Toshiba First-Half CE Segment Sales Up 8%

Staff On Nov 6 2000 - 8:00am

TOKYO -Increasing demand for PC peripherals led the Digital Media segment at Toshiba Corp. to an 8 percent jump in sales, compared to the same six months last year. This figure reached $7.1 billion for the company's fiscal first half of 2000. Overall PC sales, though, reflected tough competition, said Toshiba.

PC peripherals include DVD-ROMs and hard disk drives; communications products, such as cellular phones and cable modems; and DVD players.

Operating income for the Digital Media segment totaled $162 million for Toshiba's fiscal first half. The company said profit increased in the PC peripherals business, but income from PCs and color TVs was hit by tough competition.

In its Home Appliances segment, total sales increased 2 percent for the six months, compared to the year-ago period, hitting $3.1 billion and reflecting growth of air conditioners and washing machines. Operating income for the segment improved by $37 million to hit $52 million.

For the second half of its fiscal year, Toshiba forecasts sales in its Digital Media segment will increase mainly through continued growth in personal computers, peripherals and mobile products such as cellular phones. The segment can also expect increased operating income, said Toshiba.

Sales in the Home Appliances segment also should increase in the second half of Toshiba's fiscal year, with the segment advancing sales through the continued introduction of competitive products. The segment can expect increased operating income, as well.

Overall, the company forecasts unfavorable overseas markets during its second half, leading to an end of recent high growth periods. In the United States, it predicts sluggish income among U.S. companies will affect its business expectations.

The company's consolidated net sales climbed 8 percent in the fiscal six months, to $26.2 billion, compared to the same six months last year. Net income reached $499 million and generated the first half-year profit at Toshiba in three years.