Bridgestone 2004 Net Income Up 29 per cent

Bridgestone Corporation has announced that it achieved a 29 per cent increase in net income during 2004. Total net income rose to $1.1 billion on sales of $23.2 billion, a 5 per cent increase over the prior year. The company reports that operating income rose 8 per cent to $1.9 billion.

In the Americas, Bridgestone Americas Holding (BSAH) has reported that 2004 net sales and net income (profit) were $9.15 billion and $183 million, respectively. The results achieved in 2004 represent a 12 per cent increase in total sales revenue over 2003. According to the company, the 2004 growth is attributable to several factors, including passenger and light truck tyre unit sales, increases in the replacement market, a strong performance in unit sales of truck and bus tyres, and very strong growth in sales in the company’s diversified products and Latin American businesses.