Annual Report
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 20-F

 

 

 

¨ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to                     

OR

 

¨ SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of event requiring this shell company report

Commission file number 0-9929

 

 

MITSUI BUSSAN KABUSHIKI KAISHA

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

MITSUI & CO., LTD.

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

JAPAN

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

2-1, OHTEMACHI 1-CHOME, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO 100-0004, JAPAN

(Address of principal executive offices)

Katsurao Yoshimori, 81-3-3285-7533, K.Yoshimori@mitsui.com

(Name, Telephone, E-mail Address of Company Contact Person)

 

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.

 

Title of Each Class   Name of Each Exchange On Which Registered
Common Stock   Nasdaq Stock Market

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.

None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.

None

 

 

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

As of March 31, 2009, 1,821,158,020 shares of common stock were outstanding including

17,319,480 shares represented by an aggregate of 865,974 American Depositary Shares.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

    Yes  x    No  ¨

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  x                    Accelerated filer  ¨                    Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

U.S. GAAP  x                    International Financial Reporting Standards as issued                    Other  ¨

         by the International Accounting Standards Board  ¨

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

Item 17  ¨    Item 18  ¨

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

    Yes  ¨    No  x

 

 

 


Table of Contents

Certain References and Information

As used in this report, “Mitsui” is used to refer to Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (Mitsui Bussan Kabushiki Kaisha), “we”, “us”, and “our” are used to indicate Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated. “Share” means one share of Mitsui’s common stock, “ADS” means an American Depositary Share representing 20 shares, and “ADR” means an American Depositary Receipt evidencing one or more ADSs. Also, “dollar” or “$” means the lawful currency of the United States of America, and “yen” or “¥” means the lawful currency of Japan.

All financial statements and information contained in this annual report have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or U.S. GAAP, except where otherwise noted.

A Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements

This annual report includes forward-looking statements based on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about our business, our industry and capital markets around the world. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “plan” or similar words. The forward-looking statements in this annual report are subject to various risks, uncertainties and assumptions. These statements discuss future expectations, identify strategies, contain projections of results of operations or of our financial position, or state other forward-looking information. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause our actual operating results to differ materially from those contained or implied in any forward-looking statement. Our expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements may not turn out to be correct, and our actual results could materially differ from and be worse than our expectations.

Important risks and factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our expectations are discussed in this “Item 3.D. Risk Factors” or elsewhere in this annual report and include, without limitation:

 

   

changes in economic conditions that may lead to unforeseen developments in markets for products handled by us;

 

   

fluctuations in currency exchange rates that may cause unexpected deterioration in the value of transactions;

 

   

adverse political developments in the various jurisdictions where we operate, which among things, may create delays or postponements of transactions and projects;

 

   

changes in laws, regulations or policies in any of the countries where we conduct our operations; and

 

   

significant changes in the competitive environment.

We do not assume, and specifically disclaim, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date made.

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

      Page

PART I

   5

Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

   5

Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

   5

Item 3. Key Information

   5

A. Selected Financial Data

   5

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

   7

C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

   7

D. Risk Factors

   7

Item 4. Information on the Company

   14

A. History and Development of the Company

   14

B. Business Overview

   18

C. Organizational Structure

   55

D. Property, Plant and Equipment

   60

Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments

   74

Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

   74

A. Operating Results

   74

B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

   136

C. Research & Development

   150

D. Trend Information

   150

E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

   150

F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

   151

Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees

   152

A. Directors and Senior Management

   152

B. Compensation

   161

C. Board Practices

   162

D. Employees

   165

E. Share Ownership

   167

Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

   167

A. Major Shareholders

   167

B. Related Party Transactions

   169

C. Interests of Experts and Counsel

   170

Item 8. Financial Information

   170

A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

   170

B. Significant Changes

   171

Item 9. The Offer and Listing

   171

A. Offer and Listing Details

   171

B. Plan of Distribution

   172

C. Markets

   172

D. Selling Shareholders

   173

E. Dilution

   173

F. Expenses of the Issue

   173

Item 10. Additional Information

   173

A. Share Capital

   173

B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

   173

C. Material Contracts

   182

D. Exchange Controls

   182

E. Taxation

   183

F. Dividends and Paying Agents

   187

G. Statement by Experts

   187

 

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      Page

H. Documents on Display

   187

I. Subsidiary Information

   187

Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

   188

Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

   191

PART II

   192

Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

   192

Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

   192

Item 15. Controls and Procedures

   192

Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert

   193

Item 16B. Code of Ethics

   193

Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

   193

Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

   195

Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

   196

Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

   196

Item 16G. Corporate Governance

   196

PART III

   200

Item 17. Financial Statements

   200

Item 18. Financial Statements

   200

Item 19. Exhibits

   200

 

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PART I

Item 1.    Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers.

Not applicable.

Item 2.    Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable.

Not applicable.

Item 3.    Key Information.

 

A. Selected Financial Data.

The selected consolidated income statement data and the selected consolidated cash flow statement data for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 below are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which are included elsewhere in this annual report. The selected consolidated income statement data and the selected consolidated cash flow statement data for the years ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 are derived from our previously published audited consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which are not included in this annual report. The consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 and for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 have been audited by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu(*), independent registered public accounting firm, whose report is filed as part of this annual report.

The selected financial data have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should be read in conjunction with, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects,” and our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this annual report.

 

    In Billions of Yen, Except Amounts per Share and Common Stock Data
    As of or for the Years Ended March 31,
            2009                   2008                   2007                   2006                   2005        

Consolidated Income Statement Data:

         

Results of Operations:

         

Revenues

  ¥ 5,535   ¥ 5,739   ¥ 4,794   ¥ 4,028   ¥ 3,421

Gross Profit

    1,016     988     866     785     680

Equity in Earnings of Associated Companies

    85     154     153     94     64

Income from Continuing Operations

    178     339     299     215     114

Net Income

    178     410     302     202     121

Income from Continuing Operations per Share:

         

Basic

    97.59     187.87     172.88     134.16     72.34

Diluted

    97.32     185.91     164.02     126.26     68.18

Net Income per Share:

         

Basic

    97.59     227.20     174.26     126.26     76.55

Diluted

    97.32     224.82     165.32     118.85     72.12

Cash Dividends Declared per Share

    48     40     31     20     9

Cash Dividends Declared per Share in U.S. Dollars(1)

  $ 0.48   $ 0.35   $ 0.27   $ 0.17   $ 0.09

 

 

(*) Effective July 1, 2009, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu changed its name to Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLC.

 

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    In Billions of Yen, Except Common Stock Data  
    As of March 31,  
    2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:

         

Financial Position at Year-End:

         

Total Assets

  ¥ 8,364      ¥ 9,538      ¥ 9,813      ¥ 8,574      ¥ 7,593   

Total Shareholders’ Equity

    1,882        2,184        2,110        1,678        1,123   

Long-term Debt, less Current Maturities

    2,841        2,944        2,888        2,659        2,710   

Common Stock

    340        338        323        296        192   

Other Information at Year-End:

         

Common Stock:

         

Number of Shares Outstanding (in Thousands)

    1,821,158        1,816,640        1,784,627        1,722,954        1,582,211   
    In Billions of Yen  
    For the Years Ended March 31,  
        2009             2008             2007             2006             2005      

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement Data:

         

Cash Flows:

         

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

  ¥ 583      ¥ 416      ¥ 239      ¥ 146      ¥ 200   

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

    (291     (105     (418     (347     (224

Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities

    (10     (185     272        92        171   
    For the Years Ended March 31,  
    2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  

Other:

         

Return on Equity(2)

    8.7     19.1     15.9     14.5     11.6

Number of Shareholders

    130,019        105,338        102,324        121,503        107,034   

 

(1) The U.S. dollar amounts represent translations of the Japanese yen amounts at the rates in effect on the respective dividend payment dates.
(2) Return on Equity is calculated as annual consolidated net income divided by average balance of shareholders’ equity between beginning date and ending date of each fiscal year.

Exchange Rate Information

The information set forth below with respect to exchange rates is based on the official noon buying rates for Japanese yen of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. These rates are provided solely for the convenience of the reader and are not the exchange rates used by us in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements included in this annual report.

 

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The official exchange rate on July 10, 2009 was ¥92.33 = U.S.$1.00. The following table sets forth the high and low official noon buying rates for Japanese yen of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in each month of the previous six months.

 

     Yen per U.S. Dollar
             High                    Low        

June 2009

   98.56    95.19

May 2009

   99.24    94.45

April 2009

   100.71    96.49

March 2009

   99.34    93.85

February 2009

   98.55    89.09

January 2009

   94.20    87.80

The following table sets forth the average exchange rate for each of the last five fiscal years. We have calculated these average rates by using the rate on the official noon buying rates for Japanese yen of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the last business day of each month during the relevant fiscal year.

 

     Yen per U.S. Dollar

Year Ended March 31,

   Average Rate

2009

   ¥ 100.85

2008

     113.61

2007

     116.55

2006

     113.67

2005

     107.28

Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the yen and the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar equivalent of the yen-denominated prices of Mitsui’s shares and, as a result, will affect the market prices of Mitsui’s ADSs in the United States.

 

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness.

Not required.

 

C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds.

Not applicable.

 

D. Risk Factors.

You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below and the other information in this annual report, including the discussion in “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects,” as well as our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this annual report.

The decrease in the volume of trade and the flow of goods and materials resulting from the worldwide economic downturn may adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our global business activities are affected by economic conditions both globally and regionally. Among other locations, we are particularly vulnerable to downward economic trends in Japan, China and the United States. An economic downturn may cause a reduction in the flow of goods and materials, a decline in consumer spending and capital investment, and subsequently a decrease in demand from our customers for our products and services, which may have an adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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Fluctuations in commodity prices, especially crude oil, iron ore, coal and copper, may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We are engaged in trades in and, as the case may be, production of a variety of commodities in the global commodities market including metal resources, energy, chemical and agricultural products. Among others, significance of operating results from our mineral resources and energy producing activities in our overall operating results has considerably intensified, reflecting the rising prices of such commodities as well as increased production in these operations. Unexpected movements in commodity prices may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

For further information about the impact by commodity price fluctuations on our results of operations for the year ended March 31, 2009 and in the future, see “Item 5.A. Operating Results.”

Exchange rate fluctuations may adversely affect our results of operations, especially because a major part of our results of operations are generated at our overseas subsidiaries and associated companies.

Although our reporting currency is the Japanese yen, a significant portion of our business operations, consolidated revenues and operating expenses is denominated in currencies other than the Japanese yen. As a result, appreciation or depreciation in the value of other currencies as compared to the Japanese yen could result in material transactional gains or losses. As most of revenues, costs of revenues, and selling, general and administrative expenses incurred from regular business activities at overseas subsidiaries and associated companies are quoted in the U.S. dollar, the Australian dollar, the Brazilian real, or other currencies, our net income may be affected by the fluctuations of these currencies and we are exposed to translation risk in our assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. In addition, exchange rate fluctuations may reduce the value of investment in overseas subsidiaries and associated companies and adversely affect our accumulated other comprehensive income. As a result, exchange rate fluctuations may negatively affect our results of operations.

See “Item 3.A. Selected Financial Data—Exchange Rate Information”, “Item 5.A. Operating Results— Impact of Foreign Currency Exchange Fluctuation on Operating Results” and “Item 5. B. Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

We are subject to diverse counterparty credit risks which our management policy for credit exposure cannot eliminate entirely.

We are exposed to diverse counterparty credit risks reflecting a variety of businesses. For example:

 

   

Many of our customers purchase products and services from us on credit. At March 31, 2009, current trade receivable (less unearned interest and allowance for doubtful receivables—current) was ¥1,861.6 billion, representing 22.3% of our total assets and recognized losses for doubtful receivables—current for the year ended March 31, 2009 and balance of the allowance for doubtful receivables—current were ¥4.7 billion and ¥18.2 billion, respectively;

 

   

We engage in significant project financing activities as a lender or guarantor whereby we assume repayment risk; and

 

   

We have counterparty payment risk from various derivative transactions we enter into as part of our hedging activities.

Diverse types of credit losses may adversely affect our results of operations and business.

Changes in interest rates could have an adverse effect on our results of operations because of our significant short-term and long-term debt.

We are exposed to risks associated with interest rate fluctuations, which may affect our overall operational costs and the value of our financial assets and liabilities, particularly our significant debt obligations, including

 

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¥454.1 billion short-term debt and ¥3,214.5 billion long-term debt as of March 31, 2009. An increase in interest rates, especially in Japan and the United States, may adversely affect our results of operations.

For information on our funding sources, see “Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

If the value of assets for which we act as lessor, such as real property, rolling stock, ocean transport vessels and equipment declines, we may record significant impairment losses.

Assets for which we act as lessor, such as real property, rolling stock, ocean transport vessels and equipment are exposed to potential significant impairment losses due to the decline in the value of these assets. As of March 31, 2009, the value of these assets in which we act as lessor, presented on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as “Property leased to others—at cost, less accumulated depreciation,” was ¥199.2 billion. The carrying amounts of these assets in which we act as lessor are affected by certain factors which are beyond our control such as their global supply and demand, prevailing interest rates, prices of relevant products and services and regional and/or global cyclical trends. Any adjustments for impairment losses with respect to such assets may have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

For information on our accounting policies and estimates with respect to impairment on long-lived assets, see “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” of “Item 5.A. Operating Results.”

Declines in the market value of equity and/or debt securities in Japan may decrease the value of our pension assets which in turn may increase the cost of satisfying our unfunded pension obligations.

Declines in the market value of Japanese government bonds, other debt securities and marketable equity securities in Japan would reduce the value of our pension plan assets. Decline in the value of our pension plan assets or increase in our unfunded pension obligations could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

See “Item 5.A. Operating Results” and Note 14, “PENSION COSTS AND SEVERANCE INDEMNITIES,” to our consolidated financial statements.

Our liquidity could be adversely affected by a downgrade in our credit ratings, significant changes in the lending or investment policies of our creditors or investors.

A downgrade in our credit ratings or significant changes in the lending or investment policies of our creditors or investors could result in an increase in our interest expense and could adversely impact our ability to access the debt markets, and could have an adverse effect on our financial position and liquidity.

For information on our funding sources and credit ratings, see “Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

Due to our significant investments in marketable equity securities of Japanese issuers, a substantial decline in the stock market could negatively affect our investment portfolio.

A significant portion of our investment portfolio consists of marketable equity securities of Japanese issuers. At March 31, 2009, our marketable equity securities were carried at a fair value of ¥398.7 billion. Among others, Mitsui’s marketable equity securities of Japanese issuers amounted to ¥240.6 billion, representing 49.6% of the fair value of our total available-for-sale securities and 2.9% of our total assets. Volatility and decline in the Japanese equity securities market could negatively impact the value of our investment portfolio and our results of operations and financial condition.

For information on our accounting policies and estimates with respect to impairment on marketable securities, see “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” of “Item 5.A. Operating Results.”

 

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Some of our operations are concentrated in a limited number of regions or countries, which could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition if activity levels in these regions or countries decline.

Various types of businesses worldwide sometimes expose us to risks associated with regional political and economic instabilities. Furthermore, some of our business activities may be exposed to concentration risk in particular industries located in specific regions or countries. For example:

 

   

In Russia and Brazil, we have significant size of interests in the exploration, development and production of mineral resources and energy.

 

   

In Indonesia, we actively participate in infrastructure projects, including the operation of power plants, and maintain a nationwide motorcycle retail finance business.

As a result, declining levels of trading activities or asset volumes in specific sectors in certain regions or countries could have a disproportionately negative effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

For more information, see “Energy Segment”, “Mineral & Metal Resources Segment” and “Machinery & Infrastructure Projects Segment” of “Item 4.B. Business Overview.”

We may not be able to successfully restructure or eliminate unprofitable or underperforming subsidiaries or associated companies in a timely manner and any efforts to do so may not improve our results of operations and financial condition.

As of March 31, 2009, we had 326 consolidated subsidiaries and 207 associated companies. We have been continuously restructuring underperforming businesses of our consolidated subsidiaries and associated companies from the viewpoint of operational efficiency as well as profitability. If we fail to successfully restructure or eliminate our underperforming subsidiaries and associated companies in a timely manner or if these efforts fail to improve our business operations as contemplated, our business operations may become less efficient and our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.

Our alliances by forming joint ventures with third parties and strategic investments in third parties may not result in successful operations.

We participate in various businesses directly or indirectly through joint ventures or by making strategic investments in other companies and business enterprises. The outcome of these joint ventures and strategic investments is unpredictable because:

 

   

operational success is critically dependent on factors that are beyond our control such as the financial condition and performance of the partner companies or the strategic investees; or

 

   

with respect to certain associated companies, we may fail to exercise adequate control over the management, operations and assets of the companies in which we invested or may fail to make major decisions without the consent of other shareholders or participants due to lack of common business goals and strategic objectives with our alliance partners.

Any occurrence of these events could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Our businesses in exploration, development and production of mineral resources and oil and gas may not develop in line with assumed costs and schedules, and are subject to the risks associated with estimating reserves and the operating performance of third party operators.

