FORM 6-K

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Report of Foreign Private Issuer

Consolidated Financial Results for the Nine-Month Period Ended December 31, 2007

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the month of January 31, 2008

Commission File Number 09929

 

 

Mitsui & Co., Ltd.

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

 

 

2-1, Ohtemachi 1-chome Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004 Japan

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:

Form 20-F      X            Form 40-F              

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):             

Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted solely to provide an attached annual report to security holders.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):             

Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted to furnish a report or other document that the registrant foreign private issuer must furnish and make public under the laws of the jurisdiction in which the registrant is incorporated, domiciled or legally organized (the registrant’s “home country”), or under the rules of the home country exchange on which the registrant’s securities are traded, as long as the report or other document is not a press release, is not required to be and has not been distributed to the registrant’s security holders, and, if discussing a material event, has already been the subject of a Form 6-K submission or other Commission filing on EDGAR.

Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this Form, the registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Yes                      No      X             

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-            

 

 

---

Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date: January 31, 2008

 

---

Consolidated Financial Results for the Nine-Month Period Ended December 31, 2007

[ Based on accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") ]

Tokyo, January 31, 2008 – Mitsui & Co., Ltd. announced its consolidated financial results for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2007.

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries            (Web Site : http://www.mitsui.co.jp)

President and Chief Executive Officer : Shoei Utsuda

Investor Relations Contacts : Katsurao Yoshimori, General Manager, Investor Relations Division    TEL 81-3-3285-7533

1. Consolidated financial results (Unaudited)

 

(1)	Consolidated operating results information for the three-month period ended December 31, 2007

(from October 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007)

 

		(Millions of yen)
		Three-month period ended December 31
		2007					2006
				%					%
Revenues		1,466,720		24.2			1,181,041		11.4
Income from continuing operations before income taxes, minority interests and equity in earnings		87,043		1.4			85,824		(3.8	)
Net income		82,594		(8.0	)		89,759		16.1

 

(2)	Consolidated operating results information for the nine-month period ended December 31,2007

(from April 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007)

 

		(Millions of yen)
		Nine-month period ended December 31								Year ended March 31, 2007
		2007				2006
				%				%
Revenues		4,205,524		20.9		3,479,744		19.0		4,813,545
Income from continuing operations before income taxes, minority interests and equity in earnings		316,385		46.5		215,931		10.2		300,947
Net income		334,515		37.0		244,214		52.2		301,502

 

		(Yen)
		Nine-month period ended December 31				Year ended March 31, 2007
		2007		2006
Net income per share, basic		185.67		141.76		174.26
Net income per share, diluted		183.42		133.90		165.32

 

(3)	Consolidated financial position information

 

				December 31, 2007		December 31, 2006		March 31, 2007
Total assets		Millions of yen		10,232,035		9,550,301		9,813,312
Shareholders’ equity		Millions of yen		2,367,189		1,940,635		2,110,279
Shareholders’ equity ratio		%		23.1		20.3		21.5
Shareholders’ equity per share		Yen		1,304.37		1,126.67		1,182.48

 

-1-

---

Notes:

 

1.

Percentage figures for Revenues, Income from continuing operations before income taxes, minority interests and equity in earnings, and Net income for the three-month period and nine-month period represent changes from the corresponding period of the previous year.

 

2.

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No.144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” the figures for the three-month and nine-month period ended December 31, 2006 and for the year ended March 31, 2007 relating to discontinued operations have been reclassified from income from continuing operations.

2. Forecast of consolidated operating results for the year ending March 31, 2008 (from April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2008)

The Company leaves forecast consolidated net income of ¥420 billion for the year ending March 31, 2008 unchanged.

3. Others

(1) Increase/decrease of important subsidiaries during the fiscal year : None

(2) Changes in accounting principles applied : None

A Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements:

This report contains statements (including figures) regarding Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (“Mitsui”)’s corporate strategies, objectives, and views of future developments that are forward-looking in nature and are not simply reiterations of historical facts. These statements are presented to inform stakeholders of the views of Mitsui’s management but should not be relied on solely in making investment and other decisions. You should be aware that a number of important risk factors could lead to outcomes that differ materially from those presented in such forward-looking statements. These include, but are not limited to, (i) changes in economic conditions that may lead to unforeseen developments in markets for products handled by Mitsui, (ii) fluctuations in currency exchange rates that may cause unexpected deterioration in the value of transactions, (iii) adverse political developments that may create unavoidable delays or postponement of transactions and projects, (iv) changes in laws, regulations, or policies in any of the countries where Mitsui conducts its operations that may affect Mitsui’s ability to fulfill its commitments, and (v) significant changes in the competitive environment. In the course of its operations, Mitsui adopts measures to control these and other types of risks, but this does not constitute a guarantee that such measures will be effective.

 

-2-

---

I. Highlights of Consolidated Financial Results for the Nine-Month Period

Ended December 31, 2007

1. Summary of Financial Results for the Nine-Month Period Ended December 31, 2007

 

•

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (“Mitsui”) and its subsidiaries (collectively “the Group”) posted consolidated a net income of ¥334.5 billion, a significant increase of ¥90.3 billion, or up 37.0 %, from ¥244.2 billion which was the consolidated net income for the corresponding period of the previous year. In regards to the individual businesses, the Mineral & Metal Resources and the Energy made an outstanding performance reflecting substantial one-off gains on divestitures such as Sesa Goa Limited in India and Sakhalin II in Russia as well as increases in energy equity production and mineral resource prices. The Iron & Steel Products, the Chemicals and the Machinery and Infrastructure Projects continued to post robust results, and the Foods and Retail which had recorded significant impairment losses in the previous year has improved its performance with the restructuring efforts paying off. On the other hand, the Americas recorded a downturn from write downs on inventories in residential home business and slowdown in its businesses in the United States, triggered by the sub-prime mortgage issues. In addition, several operating segments at the head office recorded increases in write downs on listed securities. The Group maintains the forecast consolidated net income for the year ending March 31, 2008 as ¥420 billion, depite recently increasing uncertainties surrounding the United States and global economy.

 

•

Total assets as of December 31, 2007 were ¥10.2 trillion, an increase of ¥0.4 trillion from ¥9.8 trillion as of March 31, 2007. Investments and plant, property and equipment (“PPE”) increased slightly reflecting various new investments and expansion projects at the Machinery & Infrastructure Projects, the Mineral & Metal Resources, the Energy and the Americas segments while the investment balance into the Sakhalin II project decreased as a result of the partial divestiture of our stake in the project. As of December 31, 2007, shareholders equity was ¥2.4 trillion as a result of increased retained earnings and Net Debt-to-Equity Ratio (“Net DER”) was 1.27 times, 0.20 times lower than that of March 31, 2007. Return on Equity (“ROE”) during the period on an annualized basis is computed as 19.9%.

2. Results of Operations

(1) Analysis on consolidated income statements

Gross Profit

Gross profit for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥720.8 billion, an increase of ¥92.0 billion, or 14.6%, from ¥628.8 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year as a result of the followings:

 

•

Contributions coming from Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. (Japan) (“MOECO”(*1)) which was consolidated in the fourth quarter of the year ended March 31, 2007; and the commercial start up of the Enfield oil field in Australia in July 2006 both at the Energy Segment. In addition, gross profit of Mitsui Iron Ore Development Pty. Ltd. (Australia) increased reflecting an increase in iron ore price(*2). These contributions were partly offset by a decline of gross profit at Mitsui Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd. (Australia) reflecting a lower coal price, the Australian Dollar appreciation against the U.S. Dollar and a delay and troubles in start-up operations at its mining expansion project. In short, the energy and oil and gas producing activities led the overall growth of the Group’s gross profit.

