BRIDGE REPORT
(6914)

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Bridge Report:(6914)OPTEX GROUP The second quarter of the fiscal year ending December 2024

ブリッジレポートPDF

 

 

 

Tatsuya Nakajima 

President/CEO

OPTEX GROUP CO., LTD. (6914)

 

 

Company Information 

Market 

TSE Prime Market   

Industry 

Electric equipment (Manufacturer) 

President /CEO

Tatsuya Nakajima 

HQ Address 

4-7-5, Nionohama, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture 

Year-end 

December 

Homepage 

 https://www.optexgroup.co.jp/en/

 

Stock Information 

Share Price

Shares Outstanding (Term end)

Total market cap

ROE Act.

Trading Unit

1,590yen

37,735,784shares

59,999million

11.1%

100shares

DPS Est.

Dividend yield Est.

EPS Est.

PER Est.

BPS Act.

PBR Act.

40.00yen

2.5%

140.56yen

11.3x

1,234.15yen

1.3x

*The share price is the closing price on August 15. DPS and EPS are from the financial results for the second quarter of FY 12/24. ROE and BPS are actual results for the previous term.

 

Earnings Trend 

Fiscal Year

Sales

Operating profit

Ordinary profit

Net profit

EPS

DPS

December 2020 

34,846

2,098

2,176

1,395

38.59

30.00

December 2021 

45,866

4,630

5,130

3,762

104.18

30.00

December 2022 

54,811

6,303

7,042

4,752

133.79

36.00

December 2023 

56,372

5,899

6,258

4,608

129.73

40.00

December 2024 Est. 

61,000

6,600

6,600

5,000

140.56

40.00

Net profit is net profit attributed to parent shareholders. The same applies hereafter. 

 

 

 

This Bridge Report presents OPTEX GROUP’s earnings results for the second quarter of the fiscal year ending December 2024 and so on. 

 

Table of Contents 

Key Points
1. Company Overview
2. 2Q of Fiscal Year Ending December 2024 Earnings Results
3. Fiscal Year Ending December 2024 Earnings Forecasts
4. Conclusion
<Reference 1. Three-year (2024-2026) Management Plan>
<Reference 2: Regarding Corporate Governance>

 

Key Points

  • In the second quarter of the fiscal year ending December 2024, sales and profit increased by double digits, with sales reaching a record high on a half-yearly basis. Sales increased 12.2% year on year to 30.5 billion yen. The SS business was steady for major customers in Japan, while overseas sales were also stable, despite the impact of inflation. The IA business was sluggish, with FA segment sales affected by inventory adjustments in Europe and weak demand for capital investment in China. MVL segment sales were affected, as semiconductor and electronic component sales in Japan were sluggish, while EV-related products performed well. MECT segment sales were stable, with deliveries of secondary battery manufacturing equipment. The foreign exchange made a positive contribution of 2.1 billion yen, mainly in the SS business.

     

  • Operating profit increased 18.1% year on year to 3.1 billion yen. Gross profit margin decreased 1.5 points due to an increase in the percentage of MECT segment sales of IA business, which have a relatively low gross profit margin, and a decrease in the percentage of MVL segment sales, which have a high gross profit margin. Gross profit increased only 8.8% year on year, but SG&A expenses augmented 6.7% year on year, resulting in a double-digit increase in profit. Foreign exchange rates made a positive contribution of 0.8 billion yen on a net basis. Both sales and profit were mostly in line with forecasts.

     

  • There is no change in the earnings forecast. Sales are expected to be 61 billion yen, up 8.2% year on year, and operating profit is forecast to be 6.6 billion yen, up 11.9% year on year. Sales are expected to increase in all segments and businesses, and growth strategies for both the SS and IA businesses will be steadily implemented in preparation for a full-fledged market recovery phase. The company plans to pay a dividend of 40.00 yen/share, unchanged from the previous fiscal year. Payout ratio is expected to be 28.4%.

     

  • The progress rate of the results in the first half toward the full-year forecast is 50.0% for sales and 47.6% for operating profit. Sales were large compared to those in the past few years. Operating profit was relatively steady. Although the FA segment sales of the IA business recorded a year-on-year decrease for seven consecutive quarters, sales increased in the second quarter (April to June) for the first time in eight quarters due to the contributions from Asia and Europe. Inventory adjustments are also progressing, with a focus on whether the recovery trend will continue in the third quarter and beyond.

     

  • In addition, the medium-term management plan calls for an operating profit margin of 11% in 2024 and 12% in 2025, but the operating profit margin in the first half of this year is 10.3%, falling below the plan, even when the contribution of foreign exchange rates is included. Along with further improving profitability in highly profitable areas such as FA and MVL segment in the SS and IA businesses, the company believes that improving profitability in the MECT segment of IA businesses, which have continued to expand, but have low profit margins, is a challenge and we will closely monitor their progress.

     

1. Company Overview

OPTEX GROUP Co., Ltd. is a holding company centered around OPTEX Co., Ltd. that manufactures and sells outdoor sensors (top share of 40% in the global market), automatic door sensors (30% share of the global market and 50% share of the domestic market) and environment-related products. OPTEX GROUP holds subsidiaries including OPTEX FA CO., LTD., which deals with FA related sensing business; CCS Inc., which holds the global top share in the LED lighting business for image processing; Sanritz Automation Co., Ltd., which has a wealth of results in the development, manufacturing and sales of industrial computers, MITSUTEC CO., LTD., which plans, develops, manufactures, and sells image processing, inspection, and measuring equipment and automated machinery and equipment, contributing to the improvement in quality of manufacturing with its advanced technologies (included in the scope of consolidation from the fiscal year ended December 2022), Three Ace Co., Ltd., which specializes in the development of various systems, applications, and digital content; OPTEX MFG Co., Ltd., which is responsible for manufacturing Group products, RAYTEC LIMITED (UK), which has attained the largest global share (about 50 %) for supplemental lights for CCTV; and FIBER SENSYS INC. (US), which deals with optical fiber intrusion detection systems. As of December 31, 2023, the company operates in 95 locations worldwide, including 28 overseas companies. 

 

OPTEX CO., LTD. 

