Nissan Motor Co shares fell 3.6% on Tuesday after news of production cuts in the US and potential tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, adding to the automaker’s struggles in a challenging year.
Key Developments
US Production Cuts:
- Nissan plans to produce 100,000 fewer vehicles at its Mississippi and Tennessee plants in the fiscal year ending March 2025.
- Affected models include the Frontier, Rogue, Pathfinder, and Infiniti QX60.
Trump’s Tariff Threats:
- President-elect Donald Trump proposed a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada to curb illegal migration and drug flow.
- Nissan, which builds cars and engines in Mexico, faces increased pressure on US operations.
Dire Financial Outlook:
- Earlier this month, Nissan announced it would:
- Eliminate 9,000 jobs globally.
- Cut production by 20%.
- Slash its full-year operating income guidance by 70%.
- The company continues to battle cratering profits and an outdated product lineup.
Market Reaction
- Nissan’s stock initially dropped 4.9% in Tokyo trading, briefly recovering after a Financial Times report suggested the company is seeking a long-term anchor investor.
- The rebound was short-lived, with shares closing down 3.6%.
Seeking a Lifeline
- Nissan is reportedly exploring new strategic investors, including banks or insurance firms, to replace some of Renault SA’s equity holding.
- Speculation includes a possible stake purchase by Honda Motor Co.
Expert Insights
- Production Cuts: Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Tatsuo Yoshida noted that while production cuts may seem negative short term, they could reduce long-term inventory costs, offering financial relief.
- Credit Concerns:
- Fitch Ratings downgraded Nissan’s outlook from stable to negative, citing weaker North American performance.
- However, Fitch expects US consumer demand to recover as interest rates fall and election-related delays ease.
Challenges Ahead
- Nissan is navigating a turbulent market with:
- Shrinking profit margins.
- Tariff uncertainties.
- Operational challenges in the US and Mexico.
The automaker’s success in securing a new investor and streamlining production will be critical in what is shaping up to be a make-or-break year for the company.
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