Honda raises outlook even as failed EV bet weighs on profit

Honda is under pressure to bounce back from its first annual loss since its founding in 1948 after a costly pivot away from electric vehicles led to a massive writedown. | BLOOMBERG

Nov 11, 2026

Honda has raised its annual profit forecast, bolstered by record motorcycle sales and strong demand in North America, despite the lingering fallout of its ill-timed bet on electric vehicles (EVs).

In a mixed set of results, the Japanese carmaker said it sees operating profit of ¥780 billion ($4.9 billion) in the fiscal year ending March 2027. That is up from its previous guidance of ¥650 billion, though less than analyst estimates of ¥839 billion.

Underscoring the impact of its massive EV writedown, Executive Vice President Noriya Kaihara said that excluding EV-related losses, operating profit for the full year is projected at ¥1.3 trillion. Profit in the three months ended Sept. 30 was ¥118 billion, falling well short of estimates for ¥265 billion.

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