,026 million.

The following table describes the name of the Company office, division, group, center or subsidiary that is using the property, the location and area of the property, and in the case of plant property, the principal products produced there as of March 31, 2007. Hitachi believes the following offices, divisions, groups, centers and subsidiaries comprise its major lines of business.

 

Name of user of plants and offices

   Location    Land area   

Principal products

          (Thousands of
square meters)
    
In Japan         

The Company:

        

Automotive Systems

   Kanagawa, etc.    2,615    Automotive products

Information & Telecommunication Systems

   Kanagawa, etc.    766    Software, mainframes

Thermal & Hydroelectric Systems Division, etc.

   Ibaraki    3,841    Power generating equipment, turbines

Research & Development Group

   Tokyo, etc.    836    —  

Sales Offices

   Osaka, etc.    120    —  

Urban Planning and Development Systems

   Ibaraki    551    Elevators, escalators

Ubiquitous Platform Systems

   Kanagawa, etc.    947    Digital media related products

Head Office

   Tokyo    796    —  

Transportation Systems Division, etc.

   Yamaguchi    698    Railway vehicles

Subsidiaries:

        

Hitachi Displays, Ltd.

   Chiba    501    Liquid crystal displays

Hitaka Works, Hitachi Cable, Ltd.

   Ibaraki    1,047    Electronic materials and components

Tsuchiura Plant, Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.

   Ibaraki    5,439    Hydraulic excavators

Yasugi Works, Hitachi Metals, Ltd.

   Shimane    1,096    Special steels

Kyoto Works, Hitachi Maxell, Ltd.

   Kyoto    313    Magnetic recording media

Head Office, Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd.

   Tokyo    17    —  

 

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Name of user of plants and offices

   Location    Land area   

Principal products

          (Thousands of
square meters)
    

Head Office, Hitachi Building Systems Co., Ltd.

   Tokyo    158    —  

Miyazaki Works, Fujitsu Hitachi Plasma Display Limited

   Miyazaki    394    Plasma display panels

Yamasaki Works, Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.

   Ibaraki    674    Electronic materials and components

Densen Works, Hitachi Cable, Ltd.

   Ibaraki    103    Electronic materials and components
Outside of Japan         

Overseas subsidiaries:

        

Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.

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

Hitachi Metals America, Ltd.

   New York,
U.S.A., etc.
   2,594    Automotive components

For information on Hitachi’s plan for capital investment for fiscal 2007, see “A. History and Development of the Company” in this Item.

 

ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

A. Operating Results

Overview

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

In fiscal 2006, the Japanese economy led by domestic demand expanded moderately due primarily to the increase of private-sector plant and equipment investment and export. Japan’s GDP grew 2.0% in fiscal 2004, 2.4% in fiscal 2005 and 2.1% in fiscal 2006.

Outside Japan, in fiscal 2006, the economic environment was marked by the firm economic growth in the United States and in Europe, and the solid growth in Asia centered in China.

Overseas revenues, a significant part of which are denominated in U.S. dollars, were 36% of total revenues in fiscal 2004, 38% of total revenues in fiscal 2005 and 41% of total revenues in fiscal 2006. Hitachi conducts business in many foreign countries, and a portion of its assets and liabilities that are denominated in various currencies is exposed to risks from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. In addition, Hitachi exports products and imports components and raw materials in local currencies, principally the U.S. dollar and the euro. Therefore, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates may affect Hitachi’s financial results, which are reported in Japanese yen. The Japanese yen on average strengthened against the U.S. dollar during fiscal 2004, while during fiscal 2005 and 2006, the Japanese yen weakened. Hitachi employs forward exchange contracts and cross currency swap agreements to reduce the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. In addition, to alleviate the adverse effects of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, when Hitachi believes it is appropriate, it seeks to manufacture outside Japan and procure materials and parts locally. Hitachi expects to finance foreign currency investments by foreign currency it has on hand. When the amount on hand is insufficient, Hitachi may enter into forward exchange contracts to reduce the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. For additional information regarding foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, see “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Sales and Distribution.”

The business circumstances surrounding Hitachi have become increasingly challenging. Some of its businesses are in stagnant industries. In addition, globalization of markets and commoditization of electronic products is continuing to intensify price competition in the business sectors in which Hitachi competes. However, Hitachi’s ability to close or sell unprofitable businesses may be limited, including due to a lack of demand in the M&A market for such businesses and the importance of preserving customer goodwill. A large portion of Hitachi’s manufacturing is done domestically, which means that a strong yen reduces Hitachi’s cost competitiveness. Hitachi is responding to these circumstances by closing or downsizing unprofitable operations where feasible, seeking joint ventures with competitors, reallocating employees from overstaffed businesses to growth businesses, and reorganizing the geographic allocation of its manufacturing facilities.

 

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Hitachi has been implementing a variety of projects to enhance efficiency and restructure unprofitable operations, including a project aimed at reducing materials purchasing costs and a project aimed at improving turnover of assets. For a description of the charges associated with the restructuring measures, see “Restructuring.”

Hitachi is making an effort to realign its business portfolio, which may be implemented by exiting certain businesses that share fewer synergies with targeted businesses or have poor prospects for higher efficiency, increasing focus on targeted businesses and creating new businesses to achieve increased profitability. Hitachi uses an economic value-added evaluation index based on the cost of capital to make decisions with respect to exiting businesses, strengthening focus on targeted businesses, creating or incubating new businesses and making capital investments. Hitachi also aims to alter its corporate governance structure to improve the efficiency and transparency of management. Hitachi expects to pursue further growth in the global markets by identifying competitive businesses, developing alliances with its business partners and channeling management resources into those businesses. Hitachi also expects to continue to improve cash-flow management by increasing the efficiency of working capital use, making selective investments and further reducing procurement costs. In addition, Hitachi is implementing measures such as expanding fundamental research to create future core businesses and strengthening basic technologies for the group in order to pursue further growth throughout the group as a whole. See “Item 4. Information on the Company — A. History and Development of the Company” and “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees.”

In April 2003, the Company transferred its semiconductor operations centered in system LSIs to a new company incorporated jointly by the Company and Mitsubishi Electric to improve semiconductor competitiveness by permitting more flexible management and realizing synergies between the advanced technologies of the Company and Mitsubishi Electric. The new company, Renesas, is accounted for under the equity method by the Company. In July and August 2003, Hitachi sold most of its shares of Nitto Denko Corporation, or Nitto Denko, which was accounted for under the equity method by the Company, for approximately ¥140 billion. As a result, Nitto Denko is no longer an equity-method affiliate. In October 2004, the Company merged its equity-method affiliate, TOKICO LTD., and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Hitachi Unisia Automotive, Ltd., into itself, to strengthen its automotive products business due to synergies it seeks to realize through the integration of operations, including the sales and R&D functions of the three companies. In September 2005, the Company sold a portion of its shares of Elpida Memory. The Company previously had accounted for Elpida Memory under the equity method, however, as a result of this share sale, Elpida Memory is no longer an equity-method affiliate. In October 2006, the Company conducted a tender offer for shares of Clarion, which then became a consolidated subsidiary of the Company in December 2006, in order to strengthen Hitachi’s car information systems business. The Company seeks to realize synergies from the transaction through Clarion’s planning and development capabilities for its products, such as audio-visual and navigation systems, and its marketing capabilities in aftermarket services.

Hitachi’s total revenues increased 5% in fiscal 2004, 5% in fiscal 2005 and 8% in fiscal 2006 on a year-on-year basis, respectively. Hitachi posted net income of ¥51,496 million in fiscal 2004 and ¥37,320 million in fiscal 2005, while posting a net loss of ¥32,799 million in fiscal 2006.

The analysis of revenues and operating income (loss) by industry and geographic segment and description of restructuring measures by industry segment mentioned below are based on the segmentation presented in accordance with a ministerial ordinance of the Securities and Exchange Law of Japan.

Although, pursuant to the exemption to foreign private issuers, Hitachi does not present segment information in accordance with the requirements of SFAS No. 131, Hitachi believes that this presentation may be useful in understanding Hitachi’s results of operations. Revenues by segment include intersegment transactions which Hitachi makes adjustments for in calculating total revenues and operating income is not presented in the consolidated statement of operations. In order to be consistent with financial reporting principles and practices generally accepted in Japan, operating income (loss) is presented as total revenues less cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses. However, under U.S. GAAP, restructuring charges, net gain or loss on sale and disposal of rental assets and other property, impairment losses and special termination benefits are included as part of operating income (loss). See notes 17, 18 and 19 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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Fiscal 2006 Compared with Fiscal 2005

Summarized results of operations for fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005 are shown below.

 

     Fiscal 2005    Fiscal 2006     Percent
change
 
     (Millions of yen, except percentage data)  

Total revenues

   9,464,801    10,247,903     +8 %

Operating income

   256,012    182,512     -29 %

Income before income taxes and minority interests

   274,864    202,338     -26 %

Income before minority interests

   120,516    39,524     -67 %

Net income (loss)

   37,320    (32,799 )   —   %

Hitachi’s total revenues in fiscal 2006 were ¥10,247,903 million, an increase of 8% from the preceding fiscal year. Overseas revenues increased 14% over the same period, to ¥4,154,276 million. Hitachi’s cost of sales increased 9%, to ¥8,088,371 million, in fiscal 2006 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in production costs due to a rise in material prices, the accrual of repair costs for broken turbine vanes in domestic nuclear power plants and additional costs of construction of a thermal power plant in the U.S. caused by inefficient project management. The ratio of cost of sales to total revenues increased 1% in fiscal 2006 compared to the preceding fiscal year, to 79%. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 9%, to ¥1,977,020 million, in fiscal 2006 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in sales activities. The ratio of selling, general and administrative expenses to total revenues was 19%, almost the same in fiscal 2006 as in the preceding fiscal year. Operating income, total revenues less cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses, decreased 29%, to ¥182,512 million, in fiscal 2006 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in operating loss in Digital Media & Consumer Products and a decrease in operating income in Power & Industrial Systems and in Information & Telecommunication Systems, partially offset by an increase in operating income in Electronic Devices and High Functional Materials & Components, as analyzed below.

An analysis of revenues and operating income by industry segment is as follows. Revenues by segment include intersegment transactions which Hitachi makes adjustments for in calculating total revenues.

Revenues in Information & Telecommunication Systems increased 5%, to ¥2,472,227 million, in fiscal 2006 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in sales in Hitachi’s services businesses, such as Hitachi’s solutions business, to governmental entities and domestic financial institutions due to their increased IT investments, an increase in sales of disk array subsystems due to Hitachi’s competitive enterprise model products and the introduction of new mid-range model products and an increase in sales of HDDs for PCs and disk array subsystems due to increased demand for these products from consumers and business enterprises and increased production capacity of Hitachi. Operating income decreased 29%, to ¥60,343 million, in fiscal 2006 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to a decline in the unit price of HDDs caused by intense price competition and an increase in development costs of next generation telecommunications equipment and servers.

Revenues in Electronic Devices increased 7%, to ¥1,287,492 million, in fiscal 2006 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in sales of semiconductor and HDD-related manufacturing equipment due to increased investment by manufacturers, an increase in sales of small and medium-sized LCDs mainly for mobile phones, digital cameras, printers and in-vehicle equipment, such as navigation systems and indicator panels, due to Hitachi’s increased sales efforts and an increase in sales of medical analysis equipment in the U.S. and Europe due to the introduction of new models, partially offset by a decrease in sales of large-sized LCDs due to Hitachi’s downsizing of such business due to intense price competition. Operating income increased 124%, to ¥45,755 million, in fiscal 2006 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in sales of semiconductors and HDD-related manufacturing equipment, an increase in sales and reduction of production costs of small and medium-sized LCDs which resulted from focusing business resources on small and medium-sized LCDs and the downsizing of unprofitable large-sized LCDs.

 

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Revenues in Power & Industrial Systems increased 8%, to ¥3,022,299 million, in fiscal 2006 compared to the preceding fiscal year. This increase was due primarily to an increase in sales of construction machinery due to increased social infrastructure investment in domestic and overseas markets and due to increased demand for mineral mining machinery in overseas markets, an increase in sales of automotive products primarily a result of the acquisition of Clarion in December 2006 through a tender offer and increased sales of elevators and escalators in China due to increased construction, partially offset by the exclusion of the revenues of former Hitachi Air Conditioning Systems Co., Ltd., which have been included in Digital Media & Consumer Products since April 2006 as a result of its merger with former Hitachi Home & Life Solutions, Inc. in April 2006. Operating income decreased 61%, to ¥36,391 million, in fiscal 2006 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to a rise in prices of raw materials for products in the power systems sector, the accrual of repair costs for broken turbine vanes in domestic nuclear power plants and additional costs of construction of a thermal power plant in the U.S. caused by inefficient project management, including increased labor costs incurred to recover from construction delays that resulted from the lack of local construction workers due to Hurricane Katrina in the U.S., as well as increased number of construction processes, with difficulty in retaining skilled workers, due to other workers’ lack of experience with the construction of large-scale coal-fired thermal power plants, partially offset by an increase in sales of construction machinery and a reduction in the production costs of automotive products due to increased local procurement.

Revenues in Digital Media & Consumer Products increased 15%, to ¥1,506,073 million, in fiscal 2006 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in sales of flat panel TVs that resulted from increased consumer demand reflecting a decline in unit prices, an increase in sales of mobile phones due to introducing new models, an increase in sales of refrigerators and washing machines and the inclusion of the revenues of former Hitachi Air Conditioning Systems Co., Ltd., the result of a merger with former Hitachi Home & Life Solutions, Inc. in April 2006. The revenues of former Hitachi Air Conditioning Systems Co., Ltd. have been included in Digital Media & Consumer Products since April 2006 and were previously included in Power & Industrial Systems. An operating loss increased ¥22,664 million, to ¥58,435 million, from the preceding fiscal year due primarily to a decline in unit prices and an increase in marketing costs of flat panel TVs, a decline in profitability of room air conditioners due to a decline in sales in the domestic market caused by reduced popularity of products and to an increase in the costs of raw materials, and a decline in unit prices of DVD/HDD recorders to meet domestic consumers’ needs.

Revenues in High Functional Materials & Components increased 12%, to ¥1,794,506 million, in fiscal 2006 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in sales of wires and cables with increased sales prices resulting from the successful shifting of increased raw materials costs onto sales prices and an increase in sales of materials for semiconductors and of automotive related products due to increased demand in IT industries and by automobile manufacturers. Operating income increased 20%, to ¥132,399 million, in fiscal 2006 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in sales of above products together with their cost reduction.

Revenues in Logistics, Services & Others were ¥1,213,529 million in fiscal 2006, almost the same as in the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in sales of third party logistics services due to increased demand for logistics outsourcing services coupled with Hitachi’s increased sales efforts focused towards its existing and new clients, partially offset by a decrease in revenues by a U.S. sales subsidiary which resulted from the lack of a large order posted in fiscal 2005. Operating income increased 4%, to ¥20,233 million, in fiscal 2006 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in sales of third party logistics services together with their cost reduction, partially offset by a decline in profitability in a U.S. sales subsidiary.

Revenues in Financial Services decreased 3%, to ¥500,065 million, and operating income decreased 33%, to ¥23,534 million, in fiscal 2006 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to a decrease in sales of and related gains on securitization of lease receivables.

An analysis of revenues and operating income by geographic segment is as follows. Revenues by segment include intersegment transactions which Hitachi makes adjustments for in calculating total revenues.

Revenues of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries located in Japan increased 6%, to ¥8,284,229 million, in fiscal 2006 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in sales of construction machinery due to increased private sector investment, an increase in sales of materials for semiconductors and automotive related products due to increased investment by manufacturers and of flat panel TVs due to increased consumer demand reflecting a decline in unit prices. Operating income decreased 23%, to ¥212,316 million due primarily to the accrual of repair costs for broken turbine vanes in domestic nuclear power plants, additional costs of construction of a thermal power plant in the U.S. and a decline in unit prices and an increase in marketing costs of flat panel TVs.

 

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Revenues of consolidated subsidiaries of the Company located in Asia (other than Japan) increased 24%, to ¥2,020,757 million, in fiscal 2006 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in sales of HDDs and LCDs due to increased demand from manufacturers reflecting increased IT investment and an increase in sales of elevators, escalators and construction machinery primarily in China due to its robust economy. Operating loss of ¥3,664 million was posted in fiscal 2006 compared to operating income of ¥6,727 million in the preceding fiscal year due primarily to a decline in the unit price of HDDs due to intense price competition.

Revenues of consolidated subsidiaries of the Company located in North America increased 11%, to ¥1,071,010 million, in fiscal 2006 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in sales of automotive products for automobile manufacturers reflecting increased consumer demand for vehicles, an increase in sales of flat panel TVs due to an increase in consumer demands reflecting a decline in unit prices, an increase in sales of construction machinery due primarily to increased demand in commercial facilities, construction and maintenance investment in highways and solid sales in the storage solutions business due to increased IT investment together with increased demand for Hitachi’s differentiated technology. Operating income increased 8%, to ¥25,310 million from the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in sales of construction machinery and an increase in sales of automotive products together with a reduction of procurement costs.

Revenues of consolidated subsidiaries of the Company located in Europe increased 25%, to ¥682,808 million, in fiscal 2006 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in sales of construction machinery which resulted primarily from the introduction of new models of machinery and increased investments in housing and an increase in the storage solutions business resulting from increased IT investment together with increased demand for Hitachi’s differentiated technology. Operating income increased 25%, to ¥23,312 million from the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in sales of the above products.

Revenues of consolidated subsidiaries of the Company located in Other Areas increased 32%, to ¥173,295 million and operating income increased 32%, to ¥8,647 million, in fiscal 2006 compared to the preceding fiscal year, due in part to an increase in sales of mineral mining machinery in Australia and Africa.

In fiscal 2006, Hitachi recorded impairment losses for long-lived assets in the amount of ¥9,918 million. The majority of the impairment losses were charged against long-lived property, plant and equipment in Japan. High Functional Materials & Components recognized an impairment loss of ¥4,351 million. This impairment loss was recognized mainly in connection with semiconductor material manufacturing equipment caused by the early termination of production of certain portable information devices by Hitachi’s certain client, which resulted in Hitachi reducing the production and sales plans of such products, followed by a decrease in the expected profitability from such manufacturing equipment. Digital Media & Consumer Products recognized an impairment loss of ¥1,305 million. This impairment loss was recognized mainly in connection with certain electronic parts caused by a business closure by Hitachi’s certain client, which resulted in Hitachi reducing production and sales plans of related products, followed by a decrease in the expected profitability from such manufacturing equipment. Electronic Devices recognized an impairment loss of ¥1,294 million. This impairment loss was recognized mainly in connection with manufacturing equipment for projection television tubes due to reduced production of projection TVs due to Hitachi’s strategy of focusing on small and medium-sized LCDs, followed by a decrease in the expected profitability from such manufacturing equipment. These losses were determined based primarily on discounted future cash flows.

In fiscal 2006, Hitachi recorded restructuring charges of ¥3,983 million, associated primarily with the restructuring measures in High Functional Materials & Components and Information & Telecommunication Systems. See “Restructuring” in this Item.

Interest income increased 43%, to ¥25,914 million, in fiscal 2006 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to increases in interest rates and to the interest rate swaps which overseas financial subsidiaries made for the purpose of hedging interest rate risks. Dividends income decreased 6% in fiscal 2006 compared to the preceding fiscal year, to ¥6,063 million.

 

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Gains on sales of stock by subsidiaries or affiliated companies increased ¥11,641 million, to ¥12,034 million, in fiscal 2006 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to the effect of a U.S consolidated subsidiary becoming an equity method affiliate through a share sale by the Company when the U.S. company listed its shares.

Other income decreased to ¥58,976 million in fiscal 2006 compared to ¥62,609 million in the preceding fiscal year because foreign exchange gains were lower due to changes in exchange rates.

Interest charges increased 14%, to ¥37,794 million, in fiscal 2006 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in borrowings.

Other deductions increased to ¥31,466 million in fiscal 2006 compared to ¥3,639 million in the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in loss on disposition of fixed assets and foreign exchange loss.

As a result of the foregoing, income before income taxes and minority interests decreased 26%, to ¥202,338 million, in fiscal 2006 compared to the preceding fiscal year.

Income taxes in fiscal 2006 increased to ¥162,814 million compared to ¥154,348 million in the preceding fiscal year as a result of increases in a deferred tax asset valuation allowances in connection with the deterioration in profits in certain subsidiaries. As a result, income before minority interests decreased 67%, to ¥39,524 million, in fiscal 2006 compared to the preceding fiscal year.

Minority interests decreased 13%, to ¥72,323 million, in fiscal 2006 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to the deterioration in the business results of certain majority-owned subsidiaries, partially offset by firm business results of certain publicly-held subsidiaries such as Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation and publicly-held subsidiaries in High Functional Materials & Components.

As a result of the foregoing, Hitachi posted a net loss of ¥32,799 million in fiscal 2006, compared to a net income of ¥37,320 million in the preceding fiscal year.

Fiscal 2005 Compared with Fiscal 2004

Summarized results of operations for fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2004 are shown below.

 

     Fiscal 2004    Fiscal 2005    Percent
change
 
     (Millions of yen, except percentage data)  

Total revenues

   9,027,043    9,464,801    +5 %

Operating income

   279,055    256,012    -8 %

Income before income taxes and minority interests

   264,506    274,864    +4 %

Income before minority interests

   114,516    120,516    +5 %

Net income

   51,496    37,320    -28 %

Hitachi’s total revenues in fiscal 2005 were ¥9,464,801 million, an increase of 5% from the preceding fiscal year. Overseas revenues increased 11% over the same period, to ¥3,639,645 million. Hitachi’s cost of sales increased 6%, to ¥7,387,744 million, in fiscal 2005 compared to the preceding fiscal year, and the ratio of cost of sales to total revenues increased 1% in fiscal 2005 compared to the preceding fiscal year, to 78%. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 2%, to ¥1,821,045 million, in fiscal 2005 compared to the preceding fiscal year, while the ratio of selling, general and administrative expenses to total revenues decreased 1% in fiscal 2005 compared to the preceding fiscal year, to 19%. Operating income, total revenues less cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses, decreased 8%, to ¥256,012 million, in fiscal 2005 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to a decrease in operating income in Digital Media & Consumer Products and Electronic Devices, partially offset by an increase in other industry segments, as analyzed below.

An analysis of revenues and operating income by industry segment is as follows. Revenues by segment include intersegment transactions which Hitachi makes adjustments for in calculating total revenues.

 

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Revenues in Information & Telecommunication Systems increased 4%, to ¥2,360,956 million, in fiscal 2005 compared to the preceding fiscal year. Sales from Hitachi’s outsourcing business sectors increased, with the largest increase in the domestic private sector due to increased IT infrastructure investments in these business sectors that improved management efficiency and operating results, coupled with Hitachi’s increased sales efforts. In addition, sales of HDDs increased on a worldwide basis due primarily to increased sales volume due to increased demand worldwide for IT investments, including HDDs for disk array subsystems and PCs. This increase in sales volume of HDDs for disk array subsystems and PCs was slightly affected by a decrease in sales of HDDs for servers due to a decline in sales volume resulting from low product yield ratios for HDDs for servers. Sales from Hitachi’s overseas market storage solution business in private sectors also increased due to an increased demand for IT investment that improved management efficiency. Operating income increased 25%, to ¥84,687 million, in fiscal 2005 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an improvement in Hitachi’s services business which resulted from a decrease in unprofitable projects and from an improvement in project management and an increase in disk array subsystems that resulted from an increase in sales due to strong demand for IT investment.

Revenues in Electronic Devices decreased 9%, to ¥1,204,407 million, in fiscal 2005 compared to the preceding fiscal year. This decrease was due primarily to a decrease in sales of large-sized LCDs caused primarily by a decline in unit prices and reductions in their production, partially offset by an increase in sales of small- and medium-sized LCDs, due to Hitachi’s focus on small- and medium-sized LCDs as a result of a decline in profitability of large-sized LCDs due to intense price competition. Operating income decreased 45%, to ¥20,439 million, in fiscal 2005 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to a decrease in profitability of all three sizes of LCDs which resulted from a decline in unit prices of each size of LCD due to intense price competition.

Revenues in Power & Industrial Systems increased 12%, to ¥2,805,169 million, in fiscal 2005 compared to the preceding fiscal year. The primary drivers of this increase were increases in sales of construction machinery, elevators and escalators mainly in China due to its robust economy, an increase in sales of construction machinery in North America due primarily to strong growth in investments in housing, investments in maintenance of highways and other public infrastructure and an increase in sales of automotive products due primarily to the merger with TOKICO LTD. in October 2004. Operating income increased 26%, to ¥92,552 million, in fiscal 2005 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to increases in sales of construction machinery and an improvement in profitability in the industrial systems sector and in elevators and escalators due to Hitachi’s cost reduction efforts in connection with fixed costs and production costs.

Revenues in Digital Media & Consumer Products increased 2%, to ¥1,305,658 million, in fiscal 2005 compared to the preceding fiscal year. This increase was due primarily to an increase in sales of flat panel TVs in the global market due to increased consumer demand, reflecting a decline in unit prices, coupled with Hitachi’s increased sales promotion and an increase in sales of DVD-related products in the global market due to increased consumer demand coupled with the introduction of new models, partially offset by a decrease in sales of projection TVs mainly in North America due to a decline in production volume resulting from Hitachi’s strategy to downsize the projection TV business to respond to a change in demand trends shifting from projection TVs to plasma TVs and a decrease in sales of room air conditioners due to intense price competition. An operating loss of ¥35,771 million was posted in fiscal 2005 compared to operating income of ¥8,694 million in the preceding fiscal year due primarily to a decline in profitability in DVD-related products, projection TVs and plasma TVs which resulted from a decline in the prices of each and an increase in costs of marketing activities mainly in digital media products.

Revenues in High Functional Materials & Components increased 6%, to ¥1,600,246 million, in fiscal 2005 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in sales of materials for semiconductors and LCDs due to increased demand for IT related products, such as PCs and digital consumer products, and an increase in sales of automotive related products due to increased demand for vehicles in the global market. Operating income increased 26%, to ¥110,069 million, in fiscal 2005 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in sales of materials for semiconductors and LCDs and automotive related products and the successful shifting of increased raw material costs onto sales prices relating to wires, cables and metal products, together with costs reduction efforts.

 

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Revenues in Logistics, Services & Others decreased 3%, to ¥1,214,784 million, in fiscal 2005 compared to the preceding fiscal year. Sales of logistics services increased due primarily to strong demand for logistics outsourcing services in the private sector, primarily in the domestic market, coupled with Hitachi’s increased sales efforts with private sector clients and focusing on expanding its international business, while revenues by overseas sales subsidiaries decreased. Operating income increased 99%, to ¥19,511 million, compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in sales of logistics services and improvement in profitability of an European sales subsidiary due primarily to a reduction of procurement costs relating to digital media products.

Revenues in Financial Services decreased 2%, to ¥517,975 million, in fiscal 2005 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to the downsizing in the automotive loans business due to Hitachi’s focus on automotive leasing business, while the volumes of business in leases of information related equipment and home loans performed solidly. Operating income increased 13%, to ¥35,001 million, due primarily to a reduction of sales costs.

An analysis of revenues and operating income by geographic segment is as follows. Revenues by segment include intersegment transactions which Hitachi makes adjustments for in calculating total revenues.

