TOKYO Japanese listed companies' aggregate net profit is likely to reach an all-time high in the fiscal year ending March 2017, breaking the record set two years earlier. Their aggregate revenue is expected to fall for the first time in seven years, with a stronger yen than in the previous year, but their overall profitability is seen rising significantly thanks to robust sales of higher-end products and services. Improved global economic sentiment is another factor behind higher profits for a wide range of industries, including semiconductors, chemicals and telecommunications.
Nikkei Inc. tallied figures from April-December earnings reports and full-year earnings projections released by listed companies that close their books at the end of March, excluding financial institutions. Aggregate net profit is expected to rise 11% in fiscal 2016 from the previous year. The figure is seen rising 50% on the year for the second half, which runs through March.
