Kobe Steel Ltd. reported consolidated earnings results for the first half ended September 30, 2017. For the first half, the company's net sales were JPY 907,058 million compared to JPY 815,130 million a year ago. Operating income was JPY 51,425 million compared to JPY 30,995 million a year ago. Ordinary income was JPY 45,798 million compared to JPY 12,320 million a year ago. Income before income taxes and non-controlling interests was JPY 54,875 million compared to JPY 12,320 million a year ago. Net income attributable to owners of the parent was JPY 39,349 million or JPY 11.31 per share compared to JPY 4,109 million or JPY 37.00 per share a year ago. Free cash flow was JPY 28.9 billion compared to JPY 13.1 billion a year ago. Operating cash flow was JPY 124.9 billion compared to JPY 74.1 billion a year ago.

The company provided earnings forecast for the second half and revised earnings guidance for the full year ending March 31, 2018. For the second half, the company expects net sales of JPY 973.0 billion, operating income of JPY 23.6 billion and ordinary income of JPY 4.3 billion.

For the full year ending March 31, 2018, the company expects net sales of JPY 1,880.0 billion, operating income of JPY 75.0 billion and ordinary income of JPY 50.0 billion compared to previous forecast net sales of JPY 1,880.0 billion, operating income of JPY 80.0 billion, ordinary income of JPY 55.0 billion.