Bridgestone records double-digit growth, revises up outlook

TOKYO—Bridgestone Corp. has revised up its full year financial guidance after recording double-digit growth in first half sales and operating profit.

The Japanese group expects sales for 2022 to come in at $29.6 billion, up from an earlier forecast of $27.3 billion issued in February.

Adjusted operating profit is set to come in at $3.37 billion, up from an earlier forecast of $3.18 billion, Bridgestone reported Aug. 10.

Over the first six months, it noted, the global economy followed a path of recovery but presented a series of headwinds.

Challenges included the suspension of tire production in Russia and exports to that country, significant production losses in China due to the COVID-19 resurgence and a cyber breach in the U.S.

"The group also worked to respond quickly to the unprecedented sharp rise in raw material prices and high inflation while minimizing the damage," said the tire and rubber parts maker.

Despite these issues, and the effects of the weak yen, Bridgestone achieved "significant increases" in both sales and earnings during the first half.

However, it went on to say, "profit attributable to owners of parent" was lower than expected due to impairment losses for Russian business assets, expenses related to safety inspections and losses caused by discontinued operations.

First-half adjusted operating profit stood at $1.54 billion, up 13 percent year-on-year, on 25-percent higher sales of $14.1 billion, reported Bridgestone. Profit attributable to owners of parent, however, fell 74 percent to $696.8 million during the period.

For the third quarter, Bridgestone said it expected the unpredictable business environment to continue, including various risks such as the "Russia-Ukraine situation becoming prolonged" and further acceleration of inflation.

However, the group expects global tire sales to perform strongly through strengthening of price management and "premium business strategy."