Komatsu has announced financial results for the first nine months of the fiscal year ending March 21, 2005, with operating profit up by 70.3 per cent and more than double net income.

Consolidated net sales increased 21.5 per cent to JPY1034.7 billion (USD9.7 billion), operating profit was up 70.3 per cent to JPY70.8 billion (USD669 million) while net income increased 154.5 per cent to JPY 41.7 billion (USD394 million).

All Komatsu's business segments - construction and mining equipment, industrial machinery, vehicles and electronics business - registered increases in sales and profits.

"Concerning consolidated business results for the fiscal year ending March 21, 2005, we are pleased to report that our projections announced on November 4, 2004, remain sound and in effect today," Komatsu said in a statement.