Reflecting the rising prices of mineral resources and oil and gas as well as increased production in recent years, exploration, development and production of mineral resources and oil and gas are gaining in importance to our results of operations and financial condition. Mining and oil and gas projects involve risks, for example:

 

   

development of projects may face schedule delays or cost overruns due to difficulties in technical conditions, procurement of materials, financial conditions and government regulations;

 

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reserves are estimated based on available geological, technical, contractual and economic information, therefore actual development and production may significantly differ from originally estimated reserves; and

 

   

explorations may not give us successful results as originally expected due to technical difficulties in estimating the likelihood of success.

We participate as a non-operator in many of these projects. Under these circumstances, we carefully consider the business potential and profitability of projects based on the information and data provided by operators, who substantially control operations of such projects, including decision-making in the course of development and production. In addition to the above-mentioned risks, operators’ failure in managing those projects may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

For more information, see “Mineral & Metal Resources Segment” and “Energy Segment” of “Item 4.B. Business Overview.”

Intense competition from other Japanese general trading companies could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Our primary competition is with other Japanese general trading companies which engage in similar business activities in various fields. Our competitors may have:

 

   

stronger business associations and relationships with our customers, suppliers and business partners in both domestic and global markets; or

 

   

stronger global network and regional expertise, diversified global customer bases, greater financial engineering skills and market insights.

Unless we can successfully continue to meet the changing needs of our customers by providing them with innovative and integrated services in a cost effective manner, we may lose our market share or relationships with our existing customers in certain of our operating segments. Failure to successfully compete with our competitors may have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We may lose opportunities for entry into new business areas because of the limitation of required human resources.

In response to the maturation of consumption in Japan and other developed countries, we have been focusing on entering new consumer oriented businesses. Additionally, we are undertaking a reorganization of our traditional businesses in industrial products and raw materials to better reflect the globalization of the economy and the rapid progress of information technology. However, in certain new business areas which we regard as important, we may have a shortage of required human resources for carrying out our business plans and managing other personnel, which can cause a loss of opportunities to start new businesses, which in turn may adversely affect our future business, results of operations and financial condition.

Restrictions under environmental laws and regulations and any accidents relating to our use of hazardous materials could negatively affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We are involved in various projects and business transactions worldwide that are subject to extensive environmental laws and regulations. In particular, our Mineral & Metal Resources Segment and Energy Segment may be adversely affected by present or future environmental regulations or enforcement in connection with our exploration, development and production activities. For example, we are subject to complex sets of environmental regulations in Australia, Brazil, Russia, and the Middle East. These laws and regulations may:

 

   

require us to perform site clean-ups;

 

   

require us to curtail or cease certain operations;

 

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impose fines and payments for significant environmental damage;

 

   

require us to install costly pollution control equipment; and

 

   

require us to modify our operations.

Newly enacted environmental laws and regulations or changes therein and protests by environmental groups may materially impact the progress of these projects.

Mitsui and its United States subsidiary, Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc. are shareholders of Coronet Industries Inc. (“Coronet”), a former manufacturer of animal feed supplements, each with 18% and 12% share interest respectively. Coronet has been working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and the State of Florida on an investigation on environmental conditions related to its prior operations at its facility in the state of Florida. In addition, Coronet has been named as defendant in two civil actions initiated by residents residing in areas adjacent to the facility. Mitsui and Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc., together with prior owners of Coronet’s assets, have been named as defendants in one of these actions.

We are subject to extensive laws and regulations in Japan and other countries throughout the world. Changes in these laws and regulations could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Our business operations are subject to extensive laws and regulations in Japan and other countries throughout the world. Our operations are subject to laws and regulations governing, among other things, commodities, consumption protection, business and investment approvals, environmental protection currency, exchange control, import and export (including restrictions from the viewpoint of national and international-security), taxation, and antitrust. Moreover, many of our infrastructure projects in developing countries are subject to less developed legal systems. As a result, our costs may increase due to factors such as the lack of a comprehensive set of laws and regulations, an unpredictable judicial system based on inconsistent application and interpretation of laws and regulations, and changing practices of regulatory and administrative bodies. For example, we are subject to sudden and unpredictable changes to:

 

   

tariffs for products and services that we provide;

 

   

technical specifications with respect to environmental regulations;

 

   

income tax and duty rates; and

 

   

foreign exchange controls with respect to repatriation of investments and dividends.

Furthermore, while we are involved in the exploration, development and production activities through various contractual arrangements, the contracts may not be upheld or extended when they expire. Moreover, the regulatory bodies of these areas may unilaterally interfere and alter the contractual terms of our oil and gas operations involving production rates, pricing formulas, royalties, environmental protection cost, land tenure or otherwise. If these regulatory bodies unilaterally alter such contractual terms or if we are unable to comply with any new laws and regulations, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

Furthermore, we could incur substantial additional costs to comply with any new laws and regulations. See “Item 4.B. Business Overview—Government Regulations.”

The actual amount of dividend payment our shareholders of record receive may differ from the forecasts announced prior to the record date.

The customary dividend payout practice of publicly listed companies in Japan may significantly differ from the practice widely followed in other markets. Our dividend payout practice is no exception.

We ordinarily announce a certain dividend payout policy at the beginning of each fiscal year and also provide guidance for annual dividends based on the forecast of our financial results including consolidated net income. Interim dividends are paid to shareholders on record of September 30 of each fiscal year after reviewing

 

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our financial results during the first six months of each fiscal year as well as our forecast of our financial results during the last six months of the same fiscal year. The decision of declaration and payment is solely a matter of discretion of our Board of Directors, and such a decision may be made after the September 30 record date, and thus may differ from our guidance provided prior to such record date.

The amount and payment of year-end dividend are determined by our Board of Directors based on the actual financial results including consolidated net income. It also requires the approval of shareholders at the annual general meeting held in June of each year, if we propose to declare the year-end dividend. Our Board of Directors decides and submits a proposal for the year-end dividend declaration a few weeks before the annual general meeting. If the shareholders’ approval is given, dividend payments are made to shareholders of record.

The shareholders of record may sell shares after the March 31 record date with the anticipation of receiving a certain dividend payment. However, the declaration of year-end dividends is approved by our shareholders only in June, usually based upon a proposal submitted by our Board of Directors. As such, we may have announced dividend-related forecasts prior to the record date; but, in making a decision on the year-end dividend declaration, neither our shareholders nor our Board of Directors are legally bound by such forecast. Moreover, where our consolidated net income turns out to be lower than we originally forecast, we may not submit any year-end dividend proposal to the annual general meeting of shareholders.

Employee misconduct could adversely affect our results of operations and reputation.

Due to our size, as well as the operational and geographic breadth of our activities, our day-to-day operations are necessarily de-centralized. As a result, we cannot fully ensure that our employees comply with all applicable laws and regulations as well as our internal policies. For example, our employees may engage in unauthorized trading activities and exceed the allotted market risk exposure for various commodities or extend an unauthorized amount of credit to a client, which, in either case, may result in unknown losses or unmanageable risks. Moreover, our employees could engage in various unauthorized activities prohibited under the laws of Japan or other jurisdictions to which we are subject, including export regulations, anticorruption laws, antitrust laws and tax regulations. The efforts we undertake to ensure employees’ compliance with applicable laws and regulations as well as our internal policies may not succeed in preventing misconduct by our employees.

Depending on its nature, employees’ misconduct could have negative effects on our results of operations and reputation.

See “Enhanced management system to enable sustainable growth” of “Item 4.A. History and Development of the Company” for the details of the circular transactions of certain agriculture related materials conducted by the Kyushu Branch and the South-East Asian countries-bound overseas trading irregular transactions conducted by the Performance Chemical Business Unit.

Failure to maintain adequate internal controls over financial reporting could negatively affect our reputation.

We are engaged in business activities in a variety of products and services worldwide and thus our internal control over financial reporting needs to be established for numerous transaction patterns. We may be unable to maintain adequate internal control over financial reporting, and thus not be able to assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective. This could adversely affect the capital market’s perception of us and may cause negative market reactions.

Because of daily price range limitations under Japanese stock exchange rules, you may not be able to sell your shares of our common stock at a particular price on any particular trading day, or at all.

Stock prices on Japanese stock exchanges are determined on a real-time basis by the equilibrium between bids and offers. These exchanges are order-driven markets without specialists or market makers to guide price formation. To prevent excessive volatility, these exchanges set daily upward and downward price range limitations for each

 

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stock, based on the previous day’s closing price. Although transactions may continue at the upward or downward limit price if the limit price is reached on a particular trading day, no transactions may take place outside these limits on these exchanges. Consequently, an investor wishing to sell at a price above or below the relevant daily limit on these exchanges may not be able to effect a sale at such price on a particular trading day, or at all.

See “Item 10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association—Daily Price Fluctuation Limits under Japanese Stock Exchange Rules.”

As holders of ADSs, you will have fewer rights than a direct shareholder and you will have to act through the depositary to exercise those rights.

The rights of shareholders under Japanese law to take actions, including exercising voting rights, receiving dividends and distributions, bringing derivative actions, examining our accounting books and records and exercising appraisal rights are available only to holders recorded on our register of shareholders. Because the depositary, through its custodian agents, is the recorded holder of the shares underlying the ADSs, only the depositary can exercise those rights in connection with the deposited shares. The depositary will make efforts to vote the shares underlying your ADSs as instructed by you and will pay to you the dividends and distributions collected from us. However, as ADS holders, you will not be able to bring a derivative action, examine our accounting books and records or exercise appraisal rights except through and with the consent of the depositary.

Item 4.    Information on the Company.

 

A. History and Development of the Company.

History

Mitsui Bussan Kabushiki Kaisha (“Mitsui & Co., Ltd.” in English) was incorporated on July 25, 1947, as Daiichi Bussan Kabushiki Kaisha, a corporation (Kabushiki Kaisha) under the Commercial Code of Japan with common stock of ¥195,000. We were originally listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in May 1949.

Our registered office is located at 2-1, Ohtemachi 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan. Mitsui’s telephone number is +81-3-3285-1111.

Since our establishment, our business lines have involved trading in a variety of commodities, including the import of raw materials and the export of industrial products. As we grew in tandem with the Japanese postwar economic recovery, we expanded into overseas activities, such as the establishment of Mitsui & Co. (Australia) Ltd. in 1956. During the 1950s, Daiichi Bussan Kabushiki Kaisha was formed through the merger of various trading companies. On February 16, 1959, that entity took our present name, after having attained the status of being one of the largest general trading companies, and a history closely connected to the development of foreign trade in postwar Japan. An example of a business activity which introduced innovative industrial systems to Japan in our early days was the establishment of Nippon Remington Univac Kaisha Ltd. (currently Nihon Unisys Ltd.), a domestic computer related joint venture with Sperry Rand Corporation of the United States, in 1958.

During the 1960s, the Japanese government promoted trade with foreign countries and deregulated Japanese capital markets, which led to high growth of the Japanese economy. We played a pivotal role in promoting the growth of certain basic industries by supplying foods, industrial raw material and energy such as oil and coal from abroad. This included the development of mineral resources overseas, nurturing markets for Japanese exports and introducing various new technologies. We established Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc. in April 1966, and Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd. in October 1967. In May 1963, we issued American Depositary Shares which were subsequently listed on The NASDAQ National Market in February 1971.

In the 1970s, as the world economy weathered two oil crises, we began to diversify the supply source of natural resources including development of liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) resources. During this time, the export of industrial plant from Japan, mainly to oil producing countries, drastically increased and we organized and supported projects by arranging finance and on occasion establishing markets for products.

 

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During this period, we suffered losses with respect to a joint venture project we entered into in connection with Iranian petrochemicals. These losses were a result of the petrochemical manufacturing complex being damaged by military attacks, causing the project to finally be dissolved in 1991.

Also during the 1970s, we entered into new industries. For example, in 1971 we established Mitsui Leasing & Development, Ltd. (currently JA Mitsui Leasing, Ltd.), our associated company in the leasing industry, and in 1972 we purchased an equity interest in Mikuni Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Ltd. in the beverage industry.

In the 1980s, Japan’s industrial structure moved increasingly towards the production of high-value-added products such as products related to information technology (“IT”) and new materials used for high tech products. Consequently, we began extending our business field to target these new markets. Most notable were the semiconductor materials and carbon fiber fields promoted mainly by our chemical related divisions.

In the late 1990s, the Asian economies experienced a financial crisis. Although the appreciation in real estate and stocks prior to the crisis created a temporary economic boom in Japan, their eventual collapse resulted in a wide-ranging economic slowdown. These conditions necessitated the reorganization of our profit structures and the development of new businesses.

At the same time, however, there was also a rapid development of information infrastructure worldwide, reflecting the deregulation of the communication sector proceeding from the 1980s in Japan and other countries, and the spread of new technology, such as Internet, accelerated communication among market participants in real time and at reduced costs. From the late 1980s, we made investments in IT and communication businesses, including in common carriers such as Tokyo Telecommunication Network Co., Inc (currently KDDI Corporation), JSAT Corporation, a communications satellites company, and broadcasting companies, such as SKY Perfect Communications Inc.

While having been participating in the development of natural resources since the 1960s such as oil, gas and iron and steel raw materials, we reinforced those activities in recent years. In the oil and gas area, we made final investment decision (“FID”) of Sakhalin II project phase 1 in 1997 and FID of the phase 2 in 2003. In 2004, we also acquired a 40% ownership interest in oil production license and exploration permit located in the North West Shelf area in Australia, including those of Enfield and Vincent oil fields. In the steel raw material area, we purchased an ownership interest in Valepar S.A., the controlling shareholder of Vale. S.A. (the former “Companhia Vale do Rio Doce”, which has been renamed legally effective May 22, 2009) in 2003.

Medium-Term Management Outlook Announced in May 2006

Mitsui established and announced a new Medium-Term Management Outlook in May 2006, based on a company-wide consideration of the business activities that we should develop over the next three-to-five years (namely, years ending March 31, 2009 to 2011) as below:

Development of strategic business portfolio

We developed key policies based on dividing our business into the four areas outlined below.

 

   

In mineral resources and energy, we intend to complete the development of large-scale projects such as Sakhalin II, and to expand existing projects such as our LNG project in Western Australia and iron ore and coal production in Australia, while investing selectively in high-quality new projects.

 

   

In the area of global marketing networks, particularly in steel products, chemical products and machinery, we provide and refine supply chain management (“SCM”) and other sophisticated functions. We will focus on the automobile, IT and energy businesses, and focus on developing areas through collaboration among operating segments outside Japan, particularly Asia.

 

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In the consumer service area, we plan to create closer collaboration by bringing together the Lifestyle, Consumer Services and Information, Electronics & Telecommunication business units, and to focus on developing businesses that have the potential to become future earnings sources.

 

   

In the infrastructure area, we plan to invest selectively in high-quality projects, mainly in power generation, water supply, energy and transportation.

For further information, including the development of investing activities for the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, also see “Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

Evolution of business models leveraging business engineering capabilities

We seek to leverage our strengths in marketing, finance and logistics, and actively promote joint operations between business units. Furthermore, we continue to make efforts to develop new business opportunities, for example:

 

   

We plan to focus on consumer-oriented services in Japan that show great potential for growth, including: media and information, health, medical and senior care, retail support and outsourcing.

 

   

We plan to pursue business development in environment-related businesses, such as emission rights trading and recycling, along with new energy businesses, such as biomass ethanol and solar power.

Implementation of global strategies

We will focus the allocation of human resources on growth sectors in Asia, and align our strategy with our customers. We will employ and foster the development of a diverse group of personnel at overseas trading and other subsidiaries and associated companies around the world.

Enhanced management system to enable sustainable growth

Under our revised corporate staff organization we are pursuing an efficient risk management approach. We are strengthening our corporate governance system and internal controls framework, such as by increasing external directors and external corporate auditors, and working to ensure compliance with Section 404 of the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. We are developing as a business that meets the needs of customers and society, while engaging in CSR-oriented management worthy of Mitsui, such as through engaging in environmental issues and contributing to society.

For the year ended March 31, 2009, we identified that a business division of the Kyushu Branch had been involved in circular transactions of certain agriculture related materials in the local market. In addition, in April, 2009, we identified that a large part of Indonesia and other South East Asian countries-bound overseas trading transactions conducted by a business division of Performance Chemicals Business Unit were disguised as purchase and sales transactions while in fact they did not involve any physical distribution of the merchandise.

As mentioned above, we consider the enhancement of our management system as one of the core elements of the Medium-Term Management Outlook and have been striving to thoroughly implement a system as well as enhance compliance throughout the organization. However, we fully recognize the shortfall in our internal control system and compliance enhancing activities. Compliance will therefore be reemphasized and problem awareness created not only in the organizations where the problems actually occurred, but for all the Group’s executives and employees through prompt notification conducted by the President & CEO. Furthermore, to prevent the recurrence of similar events, we will be immediately implementing more thorough on-site management, enhanced control of business-processes and plans to prevent future reoccurrence with respect to the promotion of the flexible use of human resources.

Capital Expenditures

Major expenditures and divestitures

See “Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Cash Flows” for the information.

