H1 profitability for Sumitomo Rubber’s Sports business unit increased by 8.3 percent to ¥6,966 million (€43.1m) from ¥6,435 million for the six months ended June 30. Segment sales increased by 5.0 percent to ¥71,573 million (€442.8m) from ¥68,149 million.
Golf sales were higher year-over-year, thanks to the launch of the 13th generation XXIO club in Japan and North America. The company said that tennis sales fell year-over-year, hurt by deteriorating market conditions in Europe. Wellness sales, meanwhile, rose year-over-year due to implemented price increases.
The group’s current outlook for Dunlop Sports for the FY ending Dec. 31 calls for 4.6 percent year-over-year growth to ¥132,500 million (€819.7m), but a 20 percent decline in annual segment operating profit to ¥10,000 million (€61.9m) from ¥12,482 million in FY23.