Develops and sells sensors for various uses, such as security sensors and sensors for automatic doors 

OPTEX FA CO., LTD. 

Development and sales of photoelectric sensors, image inspection systems, displacement sensors and measuring instruments 

CCS Inc. 

Development, manufacturing and sales of LED lighting devices, and systems for image processing 

Sanritz Automation Co., Ltd. 

Development, manufacturing, and sales of industrial computers 

MITSUTEC CO., LTD. 

 

Development, manufacturing, and sale of image processing, inspection, and measuring equipment and automated machinery and equipment  

THREE ACE CO., LTD. 

Development of various systems, applications, and digital content 

OPTEX MFG CO., LTD. 

Manufactures products for the Group and provides contract manufacturing service for electronic equipment 

SICK OPTEX CO., LTD. 

Development of general-purpose photoelectric sensors. A joint venture of SICK AG (Germany) and OPTEX FA CO., LTD. 

GIKEN TRASTEM CO., LTD. 

Development, manufacturing, and sales of people counting systems, customer traffic counting/management systems 

ZENIC INC. 

Contracted development of IC and LSI for image processing, and design and sales of FA systems 

O’PAL OPTEX CO., LTD. 

Management of outdoor activities and environmental hands-on learning programs 

FIBER SENSYS INC. (US) 

Development, manufacturing, and sales of fiber-optic intrusion detection systems 

FARSIGHT SECURITY SERVICES LTD. (UK) 

Security company providing remote video surveillance services 

RAYTEC LIMITED (UK) 

Development, manufacturing, and sales of supplemental lighting for surveillance cameras 

GARDASOFT VISION LIMITED (UK) 

Development, manufacturing, and sale of LED lighting controllers for machine vision 

 

1-1 Corporate History 

In May 1979, Mr. Toru Kobayashi (former director and advisor), who was developing security sensors in a manufacturer of anti-crime devices in Kyoto, established OPTEX Co., Ltd. with the spirit of the endeavor to “make their products recognized in the world as much as possible.” 
In November 1979, the company developed “the world’s first far-infrared sensor for automatic doors.” Around that time, pressure-sensitive rubber mats were used for automatic doors, and an automatic door sensor that utilizes far-infrared light was epoch-making. OPTEX was unrivaled in maintenance and installation services and seized the largest share in the market of automatic door sensors in the third year after inauguration (currently occupying about 50% of the Japanese market). 
Since then, the company has developed a wide array of products for security, automatic doors, and industrial equipment with its unique ideas and technologies that embodies them. 

 

In the 1980s, the company entered overseas markets. While it had been considered impossible to set a far-infrared sensor outdoors because external factors, such as light, would cause errors, the company developed the outdoor far-infrared sensor “VX-40” with its original technology, and that sensor was highly evaluated mainly in the European market, and occupied the largest share in the global market of outdoor intrusion detection sensors. 
Through business expansion, the company became an over-the-counter company (equivalent to being listed in the JASDAQ market) in 1991. Then, it was listed in the second section of Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) in 2001, and in the first section of TSE in 2003. In April 2022, the company was listed on the Prime Market following the restructuring of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. 
 
Recently, the company has been strengthening solutions based on image processing technologies and high-end security systems. In 2008, it reorganized ZENIC INC., which undertakes the development of ICs and LSI for image processing, etc., into a subsidiary. In 2010, it acquired FIBER SENSYS INC. (US), which has plenty of experience handling high-end security systems (optical fiber intrusion detection systems) for important facilities in Europe and the U.S., as a subsidiary. In 2012, it acquired RAYTEC LIMITED (UK), which handles supplemental lighting for cameras of high-end security systems for important large-scale facilities, as a subsidiary.  
In May 2016, it acquired CCS Inc., which has the world’s largest share in the market of LED lighting for image processing, as a subsidiary, and transformed it into a 100% subsidiary in July 2018. 
With the aim of adopting next-generation business administration and pursuing group synergy, it shifted to the holding company system on January 1, 2017.  
 
In December 2020, the company acquired Sanritz Automation Co., Ltd., which has an abundance of experience in developing, manufacturing, and selling industrial computer systems, as a subsidiary. Furthermore, the company made MITSUTEC CO., LTD. into a subsidiary in November 2021. MITSUTEC CO., LTD. is a company that plans, develops, manufactures, and sells image processing inspection / measuring equipment and automated machinery and equipment. The company is promoting a three-year medium-term management plan (2024-26), and part of the measures to achieve this plan is business model transformation and strengthening its ability to propose solutions to achieve further growth as a leading company in the global niche market. 

 

1-2 Business Description 

The Company’s business is composed of its main SS business (security sensor segment and automatic door sensor segment), sensors for industrial machinery, LED lighting device and system for image processing, the “IA Business” which works towards the automation, labor saving, and optimization of the production line using industrial computers, “EMS business,” which was included in the SS business up until the previous term and provides contract manufacturing services for electronic equipment in China, and “Other business”, which operates programs for outdoor activities and experiencing and learning of the environment and develops apps and digital content.
In the SS business, “Social & Environment,” which was previously included in “Security” and “Other,” has become quantitatively more important, and is therefore listed as “Social & Environment” from the first quarter of the fiscal year ending December 2024.

 

Segment

Business Description

SS* Business 

Security Sensor segment 

Main products include various indoor and outdoor sensors, wireless security systems and LED lighting control systems, etc. For outdoor sensors, the company has the leading share in the global market.

Automatic Door Sensor segment 

The company developed the world’s first automatic door sensor using infrared rays. 

Main products are automatic door opening/closing sensors, shutter sensors for factories, wireless touch switches, customer counting system, etc.

Social & Environment segment 

The company develops and sells vehicle detection sensors that manage vehicle stock and check occupancy, water quality measurement sensors that automate everything from water quality measurement to data management and improve the efficiency of water quality monitoring and preventive maintenance, and image processing-related products.

IA* Business 

FA* segment 

Main products include photoelectric sensors used for quality control and automation of production lines, displacement sensors, image sensors, LED lights, etc. In Japan, these products are provided to a wide range of industries such as food or pharmaceutical for quality control of production lines. In Europe, its products on an OEM basis through its technological partner SICK AG (Germany) that has the largest share in industrial sensor market. Also, its house-brand products have been launched in Asia and North America. 