Revenues of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries located in Japan increased 3%, to ¥7,780,402 million, in fiscal 2005 compared to the preceding fiscal year, and operating income was ¥275,715 million in fiscal 2005, almost the same as in the preceding fiscal year. These results were primarily due to an increase in sales in the outsourcing business mainly to the private sector that resulted from increased IT investment, Hitachi’s increased sales efforts and an increase in sales of materials for semiconductors and LCDs due to increased demand in IT related products, partially offset by a decline in sales of LCDs due to a decline in unit prices which resulted from intense price competition.

Revenues of consolidated subsidiaries of the Company located in Asia (other than Japan) increased 13%, to ¥1,632,391 million, in fiscal 2005 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in sales of HDDs due to increased IT investment and an increase in sales of construction machinery, elevators and escalators due to strong demand in China reflecting its robust economy. Operating income decreased 76%, to ¥6,727 million, in fiscal 2005 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to a decline in profitability of HDDs which resulted from a decline in unit prices due to intense price competition, partially offset by an increase in construction machinery, elevators and escalators due to an increase in their sales.

Revenues of consolidated subsidiaries of the Company located in North America increased 16%, to ¥964,094 million, due primarily to an increase in sales of construction machinery which resulted primarily from firm growth in investments in housing, investments in maintenance of highways and other public infrastructure, an increase in sales of HDDs due to increased demand for IT investment and an increase in sales of automotive related products due to increased consumer demands for vehicles. Operating income increased 130%, to ¥23,428 million, in fiscal 2005 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in sales of construction machinery and an increase in operating income in automotive related products due to cost reduction efforts.

Revenues of consolidated subsidiaries of the Company located in Europe increased 11%, to ¥546,432 million and operating income increased 14%, to ¥18,702 million, in fiscal 2005 compared to the preceding fiscal year due primarily to an increase in sales of the storage solutions business that resulted from introducing new mid-range model products and to an increase in sales of construction machinery due to strengthened sales networks.

Revenues of consolidated subsidiaries of the Company located in Other Areas increased 26%, to ¥131,543 million, in fiscal 2005 compared to the preceding fiscal year. Operating income increased 101%, to ¥6,555 million, in fiscal 2005 compared to the preceding fiscal year.

        In fiscal 2005, Hitachi recorded impairment losses for long-lived assets in the amount of ¥27,408 million. The majority of the impairment losses were recorded on long-lived property, plant and equipment in Japan and in the U.S. The material factors of impairment losses are as follows: ¥11,631 million of the total recorded impairment loss was recorded in Information & Telecommunication Systems mainly in connection with production lines of HDDs for servers and resulted primarily from decreased profitability in such products due to a decline in sales volume of such products caused by low product yield ratios; ¥7,265 million of the total recorded impairment loss was recorded in Electronic Devises and resulted primarily from a downsizing of large-sized LCDs operations due to a decline in profitability of such products in the domestic market caused by intense price competition and Hitachi’s focus on small and medium-sized LCDs; ¥4,120 million of the total recorded impairment loss was recorded in High Functional Materials & Components mainly in connection with optical fiber manufacturing equipment, mainly used for domestic telecommunications, and fiber-optic submarine cable manufacturing equipment due to a decline in profitability of these products caused by declines in unit prices and market demand in the matured optical fiber telecommunications infrastructure.

In fiscal 2005, Hitachi recorded restructuring charges of ¥4,429 million, associated primarily with the restructuring measures in Electronic Devices and High Functional Materials & Components. See “Restructuring” in this Item.

 

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Interest income increased 35% in fiscal 2005 compared to the preceding fiscal year, to ¥18,170 million due primarily to an increase in interest rates. Dividends income increased 8% in fiscal 2005 compared to the preceding fiscal year, to ¥6,421 million.

Other income decreased from ¥67,024 million in fiscal 2004, to ¥63,002 million in fiscal 2005. The decrease is largely due to the absence of the gain from the issuance of stock by Elpida Memory, Inc. which was recorded in fiscal 2004. The major components of other income in fiscal 2005 were gains resulting from the sales of shares of Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation and Hitachi Systems & Services, Ltd.

Interest charges increased 14% in fiscal 2005 compared to the preceding fiscal year, to ¥33,265 million, due primarily to an increase in the issuance of commercial paper by Hitachi’s financial subsidiaries.

Other deductions, mainly comprised of losses due to disposal of fixed assets, decreased from ¥11,796 million in the previous fiscal year to ¥3,639 million in fiscal 2005.

As a result of the foregoing, income before income taxes and minority interests increased 4%, to ¥274,864 million, in fiscal 2005 compared to the preceding fiscal year.

Income taxes in fiscal 2005 increased 3%, to ¥154,348 million, from ¥149,990 million in the preceding fiscal year, due to an increase in taxable income. Deferred tax increased due to the recognition of subsidiaries’ loss carry forwards; however, valuation allowances were made for a substantial portion of these loss carry forwards. As a result, income before minority interests in fiscal 2005 increased 5%, to ¥120,516 million, from the preceding fiscal year.

Minority interests in fiscal 2005 increased 32%, to ¥83,196 million, from the preceding fiscal year due primarily to improvement as a whole in the business results of publicly-held subsidiaries, such as Hitachi Construction Machinery, Co., Ltd., Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd. and Hitachi Metals, Ltd.

As a result of the foregoing, net income in fiscal 2005 decreased 28% from the preceding fiscal year, to ¥37,320 million.

Restructuring

The table below shows restructuring charges by major industry segment for fiscal 2004. Restructuring charges amounted to ¥4,429 million in fiscal 2005 and ¥3,983 million in fiscal 2006, of which the breakdown by industry segment is not shown because the amount charged to each segment is not material.

 

     Fiscal 2004
     (Millions of yen)

Information & Telecommunication Systems

   16,708

Electronic Devices

   533

Power & Industrial Systems

   2,428

Digital Media & Consumer Products

   9,685

High Functional Materials & Components

   3,945

Others

   8
    

Total restructuring charges

   33,307
    

Fiscal 2006 restructuring

For fiscal 2006, Hitachi recorded restructuring charges of ¥3,983 million. The restructuring charges included special termination benefits of ¥3,868 million for 554 employees. Payments of ¥4,931 million were made in fiscal 2006 and special termination benefits of ¥44 million were accrued as of March 31, 2007. The accrued amount is expected to be paid in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2008.

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

 

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Fiscal 2005 restructuring

For fiscal 2005, Hitachi recorded restructuring charges of ¥4,429 million. The restructuring charges included special termination benefits of ¥2,786 million for 691 employees. Payments of ¥16,158 million were made in fiscal 2005 and special termination benefits of ¥1,106 million were accrued as of March 31, 2006. The accrued amount was paid in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007.

Restructuring charges mainly consist of special termination benefits for certain former employees of subsidiaries in Electronic Devices who accepted early termination and losses on the disposal of fixed assets in High Functional Materials & Components.

Fiscal 2004 restructuring

For fiscal 2004, Hitachi recorded restructuring charges of ¥33,307 million, associated with restructuring measures primarily in Information & Telecommunication Systems, Digital Media & Consumer Products and High Functional Materials & Components. The restructuring charges included special termination benefits of ¥29,426 million for 3,714 employees. Payments of ¥15,939 million were made in fiscal 2004 and special termination benefits of ¥14,389 million were accrued as of March 31, 2005. The accrued amount was paid in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006.

Information & Telecommunication Systems recorded restructuring charges of ¥16,708 million, consisting of special termination benefits in the amount of ¥16,666 million and a loss primarily on disposal of fixed assets in the amount of ¥42 million. The restructuring measures in this segment were implemented primarily by the Company and its domestic subsidiaries, in an effort to increase profitability by reducing fixed costs. Digital Media & Consumer Products recorded restructuring charges of ¥9,685 million, consisting of special termination benefits in the amount of ¥8,080 million and a loss primarily on disposal of fixed assets in the amount of ¥1,605 million. The restructuring measures in this segment were implemented primarily by the Company’s digital media operations to reorganize business operations. These measures included introduction of an early retirement benefits program and reorganization of production bases for digital media products. High Functional Materials & Components recorded restructuring charges of ¥3,945 million, consisting of special termination benefits in the amount of ¥1,711 million and a loss primarily on disposal of fixed assets in the amount of ¥2,234 million. The restructuring measures in this segment were associated primarily with cable operations and magnetic materials operations, including introduction of an early retirement benefits program and reorganization of production bases for these products.

B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

The analysis made in this Item covers the three-year period from fiscal 2004 to fiscal 2006. Management considers maintaining an appropriate level of liquidity and securing adequate funds for current and future business operations to be important financial objectives. Through efficient management of working capital and selective investment in new plant and equipment, Hitachi is working to optimize the efficiency of capital utilization throughout its business operations. Hitachi endeavors to improve Hitachi group cash management by centralizing such management among the Company and its overseas financial subsidiaries. Hitachi’s internal sources of funds include cash flows generated by operating activities and cash on hand. Management also considers short-term investments as an immediately available source of funds. In addition, Hitachi raises funds both from the capital markets and from Japanese and international commercial banks in response to its capital requirements. Management’s policy is to finance capital expenditures primarily by internally generated funds and to a lesser extent by funds raised by the issuance of debt and equity securities in domestic and foreign capital markets.

In fiscal 2004, the Company raised a total of ¥170,000 million by means of syndicated loan agreements from domestic banks as funds for, among other purposes, redeeming the Company’s 7th issue of unsecured convertible bonds that were due for redemption in September 2004. Further, the Company issued two series of convertible bonds (bonds with stock acquisition rights) in the aggregate amount of ¥100,000 million in October 2004. The bonds mature in five years with zero coupon rate. The procured funds were used primarily for raising funds for upfront investment, including investment in facilities and R&D for maintaining the medium-to-long term growth of Hitachi.

In fiscal 2005, the Company issued two series of unsecured straight bonds: (i) five-year bonds with a 0.7% coupon rate in an aggregate principal amount of ¥50,000 million, and (ii) ten-year bonds with a 1.56% coupon rate in an aggregate principal amount of ¥50,000 million. The Company issued these bonds for the purpose of redeeming the Company’s 11th issue of unsecured straight bonds that was due for redemption in February 2006.

 

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Hitachi relies for its liquidity principally on cash and other working capital as well as the issue of debentures, medium term notes and commercial paper, bank loans and other uncommitted sources of financing. While Hitachi maintains backup lines of credit to cover maturing commercial paper in the U.S. market, the aggregate amount of credit available under these credit lines is limited. At the end of fiscal 2006, the Company maintained commitment line agreements with a number of domestic banks under which the Company may borrow any amount it requires up to a total of ¥800,000 million in order to ensure efficient access to necessary funds. These commitment line agreements generally provide for a one through three year term, renewable upon mutual agreement between the Company and each of the lending banks. Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries also maintain commitment line arrangements. Unused commitment lines for the Company and its subsidiaries totaled to ¥850,867 million as of March 31, 2007. The committed credit arrangements of the Company and its subsidiaries are, in general, subject to financial and other covenants and conditions prior to and after drawdown and require the borrower to represent, in connection with any borrowing under the agreement, that no material adverse change has occurred since certain dates.

At the end of fiscal 2006, the total of Hitachi’s short-term debt, current portion of long-term debt and long-term debt amounted to ¥2,687,450 million, an increase of ¥268,406 million from at the end of fiscal 2005. The increase was due primarily to the issuance of the Company’s commercial paper and an increase of borrowings at the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. At the end of fiscal 2006, short-term debt totaled ¥894,393 million, consisting mainly of borrowings from banks and commercial paper, while long-term debt (excluding current portion) was ¥1,489,843 million, consisting mainly of debentures, debentures with stock acquisition rights, medium term notes and loans principally from banks and insurance companies. At the end of fiscal 2006, current portion of long-term debt totaled ¥303,214 million. A significant portion of Hitachi’s long-term debt bears a fixed rate of interest. Hitachi’s debt is not significantly affected by seasonal factors. In general, there are no material restrictions on Hitachi’s use of borrowings. For further details including the maturity and interest rates, see note 9 to the consolidated financial statements.

The Company’s current debt ratings (long-term/short-term) are: A1/P-1 by Moody’s; A-/A-2 by S&P and AA-/a-1+ by R&I. With its current ratings, the Company believes that its access to the global capital markets will remain sufficient for its financing needs. However, a downgrade of its debt ratings would likely increase the cost of debt finance by the Company. Hitachi seeks to maintain a stable credit rating in order to ensure financial flexibility for liquidity and capital management, and to continue to maintain access to sufficient funding resources through the capital markets.

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

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

Cash Flows

Summarized cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for fiscal 2004, 2005 and 2006 are shown below.

 

     Fiscal 2004     Fiscal 2005     Fiscal 2006  
     (Millions of yen)  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   565,356     690,875     615,042  

Net cash used in investing activities

   (526,988 )   (501,362 )   (786,170 )

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   (99,429 )   (261,638 )   121,259  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

   5,380     21,665     9,480  
                  

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

   (55,681 )   (50,460 )   (40,389 )

 

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Net cash provided by operating activities was ¥615,042 million, ¥690,875 million and ¥565,356 million in fiscal 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The decrease in fiscal 2006 was due primarily to a net loss primarily resulted from an operating loss in Digital Media & Consumer Products, an increase in inventories due primarily to an increase in sales and an increase in price of raw materials, partially offset by a decrease in trade receivables in part as a result of an improved cash collections from customers and cash receipts from securitized receivables. The increase in fiscal 2005 was due primarily to an increase in payables, partially offset by an increase in inventories of raw materials and construction machinery.

Net cash used in investing activities was ¥786,170 million, ¥501,362 million and ¥526,988 million in fiscal 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The increase in fiscal 2006 was due primarily to an increase in investment in manufacturing equipment for HDDs, plasma display panels and automotive products, an increase in investments and purchases of subsidiaries’ common stock, primarily the shares of Clarion and NEOMAX through tender offers, a decrease of cash inflows from collections of securitized lease receivables, and a decrease in proceeds from sales of investments and subsidiaries’ common stock. The decrease in fiscal 2005 was due primarily to an increase of cash inflows from investments in leases as a result of securitizing lease receivables, partially offset by an increase of cash outflows for investments and purchases of subsidiaries’ common stock as a result of the payment to IBM Corporation for the acquisition of its HDD business and a decrease of cash inflows as a result of the sale of investments and subsidiaries’ common stock. As of March 31, 2007, Hitachi’s capital commitments for the purchase of property, plant and equipment amounted to ¥103,809 million, which is expected to be funded primarily through internal sources of financing.

Net cash provided by financing activities was ¥121,259 million in fiscal 2006, due primarily to an increase in the issuance of commercial paper, an increase in financing through straight bonds and borrowings, and a decrease in payments on long-term debt. Net cash used in financing activities was ¥261,638 million and ¥99,429 million in fiscal 2005 and 2004, respectively. These outflows in financing activities in fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2004 were chiefly due to Hitachi’s efforts to reduce interest-bearing debt by improving cash management within the Company and its subsidiaries. The increase in fiscal 2005 was due primarily to a decrease of proceeds from long-term debt, partially offset by a decrease of payments on long-term debt due primarily to the redemption of the Company’s 11th issue of unsecured straight bonds.

In fiscal 2006, the above activities decreased cash and cash equivalents by ¥40,389 million from fiscal 2005. Cash and cash equivalents at the end of fiscal 2006 amounted to ¥617,866 million, primarily held in Japanese yen, with a substantial portion of the remaining amount held in U.S. dollars.

Short-term investments, the change of which is classified as investing activities, are considered to be an immediately available source of funds. Short-term investments at the end of fiscal 2006 amounted to ¥33,986 million, a decrease of ¥128,770 million from at the end of fiscal 2005 due primarily to exchanges of short-term investments into cash. As a result of the foregoing, the total of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments at the end of fiscal 2006 was ¥651,852 million, a decrease of ¥169,159 million from at the end of fiscal 2005.

Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

At the end of fiscal 2006, total assets amounted to ¥10,644,259 million, an increase of ¥623,064 million from the end of fiscal 2005 due primarily to an increase in inventories primarily in construction machinery, HDDs and flat panel TVs due to expected increases in their sales and the effect of Clarion becoming a consolidated subsidiary in December 2006, partially offset by a decrease in cash due primarily to a tender offer for shares of NEOMAX conducted by Hitachi Metals and the effect of a U.S. consolidated subsidiary becoming an equity method affiliate due to a share sale by the Company when the U.S. company listed its shares.

At the end of fiscal 2006, the total of Hitachi’s short-term debt, current portion of long-term debt and long-term debt amounted to ¥2,687,450 million, an increase of ¥268,406 million from at the end of fiscal 2005, due primarily to the issuance of commercial paper and an increase of borrowings. At the end of fiscal 2006, retirement and severance benefits amounted to ¥818,457 million, a decrease of ¥9,212 million from at the end of fiscal 2005, due primarily to the Company’s special contribution to pension funds. At the end of fiscal 2006, minority interests amounted to ¥1,073,749 million, an increase of ¥36,942 million from the end of fiscal 2005, due primarily to the firm business results of publicly-held subsidiaries.

 

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At the end of fiscal 2006, stockholders’ equity amounted to ¥2,442,797 million, a decrease of ¥64,976 million from the end of fiscal 2005 due primarily to the posting of a net loss and payments of dividends. As a result, the ratio of stockholders’ equity to total assets decreased 2% from the preceding fiscal year, to 23%. The ratio of the total of short-term debt and long-term debt to the total of stockholders’ equity and minority interests became 0.76, a deterioration of 0.08 points from the end of fiscal 2005.

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

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

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

Hitachi’s R&D expenditures amounted to ¥388,634 million in fiscal 2004, ¥405,079 million in fiscal 2005 and ¥412,534 million in fiscal 2006. The ratio of R&D expenditures to total revenues was approximately 4% over these three years.

Hitachi recognizes the importance of the Information & Telecommunication Systems segment and the Electronic Devices segment as sources of new technologies that can be applied to other segments. Therefore, Hitachi places emphasis on these segments in allocating R&D resources. In fiscal 2006, total expenditures in the Information & Telecommunication Systems segment and the Electronic Devices segment accounted for 49% of total R&D expenditures.

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

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

D. Trend Information

In October 2004, the Company merged its equity-method affiliate, TOKICO LTD., into itself. As a result, the revenues of TOKICO LTD. beginning October 2004 have been included in Hitachi’s consolidated statement of operations for fiscal 2004.

On June 15, 2006, Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station No. 5 of Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. shut down due to turbine damage. As a precautionary measure, on July 5, 2006, Shika Nuclear Power Station No. 2 of Hokuriku Electric Power Company, which uses the same type of turbines, was shut down for an examination of the turbines and the examination revealed damage to the turbine vanes. The accrued amount of the repair costs was included in Hitachi’s operating results for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 and was recorded as part of cost of sales. Although the Company cannot estimate specified damages at the present time, there can be no assurance that the Company could not be liable for repair costs or other damages incurred by Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. and Hokuriku Electric Power Company.

In October 2006, the Company conducted a tender offer for shares of Clarion and acquired a controlling interest. Subsequently, Clarion became a consolidated subsidiary of the Company in December 2006. As a result, the revenues of Clarion beginning December 2006 have been included in Hitachi’s consolidated statement of operations for fiscal 2006.

 

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

E. Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

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

In these securitizations, trade and lease receivables are sold to the SPEs which are in turn packaged mainly into asset-backed commercial paper by the SPEs for sale to third party investors. In certain securitizations, the SPEs may require Hitachi to retain residual interests subordinated to the investors. The SPEs and the investors have no recourse against Hitachi when debtors fail to pay trade and lease receivables when due. Accordingly, Hitachi’s contingent liability exposure is limited to the retained subordinated residual interests.

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

The amount of off-balance sheet arrangements as of March 31, 2007 is as follows:

 

     March 31, 2007
     (Millions of yen)

Securitized lease receivables

   691,415

Securitized trade receivables

   801,694
    

Total

   1,493,109
    

See notes 2(g) and 6 to the consolidated financial statements.

F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

The following tables show Hitachi’s contractual obligations and other commercial commitments, including guarantees, as of March 31, 2007.

 

     Payments due by period

Contractual obligations

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

Long-term debt obligations

   1,793,057    303,214    822,394    313,814    353,635

Capital lease obligations

   16,120    6,540    6,894    1,818    868

Operating lease obligations

   47,846    12,488    16,938    6,202    12,218

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

   103,809    100,700    2,633    476    —  

Interest commitments

   86,924    21,121    32,829    15,795    17,179
                        

Total

   2,047,756    444,063    881,688    338,105    383,900
                        

 

Other commercial commitments

   As of March 31,
2007
     (Millions of yen)

Lines of credit

   651,080

Trade notes discounted and endorsed

   9,350

Guarantees

   501,705

See note 16 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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G. Critical Accounting Policies

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

Revenue Recognition for Sales under Long-term Construction Arrangements

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

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Hitachi reviews the carrying value of its long-lived assets held and used, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Hitachi performs the initial impairment review using estimates of undiscounted future cash flows. If the carrying value of the asset is considered impaired based upon the review, an impairment charge is recorded for the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value. In estimating, Hitachi uses available quoted market prices and present value techniques, if appropriate, based on the estimated future cash flow expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. Although management believes that the estimates of future cash flows and fair value are reasonable, changes in estimates resulting in lower future cash flows and fair value due to unforeseen changes in business assumptions could negatively affect the valuations of the long-lived assets. Such unforeseen changes include, but not limited to, changes in production due to trends of supply and demand in the markets, rapid changes in selling prices of products or purchasing prices of material and component, unexpected technological innovation causing obsolescence of present products and unpredictable changes in business assumption relating to revision of an authorized business plan which result in changes in the extent or manner the long-lived assets are used.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

All goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized but are tested for impairment in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” during the fourth quarter after the annual forecasting process is completed or between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change in a manner that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of these assets below their carrying value. Fair value for these assets is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis. The estimation of the fair value is based on various assumptions, including forecasted operational results set forth in Hitachi’s authorized business plan, discount rates and perpetual growth rates. The forecasted operational results are based on currently available assumptions considered to be reasonable. However, actual results may differ materially from those projected because of factors such as economic trends in Japan, North America, Asia and other major markets where Hitachi does business, supply in excess of demand leading to a decline in selling prices or production operation, intense price competition or decreases in prices, a sharp rise in the purchasing prices of material and component and currency exchange rate fluctuations. Especially, digital media products are sensitive to decreases in prices, and therefore, an impairment loss may be incurred due to an unforeseeable change in the authorized business plan. Although management believes that the estimates of future cash flows and fair value are reasonable, changes in estimates resulting in lower future cash flows and fair value due to unforeseen changes in the business environment could negatively affect the valuations and the amount of the impairment charge.

 

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Deferred Tax Assets

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that a portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of Hitachi’s deferred tax assets is dependent on whether Hitachi is able to generate future taxable income in specific tax jurisdictions during the periods in which temporary differences become deductible. Management has scheduled the expected future reversals of the temporary differences and projected future taxable income, including the execution of certain available tax strategies if needed, in making this assessment. Actual results may differ materially from forecasted operational results, which are the basis for projecting future taxable income, and be subject to adjustment because of factors such as economic trends in major markets where Hitachi does business, trends of supply and demand in the markets, prices of products and services, purchasing prices of material and component, currency exchange rate fluctuations and rapid technological innovation. As a result, the difference could negatively affect the amount of deferred tax assets and valuation allowances. The realizability of deferred tax assets is assessed for each taxable unit in each taxable jurisdiction, and the results of the assessment may differ from unit to unit due to different products or jurisdictions even if they operate same kind of business. Based on these factors, management believes that it is more likely than not that Hitachi will realize the benefits of these temporary differences, net of the existing valuation allowance as of March 31, 2007. However, the amount of deferred tax assets may be different if Hitachi does not realize estimated future taxable income during the carry forward periods as originally expected.

Retirement Benefits

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

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

 

    

Effect on pre-tax income

For the year ended

March 31, 2008

   

Effect on PBO

As of March 31, 2007

 
     (Millions of yen)  

Discount rates

    

0.5% decrease

   (8,748 )   164,143  

0.5% increase

   8,811     (152,242 )

Expected rate of return on plan asset

    

0.5% decrease

   (7,345 )  

0.5% increase

   7,345    

 

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Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

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

Investments in Securities

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

 

ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

A. Directors and Senior Management

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

Set forth below are the names of the Company’s directors, or Directors, and executive officers, or Executive Officers, as of June 26, 2007. All Directors were elected at the Company’s general meeting of shareholders held on June 26, 2007. While the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Etsuhiko Shoyama, does not concurrently serve as an Executive Officer, two Directors, Mr. Kazuo Furukawa and Mr. Toyoaki Nakamura, do concurrently serve as Executive Officers. Five Directors, Ms. Yoshie Ota, Messrs. Mitsuo Ohashi, Akihiko Nomiyama, Kenji Miyahara and Tohru Motobayashi, are outside Directors who fulfill the qualification requirements as provided for in the Company Law. The term of office of all Executive Officers began from April 1, 2007 and will expire on March 31, 2008.

Directors

 

Name (Date of birth)

  

Current position (Principal

position outside the Company, if any)

   Date   

Business experience, including experience

in the Company, and functions

Etsuhiko Shoyama

        
(Mar. 9, 1936)    Chairman of the Board    4/2007   

Chairman of the Board

      4/2006   

Chairman and Director

      6/2003   

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

      4/1999   

President and Representative Director

      6/1997   

Executive Vice-President and Representative Director

      6/1995   

Senior Executive Managing Director

      6/1993   

Executive Managing Director

      6/1991   

Director

        

General Manager, Consumer Electronics Division

      4/1959   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

 

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Name (Date of birth)

  

Current position (Principal

position outside the Company, if any)

   Date   

Business experience, including experience

in the Company, and functions

Kazuo Furukawa         
(Nov. 3, 1946)    Director*    6/2006   

President and Director

      4/2006   

President

      4/2005   

Executive Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2004   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer

      6/2003   

Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2003   

President & CEO, Information & Telecommunication Systems

      4/1971   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Yoshiki Yagi

        

(Feb. 27, 1938)

   Director    4/2007   

Director

      6/2005   

Board Director (Chair)

      4/2004   

Director

      6/2003   

Executive Vice President, Executive Officer and Director

      4/1999   

Executive Vice President and Representative Director

      6/1997   

Senior Executive Managing Director

      6/1993   

Executive Managing Director

      6/1991   

Director

      6/1988   

General Manager, Accounting Controls Dept.

      4/1960   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Tadamichi Sakiyama

        

(Jun. 13, 1941)

   Director    6/2006   

Director, Hitachi, Ltd.

      4/2006   

Director, Hitachi Construction Machinery, Co., Ltd.

      6/2003   

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

      4/2003   

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

      6/2001   

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

      4/1999   

General Manager, Internal Auditing Office

      4/1964   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Toyoaki Nakamura

        

(Aug. 3, 1952)

   Director*    6/2007   

Senior Vice President, Executive Officer and Director

      4/2007   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer

      1/2006   

General Manager, Finance Department I

      4/1975   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Yoshie Ota

        

(Sep. 1, 1942)

   Director    6/2007   

Director, Hitachi, Ltd.

   (Advisor, Japan Institute of Workers’ Evolution)    7/2005   

Advisor, Japan Institute of Workers’ Evolution

      7/1998   

Chairman, Japan Institute of Workers’ Evolution

      6/1995   

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

      7/1994   

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

      12/1991   

Vice Governor of Ishikawa Prefecture

 

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Name (Date of birth)

  

Current position (Principal

position outside the Company, if any)

   Date   

Business experience, including experience

in the Company, and functions

Mitsuo Ohashi

        

(Jan. 18, 1936)

  

Director

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

   6/2007   

Director, Hitachi, Ltd.