 

-3-

---

•

Machinery businesses including automotive, ocean vessels, rolling stock leasing; and basic materials such as steel products and chemical products continued to show good performance and increased their gross profit.

 

•

The Americas Segment recorded a substantial decrease over the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. MBK Real Estate Ltd. (United States), which engages in development and sale of residential homes in the West Coast market, recorded a sharp fall in sales and a loss from write-down on inventories reflecting a deterioration in the residential market triggered by the sub-prime mortgage related issue in the United States. Moreover, Westport Petroleum Inc. (United States) decreased its profit from oil products trading and so did steel products subsidiaries mainly in oil tubular products reflecting lower margins.

 

(*1)	In March 2007, Mitsui acquired 3% stake in MOECO, formerly an associated company, increasing its voting interest in MOECO to 50.3% and re-classifying MOECO as a subsidiary of Mitsui.

 

(*2)	As a result of Mitsui’s divestiture of Sesa Goa, the operating results of Sesa Goa for the six month periods ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 are presented as income from discontinued operations (after income tax effect).

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 were ¥446.6 billion, an increase of ¥21.0 billion from ¥425.6 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. This was mainly attributable to acquisitions of subsidiaries at Machinery & Infrastructure Projects, the Energy and the Americas segments.

Provision for Doubtful Receivables

Provision for doubtful receivables for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥4.7 billion, an increase of ¥0.7 billion, from ¥4.0 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. Provisions for the both periods consisted of miscellaneous individually small receivables.

 

-4-

---

Interest Expense, Net of Interest Income

Interest expense, net of interest income for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥36.6 billion, an increase of ¥5.9 billion from ¥30.7 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. The interest expense for the Sakhalin II project declined by ¥5.9 billion as a result of the transfer of the Group’s 50% stake in the project and subsequent decrease in related interest bearing debt. Mitsui recorded a ¥5.2 billion increase reflecting higher Japanese Yen interest rates. Overseas subsidiaries also reported increases by ¥5.2 billion in total due to increased interest bearing debt used to fund various investments.

The following table sets forth the periodic average of 3 month Libor of Japanese Yen and U.S. Dollar for the nine month periods ended December, 2007 and 2006.

 

 

Periodic average of 9 month Libor (%p.a.)
		9 month Period Ended December 31,
		2007		2006
Japanese Yen		0.85		0.39
U.S. Dollar		5.22		5.35

Dividend Income

Dividend income for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥40.2 billion, an increase of ¥1.5 billion from ¥38.7 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. Dividends from LNG projects in Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Oman amounted to ¥18.8 billion, a decrease of ¥2.9 billion over the corresponding nine month period of the previous year offset by significantly increased dividends from other investees including INPEX Holdings Inc. held by Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd.

Gain on Sales of Securities

Gain on sales of securities for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥61.9 billion, a substantial increase of ¥23.3 billion from ¥38.6 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. The largest part of the gains came from the transfer of a part of its stake in the Sakhalin II project and sales of its whole stake in Empreendimentos Brasileiros de Mineração S.A. (“EBM”) in Brazil. In addition, the Consumer Service and IT Segment recorded gains in exchange of shares in Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd. (Japan) and on sales of shares in telecommunication companies such as Jupiter Telecommunications Co., Ltd. Other operating segments also recorded gains on sales of shares of listed companies. For the corresponding nine month period of the previous year, the Group recorded a gain on sale of shares in Toho Titanium Co., Ltd. (Japan).

Loss on Write-Down of Securities

Loss on write-down of securities for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥19.3 billion, an increase of ¥11.8 billion from ¥7.5 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. The losses included write-downs on listed shares for ¥15.3 billion, such as Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd. ^(*) at the Foods & Retail Segment and Central Finance Co., Ltd. at the Logistics & Financial Markets Segment. Losses for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year consisted of miscellaneous small losses, including those on listed shares amounting to the sum of ¥2.2 billion.

 

(*)

For the year ended March 31, 2006, Mitsui recorded a gain from the exchange of shares of Ito-Yokado Co., Ltd. and Seven-Eleven Japan Co., Ltd., for newly issued shares of Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd. For the nine month period ended December 31, 2007, reflecting a fall in the share price of Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd., Mitsui recognized a loss on the gain from the exchange of shares for the year ended March 31, 2006.

 

-5-

---

Gain on Disposal or Sales of Property and Equipment—Net

Gain on disposal or sales of property and equipment—net for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥6.5 billion, an increase of ¥1.2 billion from ¥5.3 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. Major factor for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was a gain on sale of aircraft for lease. A major gain for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year resulted from sales of warehouses in the United States.

Impairment Loss of Long-Lived Assets

Impairment loss of long-lived assets for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥7.3 billion, a decrease of ¥3.6 billion from ¥10.9 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. Major losses were those related to impairment on power producing equipment at a domestic power producing operation; and on Mitsui’s corporate residences and dormitories. Major loss for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year was an impairment loss on intangible assets at Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd. (Japan).

Impairment Loss of Goodwill

For the corresponding nine month period of the previous year, Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd. reported a ¥16.5 billion impairment loss on all of its goodwill.

Compensation and Other Charges Related to Diesel Particulate Filter (“DPF”) Incident

For the corresponding nine month period of the previous year, Mitsui recorded a credit to income of ¥3.9 billion as a result of the reversal of the accrued cost which had been set up based on estimated cost for compensation and other charges related to the DPF incident during past years as a result of completion of redemption of the relevant DPFs.

Other Expense—Net

Other expense—net for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was an income of ¥ 1.7 billion, an improvement of ¥5.8billion, from ¥4.1 billion expenses for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. Other expenses—net for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 consisted of miscellaneous small items. For the corresponding nine month period of the previous year, Mitsui Bussan House-Techno, Inc. (Japan) recorded estimated restructuring costs including those for future maintenance services due to its decision to withdraw from construction and marketing of home units.

 

-6-

---

Minority Interests in Earnings of Subsidiaries

Minority interests in earnings of subsidiaries for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 were ¥33.0 billion, an increase of ¥9.0 billion from ¥24.0 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. Minority interests in earnings of subsidiaries increased due to the following factors:

 

•

As a result of acquisition of the additional voting shares in Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. (Japan) during the fourth quarter of the year ended March 31, 2007, Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. was consolidated with presenting minority interest and no longer was accounted for as an associated company ; and

 

•

Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd. (Japan) recorded a significant loss from continuing operations before minority interests and equity in earnings, reflecting impairment losses on long-lived assets and goodwill, contributing minority interest (in income) of ¥8.3 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. For the nine month period ended December 31, 2007, it’s operating results improved to a marginally positive amount of income from continuing operations before minority interests and equity in earnings, which resulted in a reversal effect from the above-mentioned minority interest (in income) for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year.

Equity in Earnings of Associated Companies—Net

Equity in earnings of associated companies—net (after income tax effect) for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥118.8 billion, a slight increase of ¥1.1 billion from ¥117.7 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. Out of a slight net movement, major factors for improved earnings were as below:

 

•

Earnings increased at Valepar S.A. (Brazil) (*1) due to strong operating results of Companhia Vale do Rio Doce in Brazil (“Vale”) reflecting higher iron prices and contributions from Inco Limited (currently Vale Inco Limited) following the acquisition by Vale during the fourth quarter of the year ended March 31, 2007.