MVL* segment 

The company has a significant share in the LED lighting business for image processing. The company offers solutions using the natural light LED developed by the company, which boasts the best color rendering property in the field. 

IPC* segment 

The company has shown great results in the development, manufacturing, and sale of industrial computers. Specializes in the development of devices and systems that require both “hardware” and “software” of industrial built-in computers. 

MECT* segment  

The company possesses advanced mechatronics technologies, such as high-speed and high-precision filling and high-speed conveyance technologies and provides high-quality automation equipment that meets strict requirements. Regarding image processing inspection and measurement equipment, the company has built an image processing inspection system for dealing with customers' issues. 

EMS* Business 

Contract manufacturing services for electronic equipment, developed at a factory in China. 

Others 

Operating outdoor activities and environmental hands-on learning programs and development of applications and digital content. 

*SS:Sensing Solution、IA:Industrial Automation、FA:Factory Automation、MVL:Machine Vision Lighting、IPC:Industrial PC 、MECT:Mechatronics、EMS:Electronics Manufacturing Service。

 

1-3 Advantages: Diversified Technologies/Expertise on Sensing and Unique Sensing Algorithm 

To produce stable and reliable sensors, it is essential to build on a number of elemental technologies and expertise, as well as “algorithms” to control physical changes. The company takes advantage of its technologies/expertise suitable for intended applications and its unique sensing algorithm to secure the largest share in the global market. 

 

Noise abatement technology 

・Hardware design to minimize various noises 

・Conduct a number of environmental assessments based on its own standard, and launch products that passed the assessments 

Sophisticated optical design 

・Make use of optical simulation to achieve high-density areas eliminating blind spots 

・Packaging technologies to enable downsizing 

Compliant to public standards for reliability 

・Adapted and compliant to any global standards 

・Adapted and compliant to industry standards and guidelines 

(CE marking, EN standard [TUV certified], ANSI, JIS, etc.) 

Environment friendly design 

・By identifying 15 restricted-use materials and 10 self-control materials, the company succeeded in excluding toxic substances in all products  

・Compliant to RoHS directive, lead-free solder alloy 

・Design to minimize the effect from CO2 when in use 

Secure & safe control 

・Adopt self-diagnosis functions in emergency or in failure to prevent system outage, and fail-safe devices for sensors 

・Propose preventive maintenance measures to maintain functions 

Unique sensing algorithm 

・Unique algorithm to eliminate the impact of noise ineliminable by hardware, detect, scan and analyze only the intended events 

・Various automatic correction functions to maintain performance in the field 

High market share 

The company has a high share in unique products with their motto, “global niche No. 1.” 

Outdoor intrusion detection sensors: 40% 

Sensors for automatic doors: 30% 

LED lighting for image inspections: 30% 

 

1-4 ROE analysis 

 

FY 12/14 

FY 12/15 

FY 12/16 

FY 12/17 

FY 12/18 

FY 12/19 

FY 12/20 

FY 12/21 

FY 12/22 

FY 12/23 

ROE (%) 

8.6

8.7

7.4

12.6

12.3

6.8

4.3

11.2

12.8

11.1

Net Profit Margin (%) 

7.39

7.38

5.83

9.03

9.41

5.86

4.00

8.20

8.67

8.17

Asset turnover (times) 

0.89

0.91

0.91

0.95

0.95

0.86

0.76

0.87

0.91

0.86

Leverage (times) 

1.31

1.30

1.41

1.48

1.38

1.35

1.41

1.56

1.63

1.57

 

The ROE for the fiscal year ended December 2023 was 11.1%, indicating that the company recorded a double-digit ROE for the third consecutive year. It is aiming for an operating profit margin of 15% or more in its Mid-term and Long-term Management Plan. Under this aim, it will promote cost efficiencies and a transformation from selling products to selling solutions with the aim of reliably improving its ROE and maintaining it to at least 10%. 

 

1-5 Efforts on Sustainability

The company believes that building a relationship of trust with a wide range of stakeholders is essential for improving corporate value and has posted “sustainability information”(https://www.optexgroup.co.jp/esg/)on its website to further enhance sustainability information disclosure. In addition, Published the ESG Bridge Report through Investment Bridge Inc. 
The company identify the materiality for sustainable growth for the first time and mention the challenges and initiatives for the future in the report. 
Posted on June 6, 2023. 
https://www.bridge-salon.jp/report_bridge/archives/eng/6914/20230620.html

 

2. 2Q of Fiscal Year Ending December 2024 Earnings Results

2-1 Business Results 

 

2Q of FY 12/23

Ratio to sales

2Q of FY 12/24

Ratio to sales 

YoY 

Forecast ratio

Sales 

27,197

100.0%

30,519

100.0%

+12.2%

-0.3%

Gross profit 

13,926

51.2%

15,157

49.7%

+8.8%

-

SG&A 

11,266

41.4%

12,017

39.4%

+6.7%

-

Operating profit 

2,659

9.8%

3,139

10.3%

+18.1%

-1.9%

Ordinary profit 

2,931

10.8%

3,619

11.9%

+23.5%

+13.1%

Net Profit 

1,985

7.3%

2,528

8.3%

+27.4%

+5.3%

 *Unit: million yen. The net profit is the profit attributable to owners of the parent company. The same shall apply hereinafter.

 

Sales and profit increased by double digits, with sales reaching a record high on a half-yearly basis.
Sales increased 12.2% year on year to 30.5 billion yen, with sales reaching a record high on a half-yearly basis. The SS business was steady for major customers in Japan, while overseas sales were also stable, despite the impact of inflation. The IA business was sluggish, with FA segment sales affected by inventory adjustments in Europe and weak demand for capital investment in China. MVL segment sales were affected, as semiconductor and electronic component sales in Japan were sluggish, while EV-related products performed well. MECT segment sales were stable, with deliveries of secondary battery manufacturing equipment. The foreign exchange made a positive contribution of 2.1 billion yen, mainly in the SS business.
Operating profit increased 18.1% year on year to 3.1 billion yen. Gross profit margin decreased 1.5 points due to an increase in the percentage of MECT segment sales of IA business, which have a relatively low gross profit margin, and a decrease in the percentage of MVL segment sales, which have a high gross profit margin. Gross profit increased only 8.8% year on year, but SG&A expenses augmented 6.7% year on year, resulting in a double-digit increase in profit. Foreign exchange rates made a positive contribution of 0.8 billion yen on a net basis.
Ordinary profit increased 23.5% year on year, mainly due to an increase of 0.3 billion yen year on year in foreign exchange gain.
Both sales and profit were mostly in line with forecasts.