 

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Major mineral resources and energy producing projects

The table below provides information about major mineral resources and energy producing projects which have involved or will involve significant capital expenditures for property and equipment. See “Item 4.B. Business Overview”, “Item 4.D. Property, Plant and Equipment—Mining Activities” and “Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources” for further information.

 

Operating
Segment

  

Project / Joint
Venture

(Country)

  

Partner

(Operator)

   Mitsui’s
share
  

Planned Capacity(*1)

   Budgeted
Capital
Expenditure(*2)
    Investment
Decision
    Completion /
Initial
Production

Mineral

& Metal

Resources

  

Robe River

Joint Venture (Australia)

   Rio Tinto    33%    Iron ore export capacity at Cape Lambert from 55 to 80 million tons per annum(“Mtpa”)    US$860

(US$284)

  

  

  2007      2008
            Iron ore export capacity at Cape Lambert from 80 to 180 Mtpa    A$1,200

(A$395)

  

  

  2008 (*3)    End of
2012
            Mesa A/Warramboo mine, iron ore production capacity 25 Mtpa    US$901

(US$297)

  

  

  2007      2010
   Mt Newman, Yandi, Mt.Goldsworthy (Australia)    BHP Billiton    7%    Iron ore production capacity from 129 to 155 Mtpa    A$2,730

(A$190)

  

  

  2007      First half
2010
            Iron ore production capacity from 155 to 205 Mtpa    US$5,600

(US$396)

  

  

  2008      Second half

2011

Energy

   Enfield Oil Field
(Australia)
   Woodside Petroleum    40%    100,000 barrels oil per day(*4)    US$1,000

(US$400)

  

(*4) 

  2004      2006
   Vincent Oil Field
(Australia)
         100,000 barrels oil per day    US$720

(US$290)

  

  

  2006      2008
   Dawson (Australia)    Anglo American    49%    Coal production capacity from 7.0 to 12.7 Mtpa    A$900

(A$440)

  

  

  2004      2008
   Kestrel (Australia)    Rio Tinto    20%    Extention for new mining area, coal production capacity 6.5 Mtpa    A$1,443

(A$289)

  

  

  2008      2012

 

(*1) The figures of capacity or production represent 100% volume of projects.
(*2) Millions of currency units. Figures in parenthesis show Mitsui’s budgeted expenditure.
(*3) Approval of early funding.
(*4) The US$1,000 million total budget represents the original development for initial production. Commercial production started in July 2006. Subsequently, some of the major production wells were shut-in due to unexpected sand production and water breakthrough on two occasions, and the joint venture conducted work-over of those wells. The work over programs were made with an additional total budget of US$390 million for the first program and were completed in 2008.

 

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B. Business Overview.

Throughout this section “B. Business Overview,” we describe the domicile of our subsidiaries and associated companies, in parentheses following names of those companies. For example, Mitsui Iron Ore Development, Pty. Ltd. (Australia) means that the company’s name is Mitsui Iron Ore Development, Pty. Ltd. and that it is domiciled in Australia.

Nature of Our Operations and Principal Activities

We are a general trading company engaged in a range of global business activities including worldwide trading of various commodities, arranging financing for customers and suppliers in connection with our trading activities, organizing and coordinating industrial projects, participating in financing and investing arrangements, assisting in the procurement of raw materials and equipment, providing new technologies and processes for manufacturing, and coordinating transportation and marketing of finished goods. Our trading activities as a general trading company include the sale, distribution, purchase, marketing, supply of and dealing in a wide variety of products and services, as a principal or an agent, including iron and steel, non-ferrous metals, machinery, electronics, chemicals, energy-related commodities and products, food products, textiles, general merchandise and real estate. We also participate in the development of natural resources such as oil, gas, iron and steel raw materials. Recently, we have been proactively making strategic business investments whereby we invest our own capital and provide management expertise in the development of joint ventures and new enterprises in certain industries such as information technology (“IT”), energy saving and environmental solutions business.

While we continue to diversify our activities, the provision of services remains one of our core activities. Specifically, we act as an intermediary between customers and suppliers engaged in import, export, and offshore and domestic trading activities. For example, we develop markets overseas for exporters and locate raw materials or product sources that meet the needs of importers. To facilitate smooth customer transactions between customers and suppliers, we draw upon our various capabilities such as market information analysis, credit supervision, financing and transportation logistics.

In addition to our Head Office, Mitsui had 12 branches and offices located in Japan and 142 branches, offices and overseas trading subsidiaries(1) located in other parts of the world as of April 1, 2009. They provide market information to each other and cooperate in developing various business opportunities.

The U.S. Department of State designates Iran, Sudan, Syria and Cuba as state sponsors of terrorism and subjects them to export controls. As a globally operating organization, we conduct business with customers in various countries including Iran, Sudan, Cuba and Syria. Our activities with customers in these states are insignificant when compared to our entire business (less than 1% of our consolidated revenues, gross profit and assets for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007) and do not, in our view, represent either individually or in aggregate, a material investment risk.

Our Iran-related operations primarily consist of business activities in which we have acted as an agent for Japanese companies such as Japanese engineering and heavy machinery companies, and assist them with various aspects of entering into and completing industrial projects in Iran. In addition, we have arranged financings provided by export credit agencies for the principals of industrial projects in Iran. Furthermore, under limited circumstances, we engaged in Iran-related business activities as a principal, where we purchased crude oil, oil products and petrochemical products from Iranian entities and sold them in Japan and elsewhere. Mitsui has only one asset located in Iran, a subsidiary which renders services to support Mitsui’s implementing the above-mentioned activities.

 

 

  (1) In this annual report, “overseas trading subsidiary” means subsidiaries such as Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc., which represent major parts of the geographic operating segments of Americas; Europe, the Middle East and Africa; and Asia Pacific. See “Products and Services and Principal Activities by Reportable Operating Segments” for further details.

 

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Although there is a possibility that we may broaden our business activities in Iran in the future, we currently have no plans to significantly expand our Iran-related operations and would carefully consider the commercial and other risks inherent in such transactions before expanding our activities as principal in order to manage those risks as we seek to avoid transactions that may result in material losses to our company or risks to our shareholders.

Our Sudan-related operations consist of sales of chemical raw materials such as urethanes used for the production of polyurethane foams, in which we act as an agent, where our counterparties are neither Sudanese governmental bodies nor entities engaged in oil exploration and production in the country.

Our Syria-related operations consist of sales of chemical products such as urethanes and agrochemicals (insecticides) as well as sundry goods such as photographic film and ultrasound diagnostic scanner, neither of which are designed for any military use, to non-governmental entities.

We have no sales transaction with Cuba for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.

We do not have any assets or employees in Sudan, Syria and Cuba due to extremely low activity. We do not expect to significantly expand our activities with either of these countries in the foreseeable future.

Seasonality of Our Business Activities

The trading of individual products such as heating oil, foods and textiles is influenced by seasonal factors. For example, heating oil is traded more frequently in winter than in summer months. Another example is our food wholesale business where the revenues of MITSUI FOODS CO., LTD. (Japan) increase from October to December and decrease from January to March, reflecting seasonal consumption habit in Japan. Nonetheless, the seasonality of any product either individually or in the aggregate has marginal impact on our annual operating results.

Dependence on Patents and Licenses and Industrial, Commercial or Financial Contracts

We have various patents and licenses as well as industrial, commercial and financial contracts (including contracts with customers or suppliers) to conduct our business. These patents, licenses or contracts either individually or in the aggregate are not material to our business operations or results of operations.

Marketing Channels

Marketing channels vary by commodity, customer and region. We have established subsidiaries and associated companies for promotion and distribution in response to specific business environments.

See “Products and Services and Principal Activities by Reportable Operating Segments” below. Special sales or purchase methods, including financial arrangements, provided by the Machinery & Infrastructure Projects Segment and the Energy Segment, and supply chain management (“SCM”) systems conducted by some operating segments are also described therein. SCM means a planning and management of successive and integrated activities which cover procurement of raw materials, inventory control, processing, and logistics management for materials and products, ordinarily maintained through collaboration among suppliers, intermediaries and/or third-party service providers, and customers.

Competitive Position

Our main competitors are other Japanese general trading companies. Moreover, all of our potential business partners, for supply of products and services; or for establishment of joint venture operations, could also be competitors. To ensure our competitiveness, we strive to continue to successfully meet the changing needs of our

 

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customers and suppliers worldwide. Analysis of competitive position by operating segment is provided in “Products and Services and Principal Activities by Reportable Operating Segments” below and also see “Item 3.D. Risk Factors.”

Government Regulations

Our business activities are subject to various governmental regulations in the countries in which we operate. These regulations generally relate to obtaining business and investment approvals, and meeting the requirements of export regulations, including those related to national security considerations, tariffs, antitrust, consumer and business taxation, exchange controls and environmental laws and regulations. Certain of our business transactions such as our activities in the energy, mining, telecommunications, financing, food, consumer products, machinery, chemicals, etc. are regulated and subject to the relevant laws and regulations. See “Item 3.D. Risk Factors.”

Governmental Regulations with Respect to the Exploration and Production of Oil, Gas, and Mineral Resources

We are involved in various projects involving exploration for and production of crude oil, natural gas, iron raw materials and non-ferrous metals in many different countries in which we participate as a minority stakeholder and non-operator. These exploration and production activities are subject to a broad range of local laws and regulations, which affect virtually all aspects of these activities. Contractual arrangements in connection with our oil, gas and mining activities, such as leases, licenses and production agreements are generally entered into with a government entity or a government owned company. See “Mineral & Metal Resources Segment” and “Energy Segment” of “Products and Services and Principal Activities by Reportable Operating Segments” below.

To date, changes in governmental laws and regulations have not had a material adverse effect on our oil, gas and mining projects. Some of our oil, gas and mineral projects are located in politically and economically stable regions, such as Australia, where the legal systems are relatively developed. However, we also hold interests in oil, gas and mineral resources in regions where legal systems are less developed. These investments may be adversely impacted by factors such as a lack of comprehensive sets of laws and regulations, an unpredictable judicial system based on inconsistent application and interpretation of laws and regulations, and constantly changing practices of regulatory and administrative bodies.

Governmental Regulations with Respect to Infrastructure Projects

We are engaged in various infrastructure projects worldwide. These include construction of power plants, oil and gas pipelines, telecommunications and broadcasting systems, cargo transportation systems, and public transit systems in developing countries. In these projects, we are subject to extensive laws and regulations with respect to technical specifications, environmental protection, pricing, labor, taxation, foreign exchange and other matters. We commonly enter into contractual arrangements with government owned companies that are subject to their own sets of laws and regulations. Changes in laws and regulations after the commencement of projects may result in lengthy delays which can negatively impact our cash flows and hinder the repatriation of capital from such projects.

Governmental Regulations with Respect to Human Health and Environment

We are subject to extensive laws and regulations worldwide with respect to human health and the environment. Regulations governing food products for human consumption are complex, detailed and stringent. For instance, in Japan, our food related operations are under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. We are subject to the Food Safety Basic Law, which codifies the safety standard for food products. For example, it determines the threshold amount at which harmful substances such as pesticide residues are considered to be unacceptable. We must expend significant resources to comply with these regulations not only in Japan but in all jurisdictions where we engage in food-related operations.

 

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We are also subject to complex environmental laws and regulations worldwide. For example, in Japan, when trading, storing or transporting chemical products or disposing of wastes and by-products from our industrial plants, we are required to notify the local regulators and/or obtain approvals or licenses. Any violation of laws and regulations may not only result in severe fines and penalties, but the regulators may require us to curtail or even cease operations, install expensive pollution control systems, and comply with enhanced notification obligations.

Products and Services and Principal Activities by Reportable Operating Segments

For the year ended March 31, 2009, we had eleven reportable operating segments which consisted of eight products and services focused reportable operating segments and three region-focused reportable operating segments listed as below:

Our eight products and services focused operating segments were:

 

   

Iron & Steel Products

 

   

Mineral & Metal Resources

 

   

Machinery & Infrastructure Projects

 

   

Chemical

 

   

Energy

 

   

Foods & Retail

 

   

Consumer Service & IT

 

   

Logistics & Financial Markets

Our three region-focused operating segments were:

 

   

Americas

 

   

Europe, the Middle East and Africa

 

   

Asia Pacific

 

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For information on the composition of our products and services focused reportable segments and region-focused reportable operating segments, also see “Item 5.A. Operating Results—Operating Results by Operating Segment.” Gross Profit, Operating Income (Loss) and Net Income (Loss) by reportable operating segment for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were as follows(1)(2)(3)(4):

Gross Profit

 

     In Billions, Except Percentages  
     Years Ended March 31,  
     2009     2008     2007  

Iron & Steel Products

   ¥ 52.2    5.1   ¥ 61.3      6.2   ¥ 57.8      6.7

Mineral & Metal Resources

     119.2    11.7        95.8      9.7        111.0      12.8   

Machinery & Infrastructure Projects

     106.3    10.5        119.7      12.1        101.9      11.8   

Chemical

     80.0    7.9        100.2      10.1        95.6      11.0   

Energy

     272.0    26.8        219.3      22.2        123.9      14.3   

Foods & Retail

     82.4    8.1        81.2      8.2        81.3      9.4   

Consumer Service & IT

     73.7    7.3        116.7      11.8        130.0      15.0   

Logistics & Financial Markets

     62.1    6.1        55.1      5.6        60.5      7.0   

Americas

     116.0    11.4        78.5      7.9        78.3      9.0   

Europe, the Middle East and Africa

     22.2    2.2        26.8      2.7        25.4      2.9   

Asia Pacific

     26.6    2.6        33.1      3.3        30.7      3.5   
                                         

Total

     1,012.7    99.7        987.7      99.8        896.4      103.4   
                                         

All Other

     2.9    0.3        5.5      0.6        4.3      0.5   

Adjustments and Eliminations

     0.7    0.0        (5.1   (0.4     (34.4   (3.9
                                         

Consolidated Total

   ¥ 1,016.3    100.0   ¥ 988.1      100.0   ¥ 866.3      100.0
                                         

Operating Income (Loss)

 

     In Billions, Except Percentages  
     Years Ended March 31,  
     2009     2008     2007  

Iron & Steel Products

   ¥ 17.4      4.4   ¥ 25.6      6.8   ¥ 25.6      9.1

Mineral & Metal Resources

     104.5      26.5        79.0      21.1        91.3      32.3   

Machinery & Infrastructure Projects

     16.0      4.1        30.1      8.0        19.4      6.9   

Chemical

     24.2      6.1        42.8      11.4        36.2      12.8   

Energy

     214.1      54.2        172.5      46.0        81.3      28.7   

Foods & Retail

     19.0      4.8        16.6      4.4        10.9      3.9   

Consumer Service & IT

     (12.8   (3.2     19.0      5.1        20.3      7.2   

Logistics & Financial Markets

     23.8      6.0        20.9      5.6        24.2      8.6   

Americas

     39.0      9.9        7.3      1.9        22.0      7.8   

Europe, the Middle East and Africa

     (1.9   (0.5     1.8      0.5        2.9      1.0   

Asia Pacific

     (1.6   (0.4     7.6      2.0        9.5      3.4   
                                          

Total

     441.7      111.9        423.2      112.8        343.6      121.7   
                                          

All Other

     (2.9   (0.7     (1.4   (0.4     (4.4   (1.6

Adjustments and Eliminations

     (44.1   (11.2     (47.0   (12.4     (56.4   (20.1
                                          

Consolidated Total

   ¥ 394.7      100.0   ¥ 374.8      100.0   ¥ 282.8      100.0
                                          

 

* Operating income (loss) reflects our (a) Gross Profit, (b) Selling, general and administrative expenses and (c) Provision for doubtful receivables, as presented in the Statements of Consolidated Income.

 

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Net Income (Loss)

 

     In Billions, Except Percentages  
     Years Ended March 31,  
     2009     2008     2007  

Iron & Steel Products

   ¥ (4.8   (2.7 )%    ¥ 20.2      5.0   ¥ 20.6      6.8

Mineral & Metal Resources

     90.0      50.7        177.0      43.2        98.3      32.6   

Machinery & Infrastructure Projects

     21.8      12.3        34.4      8.4        33.2      11.0   

Chemical

     (10.2   (5.7     18.3      4.5        20.8      6.9   

Energy

     153.3      86.3        124.1      30.3        75.7      25.1   

Foods & Retail

     1.5      0.8        10.4      2.5        (12.3   (4.1

Consumer Service & IT

     (31.4   (17.7     12.0      2.9        16.6      5.5   

Logistics & Financial Markets

     (14.5   (8.2     7.5      1.8        14.6      4.8   

Americas

     (7.1   (4.0     5.0      1.2        15.8      5.2   

Europe, the Middle East and Africa

     (11.5   (6.5     5.0      1.2        4.1      1.4   

Asia Pacific

     30.6      17.2        22.5      5.5        22.0      7.3   
                                          

Total

     217.7      122.5        436.4      106.5        309.4      102.5   
                                          

All Other

     6.5      3.7        (7.1   (1.7     5.8      1.9   

Adjustments and Eliminations

     (46.6   (26.2     (19.2   (4.8     (13.7   (4.4
                                          

Consolidated Total

   ¥ 177.6      100.0   ¥ 410.1      100.0   ¥ 301.5      100.0
                                          

 

Notes:

(1) The figures for “Consolidated Total” for the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 have been reclassified to conform to the change in current year presentation based on the reorganization effective April 1, 2008.
(2) “All Other” includes business activities which primarily provide services, such as financing services, and operations services to external customers, and/or to us and associated companies.
(3) Net loss of “Adjustments and Eliminations” includes income and expense items that are not allocated to specific reportable operating segments, such as certain expenses of corporate departments, and eliminations of intersegment transactions.
(4) Transfers between operating segments are made at cost plus a markup.

