MITSUI & CO., LTD.
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FORM 6-K

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Report of Foreign Private Issuer

Interim Business Report first half of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2005

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the month of December 10, 2004

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 þ   Form 40-F o

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 o   No þ

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

 


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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: December 10, 2004

         
  MITSUI & CO., LTD.
 
 
  By:   /s/ Tasuku Kondo    
    Name:   Tasuku Kondo   
    Title:   Executive Director
Executive Vice President
Chief Financial Officer 
 
 

 


To Our Shareholders

Interim Business Report First half of the fiscal year Ending March 31, 2005

         
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To Our Shareholders:

We regret to report on the discovery that false data had been produced and submitted to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government with respect to products manufactured by our wholly owned subsidiary, resulting in the provision of products whose filtration ratios did not meet the regulatory standard. The product is Diesel Particulate Filter (“DPF”), which reduces the particulate matters contained in the emissions of diesel vehicles. We express our utmost regret to our shareholders, as well as all other parties concerned, for the occurrence of this incident.

While making best efforts to fully investigate this incident, we will undertake to replace our DPFs for free by engaging in a series of activities, including, supplying products of other manufacturers, reforming our existing products and developing alternative products.

In order to prevent the recurrence of similar cases in the future, we will carry out a company-wide effort to reinforce the existing compliance programs and to ensure higher corporate ethics, and ask for the kind understanding and support of our shareholders.

Shoei Utsuda
President and Chief Executive Officer

December 6, 2004


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MITSUI & CO., LTD.








 

Interim Business Report

First half of the fiscal year
ending March 31, 2005


April 1, 2004 to
September 30, 2004


The 86th financial year of Mitsui & Co., Ltd.



 



Translated document
This report has been prepared in English solely for the convenience of foreign readers, based on the Chukanhokokusho for the first half of Mitsui’s 86th year. The original statements in Japanese are definitive.




 


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From the President

We are delighted to bring you our Interim Business Report for the 86th year of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (“Mitsui”), the fiscal year ending March 31, 2005.

In the interim period from April 1, 2004 to September 30, 2004 we achieved record results, with consolidated net income of 62.1 billion yen and unconsolidated net income of 40.6 billion yen. In reflection of these results we revised our full year consolidated net income forecasts upwards to 110.0 billion yen.

The interim dividend payment has also been increased to 5 yen per share, 1 yen per share higher than for the previous interim period. Moreover, based on our new dividend policy of targeting a consolidated payout ratio of 20%, we intend to increase the final dividend for the year above the 8 yen per share paid in the previous fiscal year by improving our business performance. Achieving our consolidated net income target of 110.0 billion yen would equate to a dividend of 14 yen per share for the full year.

In the second half of this year we will continue making every effort to build the earning power of Mitsui. We look forward to your support.

Shoei Utsuda
President and Chief Executive Officer

December 2004

















Contents

         
From the President
    2  
Operating Environment
    3  
General Economic Conditions
       
The Japanese Economy
       
Recognition of our Operating Environment
       
Management Policy and New Medium-term
       
Strategic and Financial Plan
    4  
Management Philosophy
       
New Medium-term Strategic and Financial Plan
       
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
    8  
Basic Approach to CSR
       
Support for United National Global Compact
       
Operating Performance
    9  
Consolidated Interim Operating Results
       
Trends in Company Performance (Consolidated)
       
Trends in Company Performance (Non-consolidated)
       
Group Information
    12  
Principal Business
       
Principal Offices and Trading Subsidiaries
       
Affiliated Companies of Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
       
Employees
       
Shares of Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
       
Directors and Corporate Auditors
    13  
Executive Officers
    15  
Consolidated Balance Sheets
    17  
Statements of Consolidated Income
    19  
Statements of Consolidated Cash Flow
    21  
Operating Segment Information
    23  
Non-Consolidated Balance Sheets
    25  
Non-Consolidated Statements of Income
    27  


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(SPHERE)   Operating Environment

General Economic Conditions

Global economic conditions improved during the interim period under review, with growth in the major developed economies as well as in emerging countries such as China, India, and Russia. Contributing factors included the effects of historically low interest rates, higher demand for digital home appliances such as flat-screen televisions, a recovery in demand for personal computers and other IT-related items, and significant growth in demand for motor vehicles and infrastructure developments particularly in China but also in other emerging economies. These factors contributed to a substantial increase in global trade, with a considerable lift in commodity markets such as oil and mineral resources. In addition, momentum grew in corporations’ efforts to engage constructively in CSR (corporate social responsibility).

The Japanese Economy

The Japanese economy continued to recover, underpinned by strong exports and capital expenditure. Key contributing factors included global growth in demand for highly competitive Japanese products such as digital electronics and hybrid vehicles, and strong ongoing growth in Japan’s key export markets in Asia. Personal consumption also showed a mild upturn, with recovery in the labor market and stronger consumer sentiment. Increased activity in international commodity markets led to higher prices for raw and intermediate materials, but the impact of this on finished product prices was delayed and consumer prices remained weak.

Japan’s economic recovery is characterized by progress in the clearing up non-performing loans in the financial sector, widespread corporate restructuring, and other aspects of longer-term economic reform that have strengthened corporate financial fundamentals. More stable and sustainable economic growth can be expected, as quantitative monetary easing continues, the government undertakes further fiscal and regulatory reform, and individual companies pursue their own reform programs and direct resources into growth areas.

Recognition of our Operating Environment

As the pace of globalization increases, the influence of new and rapidly developing economies, in particular the so-called BRICS countries of Brazil, Russia, India and China, is rapidly growing. At the same time the unification of regional economies is progressing in Asia, Europe and the Americas. The ongoing infiltration of information technology into every industry, meanwhile, is propelling a shift from supply-driven economies to consumer-driven economies. In addition, global trends concerning health, safety and environmental protection are strengthening, and companies are increasingly expected to demonstrate high levels of accountability and transparency.

Based on awareness of the operating environment as described above, Mitsui is engaging in a range of activities with the aim of further increasing earnings growth.

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(SPHERE)   Management policy and New Medium-term
Strategic and Financial Plan

Management Philosophy

In August of this year we elaborated our management philosophy to create the following Mission, Vision and Values.

     

Mission
We will contribute to the creation of a future where the dreams of the inhabitants of our irreplaceable Earth can be fulfilled.
 
   

Vision
We aim to become a global business enabler that can meet the needs of our customers throughout the world.
 