 

◎Trends in each quarter 

 

On a quarterly basis, sales and profit increased year on year, but decreased quarter on quarter (from the first quarter of the fiscal year ending December 2024).

 

2-2 Regional trends 

 

2Q of FY 12/23

Ratio to sales

2Q of FY 12/24

Ratio to sales 

YoY 

Forecast ratio

Consolidated Sales 

27,197

100.0%

30,519

100.0%

+12.2%

-0.3%

Domestic 

11,811

43.4%

14,179

46.5%

+20.0%

-4.7%

Overseas 

15,386

56.6%

16,340

53.5%

+6.2%

+3.9%

 America 

3,665

13.5%

4,318

14.1%

+17.8%

+12.2%

 Europe 

8,344

30.7%

8,578

28.1%

+2.8%

+3.2%

 Asia 

3,377

12.4%

3,444

11.3%

+2.0%

-3.4%

*Unit: million yen.

 

Domestically, the SS business is performing well. Overseas, sales increased in the Americas and Europe, but decreased in Asia due to sluggish capital investment in China.

 

◎Average exchange rate 

 

2Q of FY 12/23 

2Q of FY 12/24 

USD 

¥134.85

¥152.25

EURO 

¥145.79

¥164.60

 

2-3 Earnings by Segment 

①Trends in each segment 

 

2Q of FY 12/23 

Composition

ratio

2Q of FY 12/24

Composition ratio

YoY 

Forecast ratio

SS Business 

12,096

44.5%

13,840

45.3%

+14.4%

+10.3%

IA Business 

14,448

53.1%

15,920

52.2%

+10.2%

-7.1%

EMS Business 

363

1.3%

485

1.6%

+33.6%

-21.1%

Others 

288

1.1%

272

0.9%

-5.6%

-11.4%

Consolidated Sales 

27,197

100.0%

30,519

100.0%

+12.2%

-0.3%

SS Business 

1,263

10.4%

2,037

14.7%

+61.3%

-

IA Business 

1,384

9.6%

1,435

9.0%

+3.7%

-

EMS Business 

272

74.9%

-276

-

-

-

Others 

2

0.7%

5

1.8%

+150.0%

-

Adjustments 

-263

-

-61

-

-

-

Consolidated Operating profit 

2,659

9.8%

3,139

10.3%

+18.1%

-

*Unit: million yen. Composition ratio of operating profit refers to sales profit margin.

 

②Trends in each segment and region 

 

2Q of FY 12/23 

Composition

ratio

2Q of FY 12/24

Composition ratio

YoY 

Forecast ratio

SS: Security 

7,828

100.0%

9,113

100.0%

+16.4%

+12.0%

Japan 

1,001

12.8%

1,032

11.3%

+3.1%

-10.0%

AMERICAs 

1,597

20.4%

1,777

19.5%

+11.3%

+8.8%

EMEA 

4,663

59.6%

5,734

62.9%

+23.0%

+22.8%

Asia, Oceania 

567

7.2%

570

6.3%

+0.5%

-17.2%

SS: Automatic door 

3,244

100.0%

3,506

100.0%

+8.1%

+5.7%

Japan 

1,721

53.1%

1,759

50.2%

+2.2%

+6.5%

AMERICAs 

855

26.4%

996

28.4%

+16.5%

+3.9%

EMEA 

578

17.8%

653

18.6%

+13.0%

+7.4%

Asia, Oceania 

90

2.8%

98

2.8%

+8.9%

+1.0%

Social & Environment

1,024

100.0%

1,221

100.0%

+19.2%

+11.4%

Japan 

642

62.7%

658

53.9%

+2.5%

+2.3%

AMERICAs 

254

24.8%

401

32.8%

+57.9%

+36.9%

EMEA 

46

4.5%

84

6.9%

+82.6%

+37.7%

Asia, Oceania 

82

8.0%

78

6.4%

-4.9%

-21.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IA: FA 

5,166

100.0%

4,011

100.0%

-22.4%

-17.5%

Japan 

2,003

49.2%

2,140

49.7%

+6.8%

-0.1%

AMERICAs 

103

25.9%

105

25.2%

+1.9%

-10.3%

EMEA 

1,616

21.9%

658

21.8%

-59.3%

-45.1%

Asia, Oceania 

1,444

2.9%

1,108

3.2%

-23.3%

-21.2%

IA: MVL 

6,718

100.0%

7,078

100.0%

+5.4%

+0.1%

Japan 

3,430

51.1%

3,316

46.8%

-3.3%

-6.3%

AMERICAs 

851

12.7%

1,032

14.6%

+21.3%

+25.2%

EMEA 

1,441

21.4%

1,449

20.5%

+0.6%

-18.3%

Asia, Oceania 

996

14.8%

1,281

18.1%

+28.6%

+36.9%

IA: IPC 

2,023

100.0%

2,500

100.0%

+23.6%

+6.7%

Japan 

2,019

99.8%

2,493

99.7%

+23.5%

+7.4%

AMERICAs 

4

0.2%

7

0.3%

+75.0%

-65.0%

IA: MECT 

542

100.0%

2,332

100.0%

+330.3%

-18.2%

Japan 

536

98.9%

2,277

97.6%

+324.8%

-20.1%

EMEA 

0

-

0

-

-

-

Asia, Oceania 

6

1.1%

55

2.4%

+816.7%

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EMS 

363

100.0%

485

100.0%

+33.6%

-21.1%

Japan 

170

46.8%

231

47.6%

+35.9%

-15.7%

AMERICAs 

1

0.3%

0

0.0%

-100.0%

-

Asia, Oceania  

192

52.9%

254

52.4%

+32.3%

-25.5%

*Unit: million yen. In the SS business, “Social & Environment,” which was previously included in “Security” and “Other,” has become quantitatively more important and is therefore listed as “Social & Environment " from the first quarter of the fiscal year ending December 2024. In addition, due to the reclassification of the Customer Counting System segment of the SS Business (formerly part of "Others") into the SS Business (Automatic Door Related), the actual figures in the fiscal year 2023 were revised.