Iron & Steel Products Segment

The Iron & Steel Products Segment consists of one business unit, the Iron & Steel Products Business Unit, which has:

 

   

10 subsidiaries including Mitsui & Co. Steel Ltd. (Japan), MITSUI BUSSAN KOZAI HANBAI CO., LTD. (Japan), MBK Steel Products West Co., Ltd. (Japan), Regency Steel Asia Pte Ltd. (Singapore) and Bangkok Coil Center Co., Ltd. (Thailand); and

 

   

17 associated companies including Nippon Steel Trading Co., Ltd. (Japan) and Shanghai Bao-Mit Steel Distribution Co., Ltd. (China).

Gross profit and net loss for this segment for the year ended March 31, 2009 were ¥52.2 billion or 5.1% and minus ¥4.8 billion or minus 2.7% of our consolidated total, respectively.

This segment handles various iron and steel products used in a wide range of industries including the automobile, electronics, transportation, construction and energy sectors. They serve customers in these industries worldwide and provide support services for steel manufacturers. The Iron & Steel Products Segment conducts, trading, marketing, processing and distribution of:

 

   

steel sheet for automobile and electric appliances, steel plates for shipbuilding and heavy electric machinery, galvanized steel sheet and tin mill products;

 

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steel products for oil and gas projects including OCTG and line pipe;

 

   

wire rod, specialty steel and bearing;

 

   

steel bars and other steel construction materials; and

 

   

semi-finished items including steel slabs to be processed into steel plate and sheet and steel billets to be processed into steel bars and wire rods.

This segment has made investments in subsidiaries and associated companies including coil centers as bases for processing and distribution; electric furnace steel makers as manufacturing bases; and steel products distribution companies. Recently, this business segment has also focused on businesses in emerging countries as below:

 

   

Regency Steel Asia Pte Ltd. (Singapore), a steel products wholesale subsidiary which this segment acquired in the year ended March 31, 2004, has expanded wholesale operations in the rapidly growing steel products markets in Asia enhancing the credit risk and market risk monitoring functions.

 

   

This segment also focuses on business opportunities in Russia and in India among other countries, by setting up joint ventures with local partners and creating our service networks such as coil centers.

In the iron and steel products business, both manufacturers and users are large-scale and sophisticated organizations. As low value added intermediation between these entities is no longer sufficient to serve their needs, this segment has developed its services based on the proprietary supply-chain network by making use of accumulated IT and logistics expertise. By working closely with manufacturers and users, we optimize distribution and inventory control, thus sharing with customers and suppliers the benefit of associated cost reductions. For example:

 

   

This segment has established steel service centers, galvanized steel plants and tin-plating facilities at our subsidiaries and/or joint ventures with Japanese and overseas steel makers and other local partners in order to meet the rising demand from manufacturers of automobiles, electric appliances and heavy electric machinery that have transplanted their production centers to the United States, Southeast Asia and China. The most representative case is Shanghai Bao-Mit Steel Distribution Co., Ltd. (China), a joint venture established with Shanghai Baosteel Group Corporation, a Chinese integrated steel manufacturer, in order to build a network of steel products service centers in China. Through this joint venture, this segment has been setting up supply-chain network by integrating service centers within China and improving operational efficiency and also has been actively pursuing additional investments.

 

   

This segment frequently draws upon the unit’s logistics expertise in delivering a wide range of materials and products in large volume under an optimized schedule along with expertise in project financing. We also take advantage of the business relationships and marketing channels of other business units in the fields of mineral and metal resources, energy, industrial plants, shipping and machinery. This enabled this segment to be involved in various industrial projects including the construction of oil and gas pipeline projects such as the Sakhalin project where we supplied the steel structure and the Western Australia offshore LNG project operated by Woodside Petroleum Ltd. where we supplied high grade steel pipe. This segment also contributed to support mining projects operated by Rio Tinto plc and Vale S.A. supplying rails for minerals transportation.

Some competitors of this segment, other Japanese trading companies, have reorganized their businesses and established new joint ventures, such as Marubeni-Itochu Steel Inc. (Japan) and Metal One Corporation (Japan) in their efforts to achieve low-cost operations through economy of scale. In contrast, this segment puts priority in efficiently leveraging business resources of other operating segments through group-wide collaborations. In order to increase competitiveness as well as pursuing strategic business opportunities, the Investment & Planning Division within this business segment, specializes in investments in steel-related enterprises, particularly joint investments in response to the needs from steel users and steel manufacturers in Japan and overseas, strengthening ties with Japanese steel makers and wholesalers through collaboration in sales of products,

 

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procurement of raw materials and equity investments. Furthermore, in the domestic market which has been already mature, this business segment concentrates on reorganizations of subsidiaries to improve their sales force and operational efficiency. For example, this business segment established Mitsui & Co. Steel Ltd. (Japan) by consolidating 4 subsidiaries for steel products in April 2008.

In July 2006, as a result of the merger between the world’s largest integrated steel manufacturers, Mittal Steel Company N.V. and Arcelor S.A., ArcelorMittal was organized. This segment has been carefully watching reorganizations in the global steel industry. An increase in steel production in newly developing countries such as China and India, as well as a decrease in demand in developed countries stemming from slow down of the economies triggered by financial crisis in the United States are ongoing in tandem, providing a definite forecast on the global supply-demand balance in the future becomes extremely difficult. Continuously offering efficient SCM services is still a key for this business segment to survive in such worldwide reorganization of steel industry.

Mineral & Metal Resources Segment

The Mineral & Metal Resources Segment consists of one business unit, the Mineral & Metal Resources Business Unit. Effective April 1, 2007, the former Iron & Steel Raw Materials and Non-Ferrous Metals Segment was renamed as the Mineral & Metal Resources Segment, and the businesses of coal, nuclear fuels, carbon credits, and hydrogen and fuel cell were transferred to the Energy Segment.

This segment has:

 

   

9 subsidiaries, including Mitsui Iron Ore Development Pty. Ltd. (Australia), Mitsui -Itochu Iron Pty. Ltd. (Australia), Japan Collahuasi Resources B.V. (Netherlands), Mitsui Raw Materials Development Pty. Limited (Australia) and MITSUI BUSSAN METALS CO., LTD. (Japan); and

 

   

12 associated companies, including Valepar S.A. (Brazil), Coral Bay Nickel Corporation (The Republic of Philippines), SUMIC Nickel Netherlands B.V. (Netherlands), NIPPON AMAZON ALUMINIUM CO., LTD. (Japan) and Inner Mongolia Erdos Electric Power & Metallurgical Co., Ltd. (China).

Gross profit and net income for this segment for the year ended March 31, 2009 were ¥119.2 billion or 11.7% and ¥90.0 billion or 50.7% of our consolidated totals, respectively.

This segment is engaged in various business activities including:

 

   

trading, investment, logistics management and transportation services related to iron and steel raw materials, such as iron ore, metal scrap, ferro-alloys and other minerals;

 

   

trading, investment, logistic management and transportation of non-ferrous metal raw materials and ingots such as copper, lead, zinc, nickel, aluminium, alumina, magnesium, cobalt, titanium, other non-ferrous metals; and sales and marketing of semi-fabricated non-ferrous products such as construction materials; and

 

   

recycling solutions business.

In the field of iron and steel raw materials, in 1960s this segment started investments in raw materials sourcing projects based on concept of “develop-and-import”, aiming at stable procurement of those raw materials to Japan through diversified channels. Those projects are supplying raw materials to major iron and steel manufacturing countries including Japan.

 

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The following tables provide information on investments of this segment in iron ore resource projects. For more information on its mining activities including production and reserves, See “Item 4.D. Property, Plants and Equipment—Mining Activities.”

Iron Ore Mining Activities

 

Joint Venture or Investee

 

Mitsui’s Subsidiary or
Associated Company

 

Name of Mines

 

Location

  Mitsui’s
Percentage of
Ownership
   

Other Major
Participants and
Their Percentages of
Ownership

 

Robe River Iron Associates

  Mitsui Iron Ore Development Pty. Ltd.  

Pannawonica West

West Angelas

  Pilbara Region, Western Australia   33.00  

Rio Tinto

Nippon Steel Sumitomo Metal Industries

  53.00

10.50

3.50


Mt. Newman Joint Venture

  Mitsui -Itochu Iron Pty. Ltd.   Mt. Whaleback  

Pilbara Region,

Western Australia

  7.00  

BHP Billiton

Itochu

  85.00

8.00


Yandi Joint Venture

  Mitsui Iron Ore Development Pty. Ltd.   Marillana Creek  

Pilbara Region,

Western Australia

  7.00  

BHP Billiton

Itochu

  85.00

8.00


Mt. Goldsworthy Joint Venture

  Mitsui Iron Ore Development Pty. Ltd.   Northern (Yarrie) (Nimingarra) Area C  

Pilbara Region,

Western Australia

  7.00  

BHP Billiton

Itochu

  85.00

8.00


In addition, this segment has a 15% ownership interest (or 18.2% in terms of voting shares as of March 31, 2009), of Valepar S.A. (Brazil), the controlling shareholder of Vale S.A. (the former “Companhia Vale do Rio Doce”, which has been renamed legally effective May 22, 2009) in Brazil. Vale S.A. is a mining enterprise with operations that include mining of iron ore and other raw non-ferrous metals. This segment purchased the ownership interest in Valepar S.A. in September 2003. In July 2008, Vale S.A. made a public offering of its shares. Valepar S.A. maintained the current controlling ownership at Vale S.A. by exercising its priority subscription rights, and Mitsui contributed to Valepar S.A. on a pro rata basis. Mitsui’s investment amount was ¥78.4 billion.

In April 2007, this segment sold its entire stake in Sesa Goa Limited, Indian iron ore producer.

Iron ore mining businesses remain our core business, and continue to focus on investments for the enhancement of production capacity and operational efficiency in existing mining operations. Our equity production tonnage is expected to be increasing in accordance with an increase in demand of the newly developing countries in a mid- and long-term despite the fact that iron ore demand temporarily stagnates worldwide, including China, the world largest crude steel producer, due to the current economic slow down triggered by the financial crisis in the United States. Regarding further information and discussion on development of this segment’s iron ore mining projects, see “Item 4.A. History and Development of the Company— Capital Expenditure”, “Item 5.A. Operating Results—Operating Results by Operating Segment—Mineral & Metal Resources Segment” and “Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Investment Plans and Financial policies of the Medium Term Management Outlook”.

 

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Revenues from iron ore producing activities account for a significant portion of this segment. The table below sets forth the break down of revenues of the Mineral & Metal Resources Segment.

 

     Revenues
     Billions of Yen
     Revenues from Sales of Products    Revenues from
Sales of Services
and Other Sales
    

Years Ended March 31,

   Revenues from
Iron Ore
Producing
Activities
   Revenues from
Sales of
Other Products(*)
   Commissions and
Trading Margins on
Intermediary Services
and Other
   Total Revenues

2009

   ¥ 169.5    ¥ 224.1    ¥ 13.8    ¥ 407.4

2008

     116.8      159.2      16.7      292.7

2007

     86.4      148.7      26.1      261.2

 

(*) Revenues from sales of other products mainly consist of sales of scrap metals and non-ferrous metals such as copper and aluminum. This segment reports no revenues from mineral producing activities other than iron ore producing activities.

This segment recognizes metal recycling as industrial solutions to environmental problems, and has set recycling business as one of its key businesses. In Japan, Mitsui Bussan Raw Materials Development Corporation (Japan), which had operated a metal recycling business, was merged in April 2008 with a former non-ferrous metal trading subsidiary Mitsui Bussan Metals Sales Co., Ltd. (Japan), to form Mitsui Bussan Metals Co., Ltd., which engages in wide range of products and services in metal resources, recycling and non-ferrous metal products.

In addition, in June 2007, this segment acquired 19.9% of the issued ordinary shares of Sims Group Limited (Australia), a metal scrap recycler with worldwide operating bases in Australia and Europe as well as in North America, its main operating zone. In March 2008, Sims Group Limited merged with Metal Management, Inc, a United States recycler and changed its name to Sims Metal Management Ltd. in November 2008. This segment’s ownership interest was diluted due to the merger, and subsequently the segment acquired additional shares, having a 19.9% ownership interest in Sims Metal Management, Inc. as of March 31, 2009. Mitsui and Sims Metal Management Ltd. seek opportunities for a joint recycling solutions business in Japan and abroad.

This segment participates in a joint venture which produces Silico-Manganese in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China, with 24.5% ownership, together with Erdos Electrical Power and Metallurgical Co., Ltd. (“Erdos EPMC”) and JFE Steel Corporation, a major Japanese integrated steel manufacturer. This project started production of Silico-Manganese in July 2006 with an annual production capacity of 75,000 tons at its initial stage, and an expansion plan to double the capacity to 150,000 tons was completed in December 2008. Erdos EPMC operates four major businesses in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region: power generation, coal mining, ferrous alloy production and water pumping from the Yellow River. In April 2007, this segment completed the acquisition of 25% share ownership in Erdos EPMC.

This segment has been operating joint venture projects to meet the increasing demand for iron and steel raw materials in Japan and abroad. POSCO Terminal Co., Ltd. (Korea) is the representative case established in January 2003 with POSCO, an integrated steel manufacturer in Republic of Korea. It provides logistics services including bulk material transportation, storage and transshipment involving iron and steel raw materials for various customers in Asia.

In non-ferrous metals field, this segment has been engaged in trading raw materials and ingots such as copper, nickel, cobalt, aluminium, alumina and other non-ferrous metals, and also expanding our investments and participations in various non-ferrous metals mining and smelting projects to secure stable supply sources of the raw materials and ingots. For example:

 

   

This segment participates in Compania Minera Dona Ines de Collahuasi SCM (Chile), a mining company, in which it holds a 7.4% interest. This company commenced commercial production of its

 

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Collahuasi copper mine in 1998, which has been developed jointly with Anglo American plc and Xstrata plc and has an annual production capacity of about 500,000 tons of copper. In addition, this segment has a 1.3% interest in Los Pelambres copper mine in Chile, whose annual production capacity is about 360,000 tons of copper per annum.

 

   

This segment participates in a nickel-cobalt smelting project named Coral Bay in the Rio Tuba area in the Republic of Philippines which has been developed jointly with Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd., Sojitz Corporation and a local partner. This project started commercial production of nickel-cobalt mixed sulfide in April 2005 using a high-pressure acid leaching process, an advanced processing technology for nickel production, and is operating at its design capacity (10,000 ton Nickel content and 750 ton cobalt content per annum) after March 2006. In February 2007, we decided to participate in the expansion plan for the second production line to double the production capacity. The production capacity as of March 2009 is 22,000 ton Nickel content and 1,400 ton cobalt content per annum. In April 2005, this segment, jointly with Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd., concluded an agreement for participation in the Goro Nickel Project in New Caledonia, which has been developed by former Inco Limited, (currently called as Vale Inco Ltd.). This project is expected to start its commercial production in the 2nd half of 2009 and to produce in total about 60,000 tons of nickel and about 5,000 tons of cobalt per annum eventually.

 

   

This segment has a 15.0% interest in NIPPON AMAZON ALUMINUM CO., LTD. (Japan) which has invested in aluminum smelting and alumina refining business in Brazil. While this segment withdrew from Mitalco Inc., an aluminium smelting operation in the United States in June 2006, we recognize that aluminium continues to be a significant material and pursue relevant business opportunities.

 

   

This segment established a special department for rare metals which underpin high-tech industries. The segment has been studying development and undertaking feasibility studies of various rare metal projects.

Machinery & Infrastructure Projects Segment

The Machinery & Infrastructure Projects Segment consists of three business units, the Infrastructure Projects Business Unit, the Motor Vehicles Business Unit and the Marine & Aerospace Business Unit.

Gross profit and net income for this segment for the year ended March 31, 2009 were ¥106.3 billion or 10.5% and ¥21.8 billion or 12.3% of our consolidated totals, respectively.

