Sales of Audio-Visual and Communication Equipment in the first half were 684.1 billion yen, up 8.6% over the same period last year. Sales of LCD TVs and Blu-ray Disc recorders both increased. Operating income was 19.5 billion yen, an improvement of 25.6 billion yen over the same period last year. Sharp’s LCD TV business has been solidly profitable since the second quarter of fiscal 2009, and profits also improved in the Japanese mobile phone business.

Sales of Health and Environmental Equipment were 133.6 billion yen, up 13.2% and operating income was 8.2 billion yen, up 48.0% over the same period last year. Sales of refrigerators and air conditioners were strong.

Sales of Information Equipment were 135.5 billion yen, up 4.2% from the same period last year, reflecting increased sales of digital color MFPs. However, operating income was 9.7 billion yen, down 11.8% compared to the same period last year.

As a result, sales of these three product groups comprising Consumer/Information Products were 953.2 billion yen, up 8.6% and operating income was 37.5 billion yen, approximately 3.6 times that of the same period last year.

Sales of LCDs were 540.5 billion yen, up 35.4%, and operating income was 5.4 billion yen, up 52.0% over the same period last year. Against a backdrop of growing demand for large-size LCDs for TVs, Sharp’s LCD panel plant at GREEN FRONT SAKAI began operations in October 2009. The consequent increase in production capacity enabled a significant increase in sales compared to the same period last year. For small- and medium-size LCDs, although the harsh sales environment continued in the first quarter, new applications such as smartphones gained traction, and sales were on track to recovery in the second quarter.

Sales of Solar Cells were 129.9 billion yen, up 50.7%, and operating income was 4.0 billion yen, approximately 3.9 times that of the same period last year. Sales in Japan were solid, reflecting the effect of the subsidy program for installations of residential photovoltaic power generation systems. Overseas sales also increased.

Sales of Other Electronic Devices were 141.6 billion yen, on par with the same period last year, despite a drop in selling prices centered mainly on devices for digital products. Operating income was 6.6 billion yen, approximately 2.4 times that of the same period last year.

As a result, sales of these three product groups comprising Electronic Components were 812.1 billion yen, up 29.6%, and operating income was 16.1 billion yen, approximately 2.2 times that of the same period last year.