 

◎SS Business 
(Security sensor segment)
<Highlights of performance in 2Q of FY 12/24>

*Japan 

Sales decreased year on year and quarter on quarter. The number of prospective projects for important large-scale facilities increased due to the direct marketing strategy.

*AMERICAs

Sales increased year on year and quarter on quarter. Sales of laser scan sensors for data centers and other important facilities were strong.

*EMEA

Sales increased year on year, but decreased quarter on quarter. The number of prospective projects for important large-scale facilities increased due to the direct marketing strategy. Sales of sensors with cameras for residential use were solid, as the development of new sales channels progressed.

* Asia・Oceania 

Sales increased year on year and quarter on quarter. Sales of outdoor security sensors to China and Southeast Asia were sluggish.

 

(From the company release)

 

(Automatic door sensor segment)
<Highlights of performance in 2Q of FY 12/24>

*Japan 

Sales increased year on year, but decreased quarter on quarter. Sales of both automatic door and industrial door sensors were unchanged from the previous year.

*AMERICAs

Sales increased year on year and quarter on quarter. Sales of both automatic door sensors and industrial door sensors were strong.

*EMEA

Sales increased year on year, but decreased quarter on quarter. Sales to major automatic door manufacturers remained unchanged from the previous year.

The sales structure has been strengthened in Europe, centered on the newly established base in Germany.

 

(From the company release)

 

(Social & Environment)
<Highlights of performance in 2Q of FY 12/24>

*Japan 

Sales decreased year on year and remained unchanged quarter on quarter. Sales of occupancy management systems (vehicle detection sensors and occupancy display systems) for parking facilities remained steady.

Sales of water quality sensors and data management services were strong.

*AMERICAs

Sales increased year on year and quarter on quarter. Sales of vehicle detection sensors for use in opening and closing parking lot gates were steady.

 

(From the company release)

 

◎IA Business 
(FA segment)
<Highlights of performance in 2Q of FY 12/24>

*Japan 

Sales increased year on year, but decreased quarter on quarter. Sales of products for electronic components and semiconductor-related products were strong due to the end of inventory adjustments by customers.

*EMEA

Sales decreased year on year, but increased quarter on quarter. Sales of general-purpose and displacement sensors were sluggish as major customers adjusted inventory as they restrained capital investment.

* Asia・Oceania 

Sales decreased year on year, but increased quarter on quarter. Sales of displacement sensors were sluggish due to the continued impact of weak demand for capital investment in China.

 

(From the company release)

 

(MVL segment)
<Highlights of performance in 2Q of FY 12/24>

*Japan 

Sales decreased year on year and quarter on quarter. While sales to EV-related industries increased, sales to semiconductor/electronic component-related industries were sluggish.

*AMERICAs

Sales increased year on year and quarter on quarter. Although sales of semiconductor/electronic component-related products were sluggish, sales of products made by the French subsidiary were strong in the logistics industry, and foreign exchange rates, too, contributed.

*EMEA

Sales increased year on year and quarter on quarter. Although sales of semiconductor/electronic component-related products were sluggish, sales of products made by the French subsidiary were strong in the logistics industry. The foreign exchange rates, too, contributed.

* Asia・Oceania 

Sales increased year on year and quarter on quarter. Sales of new products in the semiconductor industry were firm in China and Southeast Asia.

 

(From the company release)

 

(IPC segment)
<Highlights of performance in 2Q of FY 12/24>

*Japan 

Sales increased year on year and quarter on quarter. Sales of products for semiconductor manufacturing equipment and medical equipment were strong. Orders were smoothly processed.

 

(From the company release)

 

(MECT segment)
<Highlights of performance in 2Q of FY 12/24>

*Japan 

Sales increased year on year, but decreased quarter on quarter. Deliveries of secondary battery manufacturing equipment progressed smoothly.

 

(From the company release)

 

2-4 Financial Conditions and Cash Flow

◎Main BS

 

End of Dec. 2023

End of June 2024

Increase/ decrease

 

End of Dec. 2023

End of June 2024

Increase/ decrease

Current Assets

52,635

55,920

+3,285

Current liabilities

15,710

16,419

+709

Cash

17,119

20,557

+3,438

Payables

2,792

2,611

-181

Receivables

12,112

12,440

+328

ST Interest Bearing Liabilities

6,713

7,745

+1,032

Inventories

20,854

21,075

+221

Noncurrent liabilities

7,145

6,418

-727

Noncurrent Assets

14,491

14,937

+446

LT Interest Bearing Liabilities

3,931

3,146

-785

Tangible Assets

7,807

8,073

+266

Net defined benefit liabilities

1,528

1,514

-14

Intangible Assets

2,377

2,243

-134

Liabilities

22,855

22,838

-17

Investment, Others

4,306

4,619

+313

Net Assets

44,271

48,020

+3,749

Total assets

67,127

70,858

+3,731

Total Liabilities and Net Assets

67,127

70,858

+3,731

*Unit: million yen

 

Total assets increased 3.7 billion yen from the end of the previous fiscal year to 70.8 billion yen due to an increase in cash and other factors. Total liabilities stood at 22.8 billion yen, at the same level as the end of the previous fiscal year. Net assets increased 3.7 billion yen from the end of the previous fiscal year to 48 billion yen due to an increase in retained earnings and foreign currency translation adjustment.
Equity ratio increased 2.0 points from the end of the previous term to 67.3%.