 

•

An LNG and oil development associated company Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty. Ltd. (Australia) and Brazilian gas distribution associated companies reported improved earnings. Other associated companies all recorded steady performance in general.

On the other hand, the followings are major factors leading to a decrease in earnings:

 

•

Operating results of Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. (Japan) were reported as earnings of an associated company up to the third quarter of the year ended March 31, 2007. However upon Mitsui’s acquisition of the additional voting shares in the fourth quarter of the year ended March 31, 2007, its operating results are now reported within line items of the consolidated statement of income for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007.

 

•

IPM Eagle LLP (United Kingdom) recorded a mark-to-market evaluation loss on long-term swap agreement at its overseas power operation for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007(*2).

 

•

The Group recorded a loss reflecting an other-than-temporary decline in share price of ASAHI TEC CORPORATION (Japan), a manufacturer of ductile iron cast parts and aluminum forged parts.

 

(*1)	Valepar S.A. is a controlling shareholder of Vale, a mineral resources company in Brazil previously abbreviated as Companhia Vale do Rio Doce to “CVRD”.

 

(*2)

An Australian power producing operation of IPM Eagle had concluded a long term power price swap contract, corresponding to a power supply contract until 2016. Reflecting fluctuations in Australian open electricity market, it recognizes mark-to-market evaluation profit and loss. See also “Machinery & Infrastructure Projects Segment” of “Operating Results by Operating Segment” for further information.

Income from Discontinued Operations—Net

Income from discontinued operations—net (after income tax effect) for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥60.5 billion, a significant increase of ¥51.3 billion from ¥9.2 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. Major components of discontinued operations for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 were as follows:

 

•

For the nine month period ended December 31, 2007, the Group sold its entire stake in Sesa Goa Limited (India) and recorded a ¥55.2 billion gain in income and its entire oil and gas producing interest in Wandoo Petroleum Pty Limited (Australia) and recorded ¥5.5 billion in income.

 

•

For the six month period ended September 30, 2006, Sesa Goa Limited reported ¥4.9 billion in net income; and Group recorded ¥3.1 billion gain in income on sale of a stake in aluminum smelters which Mitalco, Inc. (United States), an aluminum smelting subsidiary held.

Net Income

Consequently, net income for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥334.5 billion, an increase of ¥90.3 billion from ¥244.2 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year.

 

-7-

---

(2) Operating Results by Operating Segment

Iron & Steel Products Segment

 

Gross profit for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥47.1 billion, an increase of ¥4.6 billion from ¥42.5 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. Overall steel products business continued to show steady performance mainly in high-end tubular products for energy applications under a tight supply-demand balance. Rising stainless steel products prices and strong performance at Regency Steel Asia Pte Ltd. (Singapore) also contributed to the increase in earnings as well.

Operating income for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥ 21.2 billion, an increase of ¥2.2 billion from ¥19.0 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. The increase in gross profit was partly offset by higher selling, general and administrative expenses.

Equity in earnings of associated companies for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥4.0 billion, an increase of ¥1.5 billion from ¥2.5 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year.

Net income for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥17.6 billion, a ¥1.7 billion increase from ¥15.9 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year.

 

-8-

---

Mineral & Metal Resources Segment

Gross profit for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥72.1 billion, a decrease of ¥9.6 billion from ¥81.7 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year as a result of the followings:

 

•

The divestiture in April 2007 of the Group’s whole stake in Sesa Goa Limited, formerly the Group’s iron ore subsidiary, which resulted in a decrease of this segment’s gross profit by ¥16.3 billion(*), an amount Sesa Goa Limited contributed for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year.

 

•         Reflecting tight supply and demand balance in Asia, especially in China, iron ore prices for the year ending March 31, 2008 increased by 9.5 % from the year ended March 31, 2007. Consequently, gross profit at Mitsui Iron Ore Development Pty. Ltd. (Australia) and Mitsui Itochu Iron Pty. Ltd.(Australia) increased by ¥5.5 billion and ¥3.1 billion, respectively.

Operating income for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥60.1 billion, a decrease of ¥7.2 billion from ¥67.3 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year, due to the above-mentioned decrease in gross profit. There was a marginal improvement in selling, general administrative expenses, as a result of the divestiture of Sesa Goa Limited.

Equity in earnings of associated companies for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥59.1 billion, an increase of ¥10.2 billion from ¥48.9 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. Major factors contributing to the increase were as follows:

 

•

Valepar S.A. (Brazil) posted an increase by ¥9.9 billion over the corresponding nine month period of the previous year when it recorded a ¥5.6 billion one-time gain on issuance of stock by Vale in exchange for Caemi Mineraçã o e Metalurgia S.A stock. This increase is due to strong operating results of Vale reflecting higher iron prices and contributions from newly acquired Inco Limited (currently Vale Inco Limited) following the acquisition by Vale during the fourth quarter of the year ended March 31, 2007.

 

•

Despite firm copper market price, earnings of Compania Minera Dona Ines de Collahuasi SCM (Chile) decreased by ¥2.2 billion from the corresponding nine month period of the previous year, due to reduced shipment of products caused by replacement work on property and equipment.

 

•

Sims Group Limited (Australia), which the Group acquired 19.9% of is shares in June 2007, added a new contribution in earnings for ¥1.8 billion.

Net income for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥148.3 billion, a significant increase of ¥61.2 billion from ¥87.1 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. Besides the above-mentioned factors, there were significant movements in gains on sales of securities for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 as follows:

 

•

For the nine month period ended December 31, 2007, this segment recorded a ¥93.9 billion gain on the sale of its whole stake in Sesa Goa Limited(*). In addition, it also recorded a ¥12.4 billion gain on the sale of shares in Empreendimentos Brasileiros de Mineração S.A.

 

•

For the corresponding nine month period of the previous year, this segment recorded a ¥14.2 billion gain on the sale of shares in Toho Titanium Co., Ltd. (Japan).

 

(*)

In the consolidated statements of income, net income of Sesa Goa for the nine month periods ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 are presented as income from discontinued operations (after income tax effect). However, in this “Operating Results by Operating Segment”, operating results of the company is presented and discussed according to line items of the consolidated statements of income.

 

-9-

---

Machinery & Infrastructure Projects Segment

Gross profit for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥98.7 billion, an increase of ¥26.7 billion from ¥72.0 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year.

 

•

Overseas automotive-related subsidiaries continued to post steady performance, particularly motorcycle retail finance company P.T. Bussan Auto Finance (Indonesia) reported higher gross profit. In addition, there were contributions from a newly acquired machine tools subsidiary.

 

•

Ocean vessels and marine project businesses showed overall strong performance through marketing newly built and second hand vessels, operating and chartering vessel and others.

 

•

In infrastructure projects business fields, gross profit increased due to expanding operations of rolling stock leasing subsidiaries in Europe.

Operating income for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥ 24.0 billion, an increase of ¥13.3 billion from ¥10.7 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. The increase is primarily attributable to the improvement in gross profit in ocean vessels and marine project businesses; and infrastructure projects businesses. Operating income of automotive and machined tools related subsidiaries increased in general, however, increase in the relevant gross profit was largely offset by increases in selling, general and administrative expenses and provision for doubtful receivables.

