The Furukawa Battery Co., Ltd. announced consolidated earnings results for the nine months ended December 31, 2017. For the nine months, the company reported net sales of JPY 42,927 million against JPY 37,861 million a year ago. Operating profit was JPY 1,623 million against JPY 1,808 million a year ago. Ordinary profit was JPY 1,475 million against JPY 1,561 million a year ago. Profit before income taxes was JPY 1,470 million against JPY 1,556 million a year ago. Profit attributable to owners of parent was JPY 1,216 million against JPY 1,269 million a year ago. Earnings per share were JPY 37.10 against JPY 38.74 a year ago. Operating profit decreased by JPY 184 million year on year, mainly due to the effect of the rise in the price of lead, the primary raw material, while ordinary profit decreased by JPY 86 million year on year, mainly due to the decrease in interest expenses, which is the result of declines in interest-bearing debt, despite an increase in dividend income.

For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2018, the company expects to pay a year-end dividend of JPY 10.00 per share, compared with JPY 9.00 per share for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017.

The company provided consolidated earnings guidance for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2018. For the year, the company expects to report net sales of JPY 62,000 million, operating profit of JPY 4,000 million, ordinary profit of JPY 3,600 million, profit attributable to owners of parent of JPY 2,700 million, and earnings per share of JPY 82.37.