 

◎Cash Flow

 

2Q of FY 12/23

2Q of FY 12/24

Increase/Decrease

Operating cash flow

362

3,286

+2,924

Investing cash flow

-346

-318

+28

Free cash flow

16

2,968

+2,952

Financing cash flow

-1,292

-667

+625

Cash and equivalent

16,856

20,557

+3,701

*Unit: million yen

 

The surpluses of operating CF and free CF increased due to an increase in interim net income before taxes and other adjustments. The cash position has increased.

 

3. Fiscal Year Ending December 2024 Earnings Forecasts

3-1 Earnings forecast

 

FY 12/23

Ratio to sales

FY 12/24 Est.

Ratio to sales

YoY

Rate of Progress

Sales

56,372

100.0%

61,000

100.0%

+8.2%

50.0%

Operating Profit

5,899

10.5%

6,600

10.8%

+11.9%

47.6%

Ordinary Profit

6,258

11.1%

6,600

10.8%

+5.5%

54.8%

Net Profit

4,608

8.2%

5,000

8.2%

+8.5%

50.6%

*Unit: million yen

 

There is no change in the earnings forecast with increased sales and profit. The company aims to achieve record-high sales and
operating profit.
There is no change in the earnings forecast. Sales are expected to be 61 billion yen, up 8.2% year on year, and operating profit is forecast to be 6.6 billion yen, up 11.9% year on year.
Sales are expected to increase in all segments and businesses, and growth strategies for both the SS and IA businesses will be steadily implemented in preparation for a full-fledged market recovery phase.
To improve profitability, the company will work to improve the gross profit margin in the IA business (IPC segment, MECT segment) in addition to further improving profitability in the SS business and the IA business (FA segment, MVL segment).
The company plans to pay a dividend of 40.00 yen/share, unchanged from the previous fiscal year. Payout ratio is expected to be 28.4%.

 

◎Regional trends

 

FY 12/23

Composition ratio

FY 12/24 Est.

Composition ratio

YoY

Rate of Progress

Consolidated sales

56,372

100.0%

61,000

100.0%

+8.2%

50.0%

Domestic

25,926

46.0%

29,142

47.8%

+12.4%

48.7%

Overseas

30,446

54.0%

31,858

52.2%

+4.6%

51.3%

 AMERICAs

7,968

14.1%

7,768

12.7%

-2.5%

55.6%

 Europe

15,908

28.2%

16,850

27.6%

+5.9%

50.9%

 Asia

6,570

11.7%

7,240

11.9%

+10.2%

47.6%

*Unit: million yen. Colored boxes for company-wide revenue growth rate of +8.2% or more.

 

3-2 Trends in each segment

Sales of each segment

 

FY 12/23

Composition ratio

FY 12/24 Est.

Composition ratio

YoY

Rate of Progress

SS Business

25,197

44.7%

25,918

42.5%

+2.9%

53.4%

IA Business

29,741

52.8%

33,227

54.5%

+11.7%

47.9%

EMS Business

846

1.5%

1,221

2.0%

+44.3%

39.7%

Others

586

1.0%

634

1.0%

+8.2%

42.9%

Consolidated sales

56,372

100.0%

61,000

100.0%

+8.2%

50.0%

*Unit: million yen. Colored boxes for company-wide revenue growth rate of +8.2% or more.

 

The recognized environment surrounding each business is as follows:
◎ SS Business
* Security sensor segment
High inflation and interest rates will continue to cause uncertainty in the European and U.S. markets, which are major markets for the company. Inventory is steadily decreasing. The company aims to increase solution sales by implementing a direct marketing strategy.

 

* Automatic door sensor segment
Due to the impact of inflation and high interest rates, some new projects are being postponed both in Japan and overseas. The company will meet the solid demand for upgrade in Japan and promote new products in North America.

 

◎ IA Business
* FA segment
In Japan, food and semiconductor-related demand is expected to remain firm. In Europe and China, the curtailment of capital investment and inventory adjustment will continue. The company will focus on finding potential demand for automation and labor saving.
Regarding the IO link, which realizes IoT in factories, the number of sensors used is steadily increasing, and profitability is good.

 

* MVL segment
Solid demand for capital investment in the EV-related industries will continue. Solution sales are expected to expand in Japan and overseas through the increase of proposals by actively holding private exhibitions and so on.

 

* IPC segment
The market for semiconductor production equipment is expected to recover from its decline, and industrial PC sales are expected to remain strong.

 

* MECT segment
Demand for secondary battery manufacturing equipment will increase against the backdrop of the accelerating spread of EVs, and sales will remain firm. In the second half of the fiscal year, the company has received orders and are preparing for production and delivery on time.

 

②Trends in each segment and region

 

FY 12/23

Composition ratio

FY 12/24 Est.