Equity in earnings of associated companies for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥14.7billion, a decrease of ¥3.6 billion from ¥18.3 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year.

 

•

Overseas power producing businesses such as IPM Eagle LLP (United Kingdom) and P.T. Paiton Energy (Indonesia) reported equity in earnings of ¥2.4 billion in total, a decrease of ¥4.3 billion from ¥6.7 billion earnings for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. The decrease is due to a ¥4.5 billion mark-to-market evaluation loss recorded by IPM Eagle on a long-term swap contract in one its Australian power producing operations for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007. (decreased from a mark-to-market evaluation loss of ¥9.4 billion recorded as of September 30, 2007 reflecting a softening Australian electricity market.)

 

•

This segment recorded a ¥5.5 billion equity in loss reflecting an other-than- temporary decline in share price of ASAHI TEC CORPORATION (Japan), a manufacturer of ductile iron cast parts and aluminum forged parts.

 

•

The other associated companies reported improved earnings in general, such as the gas distribution companies in Brazil and the automotive and construction machinery related businesses.

Net income for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥31.8 billion, an increase of ¥5.2 billion from ¥26.6 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. In addition to the above-mentioned factors, this segment recorded a gain on the sale of aircraft for lease for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007.

Chemical Segment

Gross profit was ¥85.4 billion, an increase of ¥8.7 billion from ¥76.7 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. The principal developments in this segment were as follows:

 

•

Gross profit continued to stay at high levels reflecting a solid performance mainly in ammonia, methanol; however, basic petrochemicals business recorded a decrease in gross profit due to a sharp decrease in margins following a rapid increase in prices of crude oil and naphtha.

 

•

Gross profit increased at Novus International, Inc. (United States), a feed additive manufacturing subsidiary, due to improvement in both sales volume and market price. Expanded agricultural chemicals transactions in Europe also contributed to achieving improved gross profit.

 

•

Performance of plastics including IT related parts and components remained solid. Significant gains came from the sulphur business due to a sharp rise in its price.

 

-10-

---

Operating income for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥35.9 billion, an increase of ¥10.2 billion from ¥25.7 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. The improvement was primary attributable to the increase in gross profit, and there was a one-time expense from provision for doubtful receivables at Fertilizantes Mitsui S.A. Industria e comercio (Brazil).

Equity in earnings of associated companies for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥4.4 billion, an increase of ¥0.7 billion from ¥3.7 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year, mainly due to the improvement of performance at International Methanol Company (Saudi Arabia), a methanol manufacturing company.

Net income for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥16.6 billion, an increase of ¥1.9 billion from ¥14.7 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. In addition to the above-mentioned improvements, there were one-time profit factors during the corresponding nine month period of the previous year, namely, this segment had recorded:

 

•

a credit to income of ¥3.9 billion as a result of the reversal of the accrued cost which had been set up based on an estimated cost for compensation and other charges related to the DPF incident during past years as a result of completion of redemption of the relevant DPFs; and

 

•

a gain on sale of shares in Toho Titanium Co., Ltd.

Energy Segment

After reaching US$72 per barrel in September 2006, Japan Crude Cocktail (JCC) dropped to US$55 per barrel in February 2007. It then bounced back and soared to around US$91 per barrel (preliminary figure) in December 31, 2007. Average JCC price which has been reflected in revenues of Mitsui’s oil and gas producing subsidiaries and associated companies rose to US$66 per barrel in average for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 from US$64 for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year.

 

Gross profit for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥152.6 billion, a significant increase of ¥74.2 billion from ¥78.4 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year primarily due to the following factors:

 

•

As a result of Mitsui’s acquisition of additional voting shares in Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. (“MOECO”) during the 4th quarter of the year ended March 31, 2007, MOECO, formerly an associated company, became a subsidiary with Mitsui’s 50.3% voting interest (currently 51.03%). There was a new contribution to gross profit from MOECO by ¥55.9 billion coming from this acquisition of shares. There were new contributions of ¥14.2 billion by Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Ltd (Australia) due to the start of oil production at the Enfield oil field in July 2006 as well as the Tui oil filed in July 2007. Moreover, Mittwell Energy Resources Pty. Ltd. (Australia) reported a ¥6.0 billion increase reflecting increased shipment of condensate; and Mitsui E&P Middle East B.V. (Netherlands) operating in Oman reported an increase by ¥3.1 billion, reflecting an increase in production of oil and natural gas.

 

•         The price for representative Australian hard coking coal for the year ending March 31, 2008 declined by approximately 15% to US$92 per ton FOB. At the same time soft coking coal prices rose in general by 9%. For the nine month period ended December 31, 2007, gross profit at Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd. (Australia) decreased significantly by ¥13.1 billion, reflecting lower coal price, appreciation of Australian dollar against the U.S. dollar, delay of expansion project and several operational troubles.

 

•

There was a ¥9.6 billion naphtha trading losses at Mitsui Oil (Asia) Pte. Ltd. (Singapore) for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year.

 

-11-

---

•

In the domestic sales operations, Mitsui Liquefied Gas Co., Ltd. (Japan) recorded ¥3.2 billion increase reflecting higher sales price, however, Mitsui Oil Co., Ltd. (Japan) reported a decrease due to reduced margin related to a sharp increase in crude oil prices.

Operating income for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥118.9 billion, an increase of ¥67.8 billion from ¥51.1 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. The increase in gross profit was partly offset by increased selling, general and administrative expenses, particularly at MOECO.

Equity in earnings of associated companies for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥26.3 billion, a decrease of ¥5.8 billion from ¥32.1 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty. Ltd. (Australia), which is engaged in natural gas, crude oil and condensate exploration, development and marketing in Western Australia, recorded a slight increase in earnings. MOECO, as an associated company up to the third quarter of the year ended March 31, 2007, reported ¥8.4 billion earnings for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year, but it reported operating results line by line for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007.

Net income for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥88.4 billion, a significant increase of ¥32.0 billion from ¥56.4 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. Besides the above-mentioned developments, there were following factors:

 

•

In April, this segment transferred 50% of its shares in Sakhalin Energy Investment Company Ltd. (Bermuda) and recorded relevant gains on sale of the shares.

 

•

This segment recorded a ¥20.4 billion gain (pre-tax) on the sale of its entire oil and gas producing interests in Wandoo Petroleum for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 (*).

 

•

Dividends from LNG projects in Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Oman were ¥18.8billion, a decrease of ¥2.9 billion over the corresponding nine month period of the previous year.

 

•

This segment reported an impairment loss on power producing equipment at a domestic power producing operation for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007.

 

•

Minority interests in earnings of subsidiaries was newly recognized by ¥14.3 billion with regard to MOECO due to the acquisition of additional shares by Mitsui and consolidation as a subsidiary in the fourth quarter of the year ended March 31, 2007 causing MOECO to be consolidated with presenting minority interest and no longer accounted as an associated company.

 

(*)	In the consolidated statements of income, net income of Wandoo Petroleum for the nine month periods ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 is presented as income from discontinued operations (after income tax effect).

 

-12-

---

Foods & Retail Segment

Gross profit for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥61.3 billion, a decrease of ¥2.5 billion from ¥63.8 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. Under business circumstances where inflation of food raw material prices in the Japanese domestic market continued, food raw material business transactions showed firm performance. At the same time, this segment has been taking various cost reduction initiatives in the competitive domestic food distribution and retail operations. For the nine month period ended December 31, 2007, this segment saw a ¥1.9 billion decrease resulting from reorganization of Hokushuren Company Limited (Japan) changing its status from a subisidiary to associated company in October 2007.