      3/2007   

Chairman of the Board, Showa Denko K.K.

      1/2005   

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

      3/1997   

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

Akihiko Nomiyama

        

(Jun. 15, 1934)

  

Director

(Special Advisor, NIPPON MINING HOLDINGS, INC.)

   6/2007   

Director, Hitachi, Ltd.

      6/2006   

Special Advisor, NIPPON MINING HOLDINGS, INC.

      6/2003   

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

      9/2002   

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

Kenji Miyahara

        

(Nov. 5, 1935)

  

Director

(Senior Adviser, Sumitomo Corporation)

   6/2007   

Director, Hitachi, Ltd.

        

Senior Adviser, Sumitomo Corporation

      6/2001   

Chairman of the Board and Representative Director, Sumitomo Corporation

      6/1996   

President and Chief Executive Officer and Representative Director, Sumitomo Corporation

Tohru Motobayashi

        

(Jan. 5, 1938)

  

Director

(Attorney at law)

   6/2006   

Director, Hitachi, Ltd.

      4/2002   

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

      6/1970   

Partner, Mori Sogo Law Offices (currently, Mori Hamada & Matsumoto)

      4/1963   

Member of the Tokyo Bar Association

Takeo Ueno

        

(Feb. 9, 1942)

  

Director

(Senior Adviser, Hitachi Via Mechanics, Ltd.)

   6/2007   

Director, Hitachi, Ltd.

        

Senior Adviser, Hitachi Via Mechanics, Ltd.

      6/2001   

President and Representative Director, Hitachi Via Mechanics, Ltd.

      4/2000   

Deputy General Manager, Sales Management Division

      4/1964   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Isao Uchigasaki

        

(Jan. 2, 1939)

  

Director

(Advisor to the Board, Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.)

   6/2007   

Advisor to the Board, Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.

      4/2006   

Director, Hitachi, Ltd.

      6/2004   

Hitachi Group Executive Officer and Director, Hitachi, Ltd.

      4/2004   

Hitachi Group Executive Officer, Hitachi, Ltd.

      6/2003   

Chairman of the Board, Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.

      4/2003   

Chairman of the Board and Representative Director, Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.

      6/1997   

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

 

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Name (Date of birth)

  

Current position (Principal

position outside the Company, if any)

   Date   

Business experience, including experience in

the Company, and functions

Michihiro Honda

        

(Oct. 13, 1942)

  

Director

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

   6/2007   

Director, Hitachi, Ltd.

      6/2006   

Chairman of the Board, Hitachi Metals, Ltd.

      6/2003   

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

      6/2000   

President and Representative Director, Hitachi Metals, Ltd.

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

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

 

   

Nominating Committee. Etsuhiko Shoyama (Chair), Yoshie Ota, Mitsuo Ohashi, Tohru Motobayashi, Kazuo Furukawa;

 

   

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

 

   

Compensation Committee. Etsuhiko Shoyama (Chair), Akihiko Nomiyama, Kenji Miyahara, Tohru Motobayashi, Kazuo Furukawa.

Executive Officers

 

Name (Date of birth)

  

Current position (Responsibility of

Executive Officer as authorized by

the Board of Directors)

   Date   

Business experience, including experience in

the Company, and functions

Kazuo Furukawa

     

(Nov. 3, 1946)

   Representative Executive Officer President (Overall management)    See “Directors” above.

Kazuhiro Mori

        

(Oct. 7, 1946)

   Representative Executive Officer Executive Vice President and Executive Officer (Social infrastructure business (power systems business and industrial systems business))    1/2007   

Executive Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2006   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2004    Vice President and Executive Officer
      6/2003    Executive Officer
      2/1999   

General Manager, Chubu Area Operation

      4/1969    Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Kunihiko Ohnuma

        

(Dec. 4, 1946)

  

Representative Executive Officer Executive Vice President and Executive Officer (Industrial infrastructure business (automotive systems business),

life infrastructure business (urban planning and development systems business and consumer business) and procurement)

   4/2007   

Executive Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2006   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2005    Vice President and Executive Officer
      6/2001   

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

      4/1971    Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Junzo Kawakami

        

(Jul. 29, 1944)

   Representative Executive Officer Executive Vice President and Executive Officer (Infrastructure technology/products business, research & development, business incubation, quality assurance and production engineering)    4/2007   

Executive Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2006   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer

      10/2004    Vice President and Executive Officer
      6/2003   

President and Representative Director, TOKICO LTD.

      11/1982    Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

 

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Table of Contents

Name (Date of birth)

  

Current position (Responsibility of

Executive Officer as authorized by

the Board of Directors)

   Date   

Business experience, including experience

in the Company, and functions

Manabu Shinomoto

        

(Mar. 30, 1948)

   Representative Executive Officer Executive Vice President and Executive Officer (Information infrastructure business (information & telecommunication systems business))    4/2007   

Executive Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2006   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer

      6/2003    Vice President and Executive Officer
      4/2003   

CEO, platform and network systems operation, Information & Telecommunication Systems

      7/1971    Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Masahiro Hayashi

        

(Apr. 11, 1946)

   Representative Executive Officer Executive Vice President and Executive Officer (Sales operations, Hitachi group global business, corporate export regulation, legal and corporate communications, corporate brand, Hitachi group management and corporate auditing)    4/2007   

Executive Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2005   

Vice President and Executive Officer

      6/2003    Executive Officer
      4/2003   

CEO, system solutions operation, Information & Telecommunication Systems

      4/1969    Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Naoya Takahashi

        

(Oct. 17, 1948)

   Senior Vice President and Executive Officer (Information & telecommunication systems business (services business (global) and platform systems business))    4/2007   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2006    Vice President and Executive Officer
      4/2003   

COO, Information & Telecommunication Systems

      4/1973    Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Koichiro Nishikawa

        

(Jul. 12, 1947)

   Senior Vice President and Executive Officer (Business development)    4/2007   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer

      1/2006   

Vice President and Executive Officer

      6/2003    Executive Officer
      4/2003   

General Manager, Business Development

      4/1970    Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Toyoaki Nakamura

        

(Aug. 3, 1952)

   Representative Executive Officer Senior Vice President and Executive Officer (Finance, corporate pension system, Hitachi group management and business development)    See “Directors” above.

Shozo Saito

        

(Nov. 5, 1945)

   Senior Vice President and Executive Officer (Quality assurance, production engineering and power systems engineering)    4/2006   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer

      10/2004    Vice President and Executive Officer
      2/2004    Executive Officer
      6/2003    Vice President and Executive Officer
      4/2003   

President & CEO, Power & Industrial Systems

      4/1970    Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

 

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Table of Contents

Name (Date of birth)

  

Current position (Responsibility of

Executive Officer as authorized by

the Board of Directors)

   Date   

Business experience, including experience

in the Company, and functions

Tadahiko Ishigaki

        

(Jan. 14, 1946)

  

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer

(Hitachi group global business (North America))

   4/2006   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer, Hitachi, Ltd.

      2/2004   

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

      6/2003   

Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2003   

General Manager, Corporate Marketing

      4/1968   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Minoru Tsukada

        

(Jan. 1, 1947)

  

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer

(Hitachi group global business (China))

   4/2006   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer

      6/2003   

Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2003   

General Manager, Kansai Area Operation

      4/1969   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Stephen Gomersall

        

(Jan. 17, 1948)

  

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer

(Hitachi group global business (Europe))

   10/2006   

Senior Vice President and Executive Officer, Hitachi, Ltd.

      10/2004   

Chief Executive for Europe, Hitachi, Ltd.

      7/1999   

British Ambassador to Japan (Retired in July 2004)

      9/1970   

Joined U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Akira Maru

        

(Nov. 8, 1948)

  

Vice President and Executive Officer

(Power systems business)

   5/2006   

Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2005   

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

      4/1971   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Koji Tanaka

        

(Jan. 22, 1952)

  

Vice President and Executive Officer

(Power systems business (Ibaraki Area and management improvement))

   4/2007   

Vice President and Executive Officer

      5/2006   

General Manager, Hitachi Works, Power Systems

      4/1974   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Toshiaki Higashihara

        

(Feb. 16, 1955)

  

Vice President and Executive Officer

(Power systems business (overseas business promotion))

   4/2007   

Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2006   

COO, Information & Telecommunication Systems

      4/1977   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Gaku Suzuki

        

(May 12, 1947)

  

Vice President and Executive Officer

(Industrial systems business)

   8/2005   

Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2004   

General Manager, Transportation Systems Division, Industrial Systems

      4/1972   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Hideaki Takahashi

        

(Aug. 20, 1952)

  

Vice President and Executive Officer

(Urban planning and development systems business)

   4/2007   

Vice President and Executive Officer, Hitachi, Ltd.

        
      4/2005   

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

      4/1978   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Junzo Nakajima

        

(Feb. 8, 1949)

  

Vice President and Executive Officer

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

   4/2006   

Vice President and Executive Officer

      4/2005   

COO, Information & Telecommunication Systems

      5/1972   

Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

 

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Table of Contents

Name (Date of birth)

  

Current position (Responsibility of

Executive Officer as authorized by

the Board of Directors)

   Date   

Business experience, including experience

in the Company, and functions

Mitsuo Yamaguchi

        

(May 27, 1948)

   Vice President and Executive Officer (Information & telecommunication systems business (services business (global)))    4/2007    Vice President and Executive Officer
      11/2006   

CMO and COO, Information & Telecommunication Systems

      4/1972    Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Makoto Ebata

        

(Feb. 23, 1947)

   Vice President and Executive Officer (Consumer business)    4/2004    Vice President and Executive Officer
      6/2003    Executive Officer
      2/2002   

General Manager, Group Management Office

      4/1970    Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Kazuhiro Tachibana

        

(Nov. 6, 1946)

   Vice President and Executive Officer (Consumer business (marketing))    4/2004    Vice President and Executive Officer
      4/2002    CSO, Ubiquitous Platform Systems
      4/1970    Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Yasuhiko Honda

        

(Jun. 25, 1948)

   Vice President and Executive Officer (Automotive systems business)    4/2007    Vice President and Executive Officer
      10/2005   

General Manager, Electric Power Train Division, Automotive Systems

      4/1974    Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Eiji Takeda

        

(Jan. 1, 1949)

   Vice President and Executive Officer (Research & development)    4/2007    Vice President and Executive Officer
      4/2005   

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

      4/1975    Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Takao Koyama

        

(Dec. 11, 1948)

   Vice President and Executive Officer (Sales Operations (Kansai Area))    4/2007    Vice President and Executive Officer
      4/2004   

General Manager, Kanto Area Operation

      4/1971    Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Kiyoshi Kozuka

        

(Nov. 8, 1955)

   Vice President and Executive Officer (Corporate planning and Hitachi group management)    4/2007    Vice President and Executive Officer
      4/2006   

General Manager, Corporate Planning & Development Office

      4/1978    Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Kenji Ohno

        

(Jan. 3, 1951)

   Vice President and Executive Officer (Human resources)    4/2007    Vice President and Executive Officer
      6/2005   

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

      4/1974    Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Toshiaki Kuzuoka

        

(Nov. 3, 1954)

   Vice President and Executive Officer (Legal and corporate communication, corporate brand and corporate auditing)    4/2007    Vice President and Executive Officer
      4/2001    General Manager, Legal Division
      4/1978    Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

Masao Hisada

        

(Dec. 16, 1948)

   Vice President and Executive Officer (Procurement and Hitachi group global business)    4/2007    Vice President and Executive Officer
      4/2006   

General Manager, Corporate Procurement Division

      4/1972    Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

 

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Table of Contents

Name (Date of birth)

  

Current position (Responsibility of

Executive Officer as authorized by

the Board of Directors)

   Date   

Business experience, including experience

in the Company, and functions

Hiroyuki Fukuyama

        

(Dec. 15, 1942)

   Vice President and Executive Officer (Quality assurance and production engineering)    1/2006    Vice President and Executive Officer
      1/2005   

General Manager, MONOZUKURI and General Manager, Investment Planning Office and General Manager, Corporate Quality Assurance Division

      4/1965    Joined Hitachi, Ltd.

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

B. Compensation

The aggregate amount of compensation, including retirement allowances, by Hitachi during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 to all Directors and Executive Officers of the Company who served during that year was ¥2,834 million. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, one Director of the Company was granted as a Director of Hitachi Plant Technologies, Ltd., by Hitachi Plant Technologies, Ltd., a publicly-held subsidiary of the Company, stock acquisition rights to subscribe to 30,000 shares of common stock of Hitachi Plant Technologies, Ltd. Each stock acquisition right entitles the holder to 1,000 shares of Hitachi Plant Technologies, Ltd. The issuing price of the rights is ¥119,000 per right, the exercise price of the rights is ¥665,000 per right and the rights are exercisable from December 1, 2008 through November 30, 2011.

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

Compensation for Directors consists of a monthly salary, a year-end allowance and a retirement allowance. Monthly salary is decided by making adjustments to basic salary that reflect full-time or part-time status, committee membership and position. Year-end allowance is a pre-determined amount equivalent to about twenty percent of the Director’s annual income based on monthly salary, although this amount may be reduced depending on Company performance. Retirement allowance is an amount payable on retirement that is determined based on monthly salary and years of service (total years of service in the case of a Director who has served multiple terms as a Director) (the “Director’s Basic Retirement Amount”). A Director concurrently serving as an Executive Officer is not paid compensation as a Director.

Compensation for Executive Officers consists of a monthly salary, a performance-linked bonus and a retirement allowance. Monthly salary is decided by adjusting a basic amount set in accordance with the relevant position to reflect the results of an assessment. The performance-linked bonus is payable in an amount of up to approximately thirty percent of the Executive Officer’s annual income, adjusted based on the Company and individual performance. Retirement allowance is an amount payable on retirement, which is determined by the position held at retirement, the monthly salary of previous positions held and total years of service in such positions (the “Executive Officer’s Basic Retirement Amount”).

In accordance with a resolution of the June 2003 ordinary general meeting of shareholders of the Company, the amount of retirement allowance for a Director or Executive Officer who was a Director or corporate auditor prior to the close of the meeting will include an allowance corresponding to the person’s period of service as a Director or corporate auditor before the adoption of the Committee System. Retirement allowance may, through an assessment, be supplemented for distinguished service by an amount equivalent to up to thirty percent of the Director’s Basic Retirement Amount or Executive Officer’s Basic Retirement Amount. Depending on the circumstances, each such Basic Retirement Amount may also be reduced. The Company does not set aside reserves for such retirement allowance.

At the June 2003 ordinary general meeting of shareholders, the shareholders of the Company approved a stock option plan. Pursuant to such approval, the Board of Directors set and approved the details of the plan under which rights to subscribe for 1,305,000 shares of common stock of the Company were granted to a total of 85 persons, including Directors, Executive Officers, corporate officers and fellows of the Company. The exercise price of the rights is ¥561 per share and the rights are exercisable from August 1, 2004 through July 31, 2007.

 

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At the June 2004 ordinary general meeting of shareholders, the shareholders of the Company approved a stock option plan. Pursuant to such approval, the Board of Directors set and approved the details of the plan. Under the plan, at the meeting of Board of Directors held in July 2004, the Company granted rights to subscribe for 1,237,000 shares of common stock of the Company to a total of 78 persons, including Directors, Executive Officers, corporate officers and fellows of the Company. At a subsequent meeting of Board of Directors held in September 2004, the Company granted rights to subscribe for 41,000 shares of common stock of the Company to a total of 7 persons, including an Executive Officer and corporate officers of the Company. The exercise prices of the rights are ¥782 per share and ¥705 per share, applicable to 1,237,000 shares and 41,000 shares, respectively, and the rights are exercisable from July 30, 2005 through July 29, 2008, and from October 2, 2005 through October 1, 2008, respectively.

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

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

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

  - he/she is imprisoned under Japanese law;

 

  - he/she dies;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

   

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

 

   

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

At the Compensation Committee of the Company held on March 30, 2006, it was determined that stock options would not be granted in the future.

C. Board Practices

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

 

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The Company’s amended articles of incorporation provide for a Board of Directors of not more than 20 members. All Directors are elected at a general meeting of shareholders and the current Directors were elected at the Company’s June 26, 2007 general meeting of shareholders. The Company’s articles of incorporation provide that, by resolution of the Board of Directors, a Director who convenes and presides over meetings of the Board of Directors shall be selected. The Directors are reelected each year, and not on a staggered basis. The term of office of Directors expires at the close of the ordinary general meeting of shareholders for the last business year that will end within one year after their election. A Director may serve any number of consecutive terms. The term of office of the Directors currently in office will expire at the close of the ordinary general meeting of shareholders to be held within three months from March 31, 2008.

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

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

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

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

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

The Company’s articles of incorporation provide for a maximum of 40 Executive Officers. All Executive Officers are appointed by the Board of Directors. Pursuant to the Company’s articles of incorporation, the term of office of Executive Officers expires on the last day of the business year that ends within one year from their election. An Executive Officer may serve any number of consecutive terms. The term of office of the Executive Officers currently in office will expire on March 31, 2008.

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

 

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

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

D. Employees

The following tables show the number of full-time employees of Hitachi by industry and geographic segments as of March 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Industry segment

 

     As of March 31,
     2005    2006    2007
     (Number of employees)

Information & Telecommunication Systems

   90,173    90,382    98,257

Electronic Devices

   25,943    27,173    28,859

Power & Industrial Systems

   84,602    88,019    96,893

Digital Media & Consumer Products

   31,302    31,334    36,249

High Functional Materials & Components

   55,032    54,687    53,464

Logistics, Services & Others

   28,706    28,481    29,258

Financial Services

   4,084    4,166    3,914

Corporate

   3,230    3,082    3,102
              

Total

   323,072    327,324    349,996
              

Geographic segment

 

     As of March 31,
     2005    2006    2007
     (Number of employees)

Japan

   225,060    223,636    227,800

Asia

   73,702    79,230    93,827

North America

   14,447    14,831    15,537

Europe

   4,596    4,822    6,322

Other Areas

   5,267    4,805    6,510
              

Total

   323,072    327,324    349,996
              

The activities of the Hitachi Workers Union and those unions representing the employees of certain domestic subsidiaries are organized under the Federation of Hitachi Group Workers Unions. Each company in the Hitachi group has a collective bargaining agreement with its workers union. Under the agreements, all employees of the Company and its domestic subsidiaries that have labor unions, except management and a limited number of other employees, must become union members. The collective bargaining agreements are customarily for two-year terms and the present provisions, other than those relating to wages, extend to March 31, 2008. Hitachi considers its relations with the labor unions to be excellent and there have been no significant strikes or labor disputes in recent years.

E. Share Ownership

The following table shows the number of shares of common stock of the Company owned by the Directors and Executive Officers as of June 26, 2007. The total amount is 0.03% of total shares issued.

 

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Table of Contents

Name

  

Position

   Share ownership
          (Number of shares)

Etsuhiko Shoyama

   Chairman of the Board    124,000

Kazuo Furukawa

   President and Director    66,000

Yoshiki Yagi

   Director    108,000

Tadamichi Sakiyama

   Director    22,000

Toyoaki Nakamura

   Senior Vice President, Executive Officer and Director    7,000

Yoshie Ota

   Director    0

Mitsuo Ohashi

   Director    0

Akihiko Nomiyama

   Director    0

Kenji Miyahara

   Director    0

Tohru Motobayashi

   Director    17,750

Takeo Ueno

   Director    36,000

Isao Uchigasaki

   Director    15,000

Michihiro Honda

   Director    11,000

Kazuhiro Mori

   Executive Vice President and Executive Officer    17,000

Kunihiko Ohnuma

   Executive Vice President and Executive Officer    25,100

Junzo Kawakami

   Executive Vice President and Executive Officer    31,840

Manabu Shinomoto

   Executive Vice President and Executive Officer    37,000

Masahiro Hayashi

   Executive Vice President and Executive Officer    30,050

Naoya Takahashi

   Senior Vice President and Executive Officer    31,000

Koichiro Nishikawa

   Senior Vice President and Executive Officer    51,150

Shozo Saito

   Senior Vice President and Executive Officer    41,050

Tadahiko Ishigaki

   Senior Vice President and Executive Officer    39,250

Minoru Tsukada

   Senior Vice President and Executive Officer    26,000

Stephen Gomersall

   Senior Vice President and Executive Officer    0

Akira Maru

   Vice President and Executive Officer    8,000

Koji Tanaka

   Vice President and Executive Officer    20,000

Toshiaki Higashihara

   Vice President and Executive Officer    10,000

Gaku Suzuki

   Vice President and Executive Officer    16,000

Hideaki Takahashi

   Vice President and Executive Officer    10,000

Junzo Nakajima

   Vice President and Executive Officer    15,050

Mitsuo Yamaguchi

   Vice President and Executive Officer    21,000

Makoto Ebata

   Vice President and Executive Officer    18,000

Kazuhiro Tachibana

   Vice President and Executive Officer    19,000

Yasuhiko Honda

   Vice President and Executive Officer    16,000

Eiji Takeda

   Vice President and Executive Officer    16,000

Takao Koyama

   Vice President and Executive Officer    18,000

Kiyoshi Kozuka

   Vice President and Executive Officer    11,000

Kenji Ohno

   Vice President and Executive Officer    12,000

Toshiaki Kuzuoka

   Vice President and Executive Officer    37,000

Masao Hisada

   Vice President and Executive Officer    13,000

Hiroyuki Fukuyama

   Vice President and Executive Officer    31,150
       

Total

   1,027,390
       

The aggregate number of shares that may be subscribed for under rights granted to the Directors and Executive Officers, listed above, pursuant to stock option plans approved in June 2003, 2004 and 2005 is 74,000, 252,000 and 322,000 shares, respectively, and constitutes 0.02% of total shares issued. For additional information on the Company’s stock option plan, see “B. Compensation” of this Item.

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

Hitachi Employees’ Shareholding Association owned approximately 96,000 thousand shares as of March 31, 2007, which amounted to 2.9% of total shares issued. The association consists of employees of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries. Membership in the association is voluntary.

 

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Table of Contents
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

A. Major Shareholders

The following table provides information concerning shareholders holding more than five percent of the outstanding common stock of the Company as of March 31, 2007 based on the Company’s share register. There has been no significant change in the percentage ownership of the Company’s common stock by any major shareholder during the past three years.

 

Title of class

  

Name

   Share ownership   

Percentage of

total shares

issued

 
          (Thousand shares)       

Common stock

   NATS CUMCO (note)    380,516    11.3 %

Common stock

   State Street Bank and Trust Company    246,882    7.3 %

Common stock

   The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Ltd.    211,919    6.3 %

Note: NATS CUMCO is the nominee name for the ADR depositary.

Schedule 13G

In February 2007, the Company received from Brandes Investment Partners, L.P. a notice included on Schedule 13G filed on February 14, 2007 pursuant to Rule 13d-1(b) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. The notice indicated that neither Brandes Investment Partners, L.P. nor any of its affiliates owned shares for its own account and that the shares were held solely for investment purposes in the ordinary course of business and not with the purpose or effect of changing or influencing control. However, by virtue of Rule 13d-3 under the Act, Brandes Investment Partners, L.P. may be deemed to “beneficially own” 12,171,056 ADRs and 186,225,812 ordinary shares as of December 31, 2006, representing 9.1% of the Company’s total issued shares at that time.

In February 2007, the Company received from Dodge & Cox a notice included on Schedule 13G filed on February 8, 2007 pursuant to Rule 13d-1(b) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. The notice indicated that Dodge & Cox did not own shares for its own account and that the shares were held solely for investment purposes in the ordinary course of business and not with the purpose or effect of changing or influencing control. However, by virtue of Rule 13d-3 under the Act, Dodge & Cox may be deemed to “beneficially own” 17,673,150 ADRs as of December 31, 2006, representing 5.2% of the Company’s total issued shares at that time.

Report of Substantial Shareholdings under the Securities and Exchange Law of Japan

The following statements refer to reports of substantial shareholdings under the Securities and Exchange Law of Japan which the Company received. These filings represent reports on beneficial ownership of more than 5% of total issued voting shares under the Securities and Exchange Law of Japan (See “Item 10. Additional Information — B. Memorandum and Articles of Association — Reporting of Substantial Shareholdings”). The following statements only include reports from beneficial owners whom the Company recognizes to be held more than 5% of total issued voting shares of the Company as of March 31, 2007.

In October 2006, the Company received a copy of a filing made to the Kanto Local Finance Bureau dated October 16, 2006 indicating that Brandes Investment Partners, L.P. and its affiliates own 295,518,982 shares, representing 8.8% of the Company’s total issued shares as of September 30, 2006, and that neither Brandes Investment Partners, L.P. nor any of its affiliates owned shares for its own account and that the shares were held solely for investment purposes in the ordinary course of business and not with the purpose or effect of changing or influencing control.

In November 2006, the Company received a copy of a filing made to the Kanto Local Finance Bureau dated November 15, 2006 indicating that Dodge & Cox owns 280,841,000 shares, representing 8.3% of the Company’s total issued shares as of October 31, 2006, and that Dodge & Cox did not own shares for its own account and that the shares were held solely for investment purposes in the ordinary course of business and not with the purpose or effect of changing or influencing control.

 

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

As of March 31, 2007, approximately 23.6% of the Company’s common stock was owned by 189 U.S. shareholders of record, in the aggregate, including the depositary’s nominee as one shareholder of record.

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

B. Related Party Transactions

To the knowledge of the Company, as of March 31, 2007, no person was the beneficial owner of more than 10% of any class of the Company’s shares which might give that person significant influence over the Company. In addition, the Company is not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by, or under common control with, any enterprise.

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

There are no outstanding loans (including guarantees of any kind) made by the Company or any of its subsidiaries to or for the benefit of Directors or Executive Officers of the Company except home loans and loan guarantees extended to a Director and certain Executive Officers by a subsidiary of the Company engaged in the business of financial services. The aggregate outstanding balance of such loans to the Director and Executive Officers as of March 31, 2007 was ¥133 million, and the largest aggregate outstanding balance during fiscal 2006 was ¥152 million. Hitachi believes these loans were made in the ordinary course of business, on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons, and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features.

C. Interests of Experts and Counsel

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

Consolidated Financial Statements

See “Item 17. Financial Statements.”

Legal Proceedings

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

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

 

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In November 2006, Renesas Technology America, Inc. (“Renesas America”), a subsidiary of Renesas Technology Corp. (“Renesas”), an equity method affiliate of the Company which was demerged and succeeded to the semiconductor operations of the Company centered in system large scale integrations, and Hitachi America, Ltd. (“Hitachi America”), the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, received a grand jury subpoena in connection with the investigation conducted by the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in respect of alleged antitrust violations relating to static random access memories. In addition, in December 2006, the Company and Hitachi Europe received requests for information from the European Commission in respect of alleged antitrust violations relating to LCDs, and Hitachi Displays, Ltd. (“Hitachi Displays”), the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary which was demerged and succeeded to the LCDs operations of the Company, received a grand jury subpoena in connection with the investigation conducted by the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in respect of alleged antitrust violations relating to LCDs, and Hitachi Displays and IPS Alpha Technology, Ltd., an equity method affiliate of the Company which is engaging in large-sized LCDs business, received requests for information from the Fair Trade Commission of Japan in respect of alleged antitrust violations relating to LCDs.

