TOKYO (Feb. 24, 2010)—Bridgestone Corp. anticipates double-digit increases in operating income this year on 9-percent higher sales, company management forecast recently, despite “challenging conditions” that include uncertain raw materials pricing.
Bridgestone's forecast for 2010 shows 24-percent growth in operating income to about $1 billion and a massive boost in net income to nearly $500 million from just above breakeven. Sales should improve to nearly $31 billion.
Despite the uncertain economic climate, Bridgestone management expects to see increased unit sales of tires in Japan, Europe and North America.
Bridgestone disclosed its forecast along with its 2009 fiscal results, which showed a 90-percent drop in net income and a 19.7-percent sales decline.