TOKYO -- Asahi Kasei's group operating profit is seen climbing 20% to around 190 billion yen ($1.74 billion) in the fiscal year ending March 31, thanks to a brisker-than-anticipated trade in petrochemicals and battery components.
The Japanese chemical materials maker had previously forecast a 15% jump in operating profit on the year to 183 billion yen. Both this figure and the upgraded number would mark a return to record profit, following a dip last fiscal year. Sales are seen growing 10%, exceeding 2 trillion yen for the first time.