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

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

Dividend Policy

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

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

The Company declared a dividend of ¥6 per share in fiscal 2006. In addition, the Company repurchased its own shares from the market: during the period from May 11, 2006 to May 17, 2006, in an aggregate number of 6,210,000 shares, for an aggregate amount of approximately ¥4.9 billion, and during the period from February 6, 2007 to February 8, 2007, in an aggregate number of 7,200,000 shares, for an aggregate amount of approximately ¥5.8 billion. See “Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers” for more information.

 

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B. Significant Changes

In May 2007, the Company and GE entered into an agreement to form joint venture companies in each of the U.S, Canada and Japan. This agreement implemented the letter of intent entered into by both parties in November 2006 which expresses both party’s intent to create a global alliance for their nuclear businesses in order to improve and expand their boiling water reactor technology offerings, and to benefit from synergy in the area of design, manufacturing, construction, maintenance and engineering services. These joint venture companies will engage in the nuclear power systems business, including the construction and the maintenance of nuclear power plants and the provision of related services. In addition, based on the agreement, the U.S. and Canadian companies were established in June 2007 and the Company will transfer its nuclear power systems operations to the Japanese joint venture company in July 2007 by way of a corporate split under the Company Law. The Company expects that the nuclear power market will expand globally. The Company also believes that, by creating synergies with GE, this alliance will enable the Company to expand its nuclear power systems business throughout the world, utilizing GE’s design engineering of an advanced economic and simplified boiling water reactor, and both companies’ accumulated know-how and experience with the construction of nuclear power plants.

 

ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING

A. Offer and Listing Details

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

ADRs are issuable pursuant to the Deposit Agreement dated July 9, 1963, as amended and restated on March 6, 1981 and as further amended on February 17, 1982, or the Deposit Agreement, among the Company, Citibank, N.A. as depositary, or the Depositary, and the holders of ADRs. Each ADR evidences ADSs, each representing ten shares of common stock of the Company deposited under the Deposit Agreement with The Fuji Bank, Limited, Tokyo, or The Industrial Bank of Japan, Limited, Tokyo, as agents of the depositary, or any successor or successors to such agent or agents. On April 1, 2002, all the rights, liabilities and obligations of The Fuji Bank, Limited and The Industrial Bank of Japan, Limited under the Deposit Agreement were succeeded by Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd.

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

 

    

TSE

price per share

of common stock

  

NYSE

price per ADS

     (Yen)    (U.S. Dollars)
     High    Low    High    Low
Fiscal year ended March 31,            

2003

   997    398    77.950    33.330

2004

   835    366    79.170    31.300

2005

   850    627    81.350    57.450

2006

   874    604    75.400    57.400

2007

   936    644    79.760    55.740
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2006            

1st quarter

   682    604    63.190    57.400

2nd quarter

   728    664    64.520    59.680

3rd quarter

   848    702    70.100    61.200

4th quarter

   874    782    75.400    66.320
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2007            

1st quarter

   888    709    76.570    61.750

2nd quarter

   773    644    67.280    55.740

 

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TSE

price per share

of common stock

  

NYSE

price per ADS

     (Yen)    (U.S. Dollars)
     High    Low    High    Low

3rd quarter

   747    650    62.560    56.570

4th quarter

   936    753    79.760    61.920

December 2006

   747    669    62.560    58.500

January 2007

   848    753    70.100    61.920

February 2007

   863    778    71.350    65.260

March 2007

   936    786    79.760    68.130

April 2007

   947    895    79.200    75.850

May 2007

   919    837    76.440    70.160

Notes:

 

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

 

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

B. Plan of Distribution

Not applicable.

C. Markets

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

D. Selling Shareholders

Not applicable.

E. Dilution

Not applicable.

F. Expenses of the Issue

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A. Share Capital

Not applicable.

B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

Organization

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

Objects and Purposes

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

 

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Directors

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

Under the Company Law, the adoption of a resolution of the Board of Directors requires a majority vote of the Directors present who must in turn constitute a majority of the Directors who are entitled to vote for the resolution. Any Director who has a conflict of interest or a vested interest with respect to any given resolution cannot participate in voting for the resolution. Under the Company Law, each Director must refrain from engaging in any business competing with the Company unless approved by the Board of Directors.

The Company Law provides that, under the Committee System, the Compensation Committee established within the Board of Directors determines matters relating to compensation for each Director and Executive Officer. A member of the Compensation Committee cannot participate in voting for any resolution relating to his/her own compensation.

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

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

Common Stock

Distribution of surplus

Under the Company’s articles of incorporation, distribution of surplus, if any, will be made to shareholders of record as of March 31 and September 30 of each year and as of another record date for the purpose of distributing surplus.

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

Voting rights

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

 

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

Issue of additional shares and pre-emptive rights

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

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

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

Liquidation rights

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

Stock splits and allotment of shares without consideration

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

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

 

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Generally, shareholders do not need to exchange share certificates for new ones following a stock split or allotment of shares without consideration; however, certificates representing the additional shares resulting from the stock split or allotment of shares without consideration will be issued to shareholders.

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

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

Unit share system

Pursuant to the Company Law, the Company has designated 1,000 shares as one unit of shares. Under the unit share system, a shareholder is generally entitled to one voting right for each unit of shares. The Company may not issue share certificates for a number of shares not constituting a whole number of units unless the Company deems the issuance of such share certificates to be necessary for shareholders. Since transfers of less than one unit of the underlying shares of common stock are normally prohibited under the unit share system, under the Deposit Agreement currently in force, the right of ADR holders to surrender their ADRs and withdraw the underlying shares of common stock may only be exercised as to whole units of common stock.

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

A holder of shares representing less than one unit may at any time require the Company to purchase his/her shares. These shares will be purchased at (a) the closing price of the shares reported by the TSE on the day when the request to purchase is made or (b) if no sale takes place on the TSE on that day, the price at which sale of shares is effected on such stock exchange immediately thereafter. However, because holders of ADSs representing less than one unit are not able to withdraw the underlying shares from deposit, these holders will not be able to exercise this right as a practical matter.

The Company’s articles of incorporation also provide that a holder of shares representing less than one unit may require the Company to sell any fractional shares it may have to such holder so that the holder can raise his/her fractional ownership up to a whole unit. These shares will be sold at (a) the closing price of the shares reported by the TSE on the day when the request to sell becomes effective or (b) if no sale takes place on the TSE on that day, the closing price at which sale of shares is effected on such stock exchange immediately preceding that day. However, because holders of ADSs representing less than one unit are not able to withdraw the underlying shares from deposit, these holders will not be able to exercise this right as a practical matter.

Repurchase by the Company of its shares

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

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

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

 

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General Meeting of Shareholders

The Company normally holds its ordinary general meeting of shareholders within three months following the date of the end of the fiscal year in Tokyo. In addition, the Company may hold an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders whenever necessary by giving at least two weeks’ advance notice. Under the Company Law, notice of any shareholders’ meeting must be mailed to each shareholder having voting rights or, in the case of a non-resident shareholder, to his resident proxy or mailing address in Japan in accordance with the Company’s regulations on handling shares, etc., at least two weeks prior to the date of the meeting. Under the Company Law, such notice may be given to shareholders by electronic means, with the consent by the relevant shareholders.

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

Reporting of Substantial Shareholdings

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

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

Corporate Governance Practices

The Company’s ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”). The Company is therefore required to comply with certain of the NYSE’s corporate governance listing standards (the “NYSE Standards”), which were approved by the SEC in November 2003. As a foreign private issuer, the Company may follow its home country’s corporate governance practices in lieu of most of the NYSE Standards. The Company’s corporate governance practices differ in certain significant respects from those that U.S. companies must adopt in order to maintain NYSE listing and, in accordance with Section 303A.11 of NYSE’s Listed Company Manual, a brief, general summary of those differences is provided as follows.

Director independence

The NYSE Standards require a majority of the membership of NYSE-listed company boards to be composed of independent directors. The Company’s Board of Directors consists of 13 members, five of whom are “outside directors,” as defined under the Company Law. The Company Law defines an outside director as a director who is not and has not been an executive director (a representative director or a director who executes such company’s business), executive officer, manager or any other employee of such company or its subsidiaries.

Non-management directors’ executive sessions

The NYSE Standards require non-management directors of NYSE-listed companies to meet at regularly scheduled executive sessions without management. Neither the Company Law nor the Company’s articles of incorporations require the Company’s non-management directors to hold such meetings.

 

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Committee member composition

The NYSE Standards require NYSE-listed companies to have a nominating/corporate governance committee, audit committee and compensation committee that are composed entirely of independent directors. The Company’s nominating committee, audit committee and compensation committee are composed of a majority of outside directors in accordance with the Company Law, while the Company’s audit committee complies with the NYSE Standards.

Miscellaneous

In addition to the above differences, the Company is not required: to make its nominating, audit and compensation committees prepare a written charter that addresses either purposes and responsibilities or performance evaluations in a manner that would satisfy the NYSE’s requirements; to acquire shareholder approval of equity compensation plans in certain cases, such as issuing stock acquisition rights as stock options without “specially favorable” conditions; to make publicly available one or more documents which purport to summarize all aspects of its corporate governance guidelines; or to adopt a code of business conduct and ethics for its directors, officers and employees that would comply fully with the NYSE’s requirements.

C. Material Contracts

None.

D. Exchange Controls

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

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

Dividends and Proceeds of Sales

Under the Foreign Exchange Law, dividends paid on, and the proceeds of sales in Japan of, shares of common stock held by exchange non-residents in general may be converted into any foreign currency and repatriated abroad. The acquisition of shares of common stock by exchange non-resident shareholders by way of stock splits is not subject to any requirements under the Foreign Exchange Law.

Acquisition of Shares

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

In case a foreign investor acquires listed shares (whether from a resident of Japan or an exchange non-resident, from another foreign investor or from or through a designated securities company) and as a result of such acquisition the number of shares held directly or indirectly by such foreign investor would become 10% or more of the total outstanding shares of the company, the foreign investor is required to make a subsequent report on such acquisition to the Minister of Finance and other Ministers having jurisdiction over the business of the subject company, or the Competent Ministers. In certain exceptional cases, a prior filing is required and the Competent Ministers may recommend the modification or abandonment of the proposed acquisition and, if the foreign investor does not accept the recommendation, order its modification or prohibition.

 

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

E. Taxation

Japanese Taxation

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

A non-resident of Japan or a non-Japanese corporation is generally subject to a Japanese withholding tax on cash dividends. Stock splits and allotment of shares without consideration, in general, are not subject to Japanese withholding tax since they are characterized merely as an increase in the number of shares (as opposed to an increase in the value of the shares) from a Japanese tax perspective. Due to the 2001 Japanese tax legislation effective April 1, 2001, a conversion of retained earnings or legal earned reserve into stated capital is not deemed a dividend payment to shareholders for Japanese tax purposes and therefore such a conversion does not trigger Japanese withholding taxation.

In the absence of any applicable treaty or agreement reducing the maximum rate of withholding tax, the standard rate of Japanese withholding tax applicable to dividends paid by Japanese corporations to non-residents of Japan or non-Japanese corporations is generally 20%. However, with respect to dividends paid on listed shares issued by a Japanese corporation (such as the shares of common stock of the Company) to any corporate or individual shareholders (including those shareholders who are non-Japanese corporations or Japanese non-resident individuals), except for any individual shareholder who holds 5% or more of the outstanding total of the shares issued by the relevant Japanese corporation, the aforementioned standard 20% withholding tax rate is reduced to (i) 7% for dividends due and payable on or after January 1, 2004 but on or before March 31, 2008 and (ii) 15% for dividends due and payable on or after April 1, 2008.

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

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

Gains derived from the sale outside Japan of shares of common stock or ADSs by a non-resident of Japan or a non-Japanese corporation, or from the sale of the shares within Japan by a non-resident of Japan as an occasional transaction or by a non-Japanese corporation not having a permanent establishment in Japan, are in general not subject to Japanese income or corporation taxes. Japanese inheritance and gift taxes at progressive rates may be payable by an individual who has acquired shares of common stock or ADSs as a distributee, legatee or donee.

 

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United States Taxation

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

 

   

certain financial institutions;

 

   

insurance companies;

 

   

dealers and traders in securities or foreign currencies;

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

   

persons liable for the alternative minimum tax;

 

   

tax-exempt organizations;

 

   

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

 

   

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

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

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

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

The U.S. Treasury has expressed concerns that parties to whom ADSs are pre-released may be taking actions that are inconsistent with the claiming of foreign tax credits for U.S. holders of ADSs. Such actions would also be inconsistent with the claiming of the reduced rate of tax applicable to dividends received by certain noncorporate U.S. holders. Accordingly, the analysis of the creditability of Japanese taxes and the availability of the reduced tax rate for dividends received by certain noncorporate U.S. holders, each described below, could be affected by actions taken by parties to whom ADSs are pre-released.

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

 

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Taxation of distributions

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

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

Japanese taxes withheld from cash dividends on shares of common stock or ADSs at a rate not exceeding the rate provided in the Treaty will be creditable against a U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, subject to applicable restrictions and limitations that may vary depending upon such holder’s circumstances and the discussion above regarding concerns expressed by the U.S. Treasury. Japanese taxes withheld in excess of the Treaty rate for which a refund is available are not eligible for credit against a U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability. The limitation on foreign taxes eligible for credit is calculated separately with respect to specific classes of income. Instead of claiming a credit, a U.S. holder may elect to deduct such otherwise creditable Japanese taxes in computing such holder’s taxable income, subject to generally applicable limitations under U.S. law. U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors to determine whether they are subject to any special rules that limit their ability to make effective use of foreign tax credits.

Sale and other disposition of shares or ADSs

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

Passive foreign investment company rules

The Company does not believe that it was a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes for its tax year ending March 31, 2007 and does not expect to be a PFIC in the foreseeable future. However, since PFIC status depends upon the composition of the Company’s income and assets and the market value of its assets from time to time, there can be no assurance that the Company will not be considered a PFIC for any taxable year. If the Company were treated as a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. holder held a share of common stock or an ADS, certain adverse tax consequences could apply to such holder.

Information reporting and backup withholding

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

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

 

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F. Dividends and Paying Agents

Not applicable.

G. Statement by Experts

Not applicable.

H. Documents on Display

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

I. Subsidiary Information

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Primary Market Risk Exposure

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

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

Equity Price Risk

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

The tables below provide information about the contractual maturities of available-for-sale securities and held-to-maturity securities and fair values of these market risk sensitive securities as of March 31, 2007 and 2006, regardless of the consolidated balance sheet classification as follows.

 

     Carrying amount as of March 31, 2007     
     Contractual maturity date     
     Due within
one year
   Due after one
year through
five years
   Due after
five years
   Total    Fair value
     (Millions of yen)

Available-for-sale securities

              

Equity securities

            304,299    304,299

Debt securities

   11,231    28,615    39,416    79,262    79,262

Other securities

   2,048    4,897    19,683    26,628    26,628

Held-to-maturity securities

   43    850    198    1,091    1,090

 

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     Carrying amount as of March 31, 2006     
     Contractual maturity date     
     Due within
one year
   Due after one
year through
five years
   Due after
five years
   Total    Fair value
     (Millions of yen)

Available-for-sale securities

              

Equity securities

            344,329    344,329

Debt securities

   26,950    31,208    44,235    102,393    102,393

Other securities

   49,025    13,363    14,163    76,551    76,551

Held-to-maturity securities

   57    1,118    198    1,373    1,390

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk and Interest Rate Risk

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

Foreign currency exchange rate risk

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

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

The tables below provide information on Hitachi’s financial instruments that are sensitive to foreign currency exchange rates, including primary forward exchange contracts to sell U.S. dollars and Euros as of March 31, 2007 and 2006. The tables present the contract amounts in Japanese yen equivalents and weighted average contractual exchange rates by expected maturity dates. Cross currency swap agreements and the corresponding foreign currency denominated debt instruments are not included in the table below because all of Hitachi’s foreign currency exposure in its cash flows are eliminated.

 

     Forward exchange contracts as of March 31, 2007  
     Expected maturity date       
           2008                2009          Total    Estimated
fair value
 
     (Millions of yen)  

Forward exchange contracts

           

(Pay US$/receive ¥) contract amount

   145,462    —      145,462    511  

Average contractual exchange rate (¥/US$)

   117.20    —      117.20   

 

Forward exchange contracts

           

(Pay Euro/receive ¥) contract amount

   75,730    —      75,730    (1,438 )

Average contractual exchange rate (¥/Euro)

   153.34    —      153.34   

 

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     Forward exchange contracts as of March 31, 2006  
     Expected maturity date       
           2007                2008          Total    Estimated
fair value
 
     (Millions of yen)  

Forward exchange contracts

           

(Pay US$/receive ¥) contract amount

   185,589    —      185,589    (1,297 )

Average contractual exchange rate (¥/US$)

   114.99    —      114.99   

 

Forward exchange contracts

           

(Pay Euro/receive ¥) contract amount

   98,231    —      98,231    (2,022 )

Average contractual exchange rate (¥/Euro)

   138.77    —      138.77   

Interest rate risk

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

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

 

     Long-term debt as of March 31, 2007
     Expected maturity date      
     2008     2009     2010     2011     2012     Thereafter     Total     Estimated
fair value
     (Millions of yen, except rates)
Fixed rate (notes and debentures):                 

Yen debentures

   78,800     89,016     65,500     96,388     10,000     139,979     479,683     476,379

Average interest rate

   1.28 %   1.30 %   1.35 %   1.18 %   1.15 %   1.12 %   1.26 %  

Yen convertible debentures

   —       —       100,000     —       —       —       100,000     94,534

Average interest rate

   —       —       —       —       —       —       —      

Yen medium term notes

   48,665     30,925     65,944     25,361     4,049     17,513     192,457     188,811

Average interest rate

   1.09 %   1.17 %   1.23 %   1.52 %   1.59 %   1.62 %   1.22 %  
Floating rate (notes and debentures):                 

Yen debenture

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

Average interest rate

   —       3.20 %   —       —       —       —       3.20 %  

Yen medium term notes

   14,515     14,155     6,160     5,886     4,063     20,169     64,948     64,948

Average interest rate

   0.89 %   0.93 %   0.98 %   1.01 %   1.13 %   1.20 %   0.98 %  

 

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     Long-term debt as of March 31, 2007
     Expected maturity date      
     2008     2009     2010     2011     2012     Thereafter     Total     Estimated
fair value
     (Millions of yen, except rates)

US$ medium term notes

   1,181     3,542     2,950     —       1,181     —       8,854     8,854

Average interest rate

   5.47 %   5.47 %   5.49 %   —       5.46 %   —       5.47 %  

HK$ medium term notes

   —       —       1,506     —       —       —       1,506     1,506

Average interest rate

   —       —       4.20 %   —       —       —       4.20 %  

Fixed and floating rate (loans):

                

Loans, principally from Banks

   153,513     221,718     211,084     29,017     136,051     175,106     926,489     916,624

Average interest rate

   1.59 %   1.64 %   1.36 %   1.48 %   1.47 %   1.57 %   1.55 %  

Weighted average floating rates are based on contractual interest rates as of March 31, 2007.

 

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     Long-term debt as of March 31, 2006
     Expected maturity date      
     2007     2008     2009     2010     2011     Thereafter     Total     Estimated
fair value
     (Millions of yen, except rates)

Fixed rate (notes and debentures):

                

Yen debentures

   65,600     78,845     89,114     65,000     94,882     139,977     533,418     527,289

Average interest rate

   1.31 %   1.26 %   1.27 %   1.33 %   1.14 %   1.08 %   1.26 %  

Yen convertible debentures

   —       —       —       100,000     —       —       100,000     92,823

Average interest rate

   —       —       —       —       —       —       —      

Yen medium term notes

   54,297     32,304     25,823     44,522     25,223     10,159     192,328     188,050

Average interest rate

   0.84 %   1.07 %   1.11 %   1.16 %   1.44 %   1.39 %   1.04 %  

US$ medium term notes

   4,714     —       —       —       1,753     —       6,467     6,770

Average interest rate

   3.85 %   —       —       —       5.57 %   —       4.74 %  

Floating rate (notes and debentures):

                

Yen debenture

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

Average interest rate

   —       —       2.14 %   —       —       —       2.14 %  

Yen medium term notes

   3,028     14,550     3,075     2,138     4,767     22,349     49,907     49,907

Average interest rate

   0.80 %   0.80 %   1.00 %   1.08 %   1.14 %   1.28 %   0.97 %  

US$ medium term notes

   1,424     1,175     1,175     591     —       —       4,365     4,365

Average interest rate

   5.34 %   5.17 %   5.18 %   5.32 %   —       —       5.26 %  

Fixed and floating rate (loans):

                

Loans, principally from Banks

   114,687     177,075     146,572     133,036     18,504     176,152     766,026     756,569

Average interest rate

   2.03 %   1.43 %   1.08 %   1.06 %   1.38 %   1.37 %   1.32 %  

Weighted average floating rates are based on contractual interest rates as of March 31, 2006.

 

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     Interest rate swaps as of March 31, 2007  
     Expected maturity date        
     2008     2009     2010     2011     2012     Thereafter     Total     Estimated
fair value
 
     (Millions of yen, except rates)  

Notional amounts (Yen):

                

Variable to fixed

   11,100     17,832     108,180     2,850     2,500     42,500     184,962     417  

Average pay rate

   1.14 %   1.15 %   1.09 %   1.52 %   1.52 %   1.51 %   1.21 %  

Average receive rate

   0.83 %   0.82 %   0.74 %   0.79 %   0.76 %   0.76 %   0.80 %  

Fixed to variable

   10,652     4,000     15,002     7,000     1,000     18,000     55,654     (277 )

Average pay rate

   1.38 %   1.39 %   1.25 %   0.63 %   0.65 %   0.65 %   1.13 %  

Average receive rate

   1.59 %   1.72 %   1.68 %   1.45 %   1.51 %   1.55 %   1.61 %  

Variable to variable

   —       —       —       2,000     3,000     22,500     27,500     (721 )

Average pay rate

   —       —       —       0.56 %   0.56 %   0.55 %   0.56 %  

Average receive rate

   —       —       —       1.28 %   1.30 %   1.34 %   1.29 %  
Notional amounts (US$):                 

Variable to fixed

   1,416     2,951     3,336     —       —       —       7,703     0  

Average pay rate

   4.85 %   5.02 %   4.93 %   —       —       —       4.93 %  

Average receive rate

   5.38 %   5.38 %   5.36 %   —       —       —       5.38 %  

Variable to variable

   4,989     —       —       —       1,181     —       6,170     29  

Average pay rate

   5.30 %   —       —       —       5.14 %   —       5.23 %  

Average receive rate

   5.38 %   —       —       —       5.46 %   —       5.41 %  
Notional amounts (ST£):                 

Variable to fixed

   73,799     48,131     24,181     8,196     —       —       154,307     932  

Average pay rate

   4.99 %   5.10 %   5.42 %   5.51 %   —       —       5.09 %  

Average receive rate

   5.56 %   5.55 %   5.57 %   5.58 %   —       —       5.56 %  

Weighted average pay/receive rates are based on contractual interest rates as of March 31, 2007.

 

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     Interest rate swaps as of March 31, 2006  
     Expected maturity date        
     2007     2008     2009     2010     2011     Thereafter     Total     Estimated
fair value
 
     (Millions of yen, except rates)  

Notional amounts (Yen):

                

Variable to fixed

   18,474     15,060     20,174     102,007     —       —       155,715     1,379  

Average pay rate

   1.05 %   1.01 %   1.01 %   0.88 %   —       —       1.00 %  

Average receive rate

   0.40 %   0.37 %   0.35 %   0.21 %   —       —       0.34 %  

Fixed to variable

   41,000     8,004     4,000     15,000     7,000     21,000     96,004     (1,486 )

Average pay rate

   1.81 %   1.03 %   1.01 %   0.86 %   0.10 %   0.10 %   1.11 %  

Average receive rate

   1.70 %   1.62 %   1.69 %   1.65 %   1.42 %   1.46 %   1.63 %  

Variable to variable

   4,000     1,000     —       —       2,000     23,500     30,500     (1,364 )

Average pay rate

   0.48 %   0.05 %   —       —       0.03 %   0.03 %   0.12 %  

Average receive rate

   0.90 %   0.83 %   —       —       0.90 %   0.94 %   0.89 %  
Notional amounts (US$):                 

Variable to fixed

   2,472     1,409     1,175     587     —       —       5,643     102  

Average pay rate

   4.14 %   4.34 %   4.55 %   4.17 %   —       —       4.26 %  

Average receive rate

   4.65 %   4.76 %   4.72 %   4.66 %   —       —       4.69 %  

Fixed to variable

   —       —       —       —       1,762     —       1,762     (8 )

Average pay rate

   —       —       —       —       4.87 %   —       4.87 %  

Average receive rate

   —       —       —       —       5.56 %   —       5.56 %  
Notional amounts (ST£):                 

Variable to fixed

   67,309     59,378     9,202     1,015     —       —       136,904     (103 )

Average pay rate

   4.84 %   4.77 %   4.74 %   4.61 %   —       —       4.81 %  

Average receive rate

   4.59 %   4.59 %   4.59 %   4.57 %   —       —       4.59 %  

Weighted average pay/receive rates are based on contractual interest rates as of March 31, 2006.

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

 

ITEM 12.   DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

Not applicable.

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.

 

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ITEM 15.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of March 31, 2007, the Company, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including its President and principal financial officer performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). The Company’s management necessarily applied its judgment in assessing the costs and benefits of such controls and procedures, which by their nature can provide only reasonable assurance regarding management’s control objectives. Based on this evaluation, the Company’s President and principal financial officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were designed to comply with all requirements provided for in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and to ensure that material information relating to the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its President and its principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

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

 

   

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

 

   

Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and

 

   

Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2007. In making this assessment, the Company’s management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework.

Based on its assessment, the Company’s management concluded that, as of March 31, 2007, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria.

The Company’s independent auditors have issued an audit report on the Company’s assessment of its internal control over financial reporting. This report appears on page 73.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The Company reorganized its internal control over financial reporting by systematizing its internal regulations and manuals relating to U.S. GAAP in fiscal 2006.

 

ITEM 16.   [RESERVED]

 

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ITEM 16A.   AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

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

 

ITEM 16B.   CODE OF ETHICS

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

ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

The following table shows fees for audit and other services rendered by Hitachi’s principal accountant for fiscal 2005 and 2006.

 

     Fiscal
2005
   Fiscal
2006
     (Millions of yen)

Audit Fees

   2,322    4,494

Audit-Related Fees

   221    67

Tax Fees

   102    124

All Other Fees

   4    11
         

Total

   2,649    4,696
         

Notes:

 

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

 

2. Ernst & Young ShinNihon served as Hitachi’s principal accountant for fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2006.

 

Audit Committee Pre-approval Policies and Procedures

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

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

 

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

Not applicable.

 

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

The following table sets forth, for each of the months indicated, the total number of shares purchased by the Company, the average price paid per share, the number of shares purchased as part of a publicly announced repurchase plan or program, the maximum number of shares or approximate Japanese Yen value that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs.