   

Values
l
 
Making it a principle to be fair and humble, we, with sincerity and in good faith, will strive to be worthy of the trust society places in us.
 
   
l
 
With lofty aspirations and from an honest perspective, we will pursue business that benefits society.
 
   
l
 
Always taking on the challenge of new fields, we will dynamically create business that can lead the times.
 
   
l
 
Making the most of our corporate culture that fosters “Freedom and Open-mindedness,” we will fully demonstrate our abilities as a corporation as well as individuals.
 
   
l
 
In order to nurture human resources full of creativity and a superior sense of balance, we will provide our people with a workplace for self-development as well as self-realization.

In line with this management philosophy, we are currently in the process of reshaping our operations with aim of making use of our business engineering capabilities and worldwide network to generate new value as a global business enabler. Through measures such as revising our business structure and allocating resources to areas of strategic importance we are seeking to increase earning power and maximize corporate value.

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New Medium-Term Strategic and Financial Plan

(1) Summary of Medium-term Strategic and Financial Plan to March 31, 2006

In the previous fiscal year, ended March 2004, we achieved record consolidated net income of 68.4 billion yen. At the same time we made steady and substantial qualitative improvements through measures such as creating more effective management and sales structures, allocating management resources to areas of strategic importance, reviewing subsidiaries and related companies, and engaging in business process engineering. Based on these results, in May 2004 we announced Global Growth 2006, our new medium-term strategic and financial plan for the two years to March 31, 2006 that provides a blueprint for a new stage of growth across our entire organization. The key elements of this plan are as follows.

1. Quantitative targets

Mitsui’s target for the final year of the plan, ending March 2006, is consolidated net income of 100 billion yen with a 9% return on equity and a net debt-to-equity ratio of around 3 times. Our aim is to maintain strong financial fundamentals while expanding our earnings foundation to generate sustainable growth.

2. Key initiatives

Key initiatives in Global Growth 2006 include the following.

(a) Continuously reviewing Mitsui’s business portfolio
With the aim of making optimum use of our available management resources, we will concentrate on and invest in core and growing business areas, continuously review subsidiaries and associated companies, and reallocate human resources. Specific measures over the two years to March 2006 include 400 billion yen of investment, comprising 300 billion yen in core mineral, energy and plant project business, with 100 billion yen being targeted towards fueling growth in key strategic areas such as retail and foods businesses, consumer products and services businesses, lifestyle-related businesses, and automobile-related businesses.

(b) Developing a new growth model and leveraging our comprehensive capabilities
We intend to generate further growth, strengthening our existing core businesses while anticipating structural changes within Japan and around the world to take the lead in developing new business opportunities. Through the three strategies of value chain, cross border, and innovation we intend to make powerful use of our comprehensive group capabilities.

(c) Implementation of global strategy
In response to the development of unified regional economies in Asia, Europe and the Americas, we will strengthen operations in growth areas such as Greater China, Central and Eastern Europe, Russia /CIS, Brazil and Chile, forming strategic alliances with leading domestic and international companies as appropriate. At the same time we will take steps to inculcate the Mitsui culture throughout our operations, training and recruiting people globally.

(d) Strengthening corporate governance and CSR
We will strengthen corporate governance and internal controls and focus on CSR in our business management processes, with the aim of increasing the quality and transparency of our management processes and meeting the trust placed in us by stakeholders.

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(2) Initiatives during the six-month period ended September 30, 2004

During the fiscal period under review, specific measures implemented based on the medium-term strategic and financial plan outlined above were as follows.

1. Enhancement of management system

Corporate governance and internal control has been strengthened through the following measures.

l   In April this year three advisory committees to the board of directors (the Governance Committee, the Nomination Committee, and the Remuneration Committee) were introduced while maintaining the corporate auditor system.
 
l   The term of appointment for directors and executive officers has been reduced, and the number of external directors increased.
 
l   In working toward the establishment of a consolidated compliance system covering domestic and international Group businesses—including compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other responsibilities—an Internal Control Committee was established in April 2004.
 
l   Also in April 2004 a CSR Promotion Committee was established. (Further information on Mitsui’s approach to CSR management systems can be found on page 8 of this document).

2. Reorganization of business units

In April 2004 we adopted the following organizational structure, with the aim of increasing speed and efficiency in executing our global strategy, and optimizing the allocation of management resources from a groupwide perspective.

l   We reorganized business units and reduced them in number from 19 to 13.
 
l   We created a Consumer Services Business Unit, containing operations that reflect the rapid expansion in Japan of service industries such as knowledge-based businesses, health care and services to the elderly. The mission of this unit is to develop new business models based on identifying consumer needs.
 
l   With the aim of building on our global logistics capability as a general trading company and developing new business opportunities, a separate Transportation Logistics Business Unit has been created.
 
l   We have also taken steps to enhance the efficiency and capabilities of our domestic business network by introducing a new management structure in April 2004 in which each Chief Operating Officer (instead of the general manager of each branch or office) is responsible for the management of business activities in domestic branches and offices based on product lines.

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3. Strategic allocation of management resources

We have continued to prioritize the allocation of resources into core and growth business areas. Specific examples include:

l   Acquiring interests in the development of the Enfield oil project in Western Australia
 
l   Participating in the acquisition of the overseas power plant portfolio held by US company Edison Mission Energy
 
l   Investing in Quintiles Transnational Japan, a company that provides outsourcing services for the pharmaceutical industry
 
l   Forming a capital and business alliance with Duskin Co., Japan’s leading home services provider


4. Boosting consolidated Group value: rigorous review of subsidiaries and associated companies

In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004 we undertook a comprehensive review of 702 subsidiaries and associated companies throughout the Group, and having decided to exit from 190 of these took definitive action on 104 companies. Out of approximately 50 companies scheduled for exit during the year ending March 31, 2005, we have taken definitive action on 19 companies during the interim period under review.


5. Executing our Global strategy: Start of Pan-Asian management organization

Since the entry of China and Taiwan into the WTO we have placed increasing importance on the growing Greater China and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) free trade regions. In October 2004 we appointed a Regional Managing Director, Asia, who supervises the operations of foreign trading subsidiaries and branches in Asia, with the aim of enhancing the gaining and sharing of knowledge within the region to allow better leveraging of our capabilities and promote a new stage of business expansion in the region.


6. Business Process Re-engineering

Over the past three years, we have been carrying out Business Process Re-engineering with the aim of standardizing our business procedures through the use of Enterprise Resource Planning. The objectives are to improve productivity and enhance knowledge sharing, thereby enabling faster management decisions and value creation. In April 2004 we began operations at our Shared Service Center, which handles all cash settlements and delivery tasks in Mitsui, and in November 2004 we plan to begin full-scale operation of MICAN, a new information system infrastructure.

