Less Profitable Japan Rolled Copper Makers

Japanese rolled copper makers’ profitability gets worsened, according to financial results of major 5 makers for April-December. Dowa Holdings’ metal processing unit and KITZ’s rolled copper unit posted operating loss for the period. Three makers revised the outlook downward for fiscal 2008 ending March 2009. Furukawa Electric’s metal unit will post operating loss for the year.

Dowa Holdings’ metal processing unit posted 3.077 billion yen of operating loss for April-December due to slower demand for automobile and semiconductor. KITZ’s rolled copper unit posted 317 million yen of operating loss due to slower shipment.

Furukawa Electric’s metal unit posted 1.505 billion yen of operating profit for the 9 months, which was 67% lower than same period of 2007. San-Etsu Metals and Nippon Shindo posted higher operating profit.

Furukawa Electric’s metal unit and Dowa Holdings’ metal processing unit expect operating loss for fiscal 2008 while they launched new actions for better profitability.