The Company currently does not have any publicly announced repurchase plans or programs. The purchases shown below include the repurchase of the Company’s own shares under the plans by resolution of the Board of Directors, the purchase of fractional shares issued due to the share-for-share exchange between the Company and Hitachi Mobile, Co., Ltd. pursuant to the former Commercial Code and the purchase of less-than-one-unit shares from less-than-one-unit shareholders pursuant to the former Japanese Commercial Code and the Company Law.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 


Period

  

(a) Total

Number of

Shares

Purchased

(Shares)

  

(b) Average

Price Paid per

Share

(Yen)

  

(c) Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans

or Programs

(Shares)

  

(d) Maximum
Number of Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plans or Programs

(Shares)

April 1, 2006 - April 30, 2006

   103,291    853.28    —      —  

May 1, 2006 - May 31, 2006

   6,279,900    804.54    6,210,000    290,000

June 1, 2006 - June 30, 2006

   204,054    756.38    —      —  

July 1, 2006 - July 31, 2006

   162,820    740.27    —      —  

August 1, 2006 - August 31, 2006

   136,066    720.03    —      —  

September 1, 2006 - September 30, 2006

   105,985    718.94    —      —  

October 1, 2006 - October 31, 2006

   106,836    694.64    —      —  

November 1, 2006 - November 30, 2006

   86,314    686.91    —      —  

December 1, 2006 - December 31, 2006

   200,954    707.13    —      30,000,000

January 1, 2007 - January 31, 2007

   137,421    794.83    —      30,000,000

February 1, 2007 - February 28, 2007

   7,349,705    808.30    7,200,000    22,800,000

March 1, 2007 - March 31, 2007

   100,771    843.57    —      22,800,000
                   

Total

   14,974,117    801.40    13,410,000    —  
                   

Notes:

 

1. The Company, by resolution of the Board of Directors, determined and announced the repurchase of its own shares in April 2006 and in December 2006 as follows:

 

  (1) Determined in April 2006
  a) Date of announcement: April 27, 2006
  b) Aggregate amount approved: up to 6,500,000 shares or ¥5 billion.
  c) Purchase period: From May 1, 2006 through May 31, 2006
  (2) Determined in December 2006
  a) Date of announcement: December 19, 2006
  b) Aggregate amount approved: up to 30,000,000 shares or ¥20 billion.
  c) Purchase period: From December 20, 2006 through March 31, 2007

 

2. The above repurchase plans determined and announced in April 2006 and December 2006 expired as of May 31, 2006 and as of March 31, 2007, respectively. Therefore, as of the end of March 2007, there are no maximum number of shares that may be purchased under repurchase plans or programs.

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PART III

 

ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

          Page
Number

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   72

Consolidated Financial Statements of Hitachi, Ltd. and Subsidiaries:

  

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2007 and 2006

   75

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

   77

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

   78

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

   81

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   82

Schedule:

  

Schedule II

   Reserves for the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005    140

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

 

Financial statements of affiliates are omitted because none of these meets the 20% level tests.

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Hitachi, Ltd.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Hitachi, Ltd. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2007. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the index at Item 17. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

The Company’s consolidated financial statements do not disclose certain information required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.” Disclosure of this information is required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

In our opinion, except for the omission of segment information as discussed in the preceding paragraph, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Hitachi, Ltd. and subsidiaries at March 31, 2007 and 2006, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2007, 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 financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Hitachi, Ltd. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated June 26, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young ShinNihon

Tokyo, Japan

June 26, 2007

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Hitachi, Ltd.

We have audited management’s assessment, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, appearing at Item 15, that Hitachi, Ltd. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, management’s assessment that Hitachi, Ltd. and subsidiaries maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2007, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the COSO criteria. Also, in our opinion, Hitachi, Ltd. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2007, based on the COSO criteria.

 

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Table of Contents

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Hitachi, Ltd. and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2007, and our report thereon dated June 26, 2007 stated that, except for the omission of segment information required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Hitachi, Ltd. and subsidiaries at March 31, 2007 and 2006, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2007, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ Ernst & Young ShinNihon

Tokyo, Japan

June 26, 2007

 

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HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

March 31, 2007 and 2006

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2007     2006  
Assets     

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   617,866     658,255  

Short-term investments (note 3)

   33,986     162,756  

Trade receivables:

    

Notes (notes 6 and 16)

   155,222     128,234  

Accounts (note 6)

   2,383,752     2,305,122  

Allowance for doubtful receivables

   (42,959 )   (39,975 )
            

Net trade receivables

   2,496,015     2,393,381  
            

Investments in leases (notes 5 and 6)

   148,456     143,569  

Inventories (note 4)

   1,450,258     1,262,308  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets (note 8)

   687,554     547,048  
            

Total current assets

   5,434,135     5,167,317  
            

Investments and advances, including affiliated companies (note 3)

   1,049,724     1,029,673  

Property, plant and equipment (note 5):

    

Land

   465,315     435,961  

Buildings

   1,842,904     1,748,318  

Machinery and equipment

   5,850,195     5,522,253  

Construction in progress

   96,008     74,114  
            
   8,254,422     7,780,646  

Less accumulated depreciation

   5,565,445     5,320,460  
            

Net property, plant and equipment

   2,688,977     2,460,186  
            

Other assets (notes 5, 7, 8 and 10)

   1,471,423     1,364,019  
            

Total assets

   10,644,259     10,021,195  
            

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

March 31, 2007 and 2006

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2007     2006  
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity     

Current liabilities:

    

Short-term debt (note 9)

   894,393     752,527  

Current portion of long-term debt (notes 5 and 9)

   303,214     248,028  

Trade payables:

    

Notes

   85,282     68,599  

Accounts

   1,584,959     1,416,367  

Accrued expenses (note 10)

   902,164     863,683  

Income taxes (note 8)

   87,354     66,101  

Advances received

   284,704     277,887  

Other current liabilities (note 8)

   525,474     428,259  
            

Total current liabilities

   4,667,544     4,121,451  
            

Long-term debt (notes 5 and 9)

   1,489,843     1,418,489  

Retirement and severance benefits (note 10)

   818,457     827,669  

Other liabilities (note 8)

   151,869     109,006  
            

Total liabilities

   7,127,713     6,476,615  
            

Minority interests

   1,073,749     1,036,807  

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Common stock (notes 9 and 11)

   282,033     282,033  

Capital surplus (note 11)

   560,796     561,484  

Legal reserve and retained earnings (note 12)

   1,713,757     1,778,203  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (note 14)

   (88,450 )   (95,997 )

Treasury stock, at cost (note 13)

   (25,339 )   (17,950 )
            

Total stockholders’ equity

   2,442,797     2,507,773  

Commitments and contingencies (note 16)

    

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   10,644,259     10,021,195  
            

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations

Years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2007     2006     2005  

Revenues:

      

Product sales

   9,271,456     8,486,190     8,055,179  

Financial and other services

   976,447     978,611     971,864  
                  

Total revenues

   10,247,903     9,464,801     9,027,043  

Cost of sales:

      

Product sales

   (7,392,146 )   (6,683,759 )   (6,258,922 )

Financial and other services

   (696,225 )   (703,985 )   (702,348 )
                  

Total cost of sales

   (8,088,371 )   (7,387,744 )   (6,961,270 )

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   (1,977,020 )   (1,821,045 )   (1,786,718 )

Impairment losses for long-lived assets (note 17)

   (9,918 )   (27,408 )   (26,797 )

Restructuring charges (note 18)

   (3,983 )   (4,429 )   (33,307 )

Interest income

   25,914     18,170     13,413  

Dividends income

   6,063     6,421     5,971  

Gains on sales of stock by subsidiaries or affiliated companies (note 20)

   12,034     393     14,422  

Other income (note 19)

   58,976     62,609     52,602  

Interest charges

   (37,794 )   (33,265 )   (29,057 )

Other deductions (note 19)

   (31,466 )   (3,639 )   (11,796 )
                  

Income before income taxes and minority interests

   202,338     274,864     264,506  

Income taxes (note 8)

   (162,814 )   (154,348 )   (149,990 )
                  

Income before minority interests

   39,524     120,516     114,516  

Minority interests

   (72,323 )   (83,196 )   (63,020 )
                  

Net income (loss)

   (32,799 )   37,320     51,496  
                  
     Yen  

Net income (loss) per share (note 21):

  

Basic

   (9.84 )   11.20     15.53  

Diluted

   (9.87 )   10.84     15.15  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

Years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2007  
     Common
stock
   Capital
surplus
    Legal reserve
and retained
earnings
   

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss

   

Treasury
stock,

at cost

    Total
stockholders’
equity
 
     (notes 9
and 11)
   (note 11)     (note 12)    

(note 14)

   

(note 13)

       
                                   

Balance at beginning of year

   282,033    561,484     1,778,203     (95,997 )   (17,950 )   2,507,773  

Increase (decrease) arising from equity transaction,
net transfer of minority interest, and other

      (3,293 )   (3,329 )   720       (5,902 )

Comprehensive loss (note 14):

             

Net loss

        (32,799 )       (32,799 )

Other comprehensive income, net of reclassification adjustments

          29,246       29,246  
                 

Comprehensive loss

              (3,553 )
                 

Adjustment to initially apply SFAS No.158 (note 10)

          (22,419 )     (22,419 )

Cash dividends (note 12)

        (28,318 )       (28,318 )

Acquisition of treasury stock (note 13)

            (12,000 )   (12,000 )

Sales of treasury stock (note 13)

      153         748     901  

Stock exchange for acquisition (note 13)

      2,452         3,863     6,315  
                                   

Balance at end of year

   282,033    560,796     1,713,757     (88,450 )   (25,339 )   2,442,797  
                                   

Comprehensive loss (note 14):

             

Net loss

              (32,799 )

Other comprehensive income arising during the year

              48,517  

Reclassification adjustments for net gain included in net loss

              (19,271 )
                 

Comprehensive loss

              (3,553 )
                 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

Years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

    Yen (millions)  
    2006  
    Common
stock
  Capital
surplus
    Legal reserve
and retained
earnings
   

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss

   

Treasury
stock,

at cost

    Total
stockholders’
equity
 
    (notes 9
and 11)
  (note 11)     (note 12)    

(note 14)

   

(note 13)

       
                                 

Balance at beginning of year

  282,033   565,360     1,779,198     (301,524 )   (17,236 )   2,307,831  

Decrease arising from equity transaction, net transfer of minority interest, and other

    (4,026 )   (1,671 )   (992 )     (6,689 )

Comprehensive income (note 14):

           

Net income

      37,320         37,320  

Other comprehensive income, net of reclassification adjustments

        206,519       206,519  
               

Comprehensive income

            243,839  
               

Cash dividends (note 12)

      (36,644 )       (36,644 )

Acquisition of treasury stock (note 13)

          (1,058 )   (1,058 )

Sales of treasury stock (note 13)

    150         344     494  
                                 

Balance at end of year

  282,033   561,484     1,778,203     (95,997 )   (17,950 )   2,507,773  
                                 

Comprehensive income (note 14):

           

Net income

            37,320  

Other comprehensive income arising during the year

            221,157  

Reclassification adjustments for net gain included in net income

            (14,638 )
               

Comprehensive income

            243,839  
               

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

Years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

    Yen (millions)  
    2005  
    Common
stock
  Capital
surplus
  Legal reserve
and retained
earnings
   

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss

   

Treasury
stock,

at cost

    Total
stockholders’
equity
 
    (notes 9
and 11)
  (note 11)   (note 12)    

(note 14)

   

(note 13)

       
                               

Balance at beginning of year

  282,032   551,690   1,760,435     (393,864 )   (32,162 )   2,168,131  

Conversion of convertible debentures

  1           1  

Increase (decrease) arising from equity transaction,
net transfer of minority interest, and other

    808   1,895     (326 )     2,377  

Comprehensive income (note 14):

           

Net income

      51,496         51,496  

Other comprehensive income, net of reclassification adjustments

        92,666       92,666  
               

Comprehensive income

            144,162  
               

Cash dividends (note 12)

      (34,628 )       (34,628 )

Acquisition of treasury stock (note 13)

          (1,177 )   (1,177 )

Sales of treasury stock (note 13)

    353       478     831  

Stock exchange upon a merger (note 13)

    12,509       15,625     28,134  
                               

Balance at end of year

  282,033   565,360   1,779,198     (301,524 )   (17,236 )   2,307,831  
                               

Comprehensive income (note 14):

           

Net income

            51,496  

Other comprehensive income arising during the year

            97,878  

Reclassification adjustments for net gain included in net income

            (5,212 )
               

Comprehensive income

            144,162  
               

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

80


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2007     2006     2005  

Cash flows from operating activities (note 23):

      

Net income (loss)

   (32,799 )   37,320     51,496  

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation

   472,175     451,170     425,080  

Amortization

   149,823     138,727     132,370  

Impairment losses for long-lived assets

   9,918     27,408     26,797  

Deferred income taxes

   20,514     33,815     45,310  

Equity in (earnings) losses of affiliated companies, net

   (11,289 )   (8,688 )   162  

Gain on sale of investments and subsidiaries’ common stock

   (53,240 )   (46,468 )   (54,741 )

Impairment of investments in securities

   8,309     4,858     9,665  

Loss on disposal of rental assets and other property

   31,590     8,983     15,202  

Income applicable to minority interests

   72,323     83,196     63,020  

(Increase) decrease in receivables

   52,599     (94,078 )   103,246  

Increase in inventories

   (212,028 )   (107,069 )   (95,191 )

(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets

   (80,172 )   35,947     (29,973 )

Increase (decrease) in payables

   104,987     107,271     (53,785 )

Decrease in accrued expenses and retirement and severance benefits

   (21,166 )   (30,505 )   (26,823 )

Increase (decrease) in accrued income taxes

   18,623     2,047     (18,861 )

Increase (decrease) in other liabilities

   38,470     44,060     (408 )

Net change in inventory-related receivables from financial services

   (9,819 )   14,328     (22,036 )

Other

   56,224     (11,447 )   (5,174 )
                  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   615,042     690,875     565,356  

Cash flows from investing activities (note 23):

      

Decrease in short-term investments

   25,054     1,104     47,179  

Capital expenditures

   (497,771 )   (382,386 )   (368,896 )

Purchase of assets to be leased

   (441,614 )   (466,681 )   (483,192 )

Collection of investments in leases

   318,063     419,956     301,614  

Proceeds from disposal of rental assets and other property

   43,982     80,718     90,726  

Proceeds from sale of investments and subsidiaries’ common stock

   69,842     99,717     112,932  

Purchase of investments and subsidiaries’ common stock

   (169,530 )   (67,643 )   (61,711 )

Purchase of software

   (123,876 )   (121,983 )   (121,415 )

Other

   (10,320 )   (64,164 )   (44,225 )
                  

Net cash used in investing activities

   (786,170 )   (501,362 )   (526,988 )

Cash flows from financing activities (note 23):

      

Increase in short-term debt, net

   93,917     5,121     27,029  

Proceeds from long-term debt

   380,646     342,309     533,442  

Payments on long-term debt

   (309,204 )   (551,265 )   (599,637 )

Proceeds on subsidiaries’ common stock

   23,078     2,310     18,077  

Dividends paid to stockholders

   (28,243 )   (36,509 )   (34,815 )

Dividends paid to minority stockholders of subsidiaries

   (20,761 )   (17,591 )   (16,671 )

Acquisition of subsidiaries’ common stock for treasury

   (7,075 )   (5,449 )   (26,508 )

Acquisition of common stock for treasury

   (12,000 )   (1,058 )   (1,177 )

Proceeds from sales of treasury stock

   901     494     831  
                  

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   121,259     (261,638 )   (99,429 )
                  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

   9,480     21,665     5,380  
                  

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

   (40,389 )   (50,460 )   (55,681 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

   658,255     708,715     764,396  
                  

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   617,866     658,255     708,715  
                  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

81


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(1) Nature of Operations

Hitachi, Ltd. (the Company) is a Japanese corporation, whose principal office is located in Japan. The Company’s and its subsidiaries’ businesses are diverse, and include information and telecommunication systems, electronic devices, power and industrial systems, digital media and consumer products, high functional materials and components, and other services including financial services and logistics services.

 

(2) Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

  (a) Basis of Presentation

The Company and its domestic subsidiaries maintain their books of account in conformity with the 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 them with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

  (b) Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its majority-owned subsidiaries and all variable interest entities (VIEs) for which any of the Company and its consolidated entities are the primary beneficiary. A VIE is defined in Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51.” This interpretation addresses how a business enterprise should evaluate whether it has a controlling financial interest in an entity through means other than voting rights and accordingly should consolidate the entity. The consolidated financial statements include accounts of certain subsidiaries, whose fiscal years differ from March 31 by 93 days or less to either comply with local statutory requirements or facilitate timely reporting. There have been no significant transactions, which would materially affect the Company’s financial position and results of operations, with such subsidiaries during the period from their fiscal year-end to March 31. Intercompany accounts and significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Investments in corporate joint ventures and affiliated companies that are accounted for using the equity method primarily relate to 20% to 50% owned companies to which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over operational and financial policies of the investee company. Investments where the Company does not have significant influence are accounted for using the cost method.

 

  (c) Cash Equivalents

For the purpose of the statement of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid investments with insignificant risk of changes in value which have initial maturities of generally three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

 

  82   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

  (d) Allowance for Doubtful Receivables

Allowance for doubtful receivables, including both trade receivables and investments in leases, is the Company’s and subsidiaries’ best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in their existing receivables. The allowance is determined based on, but not limited to, historical collection experience adjusted for the effects of current economic environment, assessment of inherent risks, aging and financial performance of debtors. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote.

 

  (e) Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign currency financial statements have been translated in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 52, “Foreign Currency Translation.” Under this standard, the assets and liabilities of the Company’s subsidiaries located outside Japan are translated into Japanese yen at the rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date. Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates prevailing during the year. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in other income (deductions), and those resulting from translation of financial statements are excluded from the consolidated statements of operations and are accumulated and included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as part of stockholders’ equity.

 

  (f) Investments in Securities and Affiliated Companies

Equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair values, except for equity-method investments, are accounted for under the cost method. The Company classifies investments in equity securities that have readily determinable fair values and all investments in debt securities in three categories: held-to-maturity securities, trading securities and available-for-sale securities.

Held-to-maturity securities are debt securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity. Trading securities are debt and equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term. Available-for-sale securities are debt and equity securities not classified as either held-to-maturity securities or trading securities.

Held-to-maturity securities are reported at amortized cost. Trading securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income.

A decline in fair value of any available-for-sale, held-to-maturity security or cost-method investment below the cost basis or the amortized cost basis that is deemed to be other-than-temporary results in a write-down of the cost basis or the amortized cost basis to fair value as a new cost basis and the amount of the write-down is included in earnings. On a continuous basis, but no less frequently than at the end of each semi-annual period, the Company evaluates an available-for-sale security, a held-to-maturity security and a cost-method investment for possible impairment. Fair value is determined based on quoted market prices, projected discounted cash flows or other valuation techniques as appropriate. For certain cost-method investments for which it is not practicable to estimate the fair value, if an event or change in circumstances has occurred that may have significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment, the Company estimates the fair value of the investments. Factors considered in determining whether an impairment of available-for-sale security or cost-method investment is other-than-temporary include: the length of time and extent to which the fair value of the investment has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospect of the issuer, and the intent and ability to retain the investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. Factors considered in assessing whether an impairment of a held-to-maturity security is other-than-temporary include the financial condition, business prospects and credit worthiness of the issuer.

 

  83   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

On a continuous basis, but no less frequently than at the end of each semi-annual period, the Company evaluates the carrying amount of its ownership interests in equity-method investees for possible impairment. Factors considered in assessing whether an indication of other-than-temporary impairment exists include the achievement of business plan objectives and milestones including cash flow projections and the results of planned financing activities, the financial condition and prospects of each investee company, the fair value of the ownership interest relative to the carrying amount of the investment, the period of time during which the fair value of the ownership interest has been below the carrying amount of the investment and other relevant factors. Impairment to be recognized is measured based on the amount by which the carrying amount of the investment exceeds the fair value of the investment. Fair value is determined based on quoted market prices, projected discounted cash flows or other valuation techniques as appropriate.

The cost of a security sold or the amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings is determined by the average cost method.

 

  (g) Securitizations

The Company and certain subsidiaries have a number of securitization programs. Under those programs, certain financial assets such as lease receivables, trade receivables and others are sold to Special Purpose Entities (SPEs) which are mainly funded through the issuance of asset-backed securities to investors. When a transfer of financial assets is eligible to be accounted for as a sale under SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities,” the carrying amount of the financial assets is allocated based on relative fair values to the portions to be retained and sold. The Company and its subsidiaries recognize a gain or loss for the difference between the net proceeds received and the allocated carrying amount of the assets sold when the transaction is consummated. Initially recorded at allocated carrying amount in the period of securitizations, the amount of retained interests is subsequently recorded at fair value as of the balance sheet date in the same manner for the available-for-sale securities.

Fair values are based on the present value of estimated future cash flows which take into consideration various factors such as expected credit loss and others.

 

  (h) Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the specific identification method for job order inventories and generally by the average cost method for raw materials and other inventories.

 

  84   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

  (i) Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Property, plant and equipment are principally depreciated by the declining-balance method, except for some assets which are depreciated by the straight-line method, mainly over the following estimated useful lives:

 

Buildings

  

Buildings and building equipment

   3 to 50 years

Structures

   7 to 60 years

Machinery and equipment

  

Machinery

   4 to 13 years

Vehicles

   4 to 7 years

Tools, furniture and fixtures

   2 to 20 years

 

  (j) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The Company tests goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually. The Company performs its annual impairment test during the fourth quarter after the annual forecasting process is completed. Furthermore, goodwill is reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company has certain operating segments and, in identifying the reporting unit for the purpose of testing goodwill for impairment, considers disaggregating that operating segment into economically dissimilar components based on specific facts and circumstances, especially the level at which performance of the operating segment is reviewed, how many businesses are included in the operating segment, and the economic similarity of those businesses. In assigning goodwill to reporting units, the Company considers which reporting units are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination in a manner similar to how the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination. Fair value is estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives on either a straight-line basis or the method that reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible assets are consumed or otherwise used up. The principal estimated useful lives are as follows:

 

Software

   1 to 8 years

Software for internal use

   2 to 10 years

Patents

   4 to 8 years

Other

   5 to 20 years

 

  (k) Capitalized Software Costs

Costs incurred for computer software developed or obtained for internal use are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives in accordance with Statement of Position (SOP) 98-1, “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use.” In addition, the Company and its subsidiaries develop certain computer software to be sold where related costs are capitalized after establishment of technological feasibility in accordance with SFAS No. 86, “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to Be Sold, Leased, or Otherwise Marketed.” The annual amortization of such capitalized costs is the greater of the amount computed using the ratio of each software’s expected future revenue to current year’s revenue or the straight-line method over the remaining estimated economic life of each software.

 

  85   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

  (l) Impairment of Long-lived Assets

The Company reviews the carrying value of long-lived assets or related group of assets to be held and used, including intangible assets with finite useful lives, for impairment whenever events or circumstances occur that indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. The assets are considered to be impaired when estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition is less than their carrying values. The impairment losses are measured as the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value. In determining the fair value, the Company uses available quoted market prices and present value techniques, if appropriate, based on the estimated future cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition.

 

  (m) Retirement and Severance Benefits

The Company accounts for retirement and severance benefits in accordance with SFAS No. 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions.” As described in note 10, on March 31, 2007, the Company adopted the recognition and disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R).” Prior to the adoption of the recognition provisions of SFAS No. 158, unrecognized gains and losses were amortized using the straight-line method over the average remaining service period of active employees.

 

  (n) Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments in accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended. SFAS No. 133 requires that all derivative financial instruments, such as forward exchange and interest rate swap contracts, be recognized in the financial statements as either assets or liabilities and measured at fair value regardless of the purpose or intent for holding them.

The Company designates and accounts for hedging derivatives as follows:

 

   

“Fair value” hedge: a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment. The changes in fair value of the recognized assets or liabilities or unrecognized firm commitment and the derivatives are recorded in earnings if the hedge is considered highly effective.

 

   

“Cash flow” hedge: a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability. The changes in the fair value of the derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded as other comprehensive income if the hedge is considered highly effective. This treatment is continued until earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows or the unrecognized firm commitment of the designated hedged item, at which point changes in fair value of the derivative is recognized in income.

 

   

“Foreign currency” hedge: a hedge of foreign-currency fair value or cash flow. The changes in fair value of the recognized assets or liabilities or unrecognized firm commitment and the derivatives are recorded as either earnings or other comprehensive income if the hedge is considered highly effective. Recognition as earnings or other comprehensive income is dependent on the treatment of foreign currency hedges as fair value or cash flow hedges.

 

  86   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The Company follows the documentation requirements as prescribed by the standard, which includes risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. In addition, a formal assessment is made at the hedge’s inception and periodically on an ongoing basis, as to whether the derivative used in hedging activities is highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items. Hedge accounting is discontinued for ineffective hedges, if any. Subsequent changes in the fair value of derivatives related to discontinued hedges are recognized in earnings immediately.

 

  (o) Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services are rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured.

The Company offers multiple solutions to its customers’ needs. Those solutions may involve the delivery or performance of multiple elements, such as products, services, or rights to use assets, and performance may occur at different points in time or over different periods of time. When one element is delivered prior to the other in an arrangement, revenue is deferred until the delivery of the last element, unless transactions are such that the delivered item has value to the customer on a standalone basis, there is objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of the undelivered item, and delivery or performance of the undelivered item is considered probable and substantially in the control of the Company if the arrangement includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item. If all conditions described above are met, each element in an arrangement is considered a separate unit of accounting, and the arrangement consideration is allocated to the separate units of accounting based on the relative fair values provided that there is objective and reliable evidence of the fair values of all units of accounting in the arrangement. The Company allocates revenue on software arrangements involving multiple elements to each element based on its relative fair value, as evidenced by vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE), or in the absence of VSOE, the residual method. VSOE is the price charged by the Company to an external customer for the same element when such an element is sold separately.

Product Sales:

Revenue from sales of these products is recognized when title and risk of loss have been transferred to the customer depending upon the terms of the contract or arrangement with the customer. The Company’s policy is not to accept product returns unless the products are defective. The conditions of delivery are governed by the terms of the contract or customer arrangement and those not meeting the predetermined specification are not recorded as revenue. When the final payment is subject to customer acceptance, a portion of revenue for the final payment is deferred until an enforceable claim has become effective. Product warranties are offered on the Company’s and certain subsidiaries’ products (in certain cases separately priced) and a warranty accrual is established when sales are recognized based on estimated future costs of repair and replacement principally using our historical experience of warranty claims.

 

  87   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Price protection is provided to retailers of the Company’s consumer products business and others to compensate the customer retailers for a decline in the product’s value due mainly to competition. Price protection granted to the customers is classified as a reduction of revenue on the consolidated statements of operations. In addition, it is our policy to accrue reasonably and reliably estimated price adjustments at the later of the date at which the related sales are recognized, or the date at which price protection is offered. The estimate is made based primarily upon historical experience or agreement on the adjustment rate and the number of units that are subject to such adjustment (e.g., units in distribution channels).

Product revenues which are recognized upon delivery to the customer are information technology system products, construction equipment, displays, disk drives, televisions, air conditioners, batteries, magnetic tapes, high functional materials, cable products, automotive equipment, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, test and measurement equipment, railway vehicles, medical electronic devices, industrial machinery and equipment, elevators and escalators.

