(Kamiwaki) We are not projecting a recovery in demand in the Electronics field in the 4Q. Taking into account the partial recovery in the number of automobiles manufactured and progress in selling price improvements, conditions in the Mobility field are expected to further improve in the 4Q. Our outlook for the Building and Infrastructure field in the 4Q is basically the same as the 3Q.

(Kamiwaki) As far as the Electronics field is concerned, sales volumes and product mix in the liquid crystal business have declined sharply owing to the substantial downturn in smartphone demand. Turning to the non-LCD business, certain components used in such items as MLCCs are also down. In the Mobility field, interlayer films and heat release materials are growing. In the Building and Infrastructure field, fire resistant materials are falling due to the decline in non-residential demand in Japan.

(Kamiwaki) Having bottomed out in the 3Q, smartphone shipments are projected to recover slightly in the 4Q. Forecasts reflect this outlook of conditions throughout the market.

(Kamiwaki) While lockdowns are indeed one contributing factor, conditions in December and the surge in infections coupled with certain trends including temporary delays in production at the time lockdowns were lifted had a stronger impact.

(Kamiwaki) Sales of high-performance interlayer films including HUD films, which are forecast to grow up by more than 15% YoY, and heat insulation films for EVs are increasing steadily. This is contributing to improvements in the product mix. Based on the aforementioned, we believe the Company maintains a certain share of the high-performance interlayer film market.

(Kamiwaki) While we have seen the effects of improvements from the 3Q, the contribution is indeed greater in the 4Q.

(Kamiwaki) While plans were based on a forecast recovery in demand from the downturn caused by COVID-19, trends were impacted by the slower-than-anticipated pace of recovery.

(Kamiwaki) The time lag between movements in the number of visitors to orders is around three to six months

(Kamiwaki) Despite the surge in component costs and period of housing profitability per unit decline, unit prices have continued to climb owing to such factors as upswings in the rates of power generation system and storage battery installation. Currently, profitability has returned to a level that is close to the level recorded prior to the surge in component costs. These increases in housing unit prices are expected to contribute from the next fiscal year.

(Kamiwaki) While conditions are slightly better than anticipated, there is no room for complacency.

(Kamiwaki) SEKISUI SEIKEI CO., LTD. manufactures relatively high-value-added products. Among these products is the mainstay lineup of high-performance, blow-molded containers that transport the polishing and other liquids used in the manufacture of semiconductors. Demand for these products is declining as a result of the downturn in Electronics market conditions.

(Kamiwaki) We will make every effort to prevent delays in the 4Q and promote the posting of sales. With orders firm, we will continue to capture orders from the next fiscal year at the same time.

(Nishida) Non-residential BtoB inventories are exhibiting a temporary upswing owing to lower-thenanticipated sales in December. Even if production in the 4Q falls more than anticipated as a result, the degree of decline will not have a major impact on the incidence of cost reductions. Moreover, we believe inventories will return to normal levels as of the end of March.