Sales of Audio-Visual and Communication Equipment in the nine months were 1,141.4 billion yen, up 12.9% over the same period last year. Operating income increased significantly to 36.8 billion yen, 6.4 times that of the same period last year. Sales of LCD TVs and Blu-ray Disc recorders expanded, the former benefitting from a rush in demand prior to the changes in the Eco-Point Program.

Sales of Health and Environmental Equipment were 201.2 billion yen, up 8.4% and operating income was 14.5 billion yen, up 49.2% over the same period last year. Sales of refrigerators and air conditioners were strong both in Japan and overseas.

Sales of Information Equipment were 200.9 billion yen, up 4.8% from the same period last year, reflecting increased sales of digital color MFPs. However, operating income was 14.3 billion yen, down 4.5% compared to the same period last year.

As a result, sales of these three product groups comprising Consumer/Information Products were 1,543.6 billion yen, up 11.2% and operating income was 65.6 billion yen, up 115.6% over the same period last year.

Sales of LCDs were 782.5 billion yen, up 32.4%, and operating income was 6.0 billion yen, up 30.8% over the same period last year. Large-size LCDs saw a major sales increase, benefitted from a significant demand growth in Japan’s TV market and an increase in production capacity at the LCD panel plant in GREEN FRONT SAKAI in the first half of the fiscal year. Sales of small- and medium-size LCDs were back on track thanks to increasing demand for use in smartphones, in-vehicle applications and tablet terminals.

Sales of Solar Cells were 203.5 billion yen, up 41.3%, and operating income was 4.4 billion yen, up 45.1% over the same period last year. Sales were solid both in Japan and overseas.

Sales of Other Electronic Devices were 205.7 billion yen, down 5.8% from the same period last year. With LEDs and other high value-added devices making up an increasing percentage of this product group, operating income was 9.7 billion yen, up 54.7% over the same period last year.

As a result, sales of these three product groups comprising Electronic Components were 1,191.8 billion yen, up 25.0%, and operating income was 20.1 billion yen, up 44.8% over the same period last year.