Revenue from sales of tangible products under long-term construction type arrangements, in connection with the construction of nuclear, thermal and hydroelectric power plants, are recognized under the percentage-of-completion method. Under the percentage-of-completion method, revenue is recognized as a percentage of estimated total revenue that incurred costs to date bear to estimated total costs after giving effect to estimates of costs to complete based upon most recent information. Any anticipated losses on fixed price contracts are charged to operations when such losses can be estimated. Provisions are made for contingencies (i.e. performance penalty, benchmarking, etc.) in the period in which they become known pursuant to specific contract terms and conditions and are estimable. When reasonably dependable estimates of contract revenues and costs and the extent of progress toward completion do not exist, the completed-contract method of accounting is applied. A contract is complete when either acceptance by the customer is given or compliance with performance specification is achieved, whichever is appropriate under the relevant contractual terms.

The Company recognizes software revenue in accordance with the provisions of SOP 97-2, “Software Revenue Recognition,” as amended. Revenue from software consists of software licensing, customized software development and post contract customer support. Revenues from software license arrangements are recognized upon delivery of the software if evidence of the arrangement exists, pricing is fixed and determinable and collectibility is probable. Revenue from a software arrangement that requires significant production, modification or customization of software is recognized under the percentage-of-completion method provided that reasonably dependable estimates related to contract revenue, cost and the extent of progress toward completion exist. Otherwise, the completed-contract method is applied. Customization of software is considered substantially completed when an acceptance by the customer occurs. Revenue from post contract customer support is amortized over the period of the post contract customer support. Consulting and training services revenues are recognized when the services are rendered.

 

  88   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Service Revenues:

Service revenues from maintenance and distribution services are recognized upon completion of service delivery. Revenue from time-service contracts is recognized as services are rendered. Revenue from long-term fixed price service contracts such as support or maintenance contracts is recognized ratably over the contractual period. If historical data shows that the accrual of service cost is not fixed but the service is rendered in proportion to the accrual of the cost for the service, revenue is recognized based on the pattern of the cost accrual. Finance lease income is recognized at level rates of return over the term of the leases. Operating lease income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

 

  (p) Shipping and handling costs

Shipping and handling costs are expensed as incurred and included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

  (q) Advertising

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

 

  (r) Research and Development Costs

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Costs incurred in connection with the development of software products for sale are accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 86, “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to Be Sold, Leased or Otherwise Marketed.” Development costs incurred in the research and development of new software products and enhancements to existing products are expensed as incurred until technological feasibility has been established.

 

  (s) Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Under SFAS No. 109, the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established to reduce deferred tax assets to their net realizable value if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

 

  (t) Sales of Stock by Subsidiaries

The change in the Company’s proportionate share of a subsidiary’s equity resulting from issuance of stock by the subsidiary is recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 

  89   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

  (u) Net Income Per Share

Net income per share is computed in accordance with SFAS No. 128, “Earnings per Share.” This standard requires a dual presentation of basic and diluted net income per share amounts on the face of the statements of operations. Under this standard, basic net income per share is computed based upon the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each year. Diluted net income per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the Company.

 

  (v) Stock-Based Compensation

The Company and certain subsidiaries have stock-based compensation plans. Effective April 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment,” which is a revision of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” This statement requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values. In adopting this statement, the Company applied the modified-prospective-transition method, accordingly, results for prior periods have not been restated. Adoption of this statement had no material effect on the consolidated results of operations of the Company and subsidiaries, and their cash flows for the year ended March 31, 2007.

Prior to April 1, 2006, the Company accounted for those plans under the recognition and measurement provisions of Accounting Principle Board Opinion (APB) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations. For the years ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company recognized no material stock-based compensation expense. SFAS No. 123 prescribed the recognition of compensation expense based on the fair value of options on the grant date and allowed continuous application of APB No. 25 if certain pro forma disclosures were made assuming hypothetical fair value method application. The Company elected to continue applying APB No. 25, however, the pro forma effects of applying SFAS No. 123 on net income and the per share information for the years ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:

 

  90   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2006     2005  

Net income — as reported

   37,320     51,496  

Stock-based compensation expense included in reported net income

   214     215  

Stock-based compensation expense determined under SFAS No. 123

   (440 )   (459 )
            

Net income — pro forma

   37,094     51,252  
            
     Yen  

Net income per share:

    

Basic — as reported

   11.20     15.53  

Basic — pro forma

   11.14     15.45  

Diluted — as reported

   10.84     15.15  

Diluted — pro forma

   10.78     15.08  

 

  (w) Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information

SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” establishes standards for the manner in which a public business enterprise is required to report financial and descriptive information about its operating segments. This standard defines operating segments as components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available and evaluated regularly as a means for assessing segment performance and allocating resources to segments. A measure of profit or loss, total assets and other related information is required to be disclosed for each operating segment. Further, this standard requires the disclosure of information concerning revenues derived from the enterprise’s products or services, countries in which it earns revenue or holds assets and major customers. However, certain foreign issuers are presently exempted from the segment disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 131 in filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Company has not presented the segment information required to be disclosed in the footnotes to the consolidated financial statements under SFAS No. 131.

 

  (x) Guarantees

The Company recognizes, at the inception of the guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee for guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002, in accordance with the FASB Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, an interpretation of SFAS No. 5, 57, and 107 and rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34.”

 

  91   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

  (y) New Accounting Standards

In February 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 155, “Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments, an amendment of SFAS No. 133 and No. 140.” The amendments made by SFAS No. 155 resolve issues addressed in SFAS No. 133 Implementation Issue No. D1, and require evaluation of interests in securitized financial assets to identify interests that are freestanding derivatives or that are hybrid financial instruments that contain an embedded derivative requiring bifurcation. SFAS No. 155 is effective for all financial instruments acquired or issued after the beginning of the first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. SFAS No. 155 is not expected to have a material effect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company and subsidiaries.

In March 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 156, “Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets, an amendment of SFAS No. 140.” This statement provides the guidance for the measurement methods for servicing assets and servicing liabilities. SFAS No. 156 is effective as of the beginning of the first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. SFAS No. 156 is not expected to have a material effect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company and subsidiaries.

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.” This interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” This interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. This interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. This interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of adopting this interpretation on the consolidated financial position or result of operations.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurement.” This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, the FASB having previously concluded in those accounting pronouncements that fair value is the relevant measurement attribute. Accordingly, this statement does not require any new fair value measurements. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of adopting this statement on the consolidated financial position or result of operations.

 

  92   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” This statement allows entities to voluntarily choose, at specified election dates, to measure many financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value. The election is made on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is irrevocable. If the fair value option is elected for an instrument, the statement specifies that all subsequent changes in fair value for that instrument shall be reported in earnings. This Statement is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. Earlier adoption is permitted, however, an entity must also adopt all of the requirements of SFAS No. 157 as of the adoption date. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of adopting this statement on the consolidated financial position or result of operations.

 

  (z) Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year balances in order to conform to the current year presentations.

The Company has reclassified certain balances on the March 31, 2006 consolidated balance sheet to conform to the March 31, 2007 presentation format. The reclassifications had no effect on net income or total shareholders’ equity. These reclassified balances relate to the current and long-term portions of investment in leases and trade receivables which were previously reported in the footnotes to the consolidated financial statements and now separately reflected on the consolidated balance sheet. After reclassification, the noncurrent portions of the trade receivables and investment in leases are included in other assets and the consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2006 denotes subtotals for current assets and current liabilities. The amounts of trade receivables and investment in leases reclassified to other assets as of March 31, 2006 are ¥37,300 million and ¥308,188 million, respectively.

 

  93   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(3) Investments in Securities and Affiliated Companies

Short-term investments as of March 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)
     2007    2006

Investments in securities:

     

Available-for-sale securities

   13,279    75,975

Held-to-maturity securities

   43    57

Trading securities

   20,664    86,724
         
   33,986    162,756
         

Investments and advances, including affiliated companies as of March 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)
     2007    2006

Investments in securities:

     

Available-for-sale securities

   396,910    447,298

Held-to-maturity securities

   1,048    1,316

Securities without readily determinable fair values

   72,190    79,321

Investments in affiliated companies

   406,324    368,989

Advances and other

   173,252    132,749
         
   1,049,724    1,029,673
         

The following is a summary of the amortized cost basis, gross unrealized holding gains, gross unrealized holding losses and aggregate fair value of available-for-sale securities by the consolidated balance sheets classification as of March 31, 2007 and 2006.

 

     Yen (millions)
     2007    2006
    

Amortized

cost basis

  

Gross

gains

  

Gross

losses

  

Aggregate

fair value

  

Amortized

cost basis

  

Gross

gains

  

Gross

losses

  

Aggregate

fair value

Short-term investments:

                       

Debt securities

   11,260    3    32    11,231    26,956    10    16    26,950

Other securities

   2,042    10    4    2,048    49,045    29    49    49,025
                                       
   13,302    13    36    13,279    76,001    39    65    75,975

Investments and advances:

                       

Equity securities

   127,839    178,152    1,692    304,299    138,449    208,048    2,168    344,329

Debt securities

   66,746    1,809    524    68,031    76,838    1,323    2,718    75,443

Other securities

   24,103    649    172    24,580    26,972    768    214    27,526
                                       
   218,688    180,610    2,388    396,910    242,259    210,139    5,100    447,298
                                       
   231,990    180,623    2,424    410,189    318,260    210,178    5,165    523,273
                                       

 

  94   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The following is a summary of gross unrealized holding losses on available-for-sale securities and the fair value of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, as of March 31, 2007 and 2006.

 

     Yen (millions)
     2007    2006
     Less than 12 months    12 months or longer    Less than 12 months    12 months or longer
    

Aggregate

fair value

  

Gross

losses

  

Aggregate

fair value

  

Gross

losses

  

Aggregate

fair value

  

Gross

losses

  

Aggregate

fair value

  

Gross

losses

Short-term investments:

                       

Debt securities

   —      —      2,413    32    8,279    7    991    9

Other securities

   96    4    —      —      1,152    49    —      —  
                                       
   96    4    2,413    32    9,431    56    991    9

Investments and advances:

                       

Equity securities

   9,052    1,261    1,565    431    1,105    111    14,035    2,057

Debt securities

   4,069    23    25,504    501    28,152    1,410    13,110    1,308

Other securities

   2,703    82    4,516    90    5,007    86    4,717    128
                                       
   15,824    1,366    31,585    1,022    34,264    1,607    31,862    3,493
                                       
   15,920    1,370    33,998    1,054    43,695    1,663    32,853    3,502
                                       

Debt securities consist primarily of national, local and foreign governmental bonds, debentures issued by banks and corporate bonds. Other securities consist primarily of investment trusts.

The proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities for the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were ¥83,513 million, ¥60,969 million and ¥60,653 million, respectively. The gross realized gains on the sale of those securities for the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were ¥43,267 million, ¥22,480 million and ¥15,889 million, respectively, while gross realized losses on the sale of those securities for the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were ¥176 million, ¥482 million and ¥64 million, respectively.

Trading securities consist mainly of investments in trust accounts. Net unrealized holding gains on trading securities as of March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were ¥2,684 million, ¥7,556 million and ¥2,223 million, respectively, and were classified as other income in the consolidated statements of operations.

The contractual maturities of debt securities and other securities classified as investments and advances in the consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2007 are as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)
    

Held-to-

maturity

  

Available-

for-sale

   Total

Due within five years

   850    33,512    34,362

Due after five years through ten years

   198    19,884    20,082

Due after ten years

   —      39,215    39,215
              
   1,048    92,611    93,659
              

 

  95   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Expected redemptions may differ from contractual maturities because some of these securities are redeemable at the option of the issuers.

The aggregate carrying amounts of cost-method investments which were not evaluated for impairment as of March 31, 2007 and 2006 were ¥68,741 million and ¥75,764 million, respectively, mainly because it is not practicable to estimate the fair value of the investments due to lack of a market price and difficulty in estimating fair value without incurring excessive cost and the Company did not identify any events or changes in circumstances that might have had a significant adverse effect on their fair value.

The aggregate fair values of investments in affiliated companies, for which a quoted market price was available, as of March 31, 2007 and 2006, were ¥190,632 million and ¥184,504 million, respectively. The aggregate carrying amounts of such investments as of March 31, 2007 and 2006 were ¥93,957 million and ¥91,191 million, respectively.

As of March 31, 2007 and 2006, cumulative recognition of other-than-temporary declines in values of investments in certain affiliated companies resulted in the difference of ¥15,190 million and ¥13,576 million, respectively, between the carrying amount of the investment and the amount of underlying equity in net assets. In addition, as of March 31, 2007 and 2006, equity-method goodwill included in investments in certain affiliated companies were ¥5,062 million and ¥11,848 million, respectively.

Summarized combined financial information relating to affiliated companies accounted for by the equity method is as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)     
     2007    2006     

Current assets

   1,402,438    1,293,236   

Non-current assets

   1,012,226    965,574   

Current liabilities

   1,138,964    1,106,243   

Non-current liabilities

   338,384    319,149   
     Yen (millions)
     2007    2006    2005

Revenues

   2,574,034    2,302,913    2,588,526

Gross profit

   394,762    370,979    432,615

Net income

   24,664    22,177    1,850

 

  96   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The balances and transactions with affiliated companies accounted for by the equity method are as follows:

 

    

Yen (millions)

    
     2007   

2006

    

Trade receivables

   144,610    166,484   

Trade payables

   85,517    64,654   
     Yen (millions)
     2007    2006    2005

Revenues

   589,103    535,084    559,954

Purchases

   379,772    315,356    362,771

 

(4) Inventories

Inventories as of March 31, 2007 and 2006 are summarized as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)
     2007    2006

Finished goods

   578,060    420,943

Work in process

   637,536    654,943

Raw materials

   234,662    186,422
         
   1,450,258    1,262,308
         

 

  97   (Continued)


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HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(5) Leases

The Company and certain subsidiaries are lessors of certain assets such as manufacturing machinery and equipment under financing and operating lease arrangements with terms ranging from 3 to 6 years, some of which are transacted with affiliated companies.

The amount of leased assets at cost under operating leases and accumulated depreciation as of March 31, 2007 amounted to ¥1,857,654 million and ¥1,436,822 million, respectively. The leased assets are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives.

The following table shows the future minimum lease receivables of financing and non-cancelable operating leases as of March 31, 2007 and the future minimum lease receivables of financing leases as of March 31, 2006:

 

     Yen (millions)
     2007

Years ending March 31

   Financing
leases
   

  Operating  

leases

2008

   167,166     76,573

2009

   137,184     58,625

2010

   101,605     38,630

2011

   64,166     20,688

2012

   31,311     8,251

Thereafter

   68,910     14,081
          

Total minimum payments to be received

   570,342       216,848
      

Amount representing executory costs

   (27,188 )  

Unearned income

   (38,357 )  

Allowance for doubtful receivables

   (4,289 )  
        

Net investment in financing leases

   500,508    

Less current portion of net investment in financing leases, included in investments in leases

   148,456    
        

Long-term net investment in financing leases, included in other assets

   352,052    
        
     Yen (millions)      
     2006      
     Financing
leases
     

Total minimum payments to be received

   512,322    

Amount representing executory costs

   (20,449 )  

Unearned income

   (33,934 )  

Allowance for doubtful receivables

   (6,182 )  
        

Net investment in financing leases

   451,757    

Less current portion of net investment in financing leases, included in investments in leases

   143,569    
        

Long-term net investment in financing leases, included in other assets

   308,188    
        

 

  98   (Continued)


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HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The Company and certain subsidiaries lease certain manufacturing machinery and equipment used in their operations. The amount of leased assets at cost under capital leases as of March 31, 2007 and 2006 amounted to ¥43,406 million and ¥33,516 million, respectively, and accumulated depreciation as of March 31, 2007 and 2006 amounted to ¥26,070 million and ¥19,307 million, respectively.

In March 2006, a certain subsidiary sold its land for proceeds of ¥10,560 million, and entered into a lease back agreement for a portion of the land. The lease back is classified as an operating lease with a term of 25 years. The gain of the leased back portion in the amount of ¥2,736 million has been deferred and is being recognized over the lease term.

The following table shows the future minimum lease payments of capital and non-cancelable operating leases as of March 31, 2007:

 

     Yen (millions)

Years ending March 31

  

Capital

leases

   

Operating

leases

2008

   6,848     12,488

2009

   4,898     10,099

2010

   2,369     6,839

2011

   1,238     3,274

2012

   811     2,928

Thereafter

   941     12,218
          

Total minimum lease payments

   17,105     47,846
      

Amount representing executory costs

   (357 )  

Amount representing interest

   (628 )  
        

Present value of net minimum lease payments

   16,120    

Less current portion of capital lease obligations

   6,540    
        

Long-term capital lease obligations

   9,580    
        

 

(6) Securitizations

For the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, Hitachi Capital Corporation and certain other financing subsidiaries sold primarily lease receivables to Special Purpose Entities (SPE) and the SPEs issued asset-backed commercial paper to investors. The investors and the SPEs have no recourse to the subsidiaries’ other assets for failure of debtors to pay when due. The subsidiaries retained servicing responsibilities and subordinated interests, but have not recorded a servicing asset or liability because the cost to service the receivables approximates the servicing income. The retained interests are subordinate to investors’ interests. For the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, gains recognized on the sale of lease receivables amounted to ¥17,475 million, ¥21,619 million and ¥12,985 million, respectively.

 

  99   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The table below summarizes certain cash flows received from and paid to the SPEs during the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2007     2006     2005  

Proceeds from transfer of lease receivables

   327,741     436,919     310,668  

Servicing fees received

   60     43     22  

Purchases of delinquent or ineligible assets

   (32,299 )   (28,074 )   (25,717 )

Quantitative information about delinquencies, net credit losses, and components of lease receivables subject to transfer and other assets managed together as of and for the year ended March 31, 2007 is as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)
    

Total
principal
amount of

receivables

    Principal
amount of
receivables
90 days or
more past
due
   Net credit
losses

Total assets managed or transferred:

       

Lease receivables

   1,191,923     678    1,166

Assets transferred

   (691,415 )     
           

Assets held in portfolio

   500,508       
           

As of March 31, 2007, the amount of the subordinated interests retained relating to these securitizations was ¥92,417 million.

Key economic assumptions used in measuring the fair value of the subordinated interests resulting from securitizations completed during the year ended March 31, 2007 are as follows:

 

     2007

Weighted average life (in years)

   5.1

Expected credit loss

   0.00-0.03%

Discount rate

   1.28-1.41%

Key economic assumptions used in measuring the fair value of the subordinated interests as of March 31, 2007 are as follows:

 

     2007

Weighted average life (in years)

   3.4

Expected credit loss

   0.00-0.03%

Discount rate

   0.77-1.41%

 

  100   (Continued)


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HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The sensitivity of the current fair value of the subordinated interests to an immediate 10 and 20 percent adverse change in the assumptions are as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2007  

Expected credit loss:

  

Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change

   (221 )

Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change

   (457 )

Discount rate:

  

Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change

   (283 )

Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change

   (568 )

These sensitivities are hypothetical and should be used with caution. As the figures indicate, changes in fair value based on a 10 percent variation in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change in fair value may not be linear. Also, in the above table, the effect of a variation in a particular assumption of the fair value of the interest is calculated without changing any other assumption; in reality, changes in one factor may result in changes in another, which might magnify or counteract the sensitivities.

For the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the Company and certain subsidiaries sold trade receivables mainly to SPEs which securitized these receivables. In these securitizations, the Company and certain subsidiaries retained servicing responsibility. No servicing asset or liability has been recorded because the fees for servicing the receivables approximate the related costs. In addition, the Company and certain subsidiaries retained subordinated interests which were not material.

During the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, proceeds from the transfer of trade receivables were ¥1,534,508 million, ¥1,361,784 million and ¥1,252,656 million, respectively, and losses recognized on those transfers were ¥7,030 million, ¥2,445 million and ¥3,388 million, respectively.

 

(7) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Intangible assets other than goodwill acquired during the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 amounted to ¥181,226 million, ¥190,207 million and ¥228,085 million, respectively, and related amortization expense during the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 amounted to ¥149,823 million, ¥138,727 million and ¥132,370 million, respectively.

The main component of intangible assets subject to amortization was capitalized software. Amortization of capitalized costs for software to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed is charged to cost of sales. The amounts charged during the year ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were ¥58,043 million, ¥52,705 million and ¥57,293 million, respectively.

 

  101   (Continued)


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HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Intangible assets other than goodwill included in other assets as of March 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)
     2007    2006
    

Gross carrying

amount

  

Accumulated

amortization

  

Net carrying

amount

  

Gross carrying

amount

  

Accumulated

amortization

  

Net carrying

amount

                 

Amortized intangible assets:

                 

Software

   467,829    363,280    104,549    431,208    318,794    112,414

Software for internal use

   495,571    295,443    200,128    432,952    242,182    190,770

Patents

   133,650    55,683    77,967    127,130    40,103    87,027

Other

   119,446    75,466    43,980    104,523    71,502    33,021
                             
   1,216,496    789,872    426,624    1,095,813    672,581    423,232
                             

Indefinite-lived intangible assets

   8,369    —      8,369    7,753    —      7,753
                 

The following table shows the estimated aggregate amortization expense of intangible assets for the next five years.

 

Years ending March 31

   Yen (millions)

2008

   127,158

2009

   100,487

2010

   65,115

2011

   46,226

2012

   28,128

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2007     2006  

Balance at beginning of the year

   64,210     45,898  

Acquired during the year

   85,250     15,271  

Impairment loss

   (1,743 )   (1,452 )

Translation adjustment and other

   714     4,493  
            

Balance at end of the year, included in other assets

   148,431     64,210  
            

The major components of goodwill acquired during the year ended March 31, 2007 were related to the acquisition of the noncontrolling interests in a subsidiary, NEOMAX Co.,Ltd. and the interests in Clarion Co.,Ltd.

 

  102   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(8) Income Taxes

Components of income (loss) before income taxes and minority interests, and income taxes attributable to continuing operations are as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)
     2007
     Domestic    Foreign     Total

Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interests

   218,136    (15,798 )   202,338

Income taxes:

       

Current tax expense

   108,962    33,338     142,300

Deferred tax expense (benefit)

   28,735    (8,221 )   20,514
               
   137,697    25,117     162,814
               
     Yen (millions)
     2006
     Domestic    Foreign     Total

Income before income taxes and minority interests

   242,786    32,078     274,864

Income taxes:

       

Current tax expense

   99,753    20,780     120,533

Deferred tax expense

   21,915    11,900     33,815
               
   121,668    32,680     154,348
               
     Yen (millions)
     2005
     Domestic    Foreign     Total

Income before income taxes and minority interests

   212,424    52,082     264,506

Income taxes:

       

Current tax expense

   85,263    19,417     104,680

Deferred tax expense

   41,847    3,463     45,310
               
   127,110    22,880     149,990
               

 

  103   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Significant components of income tax expense (benefit) attributable to continuing operations and other comprehensive income (loss), net of reclassification adjustments, for the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2007     2006     2005  

Continuing operations:

      

Current tax expense

   142,300     120,533     104,680  

Deferred tax expense (benefit) (exclusive of the effects of other components listed below)

   (25,298 )   (5,716 )   23,672  

Change in valuation allowance

   45,812     39,531     21,638  
                  
   162,814     154,348     149,990  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of reclassification adjustments:

      

Minimum pension liability adjustments

   15,540     75,306     77,535  

Net unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities

   (7,204 )   39,562     3,115  

Cash flow hedges

   474     985     (523 )
                  
   8,810     115,853     80,127  

Adjustment to initially apply SFAS No.158

   (16,847 )   —       —    
                  
   154,777     270,201     230,117  
                  

The Company and its domestic subsidiaries are subject to a national corporate tax of 30%, an inhabitant tax of between 17.3% and 20.7% and a deductible business tax between 3.8% and 10.1%, which in the aggregate resulted in a combined statutory income tax rate of approximately 40.6% for the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.

The Company adopted the consolidated taxation system in Japan effective from the year ended March 31, 2003. Under the consolidated taxation system, the Company had consolidated, for Japanese tax purposes, all wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries.

 

  104   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Reconciliations between the combined statutory income tax rate and the effective income tax rate as a percentage of income before income taxes and minority interests are as follows:

 

     2007     2006     2005  

Combined statutory income tax rate

   40.6 %   40.6 %   40.6 %

Equity in (earnings) losses of affiliated companies

   (2.3 )   (1.3 )   0.0  

Change in excess amounts over the tax basis of investments in subsidiaries and affiliated companies

   7.6     0.2     2.6  

Adjustment of net gain on sale of investments in subsidiaries and affiliated companies

   (0.4 )   1.1     1.6  

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

   9.0     5.4     4.6  

Change in valuation allowance

   22.6     14.4     8.2  

Difference in statutory tax rates of foreign subsidiaries

   2.8     (4.0 )   (2.1 )

Other

   0.6     (0.2 )   1.2  
                  

Effective income tax rate

   80.5 %   56.2 %   56.7 %
                  

An increase in valuation allowance for the year ended March 31, 2007 resulted mainly from provisions recorded for anticipated losses on certain long-term contracts as discussed in note 16 for which realization of the corresponding deferred tax asset is unlikely.

The tax effects of temporary differences and carryforwards that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2007 and 2006 are presented below:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2007     2006  

Total gross deferred tax assets:

    

Retirement and severance benefits

   303,134     300,732  

Accrued expenses

   243,383     221,107  

Property, plant and equipment, due to differences in depreciation

   34,335     33,356  

Net operating loss carryforwards

   136,497     136,399  

Other

   304,970     323,299  
            
   1,022,319     1,014,893  

Valuation allowance

   (313,078 )   (282,295 )
            
   709,241     732,598  

Total gross deferred tax liabilities:

    

Deferred profit on sale of properties

   (31,196 )   (32,548 )

Tax purpose reserves regulated by Japanese tax laws

   (15,905 )   (20,944 )

Net unrealized gain on securities

   (74,580 )   (78,337 )

Other

   (30,621 )   (34,175 )
            
   (152,302 )   (166,004 )
            

Net deferred tax asset

   556,939     566,594  
            

 

  105   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

In addition to the above, income taxes paid on net intercompany profit on assets remaining within the group, which had been deferred in accordance with Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements,” as of March 31, 2007 and 2006 are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets under the following captions:

 

     Yen (millions)
     2007    2006

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   23,550    16,187

Other assets

   55,133    58,325
         
   78,683    74,512
         

Net deferred tax assets as of March 31, 2007 and 2006 are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets under the following captions:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2007     2006  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   328,099     281,347  

Other assets

   277,232     325,526  

Other current liabilities

   (1,214 )   (2,390 )

Other liabilities

   (47,178 )   (37,889 )
            

Net deferred tax asset

   556,939     566,594  
            

A valuation allowance was recorded against deferred tax assets for deductible temporary differences, net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards, taking into account the tax laws of various jurisdictions in which the Company and its subsidiaries operate. The net changes in the total valuation allowance for the years ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 were an increase of ¥30,783 million and ¥85,484 million, respectively.

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management of the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income in specific tax jurisdictions during the periods in which these deductible differences become deductible. Although realization is not assured, management considered the scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities and projected future taxable income, including the execution of certain available tax strategies if needed, in making this assessment. Based on these factors, management believes it is more likely than not the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences, net of the existing valuation allowance as of March 31, 2007.

As of March 31, 2007, the Company and various subsidiaries have operating loss carryforwards of ¥368,908 million which are available to offset future taxable income, if any. Operating loss carryforwards of ¥274,048 million expire by March 31, 2012, and ¥94,860 million expire in various years thereafter or do not expire.