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(SPHERE)   Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Basic Approach to CSR
We fully recognize the importance of CSR as a management issue, and are committed to CSR management systems. In April 2004 we established a CSR Promotion Committee with members from a range of functions, which is the central body coordinating our CSR-oriented management program and CSR initiatives. In pursuit of socially responsible management we believe it is important to strengthen our management foundation of corporate governance and internal controls, to increase each employee’s awareness of CSR and commitment to Mitsui’s mission, vision and values, and to create an environment in which people do good work. In September 2004 we published Mitsui’s Basic Approach to CSR, as one part of measures to raise awareness of CSR among all employees.

     
Mitsui’s Basic Approach to CSR
1)
  We aim to carry out our business activities with integrity, working to continuously raise our corporate value by giving due consideration to both our economic role and our role in society and remaining highly aware of our relationship with the environment.
2)
  We seek to increase each employee’s awareness of CSR, and by further strengthening corporate governance and internal control build a strong CSR-based management foundation as a company that actively contributes to society.
3)
  We place high value on dialogue with stakeholders. We intend to engage in a continuous cycle of explanation to stakeholders, feedback from stakeholders, and subsequent improvement of our CSR initiatives.

Support for United Nations Global Compact

In October 2004 we announced our support for the ten principles of the United Nations Global Compact. The Global Compact asks companies to embrace, support and enact, within their sphere of influence, these ten principles in the area of human rights, labor standards, the environment, and anti-corruption. We intend to conduct periodic internal reviews covering our adherence to these principles, through which we will reveal any deficiencies in our approach, implement corrective initiatives, and clearly disclose what we have done. By making this cycle part of our normal operational process we are aiming to continuously improve the transparency and integrity of our business methods. We have also published a revised edition of our Mitsui Business Conduct Guidelines for Executives and Employees, which includes a new section on CSR-oriented management.

Centered on the CSR Promotion Committee, we intend to continue our pursuit of CSR management systems, promote CSR initiatives throughout the Group, and engage in ongoing dialogue with our stakeholders.

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(SPHERE)   Operating performance

Consolidated Interim Operating Results

The operating performance of Mitsui and its subsidiaries (the “companies”) for the six-month period ended September 30, 2004 is summarized as follows:

Total Trading Transactions
Total trading transactions for the six-month period ended September 30, 2004 increased ¥776.8 billion, or 13.1% over the corresponding six-month period of the previous year, to ¥6,722.9 billion mainly attributable to:

  the increase in transactions of steel products driven by demand from Chinese and other Asian markets and the increase in offshore trading transactions of iron ore in the Metal Products & Minerals Segment;
 
  the increase at an energy related subsidiary and steel products related subsidiaries in the United States reflecting the rising prices of crude oil and steel products in the Americas Segment; and
 
  higher overall market prices for petrochemicals in the Chemical Segment.

See note 2 to Trends in Company Performance (Consolidated) for an explanation on total trading transactions.

Earnings

Gross profit increased ¥60.0 billion to ¥352.5 billion mainly attributable to:

  the increase at overseas iron and steel raw material related subsidiaries against strong demand from China and other Asian countries as well as higher prices of these commodities in the Metal Products & Minerals Segment;
 
  higher oil price in this six-month period and the increase in the trading profit in crude oil trading at overseas subsidiaries and oil product trading at Mitsui in the Energy Segment; and
 
  the increase of trading profit in commodity trading such as raw sugar and grain and the sale of large commercial facility in the United States in the Consumer Products & Services Segment.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased ¥13.0 billion to ¥250.8 billion across the whole segments reflecting overall expanding business activities including acquisitions of subsidiaries such as Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd., which outweighed the decrease in employee pension benefit costs at Mitsui.

Dividend income increased ¥2.9 billion to ¥13.7 billion reflecting the increase in dividend from liquefied natural gas projects in the Middle East.

Gain on sales of securities — net increased ¥13.3 billion to ¥24.3 billion due to the sale of the stocks of an IT related subsidiary Telepark Corp. (formerly Mitsui & Associates Telepark Corporation) at its initial public offering and the sale of the marketable securities of a domestic telecommunication company.

Impairment loss of long-lived assets increased ¥1.6 billion to ¥8.6 billion due to a loss on the land held for development in Japan.

Other expense — net was ¥1.2 billion, improved by ¥10.1 billion compared with the loss of ¥11.3 billion in the corresponding six-month period of the previous year which contained the charges for the settlement of an antitrust lawsuit in the United States.

As a result of the above, income from continuing operations before income taxes, minority interests and equity in earnings increased ¥72.8 billion to ¥119.0 billion.

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Equity in earnings of associated companies — net (after income tax effect) increased ¥10.1 billion to ¥26.2 billion, due to the strong performance of overseas mineral resources related associated companies. In addition, domestic associated companies reported overall improvement compared with the corresponding six-month period of the previous year.

As a result of these developments, net income increased ¥36.3 billion, or 140.5% over the corresponding six-month period of the previous year, to ¥62.1 billion, after the addition of income from discontinued operations — net of ¥0.7 billion which showed an improvement from a ¥5.1 billion loss mainly caused by a loss from the disposal of golf courses for the corresponding six-month period of the previous year.

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Trends in Company Performance (Consolidated)

(Unaudited)

                                             
                                        (Millions of yen)
 
        Six-month period     Six-month period     Six-month period     Six-month period  
        ended September     ended September     ended September     ended September  
        30, 2004     30, 2003     30, 2002     30, 2001  
 
Total Trading Transactions
    ¥ 6,722,917       ¥ 5,946,101       ¥ 5,455,283       ¥ 5,594,166    
 
Operating Income
      98,020         51,068         49,076         45,937    
 
Net Income
      62,101         25,822         24,789         23,418    
 
   Notes:
1.   The figures shown in this table have been prepared on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
2.   Total Trading Transactions are a voluntary disclosure as permitted by Financial Accounting Standards Board Emerging Issues Task Force Issue (“EITF”) No. 99-19, and represent the gross transaction volume or the aggregate nominal value of the sales contracts in which the companies act as principal and transactions in which the companies serve as agent. Total Trading Transactions should not be construed as equivalent to, or a substitute or a proxy for, revenues, or as an indicator of the companies’ operating performance, liquidity or cash flows generated by operating, investing or financing activities. The companies have included the gross transaction volume information because similar Japanese trading companies have generally used it as an industry benchmark. As such, management believes that Total Trading Transactions are a useful supplement to the results of operations information for users of the consolidated financial statements.
3.   Operating Income reflects the companies’ a) Gross Profit, b) Selling, general and administrative expenses, and c) Provision for doubtful receivables.
4.   In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” the prior period figures relating to discontinued operations have been reclassified.
5.   Figures are rounded to the nearest million yen.
(Millions of yen)