The Machinery & Infrastructure Projects Segment holds 69 subsidiaries, including:

 

   

MBK Project Holdings Ltd. (Japan), Mitsui & Co. Plant Systems, Ltd. (Japan), Mitsui Power Ventures Limited (United Kingdom), MIT POWER CANADA LP INC. (Canada), Mitsui Renewable Energy Europe Limited (United Kingdom), Mitsui Rail Capital Holdings, Inc. (United States), Mitsui Rail Capital Europe B.V. (Netherlands), Mitsui Rail Capital Participacoes Ltda. (Brazil), MITSUI GAS E ENERGIA DO BRASIL LTDA. (Brazil), Cactus Energy Investment B.V. (Netherlands), Drillship Investment B.V. (Netherlands), Mitsui Water Holdings (Thailand) Ltd. (Thailand), Atlatec Holdings, S.A. de C.V. (Mexico) and Tokyo International Air Cargo Terminal Ltd. (Japan) in the Infrastructure Projects Business Unit;

 

   

Toyota Chile S.A. (Chile), Mitsui Automotive North America Inc. (United States), Mitsui Automotive Europe B.V. (Netherlands), Mitsui Automotive CIS Investment B.V. (Netherlands), PT. Bussan Auto Finance (Indonesia), Mitsiam Motors Co., Ltd. (Thailand), and Komatsu-Mitsui Maquinarias Peru S.A. (Peru) in the Motor Vehicles Business Unit; and

 

   

Lepta Shipping Co., Ltd. (Liberia), Clio Marine Inc. (Liberia), Orient Marine Co., Ltd. (Japan) and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace Co., Ltd. (Japan) in the Marine & Aerospace Business Unit.

 

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Additionally it has 69 associated companies such as:

 

   

Toyo Engineering Corporation (Japan), IPM Eagle LLP (United Kingdom), IPM (UK) Power Holdings Limited (Gibraltar), P.T. Paiton Energy (Indonesia), Compania de Generacion Valladolid S. de R.L. de C.V. (Mexico) and AES JORDAN HOLDCO, LTD. (Cayman Islands) in the Infrastructure Projects Business Unit; and

 

   

Toyota Canada Inc. (Canada), Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (United States), PT. Yamaha Indonesia Motor Manufacturing (Indonesia) and Komatsu Australia Pty. Ltd. (Australia) in the Motor Vehicles Business Unit.

Infrastructure Projects Business Unit

The business activities of the Infrastructure Projects Business Unit together with 30 subsidiaries and 19 associated companies cover a wide range of involvement in project development, construction, business operations and management, implementation and related services, including:

 

   

electric power projects such as power plants, power transmission and substation facilities;

 

   

energy related infrastructure projects such as oil and gas development, oil refineries, LNG receiving facilities and pipelines;

 

   

water supply projects such as seawater desalination plants, wastewater processing facilities and water supply and sewerage facilities;

 

   

railway transportation-related business such as rolling stock and railway facilities and systems;

 

   

social infrastructure projects such as construction of airport, port, road and other public facilities;

 

   

basic industry projects such as iron, non-ferrous metals and chemical plants; and

 

   

environment-related projects such as waste disposal and recycling plants.

This business unit is undertaking various projects that may stimulate economic growth in developing countries and countries rich in natural resources. In response to their needs, they apply their project engineering capabilities including expert knowledge in financing, logistics, taxation and legal affairs. This business unit often arranges financing for projects by international financial institutions and export credit agencies worldwide.

The following are examples of the types of projects and the activities in which this business unit renders services, mainly as an agent in securing the contract, arranging financing and executing the contract:

 

   

In the Commonwealth of Independent States (“CIS”), including Russia, the Middle East, Brazil and Indonesia, they have been engaged in the structuring and the arrangement of debt and equity project financing for various natural gas and/or oil projects, together with export credit agencies and commercial banks.

 

   

This business unit has acted as the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (“EPC”) contractor for the construction of infrastructure facilities including power plants, various oil and gas production facilities and petrochemical plants in which they have procured manufacturing equipment from Japanese and overseas subcontractors and have administered implementation of the projects under construction.

 

   

For the Taiwan High Speed Rail project, they are the commercial leader of a consortium consisting of Japanese railway car manufacturers and general trading companies, which supplied rolling stock and transportation facilities.

In addition to the conventional EPC approach of acting as an intermediary between project owners and sub-contractors, this business unit is increasing activities which often involve arrangement of sophisticated financing schemes, business operations and management through equity participation, and operation and

 

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maintenance of plant and facilities after their construction completion. Based on this concept, the unit has been proactively investing in several types of infrastructure projects. In particular, independent power producer (“IPP”) business overseas lies as a core domain. Most of these IPP projects operate under long term power sales contracts with users such as state-owned electricity companies, which enable them to forecast stable returns.

 

   

IPM Eagle LLP (United Kingdom), which this business unit established jointly with International Power plc, is the core operation of our overseas power producing businesses. In December 2004, they, together with International Power plc, purchased the international power generation portfolio (eight power plants in Europe, Australia and Asia in total, 3,725 megawatts, as of March 2009) of Edison Mission Energy. Since then, IPM Eagle LLP has held and managed these power generation businesses. In July 2005, IPM Eagle LLP acquired the Saltend 1,200 megawatt combined cycle power plant in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, in June 2007, International Power plc and Mitsui reorganized the ownership of power generating assets in the United Kingdom. Three power generating assets formerly owned by International Power plc and two power generating assets formerly owned by IPM Eagle LLP (4,978 megawatts in total) were transferred to IPM (UK) Power Holdings Limited (Gibraltar) (ownership: International Power plc 75% and Mitsui 25%). Some of the above-mentioned projects sell electricity at wholesale on the power market, instead of supplying it under long term contracts, so that the joint ventures optimize their profit structure.

 

   

This business unit formed a joint venture with Calpine Corporation to construct, own and operate the 1,005 megawatt combined cycle power plants called Greenfield Energy Center LP (Canada). The joint venture started commercial operation in October 2008 based on a 20 year Clean Energy Supply contract with Ontario Power Authority, Canada.

 

   

This business unit has a 36.3% voting interest in P.T. Paiton Energy (Indonesia), an Indonesian power producer, which owns a 1,230 megawatt coal fired power plant at the Paiton Power Generation Complex in East Java, Indonesia. (In addition, IPM Eagle LLP owns a 44.7% voting interest.) P.T. Paiton Energy sells electricity to P.T. PLN (Persero), a government-owned electric utility company, under a long term power purchase agreement which is valid until the year 2040. P.T. Paiton Energy was originally established in 1994 by Mitsui and other partners.

Reflecting these developments, the combined power generation capacities for the unit’s equity share in various power projects as of the end of March 2009 in operation and under construction were 3,735 megawatt and 322 megawatt, respectively. As well as the above-mentioned projects, these power generation capacities included those under the operation of Umm Al Nar in the United Arab Emirates, Tarong North Power Station in Australia, Valladolid III in Mexico and Amman East in Jordan and those under construction such as Ras Laffan C in Qatar.

This business unit is also engaged in following projects:

 

   

Mitsui owns a 25% interest in the LNG terminal in Altamira, Mexico. The facility started operations in September 2006, providing services of receiving and regasification of LNG for the ultimate customer, Comisión Federal de Electricidad, a state power company. In addition, in March 2008 this business unit signed a service agreement with Comisión Federal de Electricidad in regards to the concession rights for construction and operation of an LNG receiving terminal in Manzanillo city. Mitsui participates in this project with a 37.5% interest. Commercial start-up is planned around in the end of 2011.

 

   

Mitsui owns a 26% interest in Thai Tap Water Supply Company Limited and a 25% interest in Pathum Thani Water Supply Company Limited, to supply tap water to the provincial authorities near Bangkok, Thailand under 30-year and 25-year water supply agreements, respectively. In December 2008, Mitsui, together with Toyo Engineering Corporation (Japan), an associated company of this business unit, acquired Earth Tech Mexican Holdings, S.A. de C.V. (presently renamed as Atlatec Holdings, S.A. de C.V.)(Mexico), a water and wastewater treatment engineering and construction company. The company specializes in design, construction and operation of industrial and municipal water and wastewater

 

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treatment plants and currently owns and operates water treatment facilities for Petroleos Mexicanos, a Mexican state-owned oil company, and for Queretaro State in Mexico jointly with the Americas Segment.

 

   

Mitsui Gas e Energia do Brasil Ltda. (Brazil), formerly named Gás Participações Ltda., which Mitsui wholly acquired in April 2006, participates in seven local gas distribution companies with a 24.5% interest in each, with other shareholders, Petrobras Gas S.A., and the respective state governments in Brazil.

 

   

In June 2008, Mitsui and Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (“Petrobras”), a Brazilian state owned oil company, agreed to start deepwater drilling services with an ultra-deepwater drillship. P & M Drilling International B.V. (Netherlands), an operating vehicle company established in equal shares by Mitsui and Petrobras, will own a drillship scheduled to be delivered in the second half of 2009, and engage in leasing for an operator, who will in turn provide the services with Petrobras. This business unit is proceeding with the project together with the Marine & Aerospace Business Unit.

This business unit runs rolling stock leasing businesses providing relevant maintenance and management services.

 

   

In North America, Mitsui Rail Capital, LLC. (United States) engages in operating leasing of freight cars for railway companies and logistic management and maintenance service of freight cars for coal transportation to power companies.

 

   

In Brazil, Mitsui Rail Capital Participacoes Ltda. engages in finance leasing of freight cars for major grain shippers and railroad companies.

 

   

In Europe, Mitsui Rail Capital Europe B.V. (Netherlands) and its subsidiary, MRCE Dispolok GmbH (Germany), engage in operating leasing of locomotives in Europe.

Also, this business unit is engaged in the construction of wind power and photovoltaic power facilities and other environment-related projects such as greenhouse gas emission reduction project.

Our major competitors include other Japanese general trading companies, international financial institutions, global engineering companies, general contractors, multi-national IPP’s and investment funds. Those competitors, however, can be important partners in some cases.

Motor Vehicle Business Unit

The Motor vehicle Business Unit, together with 26 subsidiaries and 20 associated companies, is engaged in the following business activities:

 

   

import and export, assembly and manufacturing, distribution and dealership of motor vehicles, motor cycles and their parts, and retail finance; and

 

   

trading of industrial machinery including mining and construction equipment, production equipment and machine tools.

This business unit has a long track record of exporting and marketing Japanese automobiles and has developed networks of our subsidiaries and associated companies as import wholesalers, dealers and assembler for Japanese vehicles in many regions of the world. For example, we have been exporting Toyota and motor vehicles of other Japanese manufacturers to various countries worldwide including Canada (Toyota), Chile (Toyota), Peru (Toyota), Italy (Subaru), Germany (Subaru), Thailand (Hino) and Malaysia (Daihatsu).

In recent years, the relocation of Japan’s automobile production sites from domestic locations to overseas has been accelerating, and we have diversified our activities to cope with such trend by allocating our financial and human resources strategically to prioritized areas of our motor vehicles business worldwide, such as logistics services for manufacturing components, retail operations and retail finance. For example:

 

   

This business unit has operated our subsidiary PT. Bussan Auto Finance (Indonesia), a retail finance company for Yamaha motorcycles since 1997;

 

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This business unit has ownership in Penske Automotive Group, Inc., an automobile dealership group in the United States, with a 17.0% voting share. By combining what they learned from our involvement in Penske Automotive Group, Inc. with their knowledge of the global market, this business unit continues to explore other opportunities to expand into retail dealership operations in developing markets such as Russia, China and India;

 

   

This business unit has been handling the logistics operations of automobile parts for some of Toyota’s manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, India and China; and

 

   

We acquired a 19.1% voting share in ASAHI TEC CORPORATION (Japan), a manufacturer of ductile iron cast parts and aluminum forged parts for major automakers in January 2007. Subsequently, ASAHI TEC CORPORATION increased the capital by receiving the funds from RHJ International SA, its largest shareholder, in order for ASAHI TECH CORPORTION to strengthen the financial standing of Metaldyne Corporation, which is its wholly owned subsidiary in the United States supplying automotive parts for the three major manufacturing companies in the country. As a result of the capital increase, this business unit’s voting share was diluted to 11.9% as of the end of March 2009.

In this business unit’s construction machinery and industrial system businesses, it has been acquiring and establishing distributors and dealers in major overseas markets, in order to respond growing worldwide demand to these products. In Australia, Komatsu Australia Pty Ltd. (Australia), an associated company, is engaged in distribution of construction machinery and mining equipment such as off-road mining dump trucks and hydraulic excavators, while another associated company, Komatsu Australia Corporate Finance Pty Ltd. is engaged in leasing of these equipments. This business unit has also extended these businesses in other regions, through Road Machinery, LLC (United States) acquired in 2005 and KOMEK Machinery LLC (Russia) acquired in 2006. They are also engaged in trading and distribution of high-precision machine tools, manufacturing equipment and control systems supplied by Japanese manufacturers. Jointly with Mori Seiki Co., Ltd, they acquired Ellison Technologies, Inc. (United States) in 2007. Both of Road Machinery, LLC and Ellison Technologies, Inc. were acquired jointly with the Americas Segment and this business unit was mainly controlling the companies. Effective April 2008, such control was transferred to the Americas Segment in order to put more importance on the regional business strategy than on merchandise oriented strategy keeping this business unit’s ownership interests in both companies.

Marine & Aerospace Business Unit

The Marine & Aerospace Business Unit, together with 13 subsidiaries and 30 associated companies, is engaged in the following business activities:

 

   

sales, marketing and intermediary service of cargo vessels, tankers, container vessels, refrigerator vessels, automobile carriers, LNG and LPG carriers, Floating Storage and Offloading (“FSO”) and Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (“FPSO”) facilities as well as owning and operating, leasing and financing for these vessels and facilities, ship management services, an intermediary service for chartering vessels and sales of second hand vessels, and marketing equipment for vessels; and

 

   

marketing and sales of passenger aircraft and cargo aircraft, helicopters, aircraft engine, defense-related equipment and aerospace systems, leasing of passenger aircraft and cargo aircraft and aircraft engines.

The vessel and marine project related activities include marketing newly built vessels (mainly commercial vessels) to ship owners and shipping firms in Japan and overseas, ship management services, acting as broker for chartering vessels and for the sale and purchase of second hand vessels, and marketing equipment for vessels to shipbuilding companies.

This business unit is engaged in energy-related marine projects, including joint ownership and operation of LNG vessels, and joint ownership and operations management of FSO and FPSO facilities. In addition, this business unit arranges various types of financing for our customers and/or those projects, such as syndicated loans involving international financial institutions for large scale transactions. We also provide direct loans to some of our clients.

 

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The following are recent developments in energy-related marine projects businesses:

 

   

In December 2007, Mitsui, NYK Bulkship (Europe) Ltd. and Teekay Corporation in a three company consortium, entered into a contract for the long term charter of four new LNG vessels from the Angola LNG Project, which is developed by Chevron, Angola national oil company Sonangol and others.

 

   

Together with the Infrastructure Projects Business Unit, this business unit set up a joint venture with Petrobras in Brazil, which owns drill ships for sub sea oil field development. This business unit arranged the building and chartering contracts of the drill ships.

In addition, this business unit owns and operates various vessels, by itself or jointly with trusted partners.

In aerospace systems related activities, the business unit provides and arranges operating leases and finance leases of passenger aircraft and cargo aircraft and aircraft engines to airlines in Japan and overseas. This business unit is also engaged in the import and sale of passenger aircraft, cargo aircraft, aircraft engines, helicopters and defense-related equipment, including passenger aircraft of Airbus S.A.S. of France and helicopters of Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. of the United States. In March 2008, Mitsui acquired non-voting preferred shares in Japan Airline Corporation (“JAL”), convertible into common shares, for ¥20.0 billion. Mitsui believes this acquisition will contribute to the reinforcement of JAL’s business infrastructure such as renovation of its aircraft fleet and through this transaction, Mitsui envisages developing new business with JAL in future.

Chemical Segment

The Chemical Segment consists of the First Chemicals Business Unit and the Second Chemicals Business Unit. In April 2009, in order to efficiently cope with the restructuring of the chemical industry globally, Mitsui has re-grouped its Chemical Segment and formed Basic Chemicals Business Unit and Performance Chemicals Business Unit.

Gross profit and net loss for this segment for the year ended March 31, 2009 were ¥80 billion or 7.9% and minus ¥10.2 billion or minus 5.7% of our consolidated totals, respectively.

The Chemical Segment has 21 subsidiaries, including:

 

   

P.T. Kaltim Pasifik Amoniak (Indonesia), Japan-Arabia Methanol Company Ltd. (Japan), MITSUI BUSSAN SOLVENT & COATING CO., LTD. (Japan), Mitsui AgriScience International SA/NV (Belgium), Mitsui Bussan Agro Business Co., Ltd. (Japan) and DAIICHI TANKER CO., LTD. (Japan) in the First Chemicals Business Unit; and

 

   

Mitsui Bussan Plastics Trade Co., Ltd. (Japan), Daito Chemical Industries, Ltd. (Japan), Shark Bay Salt Pty. Ltd. (Australia) and Mitsui Electronics SCM (China) Co., Ltd. (Hong Kong, China) in the Second Chemicals Business Unit.

It also has 28 associated companies.

First Chemicals Business Unit

Together with 10 subsidiaries and 11 associated companies, the First Chemicals Business Unit is engaged in trade, sales, distribution and production of the following commodities and related activities:

 

   

Petrochemical businesses

 

  Natural gas chemicals: methanol, ammonia

 

  Chlor-Alkali: Ethylene Dichloride (“EDC”), Vinyl Chloride Monomer (“VCM”), caustic soda, polyurethanes

 

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  Basic petrochemicals: olefins, aromatics, Styrene Monomer (“SM”)

 

  Petrochemicals & fiber intermediates: Para-Xylene (“PX”), Purified Terephthalic Acid (“PTA”), Monoethylene Glycol (“MEG”), Acrylonitrile (“AN”), acetic acid.

