TOKYO -- Japanese chemical maker Tosoh's April-September group operating profit apparently grew 30% year-on-year, greatly surpassing the projected 7% growth for a record first half, as natural disasters and other setbacks hit rival producers of urethane raw materials.
Operating profit for the half likely reached about 55 billion yen ($489 million). Sales apparently jumped to just under 400 billion yen, beating projected 10% growth to 370 billion yen. The focus will be on whether the company will upgrade its full-year guidance when it reports earnings Oct. 31.