Operating income for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥12.9 billion, an increase of ¥1.5 billion from ¥11.4 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. MITSUI FOODS CO., LTD. (Japan) and Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd. (Japan) succeeded in decreasing general, selling and administrative expenses, which resulted in a slight improvement in their operating income although their gross profit declined marginally due to less sales transactions as a result of exiting from unprofitable businesses.

Equity in earnings of associated companies for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥2.3 billion, a ¥0.2 billion decrease from ¥2.5 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year.

Net income for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥9.1 billion, an improvement of ¥10.0 billion from ¥0.9 billion net loss for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. In addition to the above-mentioned development, major factors were as follows:

 

•

For the corresponding nine month period of the previous year, Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd. recorded impairment losses on intangible assets and goodwill of ¥7.8 billion and ¥16.5 billion, respectively, and ¥8.3 billion minority interest in these losses in income (at 48% minority share) related to these impairment losses was also recorded. For the nine month period ended December 31, 2007, it’s operating results recovered to a marginally positive amount of income from continuing operations before minority interests and equity in earnings, which caused a reversal effect from the above-mentioned minority interest (in income) for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year.

 

•

For the nine month period ended December 31, 2007, Mitsui recognized a ¥4.5 billion loss on the write-down of the shares of Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd. reflecting a decline in its share price.

Consumer Service & IT Segment

Gross profit for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥84.4 billion, a decrease of ¥10.8 billion from ¥95.2 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. The primary factor of the decrease was business reorganization through withdrawals or divestitures, for example, the housing business of Mitsui Bussan House-Techno, Inc. (Japan), Mitsui Bussan Forestry Co., Ltd. (Japan), divestitures of two cable television providers and certain textile and general merchandise businesses. In addition, IT related businesses mainly in the system integration businesses reported a small decline, while real estate businesses in Japan and Europe showed steady performance.

Operating income for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥10.9 billion, a decrease of ¥1.8 billion from ¥12.7 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. The improvements in selling, general and administrative expenses, primarily at Mitsui Bussan House-Techno, Inc. offset most part of the decline in gross profit.

Equity in earnings of associated companies for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥5.7 billion, an increase of ¥0.6 billion from ¥5.1 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year.

 

-13-

---

Net income for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥8.7 billion, an increase of ¥0.2 billion from ¥8.5 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. Major reasons other than the above-mentioned factors were as follows:

 

•

For the corresponding nine month period of the previous year, Mitsui Bussan House-Techno, Inc. decided to discontinue the housing business and recorded relevant estimated costs.

 

•

For the nine month period ended December 31, 2007, there were gains on sales of shares, including those of Jupiter Telecommunications Co., Ltd. and two cable television providers. In addition, in conjunction with the merger of NextCom K.K. and Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd., this segment recorded gain from the exchange of shares of these subsidiaries with minority interest.

Logistics & Financial Markets Segment

Gross profit was ¥41.5 billion, a decrease of ¥3.3 billion from ¥44.8 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. Gross profit decreased at Mitsui & Co. Precious Metals, Inc. (United States), reflecting lower trading margins due to a significant reduction of volatility in the market. In addition, divestiture of Mitsui Bussan Futures Ltd. (Japan) resulted in further deterioration of gross profit.

Reflecting the decrease in gross profit, operating income for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥16.8 billion, a decrease of ¥1.1 billion from ¥17.9 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year.

For the nine month period ended December 31, 2007, this segment reported a ¥2.0 billion net sum of equity in losses of associated companies, a ¥3.5 billion deterioration from ¥1.5 billion earnings for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. The decline was attributable to the loss on investment in ASAHI TEC CORPORATION (Japan) similar to the Machinery & Infrastructure Project Segment; and investment in a partnership NPF-Harmony (Japan). Mitsui Leasing & Development, Ltd. (Japan) reported a decline caused from increased provision for doubtful receivables.

Accordingly, net income for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥3.4 billion, a decrease of ¥5.0 billion from ¥8.4 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. In addition to the above-mentioned negative factors, this segment recorded a ¥5.0 billion loss on write-down on shares of Central Finance Co., Ltd. for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007.

Americas Segment

Gross profit for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥34.5 billion, a decrease of ¥11.1 billion from ¥45.6 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year.

 

•

For the nine month period ended December 31, 2007, MBK Real Estate Ltd. (United States), which engages in the development and sale of residential homes in the West Coast market, recorded decreased sales and also recorded a ¥9.1 billion loss on write-down of inventories reflecting the deterioration in the residential market, based on discount cash flow method applying the latest market values.

 

•

Westport Petroleum Inc. (United States) reported a ¥7.6 billion decrease due to a reversal effect from the high level earnings for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year for oil product trading.

 

•

Steel products businesses at the former Mitsui Steel Holdings, Inc. (United States) and other subsidiaries recorded a ¥3.0 billion decline due to a decreased margin from oil well tubular and other steel products.

 

•

Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc. also recorded ¥2.8 billion decline.

 

•

There were contributions form newly acquired subsidiaries, particularly Steel Technologies, Inc. (United States) by ¥4.4 billion for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007. Those subsidiaries included SunWize Technologies, Inc. (United States).

 

-14-

---

This segment recorded a ¥2.3 billion operating loss for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007, a deterioration of ¥18.0 billion from ¥15.7 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. Westport Petroleum Inc. and steel products subsidiaries as mentioned above recorded decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses, which partly offset deterioration in gross profit. The contributions to gross profit from newly acquired were mostly offset by their selling, general and administrative expenses.

Equity in earnings of associated companies for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥4.0 billion, a ¥1.2 billion increase from ¥2.8 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year.

Net income for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥0.6 billion, a significant decrease of ¥12.1 billion from ¥12.7 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. In addition to the above-mentioned, there were following factors:

 

•

Interest expenses increased by ¥3.9 billion at Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc. and its subsidiaries resulting from increased interest bearing debt.

 

•

For corresponding nine month period of the previous year, there were ¥3.6 billion gains on sales of warehouse and lands by Tri-Net Logistics Management, Inc. (United States) and a chemical subsidiary, Nst, Inc. (United States).

Europe, the Middle East and Africa Segment

Gross profit for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥20.1 billion, an increase of ¥1.9 billion from ¥18.2 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year, reflecting solid performance of the steel products businesses, infrastructure project, chemicals and energy. Operating income for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥1.9 billion, a ¥0.2 billion decline from ¥2.1 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year, reflecting increased selling, general and administrative expenses, mainly in personnel expenses.

Net income for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥4.6 billion, an increase of ¥1.7 billion from ¥2.9 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. Increases in the segment’s minority interest in subsidiaries in the fields of automotive business and real estate contributed to this improvement.

Asia Pacific Segment

Gross profit for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥25.1 billion, an increase of ¥3.6 billion from ¥21.5 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. Steel products and chemicals exhibited strong performance.

Operating income for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥6.7 billion, an increase of ¥0.9 billion from ¥5.8 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. There were increases in personnel expenses.

Net income for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007 was ¥18.3 billion, an increase of ¥2.5 billion from ¥15.8 billion for the corresponding nine month period of the previous year. The segment’s minority interest in Mitsui Iron Ore Development Pty. Ltd. and Wandoo Petroleum Pty Ltd increased, while it decreased in Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd. (Australia) for the nine month period ended December 31, 2007.