 

  Industrial chemicals: phenol, acetone, bisphenol A, Methyl Methacrylate (“MMA”), nylon, acrylates intermediates

 

   

Specialty chemical businesses

 

  Detergent intermediates and oleochemicals, colors & functional chemicals, rosin, aroma chemicals

 

   

Agri science businesses

 

  Crop protection chemicals (herbicide, insecticide, fungicide, intermediates for these chemicals), feed additives

 

   

Fertilizer businesses

 

  Urea, ammonium sulfate, phosphate rock, diammonium phosphate, fused magnesium phosphate, potash

In petrochemical products areas, the unit’s main activities is trading of the above-mentioned products in Japan and worldwide through extensive business relationships with customers and suppliers such as Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., Toray Industries, Inc., Tosoh Corporation, Dow Chemical Company, BP p.l.c., and Bayer Aktiengesellschaft.

This business unit has invested in manufacturing operations and logistic facilities such as:

 

   

a 19.3% equity share in a joint venture, International Methanol Company (Saudi Arabia), which commenced commercial operation with a production capacity of 1 million tons per annum of methanol at the end of 2004;

 

   

an ammonia producing subsidiary, P.T. Kaltim Pasifik Amoniak (Indonesia), which has a production capacity of 0.7 million tons per annum of ammonia; and

 

   

tank terminals in Ningbo, China; Bangkok, Thailand; Johor, Malaysia; and Merak, Indonesia; and

 

   

a subsidiary and parcel chemical tanker operator DAIICHI TANKER CO., LTD. (Japan), which runs a fleet of owned and chartered ships serving its customers.

This business unit has been successful in earning revenues by increasing market share in basic petrochemicals such as olefins and aromatics. Moreover, the latent steady growth of demand for petrochemicals in the world, particularly in China and other Asian countries, would be earnings driver for this unit despite the deceleration in demand caused by recent economic slow down.

During the past several years, most worldwide petrochemical companies have been struggling to survive through drastic restructurings of their sales structures as well as mergers and acquisitions in order to cope with the changes in the market structure of petrochemical products including increasing demand from China and other Asian countries, rising material costs reflecting higher crude oil prices and shifting in olefin production to the Middle East using cost-effective natural gas. In these operating environments, they believe that they remain competitive with other competitors and plan to strengthen our market position by expanding our trade volume and market share. This business unit’s sales channels to various customers in diverse geographic areas enable them to make geographical and/or time swap arrangements. Its global logistics services network functions as a competitive advantage over other competitors in gaining more business transactions.

In Japan, MITSUI BUSSAN SOLVENT & COATING CO., LTD. (Japan) and Bussan Chemicals Co., Ltd. merged to form Mitsui Bussan Chemicals Co., Ltd. in April 2009, for the purpose of sales enhancement and efficient business operations.

 

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In agri science business, this business unit has extended the distribution of agricultural chemical products worldwide through subsidiaries such as Mitsui AgriScience International SA/NV (Belgium).

In fertilizer business, this business unit is engaged in import, export and offshore transactions involving various types of fertilizers, fertilizer raw materials and phosphoric acid derivatives.

Second Chemicals Business Unit

The Second Chemicals Business Unit has 11 subsidiaries and 17 associated companies and is engaged in sales, trade, distribution and production of the following commodities and related activities:

 

   

Inorganic chemical business

 

  basic inorganic materials such as sulfur, sulfuric acid, salt, titanium ore and iodine

 

  inorganic products such as soda ash, caustic soda, catalyst, industrial gas and titanium oxide

 

   

Plastics business

 

  electronics materials such as electrolytic copper foil, optical fiber, and high-purity chemicals employed in semiconductor production

 

  plastic materials and products such as polyvinyl chloride, elastomers, polyolefin, ABS resin, engineering plastics, polystyrene, plastic food containers, wrapping materials, industrial films and carbon fiber

 

  additives of plastic such as elasticizer, stabilizer and pigment

 

  SCM related businesses for production and distribution of office automation equipment, cell phone and electric appliances

 

  photovoltaic power related business for distribution of silicon materials, solar module components and solar modules and procurement and delivery of photovoltaic power generation systems

In the inorganic raw materials field, this business unit operates logistics systems for various industries in Japan and overseas. For example, this business unit exports sulfur, a byproduct of petroleum refining, to Asian countries, by operating specialized tankers.

In order to overcome various unfavorable economic conditions such as depletion in the supply of mineral resources or an increase in acquisition cost of raw materials from our existing suppliers, this business unit has been seeking opportunities to participate in new supply sources. They reallocated resources by restructuring logistics operations, and built up our capabilities in sulfur, soda ash, and fiberglass materials in Asia, primarily in China.

While this business unit has been expanding the logistics network of their salt business in China which complements their existing sea salt joint venture business in Shark Bay, Australia, Mitsui acquired a major share in the Onslow salt field in Australia in August 2006. As a result, this business unit’s annual salt production capacity increased to 3.8 million tons, which enable them to secure a stable supply for the chlor-alkali industry in Japan and other Asian countries.

This business unit established Renewable Energy Division in June 2008 to expand the solar power related business looking down at the entire value chain of the business. We transferred solar related business of the IT Business Unit into this business unit which has been dealing with photovoltaic materials and modules. This business unit aims to collaborate with the Infrastructure Projects Business Unit which is in charge of IPP and other business units in the photovoltaic power generation related areas.

In the plastics field, this business unit has traditionally handled various kinds of raw plastic materials and plastic products in domestic and overseas markets. This business unit has also handled newly developed electronic materials and products as well as SCM services.

 

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With the focus of economic activity shifting to Asia, this business unit enhanced its business in China. Mitsui Plastics Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., an engineering plastics and related manufacturing materials sales company established in 2003, is a representative case.

In Japan, three sales subsidiaries merged to form Mitsui Bussan Plastics Trade Co., Ltd. in April 2008, for the purpose of sales enhancement and efficient business operations.

Energy Segment

The Energy Segment consists of two business units, Energy Business Units I and II. Effective from April 2007, the former Energy Business Unit was divided into Energy Business Units I and II, to build structure for comprehensive strategy based on the view for worldwide energy resources, combined with the transfer of businesses of coal, nuclear energy, carbon credits, and hydrogen and fuel cell from the former Iron & Steel Raw Materials and Non-Ferrous Metals Segment.

Gross profit and net income for this segment for the year ended March 31, 2009 were ¥272.0 billion or 26.8% and ¥153.3 billion or 86.3% of our consolidated totals, respectively.

This segment has:

 

   

31 subsidiaries, including Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Limited (Australia), Mitsui E&P Middle East B.V. (Netherlands), Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. (Japan), MitEnergy Upstream LLC (United States), Mitsui Gas Development Qatar B.V. (Netherlands), Mitsui Sakhalin Holdings B.V. (Netherlands), Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd. (Australia), Mitsui Oil (Asia) Hong Kong Limited (Hong Kong, China), Mitsui Oil Co., Ltd. (Japan), Mitsui Marubeni Liquefied Gas Co., Ltd. (Japan) ; and

 

   

6 associated companies, including Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty. Ltd. (Australia), United Petroleum Development Co., Ltd. (Japan) and BHP Mitsui Coal Pty. Ltd. (Australia)

Energy Business Unit I is engaged in:

 

   

Exploration and production of oil and gas, coal, uranium and other energy resources;

 

   

Trading of oil, petroleum products, coal, uranium and other energy resources;

 

   

Petroleum refining and marketing of gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas (“LPG”) and other petroleum products in the Japanese domestic market; and

 

   

Development of carbon credit business, biomass ethanol business and other next generation energy sources.

Energy Business Unit II is engaged in:

 

   

Development of liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) projects;

 

   

Trading of LNG; and

 

   

Development of new gas commercialization technology (natural gas hydrate etc.).

The Energy Segment is engaged in various LNG, natural gas and oil development projects which require long lead time for their development and implementation. We are involved in the following six LNG projects currently in operation:

 

   

Abu Dhabi Gas Liquefaction Limited, in which we hold 15% interest in natural gas liquefaction and LNG exporting activities, and which has some 5.6 million tons per annum LNG production capacity;

 

   

Northwest Shelf JV (“NWS JV”) in Australia, in which we hold 8.3% interest in natural gas production and liquefaction and LNG exporting activities, and which has some 16.3 million tons per annum production capacity;

 

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Qatar Liquefied Gas Company Ltd., in which we hold 7.5% interest in natural gas liquefaction and LNG exporting activities, and which has some 9.6 million tons per annum production capacity. We also hold 1.5% interest in Qatar Liquefied Gas Company Ltd. 3, which is expected to start production in mid 2010 with some 7.8 million tons per annum production capacity;

 

   

Oman LNG L.L.C., in which we hold 2.8% interest in natural gas liquefaction and LNG exporting activities, and which has some 7.1 million tons per annum production capacity; and

 

   

Equatorial Guinea LNG Company, S.A., in which we hold 8.5% interest in natural gas liquefaction and LNG exporting activities, and which has some 3.4 million tons per annum production capacity; and

 

   

Sakhalin Energy Investment Company Ltd., in which we hold 12.5% interest in natural gas liquefaction and LNG exporting activities, and which has some 9.6 million tons per annum production capacity and started commercial production in February 2009.

Under long term contracts, the NWS JV supplies most of its LNG output to Japanese electricity and gas utility companies. In addition, in May 2006, the JV started LNG supply to China, via Guangdong LNG terminal. Also, the JV started the production at the fifth LNG processing train in September 2008 following the production start-up of the fourth LNG processing train in 2004. The capacity of the fifth train is 4.4 million tons per annum. An “LNG processing train” is a set of facilities in a liquefaction plant to produce LNG from natural gas.

As for Sakhalin II project, Sakhalin Energy Investment Company Ltd. (“SEIC”) had started half-year oil production since 1999 at the Molikpaq offshore platform installed in the Astokhskoye field, off the Sakhalin Island since 1999 as the first stage of the project. In May 2003, as the second stage of the project, the full-field development of Piltun-Astokhskoye oil field, aimed for year-round crude oil production, and the Lunskoye gas field aimed for LNG production commenced. In April 2007, Mitsui, Royal Dutch Shell plc (“Shell”) and Mitsubishi Corporation (“Mitsubishi”) signed a Sale and Purchase Agreement with OAO Gazprom (“Gazprom”) to transfer their shares in SEIC to Gazprom. After the share transfer, shareholders of SEIC are consist of Gazprom (50% plus 1 share), Shell (27.5% minus 1 share), Mitsui (12.5%) and Mitsubishi (10%). The total sale price was US$7.45 billion, and Mitsui’s proportionate share was US$1,862.5 million. In December 2008, the year-round crude oil production started and, based on the long term sale and purchase agreements, LNG shipment commenced in March 2009. The peak crude oil production is expected to reach 150 thousand barrels per day and annual LNG production capacity is about 9.6 million tons. Virtually most of the LNG production capacity was sold under the long term sale and purchase agreements with customers in Japan, Korea and US West Coast, including buyers’ optional volume. Mitsui, as the shareholder of SEIC, will make every effort to achieve and maintain the stable production and to further develop the project together with other shareholders, Gazprom, Shell and Mitsubishi.

This segment holds interests in other LNG projects which are under construction. Through our subsidiary, Overseas Petroleum Corporation (Japan), we own 2.3% interest in the Tangguh LNG project in Indonesia, which is expected to start production in 2009 with production capacity being 7.6 million tons per annum.

With respect to our LNG related operations, this segment has entered into various long term sales contracts, based on “take or pay” conditions, with customers such as Japanese utility companies. This segment believes the worldwide LNG business has been undergoing gradual structural changes since the late 1990s as follows:

 

   

Exploration and development of natural gas and production of LNG require significant capital and financial commitments. Moreover, this involves a broad range of logistical and technological expertise, including linking suppliers to distributors and consumers while developing plants in order to efficiently extract and liquefy the natural gas for transportation and then re-gasifying the LNG. Up until the mid-1990s, purchase commitments by buyers with full “take or pay” obligations for a period of 20 years or more had been an essential element for equity holders, distributors and sellers of LNG projects to make the capital and financial commitment to build LNG production facilities. These equity investors had resisted making a capital and financial commitment without being able to fully secure stable

 

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long-term purchase commitments. In recent years, however, equity holders of several LNG projects have been making investments without fully securing long-term purchase commitments from buyers.

 

   

Due to technological innovations in the last decade, LNG producers have successfully reduced capital costs with respect to the construction of LNG production plants and LNG vessels. Technological innovation has also enabled the producers to increase the design capacities of LNG production plants and LNG vessels allowing them to benefit from economies of scale. These technological developments allow LNG to be more competitive with other types of energy sources.

 

   

In response to the needs of LNG buyers, the LNG spot market has been expanding, whereby the percentage of spot trades in worldwide LNG contracts rose to 18% in 2008 from 1.3% in 1992.

 

   

In addition to the traditional core LNG markets in Japan, new markets have been emerging in countries such as China and India due to increasing demand for electricity. Despite the setback in tight supply-demand balance due to the recent recession of the economy, the LNG market is expected to develop worldwide considering the sizable economies of these countries and the increasing popularity of LNG as a “clean energy” source.

Identifying, exploring and developing oil and gas reserve prospects are key factors to success for the Energy Segment. The principal strategic regions for this business are Oceania, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and North America.

Oceania

The development and production projects of offshore oil fields of Enfield and the Vincent in which Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Limited (Australia) has participating interests are the core projects of this segment in terms of capital expenditures including cost of mineral right, exploration, and development next to the Sakhalin II project.

In March 2004, Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Limited acquired a 40% interest in each of WA-28-L and exploration block WA-271-P located in the North West Shelf area in Australia, which together contained three undeveloped oil fields, Enfield, Vincent, and Laverda. Commercial production from Enfield oil field started in July 2006. Subsequently, some of the major production wells were shut-in due to unexpected sand production and water breakthrough on two occasions, and the joint venture conducted work-over of those wells. The average production rate during January to March 2009 period was approximately 42,000 barrels per day. At the same time, Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Limited reached final investment decision for Vincent oil field, adjacent to Enfield oil field, in March 2006 with total development cost of approximately US$720 million. Vincent started commercial production in August 2008 and the average production rate during January to March 2009 period was approximately 30,000 barrels per day.

Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Limited owns 35% interest in Tui area oil field offshore North Island of New Zealand. Commercial production of Tui area oil project started in July 2007. It also owns interest in Casino gas & condensate field offshore South Australia which started commercial production in February 2006.

In June 2007, Wandoo Petroleum Pty. Ltd. sold its entire Australian upstream oil and gas producing assets, including Cliff Head oil field offshore Western Australia and Yolla gas & condensate field, offshore Victoria.

Southeast Asia

Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. (Japan) has been actively engaged in oil and natural gas exploration, development and production projects in Thailand and neighboring Southeast Asian countries as well as in the Middle East. In June 2005, Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. acquired assets in offshore Thailand, 46.3% interest in the B8/32 Concession and the adjacent Block 9A Concession, jointly with a partner in Thailand. The purchase price was US$820 million, and Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. acquired approximately 40% share. In October 2007, Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. and its co-concessionaires agreed with the Thai Ministry of Energy to

 

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extend the production period of four offshore blocks (Block No. 10—13) in the Gulf of Thailand to 2022. Together with Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd., Energy Segment continues putting a high priority on expanding our oil and gas equity reserves. In March 2006, Mitsui agreed with Mitsui Engineering & Shipping Co., Ltd. to purchase 6% of the total issued shares of Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. of which Mitsui held a 44.4% share prior to concluding the agreement. As a result of the transactions, Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. became a subsidiary of Mitsui with a 50.3% voting share. As of March 31, 2009, Mitsui’s ownership interest is 53.0%, reflecting additional share purchase transactions.

Middle East

In Oman, Mitsui E&P Middle East B.V. (Netherlands) has 35% participating interests in the Block 27 oil fields which started commercial production in June 2006 and the Block 9 oil fields in production.

North America

In April 2006, MitEnergy Upstream LLC (United States) was established by Mitsui, Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.) Inc. and Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd., to acquire 50% share of an undivided interest in oil and gas leasehold assets of Pogo Producing Company located offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. The purchase price was approximately US$500 million. More than half of the total 50 blocks had been producing oil and gas until a hurricane hit the Gulf of Mexico in September 2008. The hurricane caused damage to part of the facilities. MitEnergy produced an approximate daily production of 7,000 barrels of oil equivalent in March 2009, which is equivalent to 70% of the production level before the hurricane hit.

In addition, seeking to replenish and enhance our oil and gas reserves, we are engaged in exploration activities in the above-mentioned regions as well as Mozambique, Namibia and Ghana. We also are currently seeking unconventional development of oil and gas resources, such as oil sands in Canada and oil shale in the US.