(BAR CHART)

Trends in Company Performance (Non-Consolidated)

                                             
                    (Millions of yen, except Net Income per Share)
 
        Six-month period     Six-month period     Six-month period     Six-month period  
        ended September     ended September     ended September     ended September  
        30, 2004     30, 2003     30, 2002     30, 2001  
 
Sales
    ¥ 5,123,768       ¥ 4,908,778       ¥ 4,433,304       ¥ 4,647,381    
 
Net Income
      40,646         6,397         8,506         7,106    
 
Net Income per Share (yen)
    ¥ 25.68       ¥ 4.04       ¥ 5.37       ¥ 4.48    
 
   Notes:
1.   Net Income per Share is calculated based on the average number of shares outstanding for the period. Beginning with the six-month period ended September 30, 2002, the average number of shares for the period has been calculated based on the number of shares issued minus treasury stock.
2.   Figures less than ¥1 million and figures less than ¥1/100 (in the case of Net Income per Share) are truncated.

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(SPHERE)   Group information (as of September 30, 2004)

Principal Business
Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries are general trading companies operating in the sectors of Metal Products & Minerals, Machinery, Electronics & Information, Chemical, Energy, Consumer Products & Services, and Transportation Logistics & Financial Markets. We carry out a variety of activities in each sector, including domestic sales, import and export, and international trading, and also operate a diverse range of service businesses. In addition, we engage in natural resource development, strategic business investment, and a broad range of other business initiatives.

Principal Offices & Trading Subsidiaries

             
n
  Domestic:   Head Office   Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
 
           
      Offices   Sapporo, Sendai, Nagoya, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka
 
           
      Branches   Niigata, Shizuoka, Toyama, Takamatsu

Note: There are 11 business sites in Japan other than the above (as of October 1, 2004).

             
n
  Overseas:   Branches   Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila
 
           
      Trading Subsidiaries   Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), INC.
          Mitsui & Co. Europe Plc. (England)
          Mitsui & Co. (Australia) Ltd.
          Mitsui & Co. (Thailand) Ltd.
          Mitsui & Co. (Middle East) E.C. (Bahrain)

Note: There are 151 business sites overseas other than the above (as of October 1, 2004).

Affiliated Companies of Mitsui & Co., Ltd.

     
Number of consolidated subsidiaries:
  428
 
Number of associated companies accounted for by the equity method:
  310

Employees

     
Total number of employees Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries:
  36,410 (of which, 6,024 are employees
of Mitsui & Co., Ltd.)

Note: The total number of employees does not include 10,099 non-regular employees

Shares of Mitsui & Co., Ltd.

             
(1)
  Number of shares authorized     2,500,000,000  
 
           
(2)
  Number of shares outstanding     1,583,687,322  
 
           
(3)
  Number of shareholders     110,115  

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   Directors and Corporate Auditors (as of November 1, 2004)

Directors

         
Name
  Title   Principal position / Area of operation
Nobuo Ohashi
  Chairman and Director    

 
Shoei Utsuda*
  President and Chief Executive Officer   Chief Executive Officer

 
Tasuku Kondo*
  Director   Chief Financial Officer

 
Katsuto Momii*
  Director   Iron & Steel Products Business Unit; Iron & Steel Raw Materials and Non-Ferrous Metals Business Unit; Energy Business Unit

 
Tetsuya Matsuoka*
  Director   Power, Transportation & Plant Projects Business Unit; Machinery Business Unit; Information, Electronics and Telecommunication Business Unit; Financial Markets Business Unit; Transportation Logistics Business Unit

 
Masataka Suzuki*
  Director   Food & Retail Business Unit; Lifestyle Business Unit; Consumer Service Business Unit

 
Gempachiro Aihara*
  Director   Regional Managing Director, Asia
Organic Chemicals Business Unit; Plastics & Inorganic Chemicals Business Unit

 
Yushi Nagata*
  Director   Corporate Staff Division (Corporate Planning & Strategy Division, Corporate Communications Division, Investor Relations Division, Corporate Administrative Division, Business Process Re-Engineering Division); Overall Administrative Divisions of Business Units; New Business Development;
Chief Operating Officer, Business Process Re-Engineering Project Headquarters

 
Yasunori Yokote*
  Director   Chief Compliance Officer
Corporate Staff Division (Human Resources Division, Legal Division, General Affairs
Division, Secretariat, Compliance & Operational Control Division)

 
Akishige Okada
  Director   Chairman of the Board, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc., and Chairman of the Board, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

 
Akira Chihaya
  Director   Representative Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nippon Steel Corporation

 

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Corporate Auditors

         
Name
  Principal position / Area of operation    
Makoto Ejima
       

 
Ko Matsukata
  Senior Advisor to Board of Mitsui Marine and Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.    

 
Yasutaka Okamura
  Attorney at law    

 
Hiroshi Matsuura
       

 
Hideharu Kadowaki
  Chairman of the Japan Research Institute, Limited.    

 

Notes:

1.   Akishige Okada and Akira Chihaya are external directors, as provided for in Item 7-2, Clause 2, Article 188 of the Commercial Code of Japan.
2.   Ko Matsukata, Yasutaka Okamura, and Hideharu Kadowaki are the external Corporate Auditors, as provided for In Clause 1, Article 18, of the “Law Concerning Special Measures under the Commercial Code with Respect to Audit, etc. of Corporations.” Makoto Ejima and Hiroshi Matsuura are the Corporate Auditors as provided for in Clause 2, Article 18, of the aforementioned law.
3.   Representative directors are indicated with an asterisk.