 

-15-

---

3. Financial Condition and Cash Flow

Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

Total assets as of December 31, 2007 were ¥10,232.0 billion, an increase of ¥ 418.7 billion from ¥9,813.3 billion, as of March 31, 2007.

Current assets as of December 31, 2007 were ¥5,293.9 billion, an increase of ¥ 220.1 billion from ¥5,073.8 billion as of March 31, 2007, mainly attributable to increases in inventories and trade receivables in the Americas Segment resulting from the acquisition of Steel Technologies, Inc. (United States); and increases in trade receivables in the energy related transactions.

 

-16-

---

Total current liabilities as of December 31, 2007 were ¥3,836.8 billion, an increase of ¥26.6 billion from ¥3,810.2 billion as of March 31, 2007.There were decreases of the sum of ¥185.2 billion in short term debt and in current maturities of long-term debt mainly at both overseas financial subsidiaries and Mitsui, which was offset by increases in trade payables corresponding to increases in the current assets and accrued expenses for income tax of Mitsui.

As a result, working capital, or current assets minus current liabilities, as of December 31, 2007 was ¥1,457.1 billion, an increase of ¥193.5 billion from ¥1,263.6 billion as of March 31, 2007.

The sum of “investments and non-current receivables”, “property and equipment—at cost” and “other assets” as of December 31, 2007 totaled ¥4,938.2 billion, a ¥198.7 billion increase from ¥4,739.5 billion as of March 31, 2007, mainly due to the following factors:

 

•

Total investments and non-current receivables as of December 31, 2007 were ¥3,595.9 billion, a ¥117.1 billion increase from ¥3,478.8 billion as of March 31, 2007. Within this category, investments in and advances to associated companies as of December 31, 2007 were ¥1,465.4 billion, a ¥122.2 billion decrease from ¥1,587.6 billion as of March 31, 2007. Major factors were as follows:

 

-

As of March 31, 2007, investment for the Sakhalin II project amounting to ¥417.2 billion was recorded in this account. As a result of a 50% divestiture in April 2007, the remaining balance was transferred to the account “other investments”.

 

-

Major expenditures for the six month period ended December 31, 2007 were investment in Sims Group Limited, an Australian metal recycler, for ¥61.2 billion; additional investment to combine United Kingdom power generating assets with International Power plc for ¥22.2 billion; and investment in Erdos Electrical Power & Metallurgical Co., Ltd., a conglomerate in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China engaged in power generation, coal mining and ferrous alloy production, for ¥16.4 billion.

In addition to the above-mentioned increases, there were increases which do not involve cash outflow as follows:

 

-

Increases in equity in earnings (before tax effect) of ¥108.9 billion (net of ¥61.5 billion dividends received from associated companies); and

 

-

A ¥14.2 billion net improvement in foreign exchange translation cumulative adjustments.

Other investments were ¥1,450.3 billion, a ¥211.4 billion increase from ¥1,238.9 billion as of March 31, 2007. Major factors were as follows:

 

-

There were purchases of shares in Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. for ¥24.3 billion and shares and bonds of Central Finance Co., Ltd. for ¥14.4 billion (net of loss on write-down).

 

-

As discussed in investments in and advances to associated companies above, investment in the Sakhalin II project for ¥235.8 billion was recorded in this account, as a result of a 50% divestiture of our stake in April 2007 and the investments thereafter in response to expenditure for development work.

 

-

Net total of unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale securities decreased by ¥78.3 billion, with the fall of prices of shares of companies such as Toho Titanium Co., Ltd., Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., . Tokyo Broadcasting System, Incorporated and Nippon Steel Corporation, reflecting the decline in stock market in the third quarter of this fiscal year.

 

-17-

---

•

Property and equipment—at cost as of December 31, 2007 was ¥1,047.1 billion, an increase of ¥58.8 billion from ¥988.3 billion as of March 31, 2007. Major components were as follows:

 

-

Coal mining projects in Australia for ¥28.8 billion, including effect from foreign exchange translation of ¥5.9 billion;

 

-

Iron ore mining projects in Australia for ¥18.6 billion, including effect from foreign exchange translation of ¥3.8 billion;

 

-

Enfield and Vincent oil field in Australia, Tui oil field in New Zealand, oil and gas project in Oman, and oil and gas projects of offshore Gulf of Mexico as well as oil and gas projects by Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. in total for ¥19.4 billion, including effect from foreign exchange translation of ¥6.4 billion; and

 

-

Property and equipment of Steel Technologies Inc. for ¥26.2 billion as a result of the acquisition during the six month period ended December 31, 2007.

On the other hand, the property and equipment of Sesa Goa Limited for ¥13.2 billion decreased as a result of the divestiture.

Long-term debt, less current maturities as of December 31, 2007 was ¥2,965.8 billion, an increase of ¥78.3 billion from ¥2,887.5 billion as of March 31, 2007 mainly due to an increase in borrowings from financial institutions associated with funding for various investments at Mitsui and Mitsui & Co., (U.S.A.), Inc.

Shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2007 was ¥2,367.2 billion, an increase of ¥256.9 billion from ¥2,110.3 billion as of March 31, 2007, primarily due to the increase in retained earnings by ¥257.3 billion, conversion of bonds by ¥27.0 billion and net improvement in foreign currency translation adjustments by ¥19.3 billion due to the stronger Australian Dollar and Brazilian Real against the Japanese Yen, as well as a net decline in unrealized holding gains by ¥44.3 billion.

As a result, shareholders’ equity to total assets ratio as of December 31, 2007 was 23.1 %, a 1.6 percentage point higher from 21.5 % as of March 31, 2007. Net interest bearing debt, or interest bearing debt minus cash and cash equivalents and time deposits as of December 31, 2007 was ¥3,000.4 billion, a decrease of ¥98.0 billion from ¥3,098.4 billion as of March 31, 2007. Net debt-to-equity ratio as of December 31, 2007 was 1.27 times, 0.20 points lower from 1.47 times as of March 31, 2007.

 

-18-

---

4. Forecast annual operating results for the year ending March 31, 2008

At the announcement of interim operating results, the Group revised its forecast of annual net income for the year ending March 31, 2008 to ¥420 billion, up from ¥370 billion originally announce in the beginning of this fiscal year.

As of the dated of this announcement of the third quarter earnings, the Group maintains the forecast consolidated net income for the year ending March 31, 2008 as ¥420 billion, depite of recently increasing uncertainties surrounding the United States and global economy.

The Group recognizes a probable change in its accounting for Petroleum Resource Rent Tax at Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Ltd (Australia) pursuant to an amendment in the relevant Australia accounting principle in the fourth quarter of this fiscal year, which may result in a recognition of approximately ¥10 billion as accrued tax expense. The Group has taken into consideration this probable tax expense in reviewing the above-mentioned forecast of net income.

