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Toyota Stock Rises 2% as Earnings Beat Estimates Despite Tariff Headwinds
TLDR
- Toyota reported Q3 operating profit of $7.6 billion, beating Wall Street estimates of $6.7 billion as higher prices and a weaker yen offset U.S. tariff impacts.
- The automaker raised its full-year profit forecast by $2.6 billion to $24.2 billion, citing strong sales and cost-cutting measures.
- Toyota stock rose 2% in overseas trading following the earnings beat despite implied Q4 guidance falling below analyst projections.
- CEO Koji Sato will step down and be replaced by CFO Kenta Kon, with Sato moving to vice chairman and chief industry officer roles.
- The company trimmed annual vehicle sales forecast to 9.75 million units from 9.8 million due to production disruptions in Brazil and continued U.S. tariff pressure.
Toyota stock climbed 2% in Friday trading after the Japanese automaker reported fiscal third-quarter earnings that crushed Wall Street expectations. The strong results came despite ongoing pressure from U.S. tariffs.
The company posted operating profit of ¥1.2 trillion ($7.6 billion) for the quarter ending December 31. Analysts had projected just $6.7 billion.
Higher vehicle prices helped the automaker maintain profitability. A weaker yen also provided a boost to the bottom line.
Toyota’s U.S.-listed American depositary receipts gained 1.8% in premarket trading. The stock has climbed 25% over the past 12 months.
Tariff Impact Less Severe Than Expected
U.S. import duties on Japanese vehicles remain at 15% after President Donald Trump reduced them from an initial 25% following a trade deal with Tokyo. Many analysts feared these tariffs would severely damage Toyota’s profit margins.
The third-quarter results showed those fears were overblown. Toyota managed to offset the tariff costs through pricing power and currency benefits.
Revenue grew nearly 8% year-over-year to ¥13.5 trillion. Net income fell 40% to ¥1.3 trillion, reflecting increased costs and investment spending.
The automaker increased its full-year profit forecast by ¥400 billion ($2.6 billion) to ¥3.8 trillion ($24.2 billion). The raised guidance reflects better-than-expected performance in the first three quarters.
Mixed Outlook for Fourth Quarter
Toyota’s implied fourth-quarter operating profit guidance sits at approximately $3.8 billion. Wall Street analysts currently project $5.6 billion for the period.
Last year, Toyota reported $7.7 billion in operating profit during the fiscal fourth quarter. The company’s fiscal year runs through March 31.
Toyota trimmed its annual vehicle sales forecast to 9.75 million units from 9.8 million. Production disruptions in Brazil contributed to the reduced outlook.
Chinese sales continue to face pressure as diplomatic tensions between Tokyo and Beijing persist. U.S. tariffs remain a headwind despite the recent reduction.
Leadership Transition Announced
Toyota announced a major leadership change alongside its earnings report. CEO Koji Sato will step down from his position.
CFO Kenta Kon will take over as chief executive. Sato will remain with Toyota as vice chairman and chief industry officer.
The leadership transition comes as Toyota navigates a challenging global trade environment. The company continues implementing cost-cutting measures to maintain profitability.
Foreign exchange movements provided tailwinds during the quarter. The yen’s weakness against the dollar helped offset some cost pressures.
Car stocks have performed well recently despite tariff concerns. Ford Motor stock is up 48% over the past year, while General Motors has gained 74%.
Toyota’s strong quarterly results and raised full-year guidance were enough to satisfy investors on Friday. The company’s ability to beat estimates while managing tariff headwinds demonstrates pricing power in a difficult environment.
