Sales of Audio-Visual and Communication Equipment in this fiscal year were 1,332.9 billion yen, down 2.5% from the previous year. In Japan, sales of LCD TVs and Blu-ray Disc recorders continued strong, reflecting the effects of the Eco-Point System. However, sales of LCD TVs destined for overseas markets declined. Operating income was 3.7 billion yen, an improvement of 61.5 billion yen over the operating loss of 57.8 billion yen posted in the previous year, as profits improved for LCD TVs and mobile phones.

Sales of Health and Environmental Equipment were 244.1 billion yen, up 7.9% and operating income was 16.2 billion yen, up approximately 330% over the previous year. Sales of high-value-added products, such as air purifiers featuring Plasmacluster Ion technology and Plasmacluster Ion generators, increased.

Sales of Information Equipment were 281.0 billion yen, down 10.1%, and operating income was 14.0 billion yen, down 31.2% from the previous year. B-to-B sales continued to be sluggish, reflecting a decrease in corporate capital investment.

As a result, sales of these three product groups comprising Consumer/Information Products were 1,858.2 billion yen, down 2.5% from the previous year. Operating income was 33.9 billion yen, an improvement of 67.7 billion yen over the operating loss of 33.7 billion yen posted in the previous year.

For large-size LCDs, Sharp was temporarily affected by high prices of materials for LCD TV panels and costs associated with the start of operations at an LCD plant in Sakai in October 2009. In fiscal 2009, LCD panel prices declined approximately 20% compared to fiscal 2008, although having remained stable during the year. For small- and medium-size LCDs, the severe market environment continued, including declines in sales volume and price for units intended for mobile phones and game devices.
As a result, overall sales of LCDs in fiscal 2009 were 887.2 billion yen, down 15.9% compared to the previous year. However, operating income was 11.1 billion yen, up approximately 170% over the previous year, even after including start-up costs for the LCD plant in Sakai.

Sales of Solar Cells were 208.7 billion yen, up 32.8% over the previous year, and operating income was 3.3 billion yen, an improvement of 19.4 billion yen compared to the operating loss of 16.1 billion yen posted last year. Sales increased, centered mainly in Japan, reflecting the start of a scheme for selling surplus solar-power electricity to utility companies. A subsidy program for the installation of residential photovoltaic power generation systems also contributed to the growth.

Sales of Other Electronic Devices were 289.5 billion yen, down 6.1% from the previous year, and operating income was 5.6 billion yen, an improvement of 17.5 billion yen compared to the operating loss of 11.9 billion yen posted last year, reflecting a price decline of devices for digital products.

As a result, sales of these three product groups comprising Electronic Components were 1,385.5 billion yen, down 8.9%, and operating income was 20.1 billion yen, an improvement of 44.1 billion yen compared to the operating loss of 23.9 billion yen recorded in the previous year.