As a result of the above-mentioned developing activities, our oil and gas reserves decreased from 427 million BOE at the end of March 2008 (according to SFAS No. 69; including 71 million barrels for Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd.’s minority interest) to 403 million BOE at the end of March 2009 (according to SFAS No. 69; including 62 million barrels for Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd.’s minority interest). See “Item 4.D. Property, Plants and Equipment—Oil and Gas Producing Activities” and “Supplemental Information on Oil and Gas Producing Activities” to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 20-F.

This segment participates in oil and gas related joint venture operations, typically as a “non-operator” equity holder, relying on our project partner, the “operator”, which is responsible for operation management including exploration, development and production of oil and gas resources. In these projects, Energy Segment collaborates with partners that has sufficient technical knowledge and expertise to reduce operational risks, and also contributes as a non-operator on management of time schedules, capital expenditures, production plans, and safety and environmental standards related to the projects. Also see discussion on our exploration, development and production of mineral resources and oil and gas in “Item 3.D. Risk Factors.”

With respect to oil and gas exploration, development and production (“E&P”) business, it is important to maintain or increase oil and gas reserves as is the case for major oil and gas companies, and Mitsui’s Energy Segment is also aiming for increasing its reserves by expanding current projects and investing to new opportunities. Although our reserve is less than those of major oil and gas companies in the world, its volume can be ranked as a top level company among the Japanese oil and gas companies.

 

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The following tables provide information on our investments in coal resource projects undertaken by the Energy Segment.

COAL

 

Joint Venture or Investee

 

Mitsui’s Subsidiary or
Associated Company

 

Name of Mines(1)

 

Location

  Mitsui’s
Percentage of
Ownership
   

Other Major
Participants and
Their Percentages of
Ownership

 

BHP Mitsui Coal Pty. Ltd.

  BHP Mitsui Coal Pty. Ltd.   Poitrel South Walker Creek   Queensland, Australia   20.00   BHP Billiton   80.00

Bengalla Joint Venture

  Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd.   Bengalla   New South Wales, Australia   10.00  

Rio Tinto

Wesfarmers

Taiwan Power

  40.00

40.00

10.00


Kestrel Joint Venture

  Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd.   Kestrel   Queensland, Australia   20.00   Rio Tinto   80.00

Dawson Joint Venture

  Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd.   Dawson   Queensland, Australia   49.00   Anglo American   51.00

German Creek Joint Venture

  Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd.   German Creek   Queensland, Australia   30.00   Anglo American   70.00

 

(1) “Name of Mines” indicates the names of principal producing mines.
(2) In addition to the above-mentioned coal mining projects, through Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd., we have small interests in two projects in Australia operated by Anglo American, namely, Moranbah North Joint Venture in Queensland and Drayton Joint Venture in New South Wales. Our ownership percentage and annual production capacity of Moranbah North Joint Venture and Drayton Joint Venture are 4.75%, 4 million tons and 3.83%, 5 million tons, respectively.

Currently the above mentioned joint ventures are forced to experience production adjustments due to recession of the world economy as well as reductions in crude steel production by steel manufacturers. On the other hand, in the medium and long term, demands of both thermal coal and metallurgical coal are expected to increase along with economic growth of Asian countries including India and China. In response to such increasing global demand, we continue to make proactive capital investments to expand the capacities of the existing projects, and our equity production tonnage is expected to be increasing after this fiscal year onward. Regarding further information and discussion on development of our coal mining projects, see “Item 4.A. History and Development of the Company—Capital Expenditure”, “Item 5.A. Operating Results—Operating Results by Operating Segment—Energy Segment” and “Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Investment Plans and Financial Policies of the Medium Term Management Outlook.”

Revenues from oil and gas producing activities and coal mining activities (based on US GAAP) account for a critical portion of this segment. The table below sets forth the break down of revenues of the Energy Segment.

 

     Revenues
     Billions of Yen
     Revenues from Sales of Products    Revenues from
Sales of Services
and Other Sales
   Total Revenues

Years Ended March 31,

   Revenues from
Oil and Gas
Producing
Activities
   Revenues from
Coal Mining
Activities
   Revenues from
Sales of
Other Products(*)
   Commissions and
Trading Margins on
Intermediary Services
and Other
  

2009

   ¥ 288.9    ¥ 123.0    ¥ 778.3    ¥ 19.6    ¥ 1,209.8

2008

     248.7      34.3      986.2      14.6      1,283.8

2007

     99.1      27.9      941.6      1.9      1,070.5

 

(*) Revenues from sales of other products mainly consist of sales of crude oil and petroleum products.

The Energy Segment is also participating in uranium development to contribute to its stable supply for nuclear power facilities. In October 2008, Mitsui acquired a 49% interest in six uranium blocks including

 

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Honeymoon mine in South Australia, from Uranium One Inc. (Canada). Honeymoon mine is in its development stage and aiming for production commencement from 2010. Annual production is planned to reach 400 tons on a uranium concentrate basis. Blocks other than Honeymoon are planned to execute exploration activities and seek for commercialization.

The Energy Segment is engaged in oil trading operations conducted by Mitsui and Mitsui Oil (Asia) Hong Kong Limited (Hong Kong, China). This segment has a 20% minority share in Westport Petroleum, Inc. (United States). The international markets for crude oil and petroleum products are highly competitive and volatile. These commodities are listed and traded on various markets such as NYMEX in New York, ICE in London, SIMEX in Singapore and TOCOM in Tokyo, and our competitors in these markets are major oil and gas companies, the national oil companies of oil producing countries, oil traders including Japanese trading companies. In maintaining our competitive edge under these circumstances, it is critical for this segment to maintain good relationships with customers and suppliers as well as to mitigate price risks by utilizing hedging tools such as the futures markets. This segment is active in seeking to secure long-term offtake contracts of petroleum products such as fuel oil and condensate to be sold to worldwide companies including Japanese utility and refining companies. Long-term offtake contracts are sales and purchase contracts for various commodities, such as crude oil and petroleum products, entered into by suppliers and buyers, or “offtakers”, of such commodities for more than one year. Concurrent with the offtake contracts, the sellers of such commodities usually enter into financing arrangements whereby the sales proceeds from such commodities are used for repayment.

Within Japan, this segment is also engaged in refining and sales of oil and gas related products through Mitsui Oil Co., Ltd. (Japan), our oil sales subsidiary, and Kyokuto Petroleum Industries, Ltd. (Japan). Kyokuto Petroleum Industries, Ltd. is a refinery jointly owned (50:50) by the ExxonMobil Corp. Group and Mitsui Oil Co., Ltd.

In the domestic refining and marketing business for oil and gas related products, this segment has faced severe competition from domestic oil refining and distributing companies due to the structural surplus situation for refining capacity in Japan. Kyokuto Petroleum Industries, Ltd. and Mitsui Oil Co., Ltd. are in relatively sound financial situations owing to the extensive restructuring of inefficient assets and work force, and are pursuing efficient and competitive operations. In the LPG gas business, Mitsui Liquefied Gas Co., Ltd. (Japan) merged with Marubeni Liquefied Gas, Inc. in April 2008 to form Mitsui Marubeni Liquefied Gas Co., Ltd. Mitsui’s ownership interest in the new company is 60%. It concentrates on improvement in operational efficiency and selling capacity by consolidating whole procedures of domestic LPG distribution from importing to retail.

This segment is also exploring various new business opportunities in the emerging new energy area. Mitsui expects bio-ethanol to be a significant renewable fuel in the future, and world demand to rise. In view of this, Mitsui are jointly working with Petróleo Brasileiro SA (“Petrobras”) for production of bio-ethanol and related products in Brazil, and marketing such products in the international market.

Foods & Retail Segment

The Foods & Retail Segment consists of one business unit, the Foods & Retail Business Unit, which has 25 subsidiaries including Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd. (Japan), PRI Foods Co., Ltd. (Japan), San-ei Sucrochemical Co., Ltd. (Japan), MITSUI FOODS CO., LTD. (Japan), Toho Bussan Kaisha, Ltd. (Japan), VENDOR SERVICE CO., LTD. (Japan), WILSEY FOODS, INC. (United States), Mitsui Alimentos Ltda. (Brazil) and MCM FOODS B.V. (Netherlands) ; and 17 associated companies including MIKUNI COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO., LTD. (Japan), Mitsui Sugar Co., Ltd. (Japan), The Kumphawapi Sugar Co., Ltd. (Thailand) and Multigrain AG (Switzerland).

Gross profit and net income for this segment for the year ended March 31, 2009 were ¥82.4 billion or 8.1% and ¥1.5 billion or 0.8% of our consolidated totals, respectively.

 

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The Foods & Retail Segment engages in:

 

   

Import and domestic/offshore trade of wheat, barley, soybeans, corn, rapeseed, raw sugar, rice;

 

   

Import and domestic/offshore trade of processed foods such as canned products, frozen foods and condiments, liquor, beverages such as coffee, tea and juice, dairy products, foodstuffs such as marine products, stock farm products and vegetables;

 

   

Manufacture of beverages and beverage ingredients, sugar manufacturing and broiler chicken raising business in Japan;

 

   

Investment in the food raw material production and distribution businesses abroad such as production and export of grain, dairy farming, canola oil processing, shrimp farming, broiler chicken raising, egg producing and sugar manufacturing businesses abroad;

 

   

Domestic distribution and sales through the nationwide wholesaler subsidiary MITSUI FOODS CO., LTD. (Japan);

 

   

Import and domestic trade of containers, packaging materials, and miscellaneous daily goods; and

 

   

Support services, such as supply chain management including logistics management, and product planning and development for retailers.

The Foods & Retail Segment is involved in a wide range of fields in a value chain of foods, from the global procurement of food material and production of foodstuffs to the traffic and wholesale of foods, packaging materials and sundry goods.

To secure a stable supply source, this segment purchases grain, oilseeds, and raw sugar from the United States, Canada, Brazil, Australia, Thailand and China and sell them in Japan and other Asian countries. This segment sells coffee to Japan and United States, mainly from Brazil. This segment purchases raw materials for beverages, such as tea leaves and juice, marine products, stock farm products, and dairy products from major supply sources around the world and deliver them primarily to Japan. This segment is also engaged in domestic broiler chicken raising, processing, and sales through the subsidiary PRIFOODS CO., LTD. (Japan),

This segment has positioned the Americas as their main base of operations and the core of their global food supply strategy. In collaboration with the Americas Segment, this segment has developed and maintained the following businesses:

 

   

In the cereals and grains area, this segment has formed a joint venture, United Harvest, LLC (United States), with CHS Inc., an agricultural cooperative-based company in the United States. United Harvest, LLC is the largest exporter of wheat from the United States. This segment invested in this company through United Grain Corp. (United States).

 

   

VENTURA FOODS, LLC, another joint venture formed with CHS Inc., is one of the largest suppliers of edible oil for the institutional market in the United States. This segment invested in this company through WILSEY FOODS, INC. (United States).

 

   

In August and November 2007, this segment purchased shares in Multigrain AG (Switzerland), parent company of Multigrain S.A. in Brazil, an agricultural business operating company dealing with origination and export of grains, mainly soybeans. In October 2008, this segment made an additional investment of US$124 million, which was a part of the total capital increase made by Multigrain AG in response to capital needs resulting from an expansion of Multigrain S.A’s agricultural business. The total investment amounts to US$210 million. CHS is also a partner in this business and has the same largest ownership interest of 39.4% as Mitsui’s.

 

   

In December 2007, this segment, together with the Americas Segment, agreed to establish a joint venture of canola oil processing business in Canada with Louis Dreyfus Group. Ownership interests of this segment and the Americas Segment are 28% and 12%, respectively. Currently the canola oil processing facilities is under construction aiming to start-up of the commercial production in autumn, 2009.

 

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In the period from 2007 through 2009, this segment made several investments in food production abroad, such as the above-mentioned agricultural business in Brazil and canola oil processing facilities in Canada, a dairy farming business in New Zealand and a shrimp farming business and broiler chicken raising and egg producing businesses in China. This segment aims to secure safe and stable supply sources of food, considering rapidly increasing food demand from emerging countries and conflict in supply capacity for bio-fuel purpose production. This segment intends to expand market channels to Japan and Asia, starting from the above-mentioned joint operations with the most reliable partners in major food material producing countries.

In food-manufacturing operations, Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd. (Japan) is engaged in beverage business as one of the major manufacturers of tea leaves in Japan. This segment put Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd. as a core of beverage business. In overseas wholesale operations, MCM Foods B.V. (Netherlands) engages in the import and sales of canned food products and groceries in England and other European market.

Competition varies depending on raw materials and products in the upstream areas of grain, feed, raw sugar and food materials, but is primarily based on price and quality of products. Many Japanese trading companies, international producers and others are competitors to varying degrees with respect to food raw materials this segment handles.

MITSUI FOODS CO., LTD. (Japan) plays a vital role in this segment’s wholesale operations. Its wide-range business activities and customers include general merchandise stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, and catering and restaurant chains throughout Japan, focusing on processed food and liquor transactions. MITSUI FOODS CO., LTD. meets the sophisticated and diversified needs for reduced distribution costs, secure temperature-controlled supply, and faster delivery. In April 2006, MITSUI FOODS CO., LTD. and Mitsui agreed with KOKUBU CO., LTD. (“KOKUBU”), a major Japanese food wholesaler, to form a business alliance, which includes cooperation in product categories to be reinforced by both companies. MITSUI FOODS CO., LTD has been planning and implementing the management improvement plan centering on restructuring of unprofitable businesses and streamlining of distribution. In October 2007, this segment transferred 70% of the shares of Hokushuren Co., Ltd. (Japan), formerly a foods and liquor wholesale subsidiary, to KOKUBU, following transfer of MITSUI FOODS CO., LTD.’s business in the Hokkaido area (excluding Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd.-related businesses) to Hokushuren Co., Ltd. In January 2009, Hokushuren Co., Ltd. and HOKKAIDO KOKUBU CO., LTD., KOKUBU’s wholly owned subsidiary, merged to form SHUREN KOKUBU CO., LTD., in which this segment holds a 26.3% ownership interest as a result of the merger.

Mitsui maintains a comprehensive alliance with Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd., Japan’s nationwide diversified retailer, which mainly engages in convenience stores, general supermarkets, department stores, food supermarkets, food services, financial services and IT services. Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd. maintains operation through Seven-Eleven Beijing Co., Ltd. in China and 7-Eleven, Inc. in the United States.

Mitsui offers the following supply services to Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd. through the domestic subsidiaries, such as MITSUI FOODS CO., LTD., Retail System Service Co., Ltd. (Japan) and VENDOR SERVICE CO., LTD. (Japan), Bussan Logistics Solutions Co., Ltd. (Japan).

 

   

supply sundry goods and consumables, such as processed food, liquor, fast food, toys, and games, to more than twelve thousand 7-Eleven stores in Japan;

 

   

supply food materials, containers, and packaging materials to vendors who supply boxed lunches, pre-cooked meals, and processed food to 7-Eleven stores in Japan;

 

   

supply various products to 7-Eleven stores in Japan by temperature-controlled transportation; and

 

   

provide services to 7-Eleven stores through the subsidiaries, BUSSAN BEIJING LOGISTICS ENTERPRISE LTD. in China and MITSUI BUSSAN LOGISTICS, INC. in the United States.

As of the end of February 2009, Mitsui owned 1.8% of Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd.’s outstanding shares. Mitsui purchased the shares for a total cost of ¥50 billion in 2005, seeking to strengthen business ties with them.

 

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Competitors in the wholesale and retail businesses are mainly general trading companies and wholesalers in Japan. In the traffic area, competitors are also traffic companies that operate third party logistics providing customized and integrated warehousing and transportation services. Domestic wholesalers are facing fierce competition with others, and from time to time they conduct mergers and acquisitions to increase revenues and reduce logistics costs.

Consumer Service & IT Segment

This segment is comprised of the First Consumer Service Business Unit; the Second Consumer Service Business Unit; and the IT Business Unit. Effective April 2009, the Consumer Service Business Unit was established through reorganizing the First and the Second Consumer Service Business Units. Media-related business was transferred from the First Consumer Service Business Unit to the IT Business Unit.

Gross profit and net loss for this segment for the year ended March 31, 2009 were ¥73.7 billion or 7.3% and minus ¥31.4 billion or minus 17.7% of our consolidated totals, respectively.

This segment owns 29 subsidiaries including:

 

   

Mitsui Bussan Inter-Fashion Ltd. (Japan) in the First Consumer Service Business Unit;

 

   

BUSSAN REAL ESTATE CO., LTD. (Japan) and Mitsui Bussan Woodchip Oceania Pty. Ltd. (Australia) in the Second Consumer Service Business Unit; and

 

   

Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd. (Japan), J-SCube Inc. (Japan), Mitsui Electronics Inc. (Japan) and MBK Distribuidora de Produtos Eletronicos Ltda. (Brazil) in the IT Business Unit.

And it has 33 associated companies including:

 

   

QVC JAPAN INC. (Japan) and AIM SERVICES CO., LTD. (Japan) in the First Consumer Service Business Unit;

 

   

Sumisho & Mitsuibussan Kenzai Co., Ltd. (Japan) in the Second Consumer Service Business Unit; and

 

   

Nihon Unisys, Ltd. (Japan), Moshi Moshi Hotline, Inc. (Japan) and T-GAIA Corporation (Japan) in the IT Business Unit.