Composition ratio

YoY

Progress rate toward the full-year forecast

SS: Security

16,456

100.0%

16,770

100.0%

+1.9%

54.3%

Japan

2,558

15.5%

2,514

15.0%

-1.7%

41.1%

AMERICAs

3,341

20.3%

3,388

20.2%

+1.4%

52.4%

EMEA

9,215

56.0%

9,428

56.2%

+2.3%

60.8%

Asia, Oceania

1,342

8.2%

1,440

8.6%

+7.3%

39.6%

SS: Automatic door

6,576

100.0%

6,776

100.0%

+3.0%

51.7%

Japan

3,454

52.5%

3,462

51.1%

+0.2%

50.8%

AMERICAs

1,794

27.3%

1,883

27.8%

+5.0%

52.9%

EMEA

1,139

17.3%

1,210

17.9%

+6.2%

54.0%

Asia, Oceania

189

2.9%

221

3.3%

+16.9%

44.3%

Social & Environment

2,166

100.0%

2,372

100.0%

+9.5%

51.5%

Japan 

1,318

60.8%

1,401

59.1%

+6.3%

47.0%

AMERICAs 

566

26.1%

611

25.8%

+8.0%

65.6%

EMEA 

91

4.2%

136

5.7%

+49.5%

61.8%

Asia, Oceania 

191

8.8%

224

9.4%

+17.3%

34.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IA:FA

9,508

100.0%

9,890

100.0%

+4.0%

40.6%

Japan

4,122

49.2%

4,415

49.7%

+7.1%

48.5%

AMERICAs

196

25.9%

253

25.2%

+29.1%

41.5%

EMEA

2,709

21.9%

2,425

21.8%

-10.5%

27.1%

Asia, Oceania

2,481

2.9%

2,797

3.2%

+12.7%

39.6%

IA:MVL

13,693

100.0%

14,539

100.0%

+6.2%

48.7%

Japan

7,021

51.3%

7,373

50.7%

+5.0%

45.0%

AMERICAs

2,055

15.0%

1,610

11.1%

-21.7%

64.1%

EMEA

2,754

20.1%

3,651

25.1%

+32.6%

39.7%

Asia, Oceania

1,863

13.6%

1,905

13.1%

+2.3%

67.2%

IA:IPC

4,401

100.0%

4,471

100.0%

+1.6%

55.9%

Japan

4,386

99.7%

4,448

99.5%

+1.4%

56.0%

AMERICAs

15

0.3%

23

0.5%

+53.3%

30.4%

IA:MECT

2,139

100.0%

4,327

100.0%

+102.3%

53.9%

Japan

2,116

98.9%

4,327

100.0%

+104.5%

52.6%

EMEA

0

-

0

-

-

-

Asia, Oceania

23

1.1%

0

0.0%

-100.0%

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EMS

846

100.0%

1,221

100.0%

+44.3%

39.7%

Japan

364

43.0%

568

46.5%

+56.0%

40.7%

AMERICAs

1

0.1%

0

0.0%

-100.0%

-

Asia, Oceania

481

56.9%

653

53.5%

+35.8%

38.9%

*Unit: million yen. Colored boxes for company-wide revenue growth rate of +8.2% or more.

 

 

4. Conclusion

The progress rate toward the full-year forecast is 50.0% for sales and 47.6% for operating profit. Sales were large compared to those in the past few years. Operating profit was relatively steady. Although the FA segment sales of the IA business recorded a year-on-year decrease for seven consecutive quarters, sales increased in the second quarter (April to June) for the first time in eight quarters due to the contributions from Asia and Europe. Inventory adjustments are also progressing, with a focus on whether the recovery trend will continue in the third quarter and beyond.
In addition, the medium-term management plan calls for an operating profit margin of 11% in 2024 and 12% in 2025, but the operating profit margin in the first half of this year is 10.3%, falling below the plan, even when the contribution of foreign exchange rates is included. Along with further improving profitability in highly profitable areas such as FA and MVL segment in the SS and IA businesses, the company believes that improving profitability in the MECT segment of IA businesses, which have continued to expand, but have low profit margins, is a challenge and we will closely monitor their progress.

 

 

 

<Reference 1. Three-year (2024-2026) Management Plan>

1 Overview and Targets

In the fiscal year ended December 2023, both sales and operating profit fell below the revised forecasts due to a temporary slowdown in the IA business caused by the sluggish Chinese economy.
In the fiscal year ending December 2024, the company aims to increase operating profit by re-strengthening sales of highly profitable products.
The company has set management targets of sales growth of 10%, an operating profit margin of 15% or higher, and an ROE of 10% or higher, and in the fiscal year ending December 2026, it aims to achieve sales of 75 billion yen, an operating profit of 10 billion yen, and an operating profit margin of 13.3%, accelerating its shift to a solution proposal business.

(From the company release)

 

2 Main Business Initiatives

(1) SS business
Security sensor segment
The company will further enhance image verification solutions, an area of its forte, and aggressively invest in business offices and facilities.
It will also continue to focus on direct marketing to cultivate existing markets and develop new markets.

 

Automatic door sensor segment
The company will expand its market share in Europe and the U.S. by developing new products and aggressive investment.
Additionally, it will develop the market further through remote monitoring services and “OMNICITY,” a service that creates new customer experiences through the effective use of automatic entrance doors.

 

(2)IA Business
①FA segmentLike the SS business, the company will expand the number of customers by developing direct consulting and marketing activities to meet on-site needs and reflect them in product planning.
Moreover, as a strategy for shifting from single-product sales to solution sales, the company is focusing on providing solutions centered on the "IO-Link master, " which is a communication technology that enables the two-way exchange of various data between sensors and higher-level control systems.

 

②MVL segment
In addition to MV lighting, the company has procured power supplies, cameras, lenses, etc., from cooperating manufacturers and provides them as a system that is developed in the testing rooms to meticulously meet customer needs. In recent years, it has expanded its field to include AI and robots and has set up an AI lab and a robotics room in collaboration with external manufacturers and vendors with the aim of "evolving into a total solution vendor in the inspection process."
The company provides solutions that “make the invisible visible and the impossible possible.”

 

③IPC segment
The company will establish a stable supply system for industrial PCs for semiconductor manufacturing equipment, which are selling steadily.
It aims to develop new businesses such as monitoring systems and wireless visualization systems.

 

④MECT segment
The company will establish a stable supply system for secondary battery manufacturing equipment, which is selling steadily.
It will also develop new businesses, such as visual inspection solutions.

 

3 Growth Vision

Under the group's corporate philosophy of “We aim to become a corporate group full of Venture Spirit,” the company has positioned “business model transformation” as the core of its growth strategy and is shifting from conventional individual product sales to comprehensive solution sales in all of its businesses.

 

(From the company release)

 

 

 

<Reference2: Regarding Corporate Governance>

◎Organization type, and the composition of directors and auditors

Organization type

Company with audit and supervisory committee

Directors

8 directors, including 4 outside ones

 

◎Corporate Governance Report
The latest revision date: August 9, 2024

 

<Fundamental concept>
As the Group, we recognize that it is our greatest mission to continuously improve corporate value while earning the trust of our shareholders, investors, customers, and society. To practice it, we consider enhancement of the corporate governance as one of important management tasks and aim to improve the transparency of management, maintain management systems accompanying fair and prompt decision making and strengthen management monitoring function.

 

<Reasons for Non-compliance with the Principles of the Corporate Governance Code>
The company implements all of the principles of the Corporate Governance Code.

