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Bridgestone's Profit, Revenue Accelerate Despite Tariff, Cost Headwinds in H1

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Bridgestone's Profit, Revenue Accelerate Despite Tariff, Cost Headwinds in H1

Bridgestone (TYO:5108) reported a sharp rise in first-half attributable profit as higher tire sales, improved pricing and product mix, and ongoing restructuring efforts lifted margins despite geopolitical and tariff-related headwinds.

Profit attributable to owners of the parent surged 79% to 206.1 billion yen in the six months ended June 30 from 115.2 billion yen a year earlier, according to the company's earnings release on Friday.

Revenue from continuing operations rose 9.7% to a record 2.32 trillion yen from 2.12 trillion yen.

Bridgestone said the stronger performance reflected higher sales volumes, improved pricing and sales mix, and continued cost reductions, as restructuring and business rebuilding initiatives offset the impact of the Middle East conflict and U.S. tariffs.

"Revenue increased through higher sales volume, supported by improved pricing and sales mix, steadily moving toward the stage of growth with quality," the company said.

"Profit increased, and margins improved despite the impacts of the Middle East situation and U.S. tariffs, driven by restructuring and rebuilding initiatives and ongoing cost reduction efforts," it added.

Bridgestone maintained its full-year guidance, forecasting revenue of 4.50 trillion yen, adjusted operating profit of 515 billion yen, profit attributable to owners of the parent of 340 billion yen, and a dividend of 125 yen per share.

The company cautioned that it expects additional costs exceeding 60 billion yen due to the Middle East situation in the second half, but said it aims to meet its February guidance through pricing, cost reductions, and other countermeasures.

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