 

  106   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Deferred tax liabilities have not been recognized for excess amounts over the tax basis of investments in foreign subsidiaries that are considered to be reinvested indefinitely, because such differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future and those undistributed earnings, if remitted, generally would not result in material additional Japanese income taxes because of available foreign tax credits.

 

  107   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(9) Short-term and Long-term Debt

The components of short-term debt as of March 31, 2007 and 2006 are summarized as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)
     2007    2006

Borrowings, mainly from banks

   424,936    305,139

Commercial paper

   414,010    394,396

Borrowings from affiliates

   55,447    52,992
         
   894,393    752,527
         

The weighted average interest rate on short-term debt outstanding as of March 31, 2007 and 2006 was 0.6% and 0.1%.

The components of long-term debt as of March 31, 2007 and 2006 are summarized as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)
     2007    2006

Unsecured notes and debentures:

     

Due 2013, interest 0.72% debenture

   80,000    80,000

Due 2010, interest 0.7% debenture

   49,888    49,882

Due 2015, interest 1.56% debenture

   49,979    49,977

Due 2008, interest 0.52% debenture

   5,000    5,000

Due 2010, interest 0.74% debenture

   5,000    5,000

Due 2007–2018, interest 0.26–3.00%, issued by subsidiaries

   560,581    599,626

Unsecured convertible debentures:

     

Series A, due 2009, zero coupon

   50,000    50,000

Series B, due 2009, zero coupon

   50,000    50,000

Loans, principally from banks and insurance companies:

     

Secured by various assets and mortgages on property, plant and equipment,
maturing 2007–2017, interest 1.09–4.65%

   43,755    43,244

Unsecured, maturing 2007–2026, interest 0.52–5.74%

   882,734    722,782

Capital lease obligations

   16,120    11,006
         
   1,793,057    1,666,517

Less current portion

   303,214    248,028
         
   1,489,843    1,418,489
         

 

  108   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt after March 31, 2008 are as follows:

 

Years ending March 31

   Yen (millions)

2009

   367,037

2010

   455,357

2011

   157,768

2012

   156,046

Thereafter

   353,635
    
   1,489,843
    

Short-term and long-term debt above as of March 31, 2007 include secured borrowings of ¥8,271 million and ¥39,394 million, respectively, resulting from the transfer of financial assets which does not meet the criteria for a sale pursuant to SFAS No. 140 and is accounted for as secured borrowings with pledge of collateral.

As is customary in Japan, both short-term and long-term bank loans are made under general agreements that provide that securities and guarantees for present and future indebtedness will be given upon request of the bank, and that the bank shall have the right, as the obligations become due, or in the event of their default, to offset cash deposits against such obligations.

Generally, the mortgage debenture trust agreements and certain secured and unsecured loan agreements provide, among other things, that the lenders or trustees shall have the right to have any distribution of earnings, including the payment of dividends and the issuance of additional capital stock, submitted to them for prior approval and also grant them the right to request additional securities or mortgages on property, plant and equipment.

In October, 2004, the Company issued Euro yen zero coupon convertible bonds. The bonds consist of ¥50,000 million series A zero coupon convertible bonds due 2009 and ¥50,000 million series B zero coupon convertible bonds due 2009. The bondholders are entitled to stock acquisition rights effective from November 2, 2004 to October 5, 2009. The initial conversion price was ¥1,009 per share for both bonds at which time the fair value of the Company’s common stock was ¥686. In accordance with the terms of the debenture, the conversion price was adjusted to ¥822 on October 19, 2005 for series A zero coupon convertible bonds and on April 19, 2006 for series B zero coupon convertible bonds. The conversion prices will be adjusted on October 19, 2007 for series A zero coupon convertible bonds and on April 19, 2008 for series B zero coupon convertible bonds. The prices will be 95% (rounded upwards to the nearest one yen) of the average closing prices of the Company’s shares on the Tokyo Stock Exchange for 30 consecutive trading days up to each conversion date, but no less than ¥822. During the conversion period, the bondholders may exercise the stock acquisition rights anytime after the closing price of the Company’s shares at the Tokyo Stock Exchange on at least one trading day is 115 percent or more of the then applicable conversion price rounded down to the nearest yen. In addition, the bondholders are entitled, at its option, to require the Company to redeem the bonds at a redemption price of 100 percent of the principal amount on October 17, 2008.

 

  109   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(10) Retirement and Severance Benefits

 

  (a) Defined benefit plans

The Company and its subsidiaries have a number of contributory and noncontributory pension plans to provide retirement and severance benefits to substantially all employees.

Under unfunded defined benefit pension plans, employees are entitled to lump-sum payments based on their earnings and the length of service by retirement or termination of employment for reasons other than dismissal for cause.

In addition to unfunded defined benefit pension plans, the Company and certain subsidiaries make contributions to a number of defined benefit pension plans. During the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the Company and certain subsidiaries amended certain of their defined benefit plans to cash balance plans.

Under the cash balance plans, each employee has a notional account which represents pension benefits. The balance in the notional account is based on principal credits, which are accumulated as employees render services, and interest credits, which are determined based on the market interest rates.

On March 31, 2007, the Company adopted the recognition and disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 158. SFAS No. 158 required the Company to recognize the funded status (i.e., the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligations) of its pension plans in the consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2007, with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. The adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at adoption represents the net unrecognized actuarial losses and unrecognized prior service costs, all of which were previously netted against the plan’s funded status in the consolidated balance sheet pursuant to the provisions of SFAS No. 87. These amounts will be subsequently recognized as net periodic benefit cost pursuant to the Company’s historical accounting policy for amortizing such amounts. Further, actuarial gains and losses that arise in subsequent periods and are not recognized as net periodic benefit cost in the same periods will be recognized as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). Those amounts will be subsequently recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost on the same basis as the amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at adoption of SFAS No. 158.

The incremental effects of adopting the provisions of SFAS No. 158 on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2007 are presented in the following table. The adoption of SFAS No. 158 had no effect on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations for the year ended March 31, 2007, or for any prior period presented, and it will not effect the Company’s operating results in future periods. Had the Company not been required to adopt SFAS No. 158 as of March 31, 2007, it would have recognized an additional minimum liability pursuant to the provisions of SFAS No. 87. The effect of recognizing the additional minimum liability is included in table below in the column labeled “Before Application of SFAS No.158.”

 

  110   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

     Yen (millions)  
    

Before

application of
SFAS No.158

    Adjustment    

After

application of
SFAS No.158

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   676,287     11,267     687,554  

Investments and advances, including affiliated companies

   1,052,979     (3,255 )   1,049,724  

Other assets

   1,418,075     53,348     1,471,423  

Accrued expenses

   870,107     32,057     902,164  

Retirement and severance benefits

   760,199     58,258     818,457  

Minority interests

   1,080,285     (6,536 )   1,073,749  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   (66,031 )   (22,419 )   (88,450 )

Net periodic benefit cost for the funded benefit pension plans and the unfunded lump-sum payment plans for the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 consists of the following components:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2007     2006     2005  

Service cost

   72,648     74,131     85,500  

Interest cost

   55,888     56,166     63,637  

Expected return on plan assets for the period

   (40,253 )   (34,045 )   (33,749 )

Amortization of transition asset

   —       —       (208 )

Amortization of prior service benefit

   (18,571 )   (17,381 )   (13,842 )

Recognized actuarial loss

   56,388     67,678     100,274  

Transfer to defined contribution pension plan

   1,039     (87 )   3,223  

Derecognition of previously accrued salary progression due to transfer of substitutional portion

   —       (5,956 )   (16,235 )

Recognition of deferred actuarial losses due to transfer of substitutional portion

   —       26,193     105,758  

Curtailment and settlement loss

   —       —       173  

Employees’ contributions

   (362 )   (731 )   (3,187 )
                  

Net periodic benefit cost

   126,777     165,968     291,344  

Difference between the obligations settled and the assets transferred due to transfer of substitutional portion

   —       (30,593 )   (165,247 )
                  
   126,777     135,375     126,097  
                  

Prior to the adoption of the recognition provisions of SFAS No.158, unrecognized transition asset, unrecognized prior service benefit and cost and unrecognized actuarial gain and loss were amortized using the straight-line method over the average remaining service period of active employees.

 

  111   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The estimated prior service cost and actuarial loss for the defined benefit pension plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net periodic benefit cost during the year ending March 31, 2008 are as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)  

Prior service benefit

   (15,136 )

Actuarial loss

   51,357  

The Employees Pension Fund (EPF) stipulated by the Japanese Pension Insurance Law is one of the defined benefit pension plans to which the Company and certain domestic subsidiaries had contributed. The pension plans under the EPF are composed of the substitutional portion of Japanese Welfare Pension Insurance 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. The Company, certain subsidiaries and their employees had contributed the pension premiums for the substitutional portion and the corporate portion to each EPF. The plan assets of each EPF cannot be specifically allocated to the individual participants nor to the substitutional and corporate portions.

On June 15, 2001, the Japanese government issued a new law concerning defined benefit plans. This law allows a company, at its own discretion, to apply for an exemption from the future benefit obligation and return the past benefit obligation of the substitutional portion of the EPF to the government. In accordance with the new law, the Company and all the subsidiaries obtained approvals from the government for the exemption from the future benefit obligation and for the return of the past benefit obligation through March 31, 2006. Consequently, the Company and all the subsidiaries transferred the substitutional portion of each of their benefit obligations related to past service and the related portion of the plan assets of the EPF to the government during the years ended March 31, 2006 and 2005.

The Company and certain subsidiaries accounted for the entire separation process as a single settlement transaction upon the completion of the transfer to the government in accordance with EITF Issue No. 03-2, “Accounting for the Transfer to the Japanese Government of the Substitutional Portion of Employee Pension Fund Liabilities.”

 

  112   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Reconciliations of beginning and ending balances of the benefit obligation of the funded defined benefit pension plans and the unfunded defined benefit pension plans and the fair value of the plan assets are as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2007     2006  

Change in benefit obligation:

    

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

   2,230,300     2,307,266  

Service cost

   72,648     74,131  

Interest cost

   55,888     56,166  

Plan amendments

   (1,486 )   (7,844 )

Actuarial loss

   15,038     5,105  

Benefits paid

   (125,370 )   (139,896 )

Acquisitions and divestitures

   22,184     2,339  

Transfer to defined contribution pension plan

   (10,713 )   (1,644 )

Transfer of substitutional portion

   —       (70,823 )

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

   3,769     5,500  
            

Benefit obligation at end of year

   2,262,258     2,230,300  
            

Change in plan assets:

    

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

   1,354,723     1,159,007  

Actual return on plan assets

   67,017     200,792  

Employers’ contributions

   130,904     124,577  

Employees’ contributions

   1,211     731  

Benefits paid

   (88,857 )   (100,157 )

Acquisitions and divestitures

   4,351     1,122  

Transfer to defined contribution pension plan

   (3,612 )   (660 )

Transfer of substitutional portion

   —       (34,274 )

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

   3,187     3,585  
            

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

   1,468,924     1,354,723  
            

Funded status

   (793,334 )   (875,577 )

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2007 are as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2007  

Other assets

   57,180  

Accrued expenses

   (32,057 )

Retirement and severance benefit

   (818,457 )
      
   (793,334 )
      

 

  113   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of March 31, 2007 consist of:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2007  

Prior service benefit

   (210,853 )

Actuarial loss

   473,548  
      
   262,695  
      

The funded status as of March 31, 2006, reconciled to the net amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheet at that date is as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2006  

Funded status

   (875,577 )

Unrecognized prior service benefit

   (227,851 )

Unrecognized actuarial loss

   548,019  
      

Net amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheet

   (555,409 )
      

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2006 consist of:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2006  

Prepaid benefit cost

   9,870  

Accrued benefit cost

   (827,669 )

Intangible asset

   915  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   261,475  
      

Net amount recognized

   (555,409 )
      

The Company and substantially all subsidiaries use their year-end as a measurement date. Weighted-average assumptions used to determine the year-end benefit obligations are as follows:

 

         2007             2006      

Discount rate

   2.5 %   2.5 %

Rate of compensation increase

   2.7 %   2.5 %

 

  114   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine the net periodic pension cost for the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:

 

         2007             2006             2005      

Discount rate

   2.5 %   2.5 %   2.5 %

Expected long-term return on plan assets

   3.0 %   3.0 %   3.0 %

Rate of compensation increase

   2.5 %   2.9 %   3.1 %

The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is developed for each asset class, and is determined primarily on historical returns on the plan assets and other factors.

The accumulated benefit obligation was ¥2,146,366 million as of March 31, 2007 and ¥2,112,216 million as of March 31, 2006.

Information for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets and pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets is as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)
     2007    2006

Plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:

     

Accumulated benefit obligations

   1,661,271    1,988,054

Plan assets

   897,158    1,217,060

Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:

     

Projected benefit obligations

   1,868,066    2,144,176

Plan assets

   1,017,552    1,261,697

Asset allocations for the pension plans as of March 31, 2007 and 2006 and target asset allocation by asset category are as follows:

 

     2007     2006    

Target

allocation

 

Equity securities

   39.1 %   44.7 %   37.7 %

Debt securities

   31.3     31.3     35.3  

Investment trusts

   14.0     11.3     17.6  

Cash

   7.1     3.7     2.9  

Life insurance company general accounts

   5.5     6.1     4.9  

Other

   3.0     2.9     1.6  
                  
   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %
                  

 

  115   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The objective of the Company’s investment policy is to ensure a stable return from the plan’s investments over the long term, which allows the Company’s and certain subsidiaries’ pension funds to meet their future obligations. In order to achieve the above objective, a target rate of return is established, taking into consideration composition of participants, level of funded status, the Company’s and certain subsidiaries’ capacity to absorb risks and the current economic environment. Also, a target asset allocation is established to achieve the target rate of return, based on expected rate of return by each asset class, standard deviation of rate of return and correlation coefficient among the assets. The investments are diversified primarily into domestic and foreign equity and debt securities according to the target asset allocation. Rebalancing will occur if market fluctuates in excess of certain levels. The Company and certain subsidiaries periodically review actual returns on assets, economic environments and their capacity to absorb risk and realign the target asset allocation if necessary.

The Company and its subsidiaries expect to contribute ¥125,067 million to their defined benefit plans for the year ending March 31, 2008.

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid.

 

Years ending March 31

   Yen (millions)

2008

   121,362

2009

   123,534

2010

   127,369

2011

   126,063

2012

   131,027

2013-2017

   607,646

 

  (b) Defined contribution plans

The Company and certain subsidiaries have a number of defined contribution plans. The amount of cost recognized for the Company’s and certain subsidiaries’ contributions to the plans for the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were ¥11,971 million, ¥11,776 million and ¥10,749 million, respectively.

 

  116   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(11) Common Stock

The Company has authorized issuance of 10 billion shares of common stock.

For issued shares, changes in shares and the amount of common stock for the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 are summarized as follows:

 

          Yen (millions)
     Issued shares    Amount

Balance as of March 31, 2004

   3,368,124,876    282,032

Issued upon conversion of convertible debentures

   1,180    1
         

Balance as of March 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007

   3,368,126,056    282,033
         

Conversions of convertible debt issued subsequent to October 1, 1982 into common stock were accounted for in accordance with the provisions of the Japanese Commercial Code, the former Japanese Company Law, by crediting one-half of the conversion price to each of the common stock accounts and the capital surplus accounts.

 

(12) Legal Reserve and Retained Earnings, and Dividends

The Japanese Company Law provides that earnings in an amount equal to at least 10 percent of appropriations of retained earnings to be paid as dividends should be appropriated as a capital surplus or a legal reserve until the total of capital surplus and legal reserve equals 25 percent of stated common stock. In addition to transfer from capital surplus to stated common stock, either capital surplus or legal reserve may be available for dividends by resolution of the shareholders’ meeting.

Dividends during the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 represent dividends declared during those years. On May 16, 2007, the Board of Directors approved a cash dividend for the second half of the year ended March 31, 2007 of ¥3.0 per share, aggregating ¥9,975 million. No provision has been made in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for this cash dividend.

Cash dividends per share for the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were ¥6.0, ¥11.0 and ¥11.0, respectively, based on dividends declared with respect to earnings for the periods.

 

  117   (Continued)


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HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(13) Treasury Stock

The Japanese Company Law (JCL) allows a company to acquire treasury stock upon shareholders’ approval to the extent that sufficient distributable funds are available. If the Board of Directors’ authority is stated in the articles of incorporation, a company is allowed to acquire treasury stock not upon shareholders’ approval but Board of Directors’ approval. In this connection, acquisition of treasury stock is allowed under the Company’s articles of incorporation.

Pursuant to the provisions of the JCL, shareholders may request the company to acquire their shares less than a minimum trading lot as shares less than a minimum trading lot cannot be publicly traded and such a shareholder holding less than a minimum trading lot cannot exercise a voting right and other shareholders’ rights except as provided in the JCL or the articles of incorporation. The JCL also states that a shareholder holding shares less than a minimum trading lot may request the company to sell its treasury stock, if any, to the shareholder up to a minimum trading lot if entitled under the articles of incorporation. In this connection, sale of treasury stock is allowed under the Company’s articles of incorporation.

The changes in treasury stock for the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 are summarized as follows:

 

           Yen (millions)  
     Shares     Amount  

Balance as of March 31, 2004

   70,109,973     32,162  

Acquisition for treasury

   1,697,685     1,177  

Sales of treasury stock

   (1,321,295 )   (478 )

Stock exchange upon a merger (note 27)

   (33,937,141 )   (15,625 )
            

Balance as of March 31, 2005

   36,549,222     17,236  

Acquisition for treasury

   1,440,676     1,058  

Sales of treasury stock

   (708,603 )   (344 )
            

Balance as of March 31, 2006

   37,281,295     17,950  

Acquisition for treasury

   14,974,117     12,000  

Sales of treasury stock

   (1,265,158 )   (748 )

Stock exchange for acquisition

   (8,023,820 )   (3,863 )
            

Balance as of March 31, 2007

   42,966,434     25,339  
            

In April 2006, the Board of Directors approved the acquisition of treasury stock up to 6,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for an aggregate acquisition amount not exceeding ¥5,000 million during May 2006. The Company acquired a total of 6,210,000 shares for ¥4,996 million during the period.

In December 2006, the Board of Directors approved the acquisition of treasury stock up to 30,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for an aggregate acquisition amount not exceeding ¥20,000 million by the end of March 2007. The Company acquired a total of 7,200,000 shares for ¥5,817 million during the period.

 

  118   (Continued)


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HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(14) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of related tax effects, displayed in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity is classified as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2007     2006     2005  

Foreign currency translation adjustments:

      

Balance at beginning of year

   (43,426 )   (90,904 )   (95,786 )

Other comprehensive income, net of reclassification adjustments

   21,764     48,435     5,320  

Net transfer from (to) minority interests

   756     (957 )   (438 )
                  

Balance at end of year

   (20,906 )   (43,426 )   (90,904 )
                  

Minimum pension liability adjustments:

      

Balance at beginning of year

   (145,903 )   (242,672 )   (329,536 )

Other comprehensive income

   22,030     96,808     86,541  

Net transfer from (to) minority interests

   (37 )   (39 )   323  

Transfer to pension liability adjustments

   123,910     —       —    
                  

Balance at end of year

   —       (145,903 )   (242,672 )
                  

Pension liability adjustments:

      

Transfer from minimum pension liability adjustments

   (123,910 )    

Adjustment to initially apply SFAS No.158 (note 10)

   (22,419 )    
          

Balance at end of year

   (146,329 )    
          

Net unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities:

      

Balance at beginning of year

   92,626     32,996     31,499  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of reclassification adjustments

   (14,744 )   59,624     1,458  

Net transfer from minority interests

   1     6     39  
                  

Balance at end of year

   77,883     92,626     32,996  
                  

Cash flow hedges:

      

Balance at beginning of year

   706     (944 )   (41 )

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of reclassification adjustments

   196     1,652     (653 )

Net transfer to minority interests

   0     (2 )   (250 )
                  

Balance at end of year

   902     706     (944 )
                  

Total accumulated other comprehensive loss:

      

Balance at beginning of year

   (95,997 )   (301,524 )   (393,864 )

Other comprehensive income, net of reclassification adjustments

   29,246     206,519     92,666  

Net transfer from (to) minority interests

   720     (992 )   (326 )

Adjustment to initially apply SFAS No.158 (note 10)

   (22,419 )   —       —    
                  

Balance at end of year

   (88,450 )   (95,997 )   (301,524 )
                  

 

  119   (Continued)


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HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The following is a summary of reclassification adjustments by each classification of other comprehensive income (loss) arising during the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 and the amounts of income tax expense or benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss), including reclassification adjustments.

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2007  
    

Before-tax

amount

   

Tax benefit

(expense)

   

Net-of-tax

amount

 

Other comprehensive income arising during the year:

      

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   19,532     —       19,532  

Minimum pension liability adjustments

   39,469     (17,439 )   22,030  

Net unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities

   14,230     (7,098 )   7,132  

Cash flow hedges

   (173 )   (4 )   (177 )
                  
   73,058     (24,541 )   48,517  

Reclassification adjustments for net gain included in net loss:

      

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   2,232     —       2,232  

Net unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities

   (37,126 )   15,250     (21,876 )

Cash flow hedges

   552     (179 )   373  
                  
   (34,342 )   15,071     (19,271 )

Other comprehensive income, net of reclassification adjustments:

      

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   21,764     —       21,764  

Minimum pension liability adjustments

   39,469     (17,439 )   22,030  

Net unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities

   (22,896 )   8,152     (14,744 )

Cash flow hedges

   379     (183 )   196  
                  
   38,716     (9,470 )   29,246  
                  

 

  120   (Continued)


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HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2006  
    

Before-tax

amount

   

Tax benefit

(expense)

   

Net-of-tax

amount

 

Other comprehensive income arising during the year:

      

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   51,492     —       51,492  

Minimum pension liability adjustments

   160,654     (63,846 )   96,808  

Net unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities

   120,305     (48,742 )   71,563  

Cash flow hedges

   2,385     (1,091 )   1,294  
                  
   334,836     (113,679 )   221,157  

Reclassification adjustments for net gain included in net income:

      

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   (3,057 )   —       (3,057 )

Net unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities

   (20,096 )   8,157     (11,939 )

Cash flow hedges

   239     119     358  
                  
   (22,914 )   8,276     (14,638 )

Other comprehensive income, net of reclassification adjustments:

      

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   48,435     —       48,435  

Minimum pension liability adjustments

   160,654     (63,846 )   96,808  

Net unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities

   100,209     (40,585 )   59,624  

Cash flow hedges

   2,624     (972 )   1,652  
                  
   311,922     (105,403 )   206,519  
                  

 

  121   (Continued)


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HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2005  
    

Before-tax

amount

   

Tax benefit

(expense)

   

Net-of-tax

amount

 

Other comprehensive income arising during the year:

      

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   4,650     —       4,650  

Minimum pension liability adjustments

   147,163     (60,622 )   86,541  

Net unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities

   13,174     (5,627 )   7,547  

Cash flow hedges

   (1,233 )   373     (860 )
                  
   163,754     (65,876 )   97,878  

Reclassification adjustments for net gain included in net income:

      

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   670     —       670  

Net unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities

   (10,566 )   4,477     (6,089 )

Cash flow hedges

   259     (52 )   207  
                  
   (9,637 )   4,425     (5,212 )

Other comprehensive income, net of reclassification adjustments:

      

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   5,320     —       5,320  

Minimum pension liability adjustments

   147,163     (60,622 )   86,541  

Net unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities

   2,608     (1,150 )   1,458  

Cash flow hedges

   (974 )   321     (653 )
                  
   154,117     (61,451 )   92,666  
                  

 

  122   (Continued)


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HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(15) Pledged Assets

As of March 31, 2007, the Company and certain subsidiaries pledged a portion of their assets as collateral for bank loans, trade payables and other liabilities as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)

Cash and cash equivalents

   75

Other current assets

   2,509

Investments and advances

   578

Land

   7,111

Buildings

   7,719

Machinery and equipment

   8,174

Other assets

   3
    
   26,169
    

In addition to the above, prepaid expenses and other current assets as of March 31, 2007 include restricted cash of ¥10,388 million as compensating balance for short-term borrowing arrangements.

 

(16) Commitments and Contingencies

The Company and its operating subsidiaries are contingently liable for loan guarantees to its affiliates in the amount of approximately ¥39,086 million as of March 31, 2007.

Hitachi Capital Corporation (HCC) and certain other financial subsidiaries provide guarantees to financial institutions for extending loans to customers of the subsidiaries. As of March 31, 2007, the undiscounted maximum potential future payments under such guarantees amounted to ¥462,619 million. The Company has accrued ¥6,629 million as an obligation to stand ready to perform over the term of the guarantees in the event the customer cannot make scheduled payments.

The subsidiaries provide certain revolving lines of credit to its credit card holders in accordance with the terms of the credit card business customer service contracts. Furthermore, the subsidiaries provide credit facilities to parties in accordance with the service agency business contracts from which temporary payments on behalf of such parties are made. In addition, the Company and HCC provide loan commitments mainly to affiliates.

The outstanding balance of these revolving lines of credit, credit facilities and loan commitments as of March 31, 2007 is as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)

Total commitment available

   676,359

Less amount utilized

   25,279
    

Balance available

   651,080
    

A portion of these revolving lines of credit is pending credit approval and cannot be utilized.

 

  123   (Continued)


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HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The Company and certain subsidiaries have line of credit arrangements with banks in order to secure a financing source for business operations. The unused line of credit as of March 31, 2007 amounted to ¥850,867 million.

As of March 31, 2007, outstanding commitments for the purchase of property, plant and equipment were approximately ¥103,809 million.

It is a common practice in Japan for companies, in the ordinary course of business, to receive promissory notes in the settlement of trade accounts receivable and to subsequently discount such notes to banks or to transfer them by endorsement to suppliers in the settlement of accounts payable. As of March 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company and subsidiaries were contingently liable for trade notes discounted and endorsed in the following amounts:

 

     Yen (millions)
     2007    2006

Notes discounted

   4,405    4,478

Notes endorsed

   4,945    6,433
         
   9,350    10,911
         

The Company and its subsidiaries provide warranties for certain of their products. The accrued product warranty costs are based primarily on historical experience of actual warranty claims. The changes in accrued product warranty costs for the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 are summarized as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2007     2006     2005  

Balance at beginning of year

   81,450     74,046     61,417  

Expense recognized upon issuance of warranties

   53,994     59,550     61,696  

Usage

   (53,646 )   (56,177 )   (48,996 )

Other, including effect of foreign currency translation

   518     4,031     (71 )
                  

Balance at end of year

   82,316     81,450     74,046  
                  

On June 15, 2006, Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station No. 5 of Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. shut down due to turbine damage. As a precautionary measure, on July 5, 2006, Shika Nuclear Power Station No. 2 of Hokuriku Electric Power Company, which uses the same type of turbines, was shut down for an examination of the turbines and the examination revealed damage to the turbine vanes. A provision for the repair costs was accrued for the year ended March 31, 2007 and was recorded as part of cost of sales. Although the Company cannot estimate specified damages at the present time, there can be no assurance that the Company could not be liable for repair costs or other damages incurred by Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. and Hokuriku Electric Power Company.

 

  124   (Continued)


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HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The Company and its subsidiaries make provisions for anticipated losses on long-term contracts, including changes in the estimates for such provisions, in the period in which they become evident. The effect of a change in the estimated provision for anticipated losses on certain long-term contracts was to increase consolidated net loss for the year ended March 31, 2007 by ¥70,915 million, or ¥21.28 per share (basic).