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(SPHERE)   Executive Officers (as of November 1, 2004)
         
Name
  Title   Principal position / Area of operation
Shoei Utsuda*
  President and
Chief Executive Officer
   

 
Tasuku Kondo*
  Executive Vice President   Chief Financial Officer

 
Katsuto Momii*
  Executive Vice President   Iron & Steel Products Business Unit; Iron & Steel Raw Materials and Non-Ferrous Metals Business Unit; Energy Business Unit

 
Yasuo Hayashi
  Executive Vice President   Managing Director of Mitsui & Co. Europe Plc

 
Tetsuya Matsuoka*
  Senior Executive Managing Officer   Power, Transportation & Plant Projects Business Unit; Machinery Business Unit; Information, Electronics and Telecommunication Business Unit; Financial Markets Business Unit; Transportation Logistics Business Unit

 
Masataka Suzuki*
  Senior Executive Managing Officer   Foods & Retail Business Unit; Lifestyle Business Unit; Consumer Service Business Unit

 
Gempachiro Aihara*
  Senior Executive Managing Officer   Regional Managing Director, Asia
Organic Chemicals Business Unit; Plastics & Inorganic Chemicals Business Unit

 
Yushi Nagata*
  Senior Executive Managing Officer   Corporate Staff Division (Corporate Planning and Strategy Division, Corporate Communications Division, Investor Relations Division, Corporate Administrative Division, Business Process Re-Engineering Division); Overall Administrative Divisions of Business Units; New Business Promotion;
Chief Operating Officer, Business Process Re-Engineering Project Headquarters

 
Jun Moriyama
  Executive Managing Officer   General Manager, Nagoya Office

 
Hiroshi Tada
  Executive Managing Officer   Chairman for the Americas

 
Motokazu Yoshida
  Executive Managing Officer   Chief Operating Officer, Machinery Business Unit

 
Yoshiyuki Kagawa
  Executive Managing Officer   Chief Operating Officer, Energy Business Unit

 
Yasunori Yokote*
  Executive Managing Officer   Chief Compliance Officer
Corporate Staff Division (Human Resources Division, Legal Division,
General Affairs Division, Secretariat, Compliance & Operational
Control Division)

 
Yoshiyuki Izawa
  Executive Managing Officer   General Manager, Osaka Office

 
Osamu Mori
  Executive Managing Officer   Chief Operating Officer, Financial Markets Business Unit

 
Kazuya Imai
  Executive Managing Officer   General Manager, Internal Auditing Division
Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Business Process Re-Engineering
Project Headquarters

 
Toshihiro Soejima
  Executive Managing Officer   Chief Representative of Mitsui & Co., Ltd., in China

 
Satoru Miura
  Executive Managing Officer   Chief Operating Officer, Iron & Steel Products Business Unit

 
Masayoshi Sato
  Executive Managing Officer   Chief Operating Officer, Foods & Retail Business Unit

 
Kenji Dewa
  Executive Managing Officer   Chief Operating Officer, Organic Chemicals Business Unit

 
Michio Matsuda
  Executive Managing Officer   Chief Operating Officer, Power, Transportation & Plant Projects
Business Unit

 
Ken Abe
  Executive Managing Officer   Chief Operating Officer, Iron & Steel Raw Materials and Non-Ferrous Metals Business Unit

 
Takeshi Ohyama
  Managing Officer   General Representative of Mitsui & Co., Ltd., in Indonesia

 

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Table of Contents

         

 
Takao Sunami
  Managing Officer   General Manager, Fukuoka Office

 
Hirokazu Mizukami
  Managing Officer   Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Foods & Retail Business Unit

 
Junichi Matsumoto
  Managing Officer   Chief Operating Officer, Transportation Logistics Business Unit

 
Kazuo Tasaka
  Managing Officer   Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Iron & Steel Raw Materials and Non-Ferrous Metals Business Unit

 
Shunichi Miyazaki
  Managing Officer   General Manager, Consumer Products & Services Administrative Division

 
Shinjiro Ogawa
  Managing Officer   Chief Operating Officer, Information Electronics and Telecommunication Business Unit

 
Toshimasa Furukawa
  Managing Officer   General Manager, Machinery, Electronics & Information Administrative
Division

 
Akio Ikeda
  Managing Officer   Chairman & Managing Director, Mitsui & Co. (Australia) Ltd.

 
Hiroshi Ito
  Managing Officer   Chief Operating Officer, Consumer Service Business Unit

 
Jitsuro Terashima
  Managing Officer   President, Mitsui Global Strategic Studies Institute

 
Motonori Murakami
  Managing Officer   General Manager, General Accounting & Risk Management Division

 
Kyoichi Endo
  Managing Officer   Managing Director, Mitsui & Co. UK PLC

 
Toshio Awata
  Managing Officer   Chief Information Officer
General Manager, Business Process Re-Engineering Division

 
Koji Nakamura
  Managing Officer   Chief Operating Officer, Plastics & Inorganic Chemicals Business Unit

 
Toru Kitamura
  Managing Officer   Chief Operating Officer, Lifestyle Business Unit

 
Kenichi Yamamoto
  Managing Officer   General Manager, Human Resources Division

 
Masaaki Murakami
  Managing Officer   General Manger, Chemical Administrative Division

 

Note: Representative directors are indicated with an asterisk.

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   Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
                 
ASSETS
Millions of yen   September 30, 2004   March 31, 2004
Current Assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  ¥ 626,801     ¥ 638,299  
Time deposits
    26,351       46,710  
Marketable securities
    35,484       29,337  
Trade receivables:
               
Notes and loans, less unearned interest
    488,797       467,380  
Accounts
    1,736,014       1,706,850  
Associated companies
    198,538       186,373  
Allowance for doubtful receivables
    (21,314 )     (22,498 )
Inventories
    560,433       513,016  
Advance payments to suppliers
    75,657       62,038  
Deferred tax assets—current
    30,547       31,473  
Other current assets
    331,117       275,496  
Total current assets
    4,088,425       3,934,474  
Investments and Non-current Receivables:
               
Investments in and advances to associated companies
    830,301       726,521  
Other investments
    603,483       617,189  
Non-current receivables, less unearned interest
    494,646       485,446  
Allowance for doubtful receivables
    (108,404 )     (110,098 )
Property leased to others—at cost, less accumulated depreciation
    210,196       230,311  
Total investments and non-current receivables
    2,030,222       1,949,369  
Property and Equipment—at Cost:
               
Land, land improvements and timberlands
    215,042       220,842  
Buildings, including leasehold improvements
    332,659       329,405  
Equipment and fixtures
    418,391       395,010  
Mineral rights
    77,645       27,349  
Vessels
    15,674       18,215  
Projects in progress
    28,995       26,224  
Total
    1,088,406       1,017,045  
Accumulated depreciation
    (430,585 )     (417,906 )
Net property and equipment
    657,821       599,139  
Intangible Assets, less Accumulated Amortization
    95,837       90,809  
Deferred Tax Assets—Non-current
    31,589       32,406  
Other Assets
    120,826       109,831  
Total
  ¥ 7,024,720     ¥ 6,716,028  

Note:   Mineral rights are classified as “Property and Equipment—at Cost” at September 30, 2004, which were formerly included in “Intangible Assets, less Accumulated Amortization.” The figures at March 31, 2004 have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