 

-19-

---

Statements of Consolidated Income

(for the three-month period ended December 31, 2007 and 2006)

(Unaudited)

 

		(Millions of Yen)
		Three-month period ended December 31, 2007				Three-month period ended December 31, 2006				Comparison with previous period
										Increase/(Decrease)
										Amount				%
Revenues		¥	1,466,720			¥	1,181,041			¥	285,679			24.2
Cost of Revenues			1,225,260				960,137				265,123
Gross Profit			241,460				220,904				20,556			9.3
Other Expenses (Income) :
Selling, general and administrative			149,886				142,909				6,977
Provision for doubtful receivables			2,362				2,405				(43	)
Interest expense, net of interest income			12,888				12,574				314
Dividend income			(11,747	)			(10,912	)			(835	)
Gain on sales of securities - net			(10,839	)			(12,023	)			1,184
Loss on write-down of securities			6,676				4,273				2,403
Loss (gain) on disposal or sales of property and equipment - net			221				(4,036	)			4,257
Impairment loss of long-lived assets			5,081				937				4,144
Other income - net			(111	)			(1,047	)			936
Total other expenses			154,417				135,080				19,337
Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Minority Interests and Equity in Earnings			87,043				85,824				1,219			1.4
Income Taxes			38,611				34,302				4,309
Income from Continuing Operations before Minority Interests and Equity in Earnings			48,432				51,522				(3,090	)		(6.0	)
Minority Interests in Earnings of Subsidiaries			(12,350	)			(7,246	)			(5,104	)
Equity in Earnings of Associated Companies - Net (After Income Tax Effect)			46,512				43,223				3,289			7.6
Income from Continuing Operations			82,594				87,499				(4,905	)		(5.6	)
Income from Discontinued Operations - Net (After Income Tax Effect)			—				2,260				(2,260	)
Net Income		¥	82,594			¥	89,759			¥	(7,165	)		(8.0	)
Summary of Changes in Equity from Nonowner Sources (Comprehensive Income):
Net income		¥	82,594			¥	89,759			¥	(7,165	)
Other comprehensive income (after income tax effect):
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities			(46,729	)			13,212				(59,941	)
Foreign currency translation and other adjustments			(9,176	)			37,837				(47,013	)
Changes in equity from nonowner sources		¥	26,689			¥	140,808			¥	(114,119	)

 

-20-

---

Statements of Consolidated Income

(for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2007 and 2006)

(Unaudited)

 

		(Millions of Yen)
		Nine-month period ended December 31, 2007				Nine-month period ended December 31, 2006				Comparison with previous period
										Increase/(Decrease)
										Amount				%
Revenues		¥	4,205,524			¥	3,479,744			¥	725,780			20.9
Cost of Revenues			3,484,747				2,850,935				633,812
Gross Profit			720,777				628,809				91,968			14.6
Other Expenses (Income) :
Selling, general and administrative			446,633				425,606				21,027
Provision for doubtful receivables			4,698				4,042				656
Interest expense, net of interest income			36,601				30,691				5,910
Dividend income			(40,166	)			(38,685	)			(1,481	)
Gain on sales of securities - net			(61,871	)			(38,564	)			(23,307	)
Loss on write-down of securities			19,339				7,480				11,859
Gain on disposal or sales of property and equipment - net			(6,451	)			(5,278	)			(1,173	)
Impairment loss of long-lived assets			7,313				10,863				(3,550	)
Impairment loss of goodwill			—				16,528				(16,528	)
Compensation and other charges related to DPF incident			—				(3,864	)			3,864
Other expense (income) - net			(1,704	)			4,059				(5,763	)
Total other expenses			404,392				412,878				(8,486	)
Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Minority Interests and Equity in Earnings			316,385				215,931				100,454			46.5
Income Taxes			128,106				89,588				38,518
Income from Continuing Operations before Minority Interests and Equity in Earnings			188,279				126,343				61,936			49.0
Minority Interests in Earnings of Subsidiaries			(33,028	)			(9,044	)			(23,984	)
Equity in Earnings of Associated Companies - Net (After Income Tax Effect)			118,802				117,735				1,067			0.9
Income from Continuing Operations			274,053				235,034				39,019			16.6
Income from Discontinued Operations - Net (After Income Tax Effect)			60,462				9,180				51,282
Net Income		¥	334,515			¥	244,214			¥	90,301			37.0
Summary of Changes in Equity from Nonowner Sources (Comprehensive Income):
Net income		¥	334,515			¥	244,214			¥	90,301
Other comprehensive income (after income tax effect):
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities			(44,317	)			2,489				(46,806	)
Foreign currency translation and other adjustments			18,423				70,241				(51,818	)
Changes in equity from nonowner sources		¥	308,621			¥	316,944			¥	(8,323	)

 

-21-

---

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

 

 

		(Millions of Yen)
		December 31, 2007				March 31, 2007				Increase/ (Decrease)
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and marketable securities		¥	783,809			¥	818,293			¥	(34,484	)
Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful receivables			2,957,931				2,886,011				71,920
Inventories			800,297				696,470				103,827
Other current assets			751,837				673,002				78,835
Total current assets			5,293,874				5,073,776				220,098
Investments and Non-current Receivables:
Investments in and advances to associated companies and other investments			2,915,699				2,826,424				89,275
Non-current receivables, less allowance for doubtful receivables, and property leased to others			680,199				652,400				27,799
Total investments and other non-current receivables			3,595,898				3,478,824				117,074
Property and Equipment, less Accumulated Depreciation			1,047,053				988,300				58,753
Other Assets			295,210				272,412				22,798
Total		¥	10,232,035			¥	9,813,312			¥	418,723
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt		¥	845,455			¥	1,030,612			¥	(185,157	)
Trade payables			2,214,760				2,129,729				85,031
Other current liabilities			776,567				649,861				126,706
Total current liabilities			3,836,782				3,810,202				26,580
Long-term Debt, less Current Maturities			2,965,809				2,887,528				78,281
Other Liabilities			820,367				766,616				53,751
Minority Interests			241,888				238,687				3,201
Shareholders’ Equity:
Common stock			336,724				323,213				13,511
Capital surplus			431,411				417,900				13,511
Retained earnings:
Appropriated for legal reserve			41,097				39,670				1,427
Unappropriated			1,328,133				1,072,234				255,899
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized holding gains and losses on available- for-sale securities			214,605				258,922				(44,317	)
Foreign currency translation and other adjustments			20,231				1,808				18,423
Total accumulated other comprehensive income			234,836				260,730				(25,894	)
Treasury stock, at cost			(5,012	)			(3,468	)			(1,544	)
Total shareholders’ equity			2,367,189				2,110,279				256,910
Total		¥	10,232,035			¥	9,813,312			¥	418,723

 

-22-

---

Operating Segment Information

(Unaudited)

Three-month period ended December 31, 2007 (from October 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007)

 

																			(Millions of Yen)
		Iron & Steel Products			Mineral & Metal Resources		Machinery & Infrastructure Projects		Chemical		Energy			Foods & Retail			Consumer Service & IT		Logistics & Financial Markets
Total Trading Transactions		376,035			358,164		705,331		686,533		698,593			536,266			271,219		51,443
Gross Profit		15,468			27,516		35,164		27,329		51,421			19,507			25,362		16,156
Operating Income (Loss)		6,862			23,891		9,458		11,298		40,423			3,814			1,359		6,705
Equity in Earnings of Associated Companies		1,345			20,380		13,094		1,495		7,065			1,562			1,603		(1,604	)
Net Income (Loss)		5,650			30,133		18,544		5,681		15,933			4,001			609		3,135
Total Assets at December 31, 2007		691,318			992,110		1,700,093		985,861		1,725,372			745,405			755,230		702,316
		Americas			Europe, the Middle East and Africa		Asia Pacific		Total		All Other			Adjustments and Eliminations			Consolidated Total
Total Trading Transactions		449,697			133,650		178,496		4,445,427		1,329			849			4,447,605
Gross Profit		6,977			6,918		8,723		240,541		969			(50	)		241,460
Operating Income (Loss)		(5,557	)		808		2,277		101,338		(688	)		(11,438	)		89,212
Equity in Earnings of Associated Companies		1,595			106		248		46,889		11			(388	)		46,512
Net Income (Loss)		(2,314	)		961		5,926		88,259		941			(6,606	)		82,594
Total Assets at December 31, 2007		683,900			214,113		399,633		9,595,351		2,789,912			(2,153,228	)		10,232,035