In January 2007, the European Commission ordered the Company and one of its affiliated companies to pay a fine for infringement of EC antitrust rules regarding alleged antitrust violations for the gas insulated switchgear equipment used at substations. In April 2007, the Company lodged an appeal with the Court of First Instance of the European Communities requesting the court to annul the decision of the European Commission. The determination has not been rendered at present, but the Company accrued the reasonably estimated amount for the fine in the year ended March 31,2007.

In November 2006, a subsidiary and an affiliate of the Company in the U.S. received a request for information from the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in respect of alleged antitrust violations relating to static random access memories. In addition, in December 2006, the Company and a subsidiary in Europe received requests for information from the European Commission, a subsidiary in Japan received requests for information from the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and the Fair Trade Commission of Japan and an affiliate in Japan received requests for information from the Fair Trade Commission of Japan in respect of alleged antitrust violations relating to the liquid crystal displays.

The Company and these companies do not concede the alleged antitrust violations, but depending upon the outcome of these investigations, fines or surcharge payments, the amount of which is uncertain, may be imposed on them. In addition, subsequent to these actions by the competent authorities, a number of class action lawsuits have been filed against the Company and some of these companies in the U.S. and Canada. Depending upon the outcome of the above legal proceedings, there may be an adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations. Currently the Company is unable to estimate the adverse effect, if any. Accordingly, no accrual for potential loss has been made.

In addition to the above, the Company and certain subsidiaries are subject to several legal proceedings and claims which have arisen in the ordinary course of business and have not been finally adjudicated. These actions when ultimately concluded and determined will not, in the opinion of management, have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company and subsidiaries.

 

(17) Impairment Losses for Long-Lived Assets

For the year ended March 31, 2007, the majority of the impairment losses were recorded on long-lived property, plant and equipment located in Japan. The High Functional Materials & Components division recognized a loss of ¥4,351 million primarily due to a specific type of material for semiconductors that was projected to have lower production because of smaller demand in the market. The Digital Media & Consumer Products division recognized a loss of ¥1,305 million primarily due to a specific type of electronic parts that was projected to have lower production because of smaller demand in the market. The Electronic Devices division recognized a loss of ¥1,294 million primarily due to projection television tubes that were scheduled to reduce their production. The fair value estimates used to determine these losses were based primarily on discounted future cash flows.

 

  125   (Continued)


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HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

For the year ended March 31, 2006, the majority of the impairment losses were recorded on long-lived property, plant and equipment located in the U.S. and Japan, which primarily consisted of ¥11,631 million in the Information & Telecommunication Systems division, ¥7,265 million in the Electronic Devices division and ¥4,120 million in the High Functional Materials & Components division. These losses were mainly the result of changes in the extent or manner the assets were used. The fair value estimates used to determine these losses were based primarily on discounted future cash flows.

For the year ended March 31, 2005, the majority of the impairment losses were recorded on long-lived property, plant and equipment located in Japan, which primarily consisted of ¥8,517 million in the Electronic Devices division, ¥4,954 million in the High Functional Materials & Components division and ¥4,453 million in the Corporate division. These losses were mainly the result of changes in the extent or manner the assets were used. The fair value estimates used to determine these losses were based primarily on discounted future cash flows.

 

(18) Restructuring Charges

Certain losses incurred in the reorganization of the Company’s operations are considered restructuring charges. Components and related amounts of the restructuring charges, before the related tax effects, for the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)
     2007    2006    2005

Special termination benefits

   3,868    2,786    29,426

Loss on fixed assets

   115    1,643    3,881
              
   3,983    4,429    33,307
              

The Company and certain subsidiaries provided special termination benefits to those employees voluntarily leaving the companies. The accrued special termination benefits were recognized at the time voluntary termination was offered and benefits accepted by the employees. An analysis of the accrued special termination benefits for the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 is as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2007     2006     2005  

Balance at beginning of the year

   1,106     14,389     908  

New charges

   3,868     2,786     29,426  

(employees to be terminated)

   554     691     3,714  

Cash payments

   (4,931 )   (16,158 )   (15,939 )

(employees actually terminated)

   863     1,861     2,334  

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

   1     89     (6 )
                  

Balance at end of the year

   44     1,106     14,389  
                  

 

  126   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The restructuring charges for the year ended March 31, 2007 mainly consist of special termination benefits for the early terminated employees of subsidiaries in the High Functional Materials & Components division and Information & Telecommunication Systems division.

The restructuring charges for the year ended March 31, 2006 mainly consist of special termination benefits for the early terminated employees of subsidiaries in the Electronic Devices division and loss on fixed assets in the High Functional Materials & Components division.

The following represent significant restructuring activities for the year ended March 31, 2005 by business line:

 

  1. Information & Telecommunication Systems division restructured in order to strengthen its business structure primarily in Japan. The accrued special termination benefits expensed during the year ended March 31, 2005 amounted to ¥16,666 million. The liabilities for special termination benefits amounting to ¥9,599 million at March 31, 2005 were paid by March 2006. Total restructuring charges during the year ended March 31, 2005 amounted to ¥16,708 million.

 

  2. Digital Media & Consumer Products division restructured mainly its digital media plants in order to reorganize digital media operations primarily in Japan. The accrued special termination benefits expensed during the year ended March 31, 2005 amounted to ¥8,080 million. The liabilities for special termination benefits amounting to ¥2,696 million were paid by March 2006. Total restructuring charges during the year ended March 31, 2005 amounted to ¥9,685 million.

 

  3. High Functional Materials & Components division restructured its magnetic materials operations and cable operations in order to strengthen its management structure. The accrued special termination benefits expensed during the year ended March 31, 2005 amounted to ¥1,711 million and were paid by March 2005. Total restructuring charges during the year ended March 31, 2005 amounted to ¥3,945 million.

 

(19) Other Income and Other Deductions

The following items are included in other income or other deductions for the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2007     2006     2005  

Net gain on securities

   47,687     46,402     46,463  

Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliated companies

   11,289     8,688     (162 )

Net loss on sale and disposal of rental assets and other property

   (24,611 )   (3,107 )   (9,545 )

Exchange gain (loss)

   (3,029 )   4,000     4,389  

 

  127   (Continued)


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HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(20) Sales of Stock by Subsidiaries or Affiliated Companies

In February 2007, Opnext, Inc., a subsidiary which designs and manufactures optical modules and components, issued 12,536,406 shares of common stock at $15 per share to third parties with the initial public offering and the Company sold a portion of the investment in Opnext, Inc. As a result of the issuance of new shares and sale of the investment, the Company’s ownership interest of common stock decreased from 67.3% to 43.9% at March 31, 2007 and the remaining investment is accounted for under the equity method. The Company provided deferred tax liability on this gain.

In November 2004, Elpida Memory, Inc., an affiliated company which is a Japanese manufacturer of Dynamic Random Access Memory silicon chips, issued 29,150,000 shares of common stock at ¥3,325 per share to third parties with the initial public offering. In December 2004, Elpida Memory, Inc. issued 2,700,000 shares of common stock at ¥3,325 per share to a third party. As a result of the issuance of new shares, the Company’s ownership interest of common stock decreased from 50.0% to 25.0% at March 31, 2005. The Company provided deferred tax liability on this gain.

During the year ended March 31, 2006, the Company sold a portion of the investment in Elpida Memory, Inc. As a result, the Company discontinued the use of equity method accounting for the remaining investment.

 

  128   (Continued)


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HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(21) Net Income (Loss) Per Share Information

The reconciliations of the numbers and the amounts used in the basic and diluted net income (loss) per share computations are as follows:

 

     Number of shares  
     2007     2006     2005  

Weighted average number of shares on which basic net income (loss) per share is calculated

   3,331,918,803     3,331,116,787     3,316,354,127  

Effect of dilutive securities:

      

Series A zero coupon convertible bonds

   —       54,619,248     22,265,365  

Series B zero coupon convertible bonds

   —       49,554,013     22,265,365  

Stock options

   158,778     143,341     215,813  
                  

Number of shares on which diluted net income (loss) per share is calculated

   3,332,077,581     3,435,433,389     3,361,100,670  
                  
     Yen (millions)  
     2007     2006     2005  

Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders

   (32,799 )   37,320     51,496  

Effect of dilutive securities:

      

Series A zero coupon convertible bonds

   —       2     1  

Series B zero coupon convertible bonds

   —       2     1  

Other

   (92 )   (77 )   (579 )
                  

Net income (loss) on which diluted net income (loss) per share is calculated

   (32,891 )   37,247     50,919  
                  
     Yen  

Net income (loss) per share:

      

Basic

   (9.84 )   11.20     15.53  

Diluted

   (9.87 )   10.84     15.15  

The net income per share computation for the year ended March 31, 2005 excludes 7th series convertible bonds because their effect would have been antidilutive. The 7th series convertible bonds were redeemed in September 2004. The net loss per share computation for the year ended March 31, 2007 excludes all the convertible bonds because their effect would have been antidilutive. In addition, the net income (loss) per share computation excludes some stock options because their effect would have been antidilutive.

 

  129   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(22) Supplementary Income Information

 

     Yen (millions)
     2007    2006    2005

Taxes other than income taxes consist of the following:

        

Property

   39,440    39,975    39,597

Welfare

   213,852    204,124    192,763

Other

   28,038    25,551    22,890
              
   281,330    269,650    255,250
              

Shipping and handling costs

   155,535    147,940    151,891

Advertising expense

   53,577    52,175    53,405

Maintenance and repairs

   82,902    82,786    73,952

Rent

   146,139    149,241    137,179

Research and development expense

   412,534    405,079    388,634

 

(23) Supplementary Cash Flow Information

 

     Yen (millions)
     2007    2006    2005

Cash paid during the year for:

        

Interest

   38,712    31,584    30,706

Income taxes

   123,677    118,486    123,541

Noncash investing and financial activities:

        

Capitalized lease assets

   6,056    5,206    2,109

Conversion of convertible debentures issued by the Company

   —      —      2

Conversion of convertible debentures issued by subsidiaries

   —      —      11,054

During the year ended March 31, 2005, the Company acquired and merged an affiliated company through exchange of equity securities as described in note 27.

The proceeds from sale of securities classified as available-for-sale discussed in note 3 are included in both decrease in short-term investments and proceeds from sale of investments and subsidiaries’ common stock on the consolidated statements of cash flows.

 

  130   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(24) Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Overall risk profile

The major manufacturing bases of the Company and its subsidiaries are located in Japan and Asia. The selling bases are located globally, and the Company and its subsidiaries generate approximately 40% of their sales from overseas. These overseas sales are mainly denominated in the U.S. dollar or Euro. As a result, the Company and its subsidiaries are exposed to market risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

The Company’s financing subsidiaries in the U.K, the U.S. and Singapore issue variable rate medium-term notes mainly through the Euro markets to finance its overseas long-term operating capital. As a result, the Company and its subsidiaries are exposed to market risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.

The Company and its subsidiaries are also exposed to credit-related losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties to derivative financial instruments, but it is not expected that any counterparties will fail to meet their obligations because most of the counterparties are internationally recognized financial institutions and contracts are diversified into a number of major financial institutions.

Risk management policy

The Company and its subsidiaries assess foreign currency exchange rate risk and interest rate risk by continually monitoring changes in these exposures and by evaluating hedging opportunities. It is the Company’s principal policy that the Company and its subsidiaries do not enter into derivative financial instruments for speculation purposes.

Foreign currency exchange rate risk management

The Company and its subsidiaries have assets and liabilities which are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk and, as a result, they enter into forward exchange contracts and cross currency swap agreements for the purpose of hedging these risk exposures.

In order to fix the future net cash flows principally from trade receivables and payables recognized, which are denominated in foreign currencies, the Company and its subsidiaries on a monthly basis measure the volume and due date of future net cash flows by currencies. In accordance with the Company’s policy, a certain portion of measured net cash flows is covered using forward exchange contracts, which principally mature within one year.

The Company and its subsidiaries enter into cross currency swap agreements with the same maturities as underlying debt to fix cash flows from long-term debt denominated in foreign currencies. The hedging relationship between the derivative financial instrument and its hedged item is highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

 

  131   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Interest rate risk management

The Company’s and certain subsidiaries’ exposure to interest rate risk is related principally to long-term debt obligations. Management believes it is prudent to minimize the variability caused by interest rate risk.

To meet this objective, the Company and certain subsidiaries principally enter into interest rate swaps to manage fluctuations in cash flows. The interest rate swaps entered into are receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swaps. Under the interest rate swaps, the Company and certain subsidiaries receive variable interest rate payments on long-term debt associated with medium-term notes and make fixed interest rate payments, thereby creating fixed interest rate long-term debt.

The Company and certain financing subsidiaries mainly finance a portion of their operations by long-term debt with a fixed interest rate and lend funds at variable interest rates. Therefore, such companies are exposed to interest rate risk. Management believes it is prudent to minimize the variability caused by interest rate risk. To meet this objective, the Company and certain financing subsidiaries principally enter into interest rate swaps converting the fixed rate to the variable rate to manage fluctuations in fair value resulting from interest rate risk. Under the interest rate swaps, the Company and certain financing subsidiaries receive fixed interest rate payments associated with medium-term notes and make variable interest rate payments, thereby creating variable-rate long-term debt.

The hedging relationship between the interest rate swaps and its hedged item is highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in cash flows and fair value resulting from interest rate risk.

Fair value hedge

Changes in fair value of both recognized assets and liabilities, and derivative financial instruments designated as fair value hedges of these assets and liabilities are recognized in other income (deductions). Derivative financial instruments designated as fair value hedges include forward exchange contracts associated with operating transactions, cross currency swap agreements and interest rate swaps associated with financing transactions.

Exchange gain for the year ended March 31, 2006 includes a net loss of ¥2,373 million which represents the component excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. Net gain or loss excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness is not material for the years ended March 31, 2007 and 2005. The sum of the amount of hedge ineffectiveness is not material for the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.

Interest charges for the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 include net gains of ¥601 million and ¥1,192 million and a net loss of ¥716 million, respectively, which represent the component excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. The sum of the amount of hedge ineffectiveness is not material for the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.

 

  132   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Cash flow hedge

Foreign currency exposure

Changes in fair value of forward exchange contracts designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges of forecasted transactions are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI). These amounts are reclassified into earnings in the same period as the hedged items affect earnings.

Exchange gain for the years ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 includes a net gain of ¥165 million and a net loss of ¥351 million, respectively, which represent the component excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. Net gain or loss excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness is not material for the year ended March 31, 2007. Exchange gain for the year ended March 31, 2006 includes a net loss of ¥119 million which represents the component of hedge ineffectiveness. The sum of the amount of the hedge ineffectiveness is not material for the years ended March 31, 2007 and 2005.

It is expected that a net loss of approximately ¥379 million recorded in AOCI relating to existing forward exchange contracts will be reclassified into other income or other deductions during the year ending March 31, 2008.

As of March 31, 2007, the maximum length of time over which the Company and its subsidiaries are hedging their exposure to the variability in future cash flows associated with foreign currency forecasted transactions is approximately 35 months.

Interest rate exposure

Changes in fair values of interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments for the variability of cash flows associated with long-term debt obligations are reported in AOCI. These amounts subsequently are reclassified into interest charges as a yield adjustment in the same period in which the hedged debt obligations affect earnings.

Interest charges for the years ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 include net gains of ¥99 million and ¥143 million, respectively, which represent the component excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. Net gain or loss excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness is not material for the year ended March 31, 2005. Interest charges for the year ended March 31, 2005 includes a net loss of ¥202 million which represents the component of hedge ineffectiveness. The sum of the amount of hedge ineffectiveness is not material for the years ended March 31, 2007 and 2006.

It is expected that a net gain of approximately ¥123 million recorded in AOCI related to the interest rate swaps will be reclassified into interest charges as a yield adjustment of the hedged debt obligations during the year ending March 31, 2008.

 

  133   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The contract or notional amounts of derivative financial instruments held as of March 31, 2007 and 2006 are summarized as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)
     2007    2006

Forward exchange contracts:

     

To sell foreign currencies

   290,177    310,941

To buy foreign currencies

   94,540    65,091

Cross currency swap agreements:

     

To sell foreign currencies

   110,815    101,456

To buy foreign currencies

   138,888    147,237

Interest rate swaps

   454,939    446,823

Option contracts

   13,251    13,852

 

(25) Concentrations of Credit Risk

The Company and its subsidiaries generally do not have significant concentrations of credit risk to any counterparties nor any regions because they are diversified and spread globally.

 

(26) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair values of financial instruments:

Investments in securities

The fair value of investments in securities is estimated based on quoted market prices for these or similar securities.

Long-term debt

The fair value of long-term debt is estimated based on quoted market prices or the present value of future cash flows using the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ incremental borrowing rates for similar borrowing arrangements.

Cash and cash equivalents, Trade receivables, Short-term debt and Trade payables

The carrying amount approximates the fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.

Derivative financial instruments

The fair values of forward exchange contracts, cross currency swap agreements, interest rate swaps and option contracts are estimated on the basis of the market prices of derivative financial instruments with similar contract conditions.

 

  134   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the financial instruments as of March 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)  
     2007     2006  
    

Carrying

amounts

   

Estimated

fair values

   

Carrying

amounts

   

Estimated

fair values

 

Investments in securities:

        

Short-term investments

   33,986     33,986     162,756     162,756  

Investments and advances

   397,958     397,957     448,614     448,631  

Derivatives (Assets):

        

Forward exchange contracts

   1,077     1,077     1,429     1,429  

Cross currency swap agreements

   62     62     354     354  

Interest rate swaps

   1,660     1,660     1,960     1,960  

Option contracts

   10     10     11     11  

Long-term debt

   (1,793,057 )   (1,770,776 )   (1,666,517 )   (1,639,779 )

Derivatives (Liabilities):

        

Forward exchange contracts

   (1,606 )   (1,606 )   (3,423 )   (3,423 )

Cross currency swap agreements

   (15,294 )   (15,294 )   (8,764 )   (8,764 )

Interest rate swaps

   (1,186 )   (1,186 )   (3,067 )   (3,067 )

Option contracts

   (591 )   (591 )   (824 )   (824 )

It is not practicable to estimate the fair value of investments in unlisted stock because of the lack of a market price and difficulty in estimating fair value without incurring excessive cost. The carrying amounts of these investments at March 31, 2007 and 2006 totaled ¥72,190 million and ¥79,321 million, respectively.

 

  135   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(27) Merger and Acquisition

On October 11, 2006, the Company signed a basic agreement with Clarion Co., Ltd. (Clarion) and decided to purchase additional shares of Clarion through a tender offer at ¥230 per share. The purchase price of ¥230 per share was determined by comprehensively taking into consideration the market price of Clarion common stock, Clarion’s financial condition, future earnings prospects and a third party evaluation of the estimated value of Clarion stock, and included a premium of approximately 33 % over average share price of Clarion common stock traded on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange for three month period immediately preceding October 10, 2006. As a result, the Company purchased a total of 139,108,174 shares for ¥31,994 million tendered in the period from October 25, 2006 through November 30, 2006, resulting in the Company’s ownership increasing from 14.4% to 63.7%. Accordingly, the Company obtained control over Clarion and it became a consolidated subsidiary of the Company effective December 7, 2006.

Clarion manufactures and sells in-vehicle equipment such as car audio and car navigation systems. The Company has strategically targeted the automotive systems business and the purpose of the tender offer was to further expand its car information system business.

The amount assigned to each major asset and liability caption of Clarion at the acquisition date is as follows:

 

     Yen (millions)  

Current assets

   83,414  

Non-current assets

   50,558  

Goodwill (not deductible for tax purposes)

   22,620  

Current liabilities

   (61,063 )

Non-current liabilities

   (38,568 )

Minority interests

   (11,997 )

Net assets previously acquired

   (12,444 )

Acquisition cost (including direct acquisition costs)

   (32,520 )

The results of operations of Clarion for the period from December 7, 2006 to March 31, 2007 are included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. On a pro forma basis, revenue, net income and the per share information of the Company, with assumed acquisition dates for Clarion of April 1, 2006 and 2005 would not differ materially from the amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended March 31, 2007 and 2006.

 

  136   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

On May 25, 2004, the Company signed a merger agreement with TOKICO LTD. (TOKICO) and Hitachi Unisia Automotive, Ltd. and, on October 1, 2004, acquired full ownership of TOKICO by exchanging 0.521 of the Company’s treasury stock for each of TOKICO’s common stocks outstanding. Before the transaction, the Company and certain subsidiaries had owned approximately 42% of TOKICO, which had been accounted for under the equity method. The Company and TOKICO obtained third party appraisals of the respective share prices which were used as a basis of negotiation over the share exchange ratio. On October 1, 2004, the Company issued 33,937,141 shares of treasury stock, in the amount of ¥28,134 million calculated by using the quoted market price of ¥829 per share as of the announcement date, March 26, 2004, for the exchange with the TOKICO’s shareholders registered as of September 30, 2004. As a result, ¥12,509 million of gains on stock exchange upon the merger was credited to capital surplus.

TOKICO manufactures automotive components and pneumatic equipment. The Company has strategically targeted the automotive products business and the purpose of the merger with TOKICO is to further expand this business.

The effects of the merger to the Company’s consolidated financial position were not material. On a pro forma basis, revenue, net income and the per share information of the Company would not differ materially from the amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended March 31, 2005.

 

  137   (Continued)


Table of Contents

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(28) Stock Option Plans

The Company and certain subsidiaries have stock option plans. Under the Company’s stock option plans, non-employee directors, executive officers and certain employees have been granted stock options to purchase the Company’s common stock. Under these stock option plans, options were granted at prices not less than market value at the date of grant and are exercisable from one year after the date of grant and expire four years after the date of grant. The Company and certain subsidiaries recognized no material stock-based compensation expense for the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.

The fair value of the Company’s stock options is estimated using the Black-Sholes option pricing model under the following assumptions:

 

     2006    2005

Expected volatility

   37%    40%

Expected dividends

   1.6%    1.5-1.6%

Expected term

   4 years    4 years

Risk-free rate

   1.26%    1.48-1.835%

Grant-date fair value

   ¥172    ¥160-188

During the year ended March 31, 2007, the Company granted no stock option.

A summary of the Company’s stock option plans activity for the year ended March 31, 2007 is as follows:

 

     Stock
options
(shares)
    Weighted-
average
exercised
price
(yen)
  

Weighted-
average
Remaining
contractual
term

(year)

  

Aggregate
intrinsic

value
(yen(millions))

Outstanding at beginning of year

   3,166,000     789      

Exercised

   (276,000 )   616      

Forfeited

   (642,000 )   742      

Expired

   (420,000 )   1,270      
                

Outstanding at end of year

   1,828,000     721    1.6    352
                    

Exercisable at end of year

   1,828,000     721    1.6    352
                    

The exercise prices of the stock options outstanding as of March 31, 2007 are ¥561, ¥782, ¥705 and ¥719.

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was ¥45 million, ¥31 million, ¥70 million, respectively. The total cash received as a result of stock option exercises for the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was ¥170 million, ¥130 million, ¥328 million, respectively.

 

  138   (Continued)


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HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The Compensation Committee decided to cease granting stock options as part of the Company’s compensation policy at the meeting held on March 30, 2006.

 

(29) Subsequent Events

On May 16, 2007, the Board of Directors of the Company decided to sign a formation agreement (FA) with General Electric Company (GE) to establish new companies, based on a November 10, 2006 letter of intent, to create a strategic global alliance with GE for the purpose of strengthening their nuclear businesses, and the Company and GE signed the FA on that day. Based on the FA, the Company and GE will establish new companies to run the nuclear business in the U.S., Canada and Japan and transfer their nuclear businesses. The new Japanese company will be owned 80.01% by the Company and 19.99% by GE and the new U.S. and Canadian companies will be owned 40% by the Company and 60% by GE. On July 1, 2007, the Company will transfer its nuclear business to Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy, the new Japanese company which was initially established in preparation for the alliance.

 

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Schedule II

HITACHI, LTD.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Reserves

Years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

(In millions of yen)

 

    

Balance at

beginning

of period

  

Charged

to

income

  

Bad debts

written

off

   

Balance

at end

of period

Year ended March 31, 2007

          

Allowance for doubtful receivables

   41,610    10,883    (9,018 )   43,475

Year ended March 31, 2006

          

Allowance for doubtful receivables

   40,330    5,480    (4,200 )   41,610

Year ended March 31, 2005

          

Allowance for doubtful receivables

   42,760    4,287    (6,717 )   40,330

 

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ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 19. EXHIBITS

Hitachi has filed the following documents as exhibits to this annual report.

 

1.1    Articles of Incorporation of Hitachi, Ltd., as amended on June 27, 2006 (English Translation)
   (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of Hitachi, Ltd.’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on August 7, 2006 (file no. 001-08320))
1.2    Regulations on Handling Shares, etc. of Hitachi, Ltd., as amended on June 27, 2006 (English Translation)
   (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 of Hitachi, Ltd.’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on August 7, 2006 (file no. 001-08320))
1.3    Board of Directors Regulations of Hitachi, Ltd., as amended on June 27, 2006 (English Translation)
   (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.3 of Hitachi, Ltd.’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on August 7, 2006 (file no. 001-08320))
8.1    List of subsidiaries
   See “Item 4. Information on the Company — C. Organizational Structure.”
11.1    Code of Ethics for Directors and Executive Officers of Hitachi, Ltd. (English Translation)
   (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 11.1 of Hitachi, Ltd.’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on August 26, 2005 (file no. 001-08320)).
12.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer or equivalent pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
12.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer or equivalent pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
13.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer or equivalent pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code
13.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer or equivalent pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code

Hitachi has not included as exhibits certain instruments with respect to its long-term debt. The total amount of long-term debt securities of the Company or its subsidiaries, authorized under any instrument does not exceed 10% of Hitachi’s total assets. Hitachi hereby agrees to furnish to the SEC, upon its request, a copy of any instrument defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Company or of its subsidiaries for which consolidated or unconsolidated financial statements are required to be filed.

 

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SIGNATURES

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

 

    Hitachi, Ltd.
    (Registrant)
        Date: June 26, 2007   By:   /s/ Masahiro Hayashi
    Name: Masahiro Hayashi
    Title:   Executive Vice President and Executive Officer

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

1.1    Articles of Incorporation of Hitachi, Ltd., as amended on June 27, 2006 (English Translation)
   (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of Hitachi, Ltd.’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on August 7, 2006 (file no. 001-08320))
1.2    Regulations on Handling Shares, etc. of Hitachi, Ltd., as amended on June 27, 2006 (English Translation)
   (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 of Hitachi, Ltd.’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on August 7, 2006 (file no. 001-08320))
1.3    Board of Directors Regulations of Hitachi, Ltd., as amended on June 27, 2006 (English Translation)
   (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.3 of Hitachi, Ltd.’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on August 7, 2006 (file no. 001-08320))
8.1    List of subsidiaries
   See “Item 4. Information on the Company — C. Organizational Structure.”
11.1    Code of Ethics for Directors and Executive Officers of Hitachi, Ltd. (English Translation)
   (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 11.1 of Hitachi, Ltd.’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on August 26, 2005 (file no. 001-08320)).
12.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer or equivalent pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
12.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer or equivalent pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
13.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer or equivalent pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code
13.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer or equivalent pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code

 

143