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LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Millions of yen   September 30, 2004   March 31, 2004
Current Liabilities:
               
Short-term debt
  ¥ 592,685     ¥ 646,746  
Current maturities of long-term debt
    261,731       357,675  
Trade payables:
               
Notes and acceptances
    125,377       124,321  
Accounts
    1,498,455       1,467,516  
Associated companies
    86,392       76,360  
Accrued expenses:
               
Income taxes
    36,792       32,628  
Interest
    22,311       20,210  
Other
    53,762       39,522  
Advances from customers
    94,603       83,273  
Other current liabilities
    266,038       185,534  
Total current liabilities
    3,038,146       3,033,785  
Long-term Debt, less Current Maturities
    2,730,739       2,541,221  
Accrued Pension Costs and Liability for Severance Indemnities
    49,723       52,296  
Deferred Tax Liabilities—Non-current
    86,820       47,387  
Minority Interests
    84,558       78,061  
Shareholders’ Equity:
               
Common stock
    192,493       192,487  
Capital surplus
    288,041       287,763  
Retained earnings:
               
Appropriated for legal reserve
    37,038       36,633  
Unappropriated
    604,892       549,521  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
               
Unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale securities
    64,195       69,729  
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    (142,962 )     (161,454 )
Minimum pension liability adjustment
    (5,484 )     (5,743 )
Net unrealized gains and losses on derivatives
    (2,778 )     (3,996 )
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (87,029 )     (101,464 )
Treasury stock, at cost
    (701 )     (1,662 )
Total shareholders’ equity
    1,034,734       963,278  
Total
  ¥ 7,024,720     ¥ 6,716,028  

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   Statements of Consolidated Income

(Unaudited)

                     
Millions of yen   Six-month period ended
September 30, 2004
  Six-month period ended
September 30, 2003
As restated
Revenues:
               
Sales of products
  ¥ 1,466,835     ¥ 1,204,048  
Sales of services
    207,772       205,802  
Other sales
    55,974       30,316  
Total revenues
    1,730,581       1,440,166  
Total Trading Transactions:
Six-month period ended September 30, 2004, ¥ 6,722,917 million
Six-month period ended September 30, 2003, ¥ 5,946,101 ,million
                
Cost of Revenues:
               
Cost of products sold
    1,327,416       1,111,810  
Cost of services sold
    28,674       20,016  
Cost of other sales
    21,983       15,880  
Total cost of revenues
    1,378,073       1,147,706  
Gross Profit
    352,508       292,460  
Other Expenses (Income):
               
Selling, general and administrative.
    250,799       237,803  
Provision for doubtful receivables
    3,689       3,589  
Interest (income) expense—net
    (357 )     1,507  
Dividend income
    (13,671 )     (10,836 )
Gain on sales of securities—net
    (24,322 )     (11,063 )
Loss on write-down of securities
    8,036       6,561  
(Gain) loss on disposal or sales of property and equipment—net
    (443 )     462  
Impairment loss of long-lived assets
    8,597       6,961  
Other expense—net
    1,158       11,303  
Total other expenses
    233,486       246,287  
Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Minority Interests and Equity in Earnings
    119,022       46,173  
Income Taxes:
               
Current
    40,274       18,874  
Deferred
    36,225       6,635  
Total
    76,499       25,509  

[Continued on next page]

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[Continued from previous page]                
Income from Continuing Operations before Minority Interests and Equity in Earnings
    42,523       20,664  
Minority Interests in Earnings of Subsidiaries
    (7,367 )     (3,582 )
Equity in Earnings of Associated Companies—Net (After Income Tax Effect)
    26,233       16,096  
Income from Continuing Operations
    61,389       33,178  
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations—Net (After Income Tax Effect)
    712       (5,071 )
Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle (After Income Tax Effect)
          (2,285 )
Net Income
  ¥ 62,101     ¥ 25,822  

Notes:

  1.   In accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X and EITF No. 99-19, the companies have classified their revenues by major class and reported certain revenue transactions with corresponding costs on a gross basis. The prior period figures of “Revenues” and “Cost of Revenues” have been restated to conform to the current period presentation.
  2.   In accordance with SFAS No. 144, the figures for the six-month period ended September 30, 2003 relating to discontinued operations have been reclassified.
  3.   Total trading transactions are a voluntary disclosure as permitted by EITF No. 99-19, and represent the gross transaction volume or the aggregate nominal value of the sales contracts in which the companies act as principal and transactions in which the companies serve as agent.

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   Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

                 
Millions of yen Six-month period ended
September 30, 2004
  Six-month period ended
September 30, 2003
Operating Activities:
               
Net income
  ¥ 62,101     ¥ 25,822  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    33,395       27,025  
Pension and severance costs, less payments
    (12,933 )     (416 )
Provision for doubtful receivables
    3,689       3,589  
Gain on sales of securities—net
    (24,322 )     (11,063 )
Loss on write-down of securities
    8,036       6,561  
(Gain) loss on disposal or sales of property and equipment—net
    (443 )     462  
Impairment loss of long-lived assets
    8,597       6,961  
Deferred income taxes
    36,225       6,635  
Equity in earnings of associated companies, less dividends received
    (5,764 )     (9,291 )
(Gain) loss from discontinued operations—net (after income tax effect)
    (712 )     5,071  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle (after income tax effect)
          2,285  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
(Increase) decrease in trade receivables
    (42,978 )     94,235  
(Increase) decrease in inventories
    (37,183 )     5,938  
Increase (decrease) in trade payables
    31,077       (73,990 )
Other—net
    26,339       12,461  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    85,124       102,285  
Investing Activities:
               
Net decrease in time deposits
    21,387       1,603  
Investments in and advances to associated companies
    (68,956 )     (141,712 )
Sales of investments in and collection of advances to associated companies
    7,943       59,869  
Acquisitions of other investments
    (60,968 )     (77,749 )
Proceeds from sales of other investments
    51,957       84,821  
Increase in long-term loan receivables
    (23,650 )     (21,722 )
Collection of long-term loan receivables
    34,818       40,749  
Additions to property leased to others and property and equipment
    (98,968 )     (58,101 )
Proceeds from sales of property leased to others and property and equipment
    23,256       21,915  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (113,181 )     (90,327 )
[Continued on next page]

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[Continued from previous page]                
Financing Activities:
               
Net decrease in short-term debt
    (53,017 )     (142,602 )
Proceeds from long-term debt
    355,191       452,898  
Repayments of long-term debt
    (284,367 )     (340,442 )
Purchases of treasury stock—net
    (229 )     (99 )
Payments of cash dividends
    (6,325 )     (6,327 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    11,253       (36,572 )
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents
    5,306       (7,236 )
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    (11,498 )     (31,850 )
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
    638,299       694,813  
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
  ¥ 626,801     ¥ 662,963  

Note:   In accordance with SFAS No. 144, the figures for the six-month period ended September 30, 2003 relating to discontinued operations have been reclassified.

