With high-quality cars, motorcycles and the near-legendary exploits of its racing teams, the Honda Motor Company has built an enviable public image and reputation over the years. However, if you are an investor, you need more substantial information, starting with the stock symbol for Honda.
Identification
Honda is a Tokyo-based, publicly owned company that is global in scope. The stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange and London Stock Exchange with the stock symbol HMC. In Japan, Honda is listed on the Tokyo and Osaka exchanges with the code number 7267. Use the appropriate symbol/code to access current quotes and information on financial websites.
History
In 1946, Soichiro Honda started the Honda Technical Research Institute and the following year introduced its first development, the "A type" bicycle engine. In 1948, he founded the Honda Motor Company. Honda quickly built up a solid business in Japan manufacturing motorcycles and scooters. In 1959, Honda Motor Company of America began operations in Los Angeles. By 1963, the company had entered the automotive market and began marketing the S500, the first sports car produced in Japan. The introduction of the Honda line of portable electric generators in 1965 signaled their move into more diverse markets as well. Honda became a major player on the world automotive scene with the introduction of the Honda Civic in 1972. By 1982, Honda had expanded the scope of its manufacturing operations to open its first automobile assembly plant in the United States, producing the highly successful Honda Accord.
Types
By the early 2000s, Honda was best known for its automobiles, but it produces a wide variety of products. Other transportation vehicles include motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles. Honda also manufactures electrical generators, marine equipment, jet engines and lawn and garden equipment. The Honda research and development division plays a major role, with recent initiatives focusing on developing innovative fuel-efficient cars, hybrid engines and electric vehicles.
Size
Total revenues for Honda in fiscal year 2008 were $119.8 billion (all figures in U.S. dollars). Operating income was $9.5 billion, with net income of $5.99 billion. The company has manufacturing and sales operations worldwide with total assets of $125.9 billion and stockholder's equity of $45.4 billion. There were 1.835 total shares outstanding (March 2007). As of 2008, Honda employed a total of more than 167,000 people.
Features
With the stock listed on exchanges on three continents, you can get quotes and buy or sell Honda shares on a 24-hour-a-day basis. Their Investor Relations website allows you to download annual reports, quarterly and interim reports and up-to-date news releases. They also maintain a library of past financial documents and a comprehensive set of graphs and charts detailing the company's current status. You must buy shares through a broker since Honda did not offer a direct stock purchase plan as of 2008.
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