 

Three-month period ended December 31, 2006 (from October 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006)

 

		(Millions of Yen)
		Iron & Steel Products		Mineral & Metal Resources		Machinery & Infrastructure Projects		Chemical		Energy			Foods & Retail			Consumer Service & IT		Logistics & Financial Markets
Total Trading Transactions		356,631		387,169		556,273		603,067		600,848			535,157			367,578		43,688
Gross Profit		14,684		29,389		24,979		25,315		34,670			23,181			33,244		14,189
Operating Income (Loss)		6,707		25,032		3,526		8,794		25,350			4,229			5,713		5,058
Equity in Earnings of Associated Companies		1,039		17,334		5,253		1,133		14,051			986			1,608		594
Net Income		6,491		26,882		8,560		4,306		26,645			3,279			5,246		2,015
Total Assets at December 31, 2006		635,414		825,368		1,597,543		943,552		1,490,903			774,772			868,445		772,464
		Americas		Europe, the Middle East and Africa		Asia Pacific		Total		All Other			Adjustments and Eliminations			Consolidated Total
Total Trading Transactions		278,217		111,049		164,299		4,003,976		1,986			(16,468	)		3,989,494
Gross Profit		13,724		6,473		7,003		226,851		2,084			(8,031	)		220,904
Operating Income (Loss)		3,988		542		1,303		90,242		(1,659	)		(12,993	)		75,590
Equity in Earnings of Associated Companies		1,069		62		167		43,296		36			(109	)		43,223
Net Income		3,594		786		5,571		93,375		588			(4,204	)		89,759
Total Assets at December 31, 2006		475,708		177,086		296,720		8,857,975		2,907,684			(2,215,358	)		9,550,301

 

-23-

---

Operating Segment Information

(Unaudited)

Nine-month period ended December 31, 2007 (from April 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007)

 

		(Millions of Yen)
		Iron & Steel Products			Mineral & Metal Resources		Machinery & Infrastructure Projects		Chemical		Energy			Foods & Retail			Consumer Service & IT		Logistics & Financial Markets
Total Trading Transactions		1,117,249			1,177,710		1,820,130		2,002,565		1,928,292			1,534,821			841,511		134,574
Gross Profit		47,138			72,096		98,726		85,408		152,597			61,302			84,365		41,502
Operating Income (Loss)		21,153			60,130		23,986		35,908		118,909			12,939			10,861		16,816
Equity in Earnings of Associated Companies		4,026			59,052		14,730		4,362		26,310			2,346			5,746		(2,046	)
Net Income		17,587			148,300		31,795		16,582		88,398			9,127			8,747		3,425
		Americas			Europe, the Middle East and Africa		Asia Pacific		Total		All Other			Adjustments and Eliminations			Consolidated Total
Total Trading Transactions		1,165,911			388,044		540,920		12,651,727		4,508			(3,410	)		12,652,825
Gross Profit		34,525			20,076		25,130		722,865		2,567			(4,655	)		720,777
Operating Income (Loss)		(2,261	)		1,921		6,708		307,070		(2,614	)		(35,010	)		269,446
Equity in Earnings of Associated Companies		3,984			227		660		119,397		53			(648	)		118,802
Net Income		580			4,573		18,291		347,405		4,455			(17,345	)		334,515

 

Nine-month period ended December 31, 2006 (from April 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006)

 

		(Millions of Yen)
		Iron & Steel Products		Mineral & Metal Resources		Machinery & Infrastructure Projects		Chemical		Energy			Foods & Retail			Consumer Service & IT		Logistics & Financial Markets
Total Trading Transactions		1,033,215		1,091,331		1,585,499		1,757,039		1,781,422			1,476,760			1,093,003		133,879
Gross Profit		42,504		81,735		71,955		76,746		78,437			63,781			95,155		44,779
Operating Income (Loss)		18,963		67,272		10,687		25,728		51,075			11,374			12,674		17,899
Equity in Earnings of Associated Companies		2,482		48,930		18,309		3,709		32,059			2,498			5,072		1,494
Net Income (Loss)		15,933		87,090		26,572		14,711		56,384			(873	)		8,527		8,385
		Americas		Europe, the Middle East and Africa		Asia Pacific		Total		All Other			Adjustments and Eliminations			Consolidated Total
Total Trading Transactions		870,008		345,418		453,699		11,621,273		5,865			(39,845	)		11,587,293
Gross Profit		45,614		18,217		21,528		640,451		6,264			(17,906	)		628,809
Operating Income (Loss)		15,726		2,121		5,752		239,271		(3,171	)		(36,939	)		199,161
Equity in Earnings of Associated Companies		2,765		228		542		118,088		94			(447	)		117,735
Net Income (Loss)		12,717		2,851		15,803		248,100		4,800			(8,686	)		244,214

 

Notes:  1.

The figures of “Consolidated Total” for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2006 and the three-month period ended December 31, 2006 have been reclassified to conform to the change in current year presentation for discontinued operations in accordance with SFAS No. 144.

The reclassification to income (loss) from discontinued operations-net (after income tax effect) is included in “Adjustments and Eliminations.”

 

2.

“All Other” includes business activities which primarily provide services, such as financing services and operations services to external customers and/or to the companies and associated companies. Total assets of “All Other” at December 31, 2007 and 2006 consisted primarily of cash and cash equivalents and time deposits related to financing activities, and assets of certain subsidiaries related to the above services.

 

3.	Net loss of “Adjustments and Eliminations” includes income and expense items that are not allocated to specific reportable operating segments, such as certain expenses of the corporate departments, and eliminations of intersegment transactions.

 

4.	Transfers between operating segments are made at cost plus a markup.

 

5.	Operating Income (Loss) reflects the companies’ a) Gross Profit, b) Selling, general and administrative expenses, and c) Provision for doubtful receivables as presented in the Statements of Consolidated Income.

 

6.	Based on the reorganization effective April 1, 2007, the operating segment is changed as below. The operating segment information for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2006 and three-month period ended December 31, 2006 have been restated to conform to the current period presentation.

*	“Iron & Steel Raw Materials and Non-Ferrous Metals” which was formerly disclosed as a reportable segment changed its name to “Mineral & Metal Resources” and Coal & Nuclear Fuel business which was formerly included in “Iron & Steel Raw Materials and Non-Ferrous Metals” is transferred to “Energy.”

*	“Lifestyle, Consumer Service and Information, Electronics & Telecommunication” changed its name of the reportable segment to “Consumer Service & IT” in relation to the change of the composition of the reportable segment.

*	Subsidiaries in Oceania region which were formerly included in “Other Overseas Areas” were transferred to “Asia Pacific” which was formerly disclosed as “Asia.”

*	Subsidiaries in the Middle East, Africa and Russia which were formerly included in “Other Overseas Areas” were transferred to “Europe, the Middle East and Africa” which was formerly disclosed as “Europe.”

 

-24-