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Table of Contents

(SPHERE)   Operating Segment Information

(Unaudited)

The companies allocate their resources and review their performance by operating segments comprised of the business units of the Head Office, overseas branches and offices, and overseas trading subsidiaries. The companies’ operating segments have been aggregated based on the nature of the products and other criteria into six product-focused reportable operating segments and three region-focused reportable operating segments.

                                                                 
Six-month period ended September 30, 2004 (from April 1, 2004 to September 30, 2004) (Millions of yen)    
 
        Metal Products     Machinery,     Chemical     Energy     Consumer     Logistics &  
        & Minerals     Electronics &                 Products &     Financial  
              Information                 Services     Markets  
 
Total Trading Transactions:
                                                             
 
External customers
      1,268,372         1,320,317         904,448         660,348         1,332,067         42,774    
 
Intersegment
      117,362         73,514         205,854         52,826         55,373         2,100    
 
Total
      1,385,734         1,393,831         1,110,302         713,174         1,387,440         44,874    
 
Gross Profit
      57,088         62,533         39,214         41,831         77,726         22,189    
 
Operating Income (Loss)
      31,280         11,864         8,392         23,370         17,711         9,460    
 
Net Income
      22,014         16,847         6,375         23,739         9,736         6,630    
 
Total Assets at
September 30, 2004
      1,135,092         1,206,202         680,823         727,389         1,079,327         372,071    
 
                                                                           
 
        Americas     Europe     Other     Total     All Other     Adjustments     Consolidated  
                    Overseas                 and     Total  
                    Areas                 Eliminations        
 
Total Trading Transactions:
                                                                       
 
External customers
      594,936         196,637         390,024         6,709,923         11,891         1,103         6,722,917    
 
Intersegment
      241,668         205,521         478,013         1,432,231         5,326         (1,437,557 )          
 
Total
      836,604         402,158         868,037         8,142,154         17,217         (1,436,454 )       6,722,917    
 
Gross Profit
      23,325         10,389         12,596         346,891         5,776         (159 )       352,508    
 
Operating Income (Loss)
      6,605         1,628         4,094         114,404         (425 )       (15,959 )       98,020    
 
Net Income
      6,997         2,545         6,992         101,875         167         (39,941 )       62,101    
 
Total Assets at September 30, 2004
      433,561         306,216         255,263         6,195,944         2,200,156         (1,371,380 )       7,024,720    
 

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Table of Contents

                                                                 
Six-month period ended September 30, 2003 (from April 1, 2003 to September 30, 2003) (Millions of yen)    
 
        Metal Products     Machinery,     Chemical     Energy     Consumer     Logistics &  
        & Minerals     Electronics &                 Products &     Financial  
              Information                 Services     Markets  
 
Total Trading Transactions:
                                                             
 
External customers
      1,054,524         1,274,942         734,116         675,051         1,267,959         41,928    
 
Intersegment
      133,501         78,863         192,119         54,172         59,509         16,099    
 
Total
      1,188,025         1,353,805         926,235         729,223         1,327,468         58,027    
 
Gross Profit
      36,725         62,014         43,235         25,266         64,128         15,584    
 
Operating Income (Loss)
      13,280         11,675         14,933         9,030         10,445         4,183    
 
Net Income (Loss)
      10,886         10,954         6,294         10,412         6,086         1,622    
 
Total Assets at September 30, 2003
      943,239         1,206,563         588,226         536,641         1,073,408         290,022    
 
                                                                           
 
        Americas     Europe     Other     Total     All Other     Adjustments     Consolidated  
                    Overseas                 and     Total  
                    Areas                 Eliminations        
 
Total Trading Transactions:
                                                                       
 
External customers
      422,614         170,808         301,027         5,942,969         11,594         (8,462 )       5,946,101    
 
Intersegment
      229,268         155,341         384,978         1,303,850         4,858         (1,308,708 )          
 
Total
      651,882         326,149         686,005         7,246,819         16,452         (1,317,170 )       5,946,101    
 
Gross Profit
      20,905         9,121         11,594         288,572         4,759         (871 )       292,460    
 
Operating Income (Loss)
      4,465         979         3,232         72,222         (1,547 )       (19,607 )       51,068    
 
Net Income (Loss)
      (112 )       444         5,309         51,895         (1,499 )       (24,574 )       25,822    
 
Total Assets at September 30, 2003
      388,981         213,527         208,133         5,448,740         2,080,722         (1,058,469 )       6,470,993    
 

Notes:  
  1.   In accordance with SFAS No. 144, the figures of “Consolidated Total” for the six-month period ended September 30, 2003 have been reclassified. The reclassifications to “Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations—Net (After Income Tax Effect)” are included in “Adjustments and Eliminations.”
  2.   Effective April 1, 2004, the companies integrated the business operations of their domestic branches and offices into business units in the Head Office, reorganized business units in the Head Office, and the composition of reportable operating segments was changed in the six-month period ended September 30, 2004. The operating segment information for the six-month period ended September 30, 2003 has been restated to conform to the current period presentation. The primary changes are as follows:
  (a)   The former “Domestic Branches and Offices” was abolished and transferred to each product-focused operating segment in the Head Office based on the nature of previous operations.
  (b)   Certain operations, which had been included in “Metal Products and Minerals” and “All Other,” were reported as “Logistics & Financial Markets.”
  (c)   The media-related businesses oriented to consumers, which had been included in “Machinery, Electronics & Information,” were transferred to “Consumer Products & Services.”
  3.   “All Other” includes business activities which primarily provides services, such as development and marketing of systems, financing service, and operation services to external customers and/or to the companies and associated companies. Total assets of “All Other” at September 30, 2004 and 2003 consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and time deposits related to financing activities, and assets of certain subsidiaries related to the above services.
  4.   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 inter-segment transactions.
      Net loss of “Adjustments and Eliminations” for the six-month period ended September 30, 2004 includes a) a charge of ¥19,118 million for the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets and b) ¥8,487 million in general and administrative expenses of the corporate departments (all amounts are after income tax effects).
Net loss of “Adjustments and Eliminations” for the six-month period ended September 30, 2003 includes a) a charge of ¥11,868 million for pension related items and b) ¥6,355 million in general and administrative expenses of the corporate departments excluding pension costs (all amounts are after income tax effects).
  5.   Transfers between operating segments are made at cost plus a markup.
  6.   Operating Income (Loss) reflects the companies’ a) Gross Profit, b) Selling, general and administrative expenses, and c) Provision for doubtful receivables.