 

<Disclosure Based on the Principles of the Corporate Governance Code (Excerpts)>
[Principle 1-4. Cross-shareholdings]
The Company acquires and possesses cross-shareholdings upon deliberations and a resolution by the Board of Directors only when it is determined that it will contribute to strengthening business relationships and increasing corporate value in the Group’s business strategy. In addition, the Board of Directors verifies the significance of the shares we held every year. If it determines that the reasonable value sought is poor, we will strive to sell and reduce that holding in consideration of market trends and other factors.

 

Cross-shareholdings held by the Company at present: 55 million yen in one company (Amount on the balance sheet for December 31, 2023)

 

The Company makes a comprehensive judgement to determine the advisability of exercising the voting rights for the shares we hold. We individually examine this based on whether doing so will contribute to the sustainable growth and improvement of mid- to long-term corporate value improvement of that company and whether doing so will significantly harm shareholder value.

 

[Supplementary Principle 2-4-1. Ensuring Diversity in the Promotion of Core Personnel]
The concept of our corporate group since the business start-up has been "a desire to be a company in which self-actualization is possible for employees with the company serving as the stage for that." Under this desire, we have focused on creating an environment so that employees themselves can make the stages of their lives full of changes and inspiration without discriminating between men and women, nationalities, and between new employees fresh out of college and mid-career hires.
The status of employees of our domestic group companies (12 companies including our company) is as follows.

 

- Male / female rati Male: Female = 77%: 23%
- Ratio of mid-career hires: 60%
- Ratio of foreign employees: 1%
- Male-female ratio of managers: Male: Female = 96%: 4%
- Ratio of mid-career hires among managers: 71%

 

As mentioned above, due to the characteristics of the Group's business areas and business content, there are potentially few female and foreign employees, and their percentage among managers is not high at present.
On the other hand, more than 70% of mid-career hires have been promoted to managerial positions showing that we recognize that diverse human resources with various experiences and skills shall occupy the core of management.
In addition, our corporate group has consolidated subsidiaries worldwide. Thus, we believe that we have sufficiently ensured the diversity of our corporate group as a whole, including these subsidiaries.
We will consider the features of each operating company in each business area and continue to actively promote and review the environment to fully demonstrate the capabilities of each employee to secure more diversity of employees.

 

[Supplementary Principle 3-1-3. Sustainability Initiatives]
・To strengthen relationships with all stakeholders and contribute to the sustainable growth of society.
・To aim to achieve recycling-oriented business management through the supply of environmentally friendly products.
・To aim for sustainable growth and development of group companies through improved employee engagement.
These are the basic policies for sustainability. Since its founding, the OPTEX GROUP has developed its business, intending to contribute to “a safe, worry-free and convenient” society and industry by making full use of its expertise in sensing technology, aiming to become the “No. 1 Global Niche” sensor manufacturer under the key concept of engaging in the task of eliminating the “un” from unease, the “in” from inconvenient, and the “dis” from dissatisfying that exist in the world (the Futoru (eliminating negatives) Business).
The company will continue to promote this “FUTORU business” to contribute to solving environmental and social problems, and at the same time, is confident that it will lead to the expansion of each of its businesses and increase its corporate value. The company aims to contribute to the sustainable development of society and increase its corporate value.
The Group's initiatives are posted on the company's website at the following addresses.
・Sustainability → https://www.optexgroup.co.jp/esg/
The website shown above provides information about our governance and our initiatives regarding relationships with society. The following websites provide more detailed information on our environmental and human resource initiatives.
・Basic Sustainability Policy → https://www.optexgroup.co.jp/esg/policy.html
・Reduction of Environmental Impacts → https://www.optexgroup.co.jp/esg/environment-impact.html
・Initiatives for TCFD recommendations → https://www.optexgroup.co.jp/esg/tcfd.html
* In January 2023, the Group announced its support for the TCFD and set the Group's CO2 reduction target as “30% reduction by 2030 (compared to 2019: Scopes 1 and 2)".
We will keep focusing on the improvement of the quality and quantity of information disclosure concerning our corporate group’s initiatives for sustainability.
・ESG Report → https://www.optexgroup.co.jp/shareholder/library/index.html#esgreport
・Strategies, indicators, and targets related to human resources → https://www.optexgroup.co.jp/esg/human-resources.html

 

[Principle 5-1. Policy on Constructive Dialogue with Shareholders]
The Company has established an public relations・IR Department. The IR Department strives to provide easy-to-understand explanations about our management policies and business conditions to engage in positive and constructive dialogue with our shareholders. In addition, the President, the responsible officer, and IR personnel give briefings for institutional investors and briefings for private investors on a planned basis. We respond to requests for meetings with institutional investors as the occasion calls.
We establish a venue to allow the attendance of diverse shareholders at our ordinary general meeting of shareholders. We then hold a shareholder briefing to obtain understanding for our future policies after the end of that meeting.

 

[Action to Implement Management that is Conscious of Cost of Capital and Share Price (under review)]
The company recognizes that improving the cost of capital and capital profitability based on the balance sheet, as well as sales and profits on the income statement, is one of the important management issues for sustainable growth. We have set a “return on equity (ROE) of 10% or higher” as a target management indicator. Currently, we estimate our cost of equity to be around 7% (6-8%). We recognize that we have achieved a return on capital that exceeds the expected return demanded by shareholders and investors. However, we believe that we need to further improve profitability in the future.
Regarding the “Action to Implement Management that is Conscious of Cost of Capital and Share Price” promoted by the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the Board of Directors will fully examine specific initiatives, etc., and disclose the details around February 2025 in line with the formulation of the three-year management plan in the beginning of 2025.

 

 

This report is not intended for soliciting or promoting investment activities or offering any advice on investment or the like, but for providing information only. The information included in this report was taken from sources considered reliable by our company. Our company will not guarantee the accuracy, integrity, or appropriateness of information or opinions in this report. Our company will not assume any responsibility for expenses, damages or the like arising out of the use of this report or information obtained from this report. All kinds of rights related to this report belong to Investment Bridge Co., Ltd. The contents, etc. of this report may be revised without notice. Please make an investment decision on your own judgment.

Copyright(C) Investment Bridge Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

The back number of Bridge Reports (OPTEX GROUP CO., LTD.: 6914) and contents of Bridge Salon (IR seminars) can be seen at www.bridge-salon.jp/