Sumitomo Osaka Cement has raised its net-profit forecast for the year ending 31 March 2027 by 15 per cent to JPY11.5bn (US$72m), partly reflecting higher gains from the disposal of strategic shareholdings. However, the Japanese producer maintained its consolidated operating-profit forecast at JPY15bn amid continuing pressure on cement demand and costs.

For April–September 2026, operating profit increased 49.2 per cent year on year to JPY6.15bn, while revenue rose 8.8 per cent to JPY115.1bn. Net profit attributable to shareholders declined three per cent to JPY5.42bn. Cement-business cost reductions helped operating earnings exceed the company’s previous expectations.

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In its announcement on 11 November, Sumitomo Osaka said weaker domestic cement demand and higher energy and raw-material costs were expected to weigh on second-half cement earnings. Increased sales of electronic materials for semiconductor-manufacturing equipment are expected to support its high-performance products business, helping offset those pressures.