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(SPHERE)   Non-Consolidated Balance Sheets
                         
 
  ASSETS  
  Millions of yen     September 30, 2004     March 31, 2004  
 
Current Assets
                     
 
Cash and Time Deposits
    ¥ 233,021       ¥ 329,591    
 
Notes Receivable, Trade
      237,526         230,003    
 
Accounts Receivable, Trade
      1,328,594         1,249,766    
 
Securities
      212,847         164,730    
 
Inventories
      192,073         189,322    
 
Advance Payments to Suppliers
      35,547         38,257    
 
Short-Term Loans Receivable
      217,573         185,172    
 
Deferred Tax Assets—Current
      12,940         12,313    
 
Other
      243,384         187,616    
 
Allowance for Doubtful Receivables
      (15,826 )       (13,981 )  
 
Total Current Assets
      2,697,682         2,572,792    
 
Non-Current Assets
                     
 
Tangible Assets (Net)
      113,621         118,658    
 
Intangible Assets
      25,908         22,792    
 
Investments and Other Assets
Investments in Securities and Affiliated Companies
      1,140,768         1,121,712    
 
Long-Term Loans Receivable
      114,813         136,121    
 
Deferred Tax Assets—Non-Current
      50,190         72,650    
 
Other
      311,806         315,731    
 
Allowance for Doubtful Receivables
      (115,768 )       (137,399 )  
 
Total Investments and Other Assets
      1,501,810         1,508,817    
 
Total Non-Current Assets
      1,641,339         1,650,269    
 
Total Assets
    ¥ 4,339,022       ¥ 4,223,061    
 

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  LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY  
  Millions of yen     September 30, 2004     March 31, 2004  
 
Current Liabilities
                     
 
Notes Payable, Trade
    ¥ 77,065       ¥ 79,696    
 
Accounts Payable, Trade
      1,024,768         957,808    
 
Short-Term Borrowings
      214,257         300,859    
 
Commercial Paper
      50,000         90,000    
 
Accounts Payable, Other
      127,715         141,216    
 
Advances from Customers
      42,775         48,665    
 
Other
      103,863         80,001    
 
Total Current Liabilities
      1,640,446         1,698,248    
 
Long-Term Liabilities
                     
 
Bonds
      548,400         493,400    
 
Convertible Bonds
      92,775         92,786    
 
Long-Term Borrowings
      1,264,074         1,175,677    
 
Liability for Retirement Benefits
      7,030         6,458    
 
Other
      49,783         53,815    
 
Total Long-Term Liabilities
      1,962,064         1,822,138    
 
Total Liabilities
      3,602,510         3,520,386    
 
Shareholders’ Equity
                     
 
Common Stock
      192,492         192,487    
 
Capital Surplus
                     
 
Capital Reserve
      218,979         218,708    
 
Other Capital Surplus
      13         7    
 
Total Capital Surplus
      218,992         218,715    
 
Retained Earnings
                     
 
Legal Reserve
      27,745         27,745    
 
Voluntary Reserves
      188,305         190,670    
 
Unappropriated Retained Earnings
      42,180         5,564    
 
Total Retained Earnings
      258,231         223,980    
 
Net Unrealized Gain on Available-for-Sale Securities
      67,343         69,003    
 
Treasury Stock
      (548 )       (1,511 )  
 
Total Shareholders’ Equity
      736,511         702,674    
 
Total Liabilities and Shareholder’s Equity
    ¥ 4,339,022       ¥ 4,223,061    
 
                         
Notes:
                   
1.   Figures are rounded down to the nearest million yen.
2.   For the six-month period ended September 30, 2004, the amounts of the items listed below were as follows:
      (1 )   Accumulated depreciation of tangible assets: ¥99,801 million
      (2 )   Pledged Assets: ¥62,033 million
      (3 )   Guarantees and contingent liabilities:
            1 )   Guarantees:   ¥1,196,416 million
                    (Including ¥102,778 million of commitments and other letters similar to guarantees)
            2 )   Notes receivable discounted:   ¥62,285 million

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(SPHERE)   Non-Consolidated Statements of Income
                         
 
  Millions of yen     Six-month period ended
September 30, 2004
    Six-month period ended
September 30, 2003
 
 
Sales
    ¥ 5,123,768       ¥ 4,908,778    
 
Cost of Sales
      5,006,438         4,802,089    
 
Gross Profit
      117,330         106,689    
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
      103,184         97,933    
 
Operating Profit
      14,146         8,755    
 
Non-Operating Income
                     
 
Interest Income
      7,658         7,721    
 
Dividend Income
      74,484         29,191    
 
Other
      4,488         3,229    
 
Total Non-Operating Income
      86,631         40,142    
 
Non-Operating Expenses
                     
 
Interest Expense
      7,904         7,068    
 
Other
      7,208         4,313    
 
Total Non-Operating Expenses
      15,113         11,381    
 
Ordinary Profit
      85,664         37,516    
 
Extraordinary Gains
                     
 
Gain on Sales of Tangible Assets
      96         478    
 
Gain on Sales of Investments in Securities and Affiliated Companies
      19,748         13,422    
 
Total Extraordinary Gains
      19,844         13,901    
 
Extraordinary Losses
                     
 
Loss on Sales of Tangible Assets
      466         620    
 
Loss on Devaluation of Tangible Assets
              3,426    
 
Impairment Losses
      5,321            
 
Loss on Sales of Investments in Securities and Affiliated Companies
      162         242    
 
Loss on Write-Down of Investments in Securities and Affiliated Companies
      16,804         20,399    
 
Provision for Doubtful Receivables from Affiliated Companies
      5,695         16,749    
 
Total Extraordinary Losses
      28,450         41,437    
 
Income before Income Taxes
      77,059         9,980    
 
Income Taxes—Current
      13,475         6,404    
 
Income Taxes—Deferred
      22,937         (2,821 )  
 
Net Income
      40,646         6,397    
 
Unappropriated Retained Earnings at Beginning of Period
      1,534         136    
 
Unappropriated Retained Earnings at End of Period
    ¥ 42,180       ¥ 6,534    
 

Notes:
1.   Figures are rounded down to the nearest million yen.
2.   Net income per share for the six-month period ended September 30, 2004: ¥25.68

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