Mitsui boosts profit forecast on higher iron ore, coal prices

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Economic Times quoted Japanese trading company Mitsui & Co Ltd said that its April to December profits jumped over 60 % from the year before and raised its full-year forecast to record levels, boosted by higher prices for iron ore and coking coal. Mitsui is now forecasting a net profit of 440 billion yen (USD 4 billion), up from its previous guideline of 400 billion yen

Mr Keigo Matsubara Chief Financial Officer of Mitsui told a news conference that "Our results underlined strength in metal and energy assets as well as an advancement in our steel product, machinery and infrastructure operations."

April to December net profit grew 64 % to a record 376.8 billion yen.

Prices for iron ore for delivery to China's Qingdao port had jumped more than 35 % to around USD 79 a tonne by early January from an October-low of about USD 58, according to Metal Bulletin.

That was largely driven by tighter steel markets in China as the world's No.2 economy brought in winter production curbs to help clear its skies.

Meanwhile, Mitsui rival Itochu Corp reported a 19-% increase in April-December profit to a record 357.1 billion yen. But it kept its full-year forecast of 400 billion yen unchanged, falling short of a mean estimate of 418 billion yen from 9 analysts.

Mr Tsuyoshi Hachimura Chief Financial Officer told a news conference that "We are sticking to our full-year forecast for now."

Sojitz Corp boosted its net profit forecast for the year to March by 12 % to 56 billion yen, citing higher-than-expected coal prices.

Source : Economic Times