IR News｜Results

 Consolidated net sales for the six months ended September 30, 2000 were 131,479 million yen, up 0.1% from the comparable prior year period. Sales were boosted in the Senior Company by the acquisition of Shinkoukai Co., Ltd., which manages nursing homes for the elderly, and also by an increase in sales to customers outside of the Benesse Group by consolidated subsidiary Telemarketing Japan, Inc. in the Other segment. Nevertheless, these gains were offset by losses accompanying the restructuring of unprofitable businesses in the Children & Students Company and in the Women & Family Company. In addition, consolidated sales in the Language Instruction and Translation segment were adversely affected by the foreign exchange translation of sales at subsidiary Berlitz International, Inc.

Operating income fell 5.5% to 19,716 million yen due to increased expenses relating to aggressive expansion into new businesses, particularly in the Senior Company. Ordinary income decreased 1.5% to 21,263 million yen and net income fell 3.6% to 11,875 million yen.

On a non-consolidated basis, net sales at Benesse Corporation were 98,926 million yen, down 1.1%, and operating income fell 3.6% to 19,021 million yen. Ordinary income, however, rose 0.7% to 20,994 million yen and net income climbed 0.5% to 12,172 million yen.