First Consumer Service Business Unit

Together with 11 subsidiaries and 17 associated companies, the First Consumer Service Business Unit is engaged in the followings:

 

   

media-related business including broadcasting, content service, television shopping channels and internet-based marketing service;

 

   

service and outsourcing businesses including contract food service, uniform rental, facility management, and temporary personnel service;

 

   

medical and health care-related businesses including supporting for operation and management of hospitals and clinics, supporting pharmaceutical manufacturing and logistic, senior living service including housing, facility and nursing care services and medical-related information service;

 

   

fashion business including global procurement service of apparel and accessories, participation and management of joint ventures with fashion brand holders, and other brand related business including importing, licensing and marketing; and

 

   

consumer goods including beauty and health-related products and interior and living items.

 

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In the media-related business, as a consumer service and content provider, this business unit provides television shopping services operated by an associated company, QVC Japan, Inc. (Japan), which was established jointly with QVC Inc. of the United States. In March 2009, this business unit acquired Taiwan’s third largest provider of 24-hour television shopping. BS digital high definition free television channel subsidiary, World Hi-Vision Channel, Inc. started broadcasting service under the name of BS channel 12 “TwellV” in Japan in December 2007. This business unit is engaged in development of business opportunities by accessing from broadcasting business to Internet and mobile-related businesses.

In the service and outsourcing businesses, as joint businesses with ARAMARK Corporation in the United States, AIM SERVICES CO., LTD. (Japan) provides a variety of services, such as contract food service, refreshment service and related support services for companies, schools, hospitals and social welfare facilities, while ARAMARK Uniform Japan Co., Ltd. (Japan) provides uniform rental services. This business unit acquired 5% of the outstanding shares in Recruit Co., Ltd. for ¥27 billion in February 2007 and entered into a business collaboration agreement with Recruit Co., Ltd. under the agreement both have developed new business opportunities such as senior-care, and other medical related information services.

This business unit positions medical and healthcare business as a business domain subject to company wide intensification, and integrated the whole medical and pharmaceutical businesses within this business unit in 2008. This business unit handles support for operation and management of medical facilities in healthcare service area, support for manufacturing and transportation in pharmaceutical area, planning of senior housing and related services in senior area, and healthcare related information service in the preventive care area.

In the fashion business domain, this business unit provides services to accommodate developments in the markets in:

 

   

original equipment manufacturing (“OEM”) business for apparel manufacturers; and

 

   

brand marketing business including brand licensing.

In the field of apparel and OEM, this business unit plays roles at various stages in the value chain, including the design, planning and procurement of materials as well as sewing and processing. OEM business is transferred to the subsidiary company Mitsui Bussan Inter-Fashion Ltd. (Japan) which is engaged in planning and production of apparel and accessories, aiming to strengthen specialty and cost efficiency.

With respect to brand marketing businesses in Japan, this business unit is engaged in both license and import business involving international brands such as Burberry, Paul Stuart and Max Mara, while some trademark rights such as Pierre Cardin and Hanae Mori are hold by this business unit. This business unit enters into license agreements to retain their exclusive marketing manufacturing rights and establishes joint ventures with the brand holders, which control licensing or distributing imported products establishing nationwide sales network.

Responding to the changes in lifestyles, this business unit supplies a variety of consumer goods such as beauty and health-related products, interior and living items.

Second Consumer Service Business Unit

Major business areas of this business unit, including 10 subsidiaries and 10 associated companies, consist of the followings:

 

   

real estate business including development of housing, office buildings and commercial facilities, and related services such as senior service housing, self-storage and service office business in both Japan and overseas; and

 

   

industrial materials such as housing materials, wood chips, pulp & paper products, packaging materials and off-the-road tires for mines.

 

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In the field of real estate business, this business unit is engaged in development, management and lease of condominiums, office buildings and other commercial properties mainly in the Tokyo metropolitan area. This business unit also develops houses and office buildings overseas. Moreover, it owns, operates and leases senior housing properties abroad. This business unit is also engaged in self-storage business and service office business as business development activities in Japan.

In the field of the industrial materials, Sumisho & Mitsuibussan Kenzai Co., Ltd. (Japan) supplies housing materials in the Japanese market. Mitsui Bussan Woodchip Oceania Pty. Ltd. operates afforestation projects with Japanese and the local partners in Australia. It also produces and exports woodchips to Japan. As for the pulp & paper business field, Mitsui Bussan Packaging Co., Ltd. (Japan) imports, exports and sells in the domestic market various paper products and packaging materials. This business unit also provides mines with off-the-road tires and related services in South America, Russia and Southeast Asia.

IT Business Unit

IT Business Unit provides a variety of services, which are delivered through the unit’s 8 subsidiaries and 6 associated companies established in the following five major fields:

 

   

network and systems integration (“NI/ SI”) businesses;

 

   

business process outsourcing services including enterprise information management and call-center services;

 

   

mobile communication businesses including sales agency of mobile handset and telecommunications lines; distribution of mobile handsets; and development and sales of mobile content;

 

   

electronics businesses including import and domestic trade of semiconductor devices and equipment/materials for semiconductor and liquid crystal displays; and

 

   

display related businesses including export and trade of liquid crystal displays and parts.

In the field of NI/SI businesses, a subsidiary, Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd. (Japan), and an associated company, Nihon Unisys, Ltd. (Japan), both listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, provide integrated solutions to a wide range of customers.

 

   

Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd. provides services, such as consultation, designing, building and operation of network systems to a wide range of customers including telecommunications carriers, government offices, local municipalities and healthcare and education related public bodies. It is also engaged in planning and development of network systems which are equipped with voice recognition technology and typically used by call centers and in high-security systems such as automatic billing systems used by pay-TV broadcasters. Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd. was formed by a merger in April 2007 between NextCom K.K. and Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd. Mitsui owns a 58.4% voting interest in Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd. as of March 2009.

 

   

Nihon Unisys, Ltd. is engaged in the designing and building of computer systems, business process outsourcing services, support services and other peripheral services as well as sales of computer systems. These services are provided to business enterprises in the financial, manufacturing and distribution and public sectors. Mitsui owns a 31.8% voting interest in Nihon Unisys, Ltd. as of March 2009.

This business unit has developed business process outsourcing businesses through a subsidiary, J-SCube Inc. (Japan), and an associated company, Moshi Moshi Hotline, Inc. (Japan). J-SCube Inc., which has been engaged in distribution of information processing devices and information input devices, has recently focused on enterprise information management such as customer information input, management and operation. Moshi Moshi Hotline, Inc. (Japan) is one of the Japanese major providers of call centers and related outsourcing services. Moshi Moshi Hotline, Inc. is now listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, with this business unit’s current voting interest at 34.4% as of March 2009.

 

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This business unit is engaged in various mobile communication businesses through alliances with domestic cell phone service providers and manufacturers. Telepark Corp. (Japan), which was a core subsidiary in this field, merged with MS Communications Co., Ltd., a domestic large scale agency and distributor engaged in the same business line, and changed its name to T-GAIA Corporation (Japan) and continued to be listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The merger is to establish its leading position in domestic mobile handset sales and distribution market, by reinforcing cost-efficiency. As a result of the merger, this business unit’s voting interest was diluted to 22.8%, and T-GAIA Corporation became an associated company of this business unit. T-GAIA Corporation is the biggest agencies for cell phone subscription as well as a retailer and distributor of cell phone handsets in Japan, engaged in agent for subscription of fixed telecommunications lines, including broadband connections. This business unit is engaged in mobile distribution with Brightstar Inc., a U.S.-based worldwide distributor of mobile handsets.

In the field of electronics products, this business unit is engaged in import and domestic trade of semiconductor devices and equipment/materials for semiconductor and liquid crystal displays mainly through Mitsui Electronics Inc. (Japan). In recent years, this business unit provides semiconductor and liquid crystal displays related products and services in China, principal production base, mainly through our affiliated companies in China.

This business unit is also engaged in export and offshore trade of liquid crystal displays and related parts. In July 2007, it established a subsidiary, MBK Distribuidora de Produtos Eletronicos Ltda. in Brazil for the sales and distribution of Japanese manufacturer Sharp Corporation’s electric household appliances including liquid crystal television, and business machines.

This business unit is dependent on the business of our subsidiaries and associated companies, most of which are located in Japan, where technological innovation is rapid and competition is fierce. Our important function involves business incubation of IT related products and services, as seen in the case with T-GAIA Corporation and Moshi Moshi Hotline, Inc.

Logistics & Financial Markets Segment

The Logistics & Financial Markets Segment is engaged in transportation and logistics services, insurance and financial business in Japan and abroad.

Gross profit and net loss for this segment for the year ended March 31, 2009 were ¥62.1 billion or 6.1% and minus ¥14.5 billion or minus 8.2% of our consolidated totals, respectively.

This segment is composed of the Financial Markets Business Unit and the Transportation Logistics Business Unit, and has 32 subsidiaries including:

 

   

in the Financial Markets Business Unit, Mitsui & Co. Energy Risk Management Ltd. (United Kingdom), Mitsui & Co. Precious Metals, Inc. (United States), Mitsui Bussan Precious Metals (Hong Kong) Limited (Hong Kong, China), Mitsui Bussan Commodities Ltd. (United Kingdom), Mitsui & Co., Principal Investments Ltd. (Japan) and MVC Corporation (Japan); and

 

   

in the Transportation Logistics Business Unit, Mitsui Bussan Logistics Holdings Ltd. (Japan), Mitsuibussan Insurance Co., Ltd. (Japan), TRI-NET (JAPAN) INC. (Japan) and TRI-NET LOGISTICS (ASIA) PTE LTD (Singapore).

This segment has 6 associated companies including JA Mitsui Leasing, Ltd. (Japan) in the Financial Markets Business Unit and Mitsui Direct General Insurance Company, Limited (Japan) in the Transportation Logistics Business Unit.

 

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Financial Markets Business Unit

This business unit has 19 subsidiaries and 3 associated company and is engaged in the following business activities:

 

   

trading in various commodity derivatives such as precious metals, non-ferrous metals listed on the London Metal Exchange (“LME”), energy, grain and soft commodities;

 

   

development, origination and sales of financial products, investment in and portfolio management of financial products;

 

   

financial equity investments including principal investment and venture capital operation;

 

   

asset management business such as real estate fund (listed REIT and private fund) and infrastructure fund; and

 

   

leasing businesses

Mitsui and its subsidiaries such as Mitsui & Co., Energy Risk Management (United Kingdom), Mitsui & Co. Precious Metals, Inc. (United States), Mitsui Bussan Commodities Ltd. (United Kingdom), and Mitsui Bussan Precious Metals HK Ltd. (Hong Kong, China) are engaged in trading and brokerage in various commodity derivatives such as precious metals, non-ferrous metals listed on the LME, energy, grain and soft commodities. We are also engaged in sales and marketing of various derivatives and financial instruments of our own development to investors and market participants. Japan Alternative Investment Co., Ltd. (Japan) acts as placement agent for alternative investment products such as infrastructure fund and funds of hedge funds.

In the financial equity investments field, subsidiaries such as MVC Corporation (Japan) have made investments in the start-up to early phase of promising ventures mainly in IT and medical care businesses with the aim of garnering capital gains from the public offering of investee stock or M&A after incubating them with proactive management support. Mitsui & Co., Principal Investments Ltd. (Japan) is engaged in investing in domestic mature companies and growing companies pursuing capital gains through initial public offering and trade sales after improving the corporate value of the invested companies by providing them with human and other resources of the unit. As of March 31, 2009, this business unit has a 9.3% stake as a limited partner in a limited partnership which was established for investment in Skylark Co., Ltd., a Japanese restaurant chain.

In REIT related businesses, Mitsui & Co., Logistics Partners Ltd. (Japan) provides asset management service to Japan Logistics Fund Inc, a listed REIT on the Tokyo Stock Exchange that is only Japanese REIT specializes in logistics properties such as warehouses and distribution centers. In June 2008, this business unit launched an emerging market infrastructure fund with Challenger Financial Service Group, an Australian-based financial services organization. This fund, while meeting the growing demands of global investors to invest in infrastructure assets, is intended to contribute to the development of emerging market economies by providing the needed capital to the infrastructure space, enabling the rapid growth in the regions.

As of the end of March 2009, this business unit has a 34.2% voting interest in JA Mitsui Leasing, Ltd. (Japan), a general leasing company with its strengths in leasing of information-processing equipment and large scale equipment, as well as industrial machinery, aircraft and ocean vessels. JA Mitsui Leasing, Ltd. was created as a joint holding company in April 2008 to integrate smoothly the operations of Mitsui Leasing & Development, Ltd. (Japan), an associated company of the unit, and Kyodo Leasing Co., Ltd. (Japan), another major leasing company, to reinforce operating bases. In October 2008, JA Mitsui Leasing, Ltd. merged its wholly-owned two subsidiaries, Mitsui Leasing & Development, Ltd. and Kyodo Leasing Co., Ltd.

As of March 31, 2009, this business unit has an 8.8% share of outstanding common stock in Central Finance Co., Ltd., a consumer credit and credit card company in Japan. (From April 1, 2009 this business unit has an 2.2% share of outstanding common stock in Cedyna Financial Corporation (Japan) which OMC Card, Inc. underwent a merger with Central Finance Co., Ltd. and QUOQ, Inc., and changed its trading name to Cedyna Financial Corporation.)

 

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Transportation Logistics Business Unit

The Transportation Logistics Business Unit provides sophisticated, high value added logistics services to customers, leveraging its longstanding experience in offering such services group-wide. This business unit also seeks the development of new business domains through integrating logistics, financial and information technology.

Together with 13 subsidiaries and 3 associated companies, this business unit is engaged in the following business activities:

 

   

International transportation services including combined multi transportation centering on container shipping, transportation of plants and other special cargoes, tramper shipping, Logsitics solution services such as SCM, Warehousing and distributions;

 

   

Logistics infrastructure projects, including port development projects in emerging countries, and transport-infrastructure such as railway and airports etc;

 

   

Insurance agency services and insurance-related consulting.;

 

   

New logistic solution business of liquidation of logistics assets utilizing REITs function; and

 

   

Agri-food business.

In the international logistics business, this business unit has established TRI-NET (JAPAN) INC. and other core subsidiaries, which are located in Japan, the Americas, Europe, South East Asia, and China. Each of those subsidiaries collaborates with the Head Office and overseas trading subsidiaries worldwide to provide customers with solutions to logistics needs through international combined multimodal transportation services using various modes of land, sea and air transportation. And through its tramp shipping services, the Transportation Logistics Business Unit provides transportation for bulk cargoes, such as coal, grain and fertilizers, as well as project transportation services for power generation plants, chemical plants and other facilities. In the development of its warehousing business, Tri-net Logistics Co., Ltd. (Japan) has focused in particular in transportation services for bulk chemicals. Tri-net Logistics Co., Ltd. (Japan) is a subsidiary of Mitsui Bussan Logistics Holdings Ltd. (Japan). It was established in April 2007 through the merger of three existing logistics and warehousing subsidiaries. In the logistics solutions field, Mitsui Bussan Logistics Management Co., Ltd. uses its logistics engineering capabilities to produce advanced logistics design solutions.

This Business Unit is also developing logistics infrastructure and transportation systems with the aim of expanding its business activities in emerging economies including the BRICs and Middle Eastern countries. In Russia, this business unit established large scale warehousing facilities in Moscow for Japanese manufacturers of electrical appliances, construction machinery, motor vehicles and other products. In 2007, it signed an operational partnership agreement with Russian Railways (Russia). In India, this Business Unit plans to develop a special free trade warehouse zone on the outskirts of Delhi in partnership with local capital. Additionally, in the Middle East, this business unit has set up a logistics base in Dubai in partnership with AW Rostamani Group(UAE).

In the insurance and risk management field, this business unit provides insurance agency services through Mitsuibussan Insurance Co., Ltd. Several subsidiaries, including Insurance Company of Trinet (USA) Inc., operate as captive insurance companies and also uses its experience and knowledge of risk management to provide direct insurance writing services. In addition, this business unit has a 25% share interest in an associated company, Mitsui Direct General Insurance Company, Limited, a direct marketing non-life insurance company specializing in Internet-based sales.

In collaboration with the Financial Markets Business Unit, this business unit also develops REITs based on logistics-related real estate. This unit intends to increase the assets for such REIT programs, seeking opportunities for the development of facilities, brokerage in properties and tenants.

In June 2008, the Agri-Food Business Strategic Planning Dept. was established in this business unit. The aim of this new organization is to contribute to the maintenance and advancement of domestic agriculture through supporting for agricultural management and production as well as the development of advanced logistical services for agricultural products, utilizing knowledge regarding agriculture and agricultural logistics.

 

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Americas Segment

The Americas Segment is engaged in sales, intermediary service and manufacturing of various commodities and conducts related business led by overseas trading subsidiaries in North, Central and South America. Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc., or Mitsui U.S.A., manages the business of the segment as the center of the regional strategy.

Gross profit for this segment for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥116.0 billion or 11.4% of our consolidated total. This segment recorded a net loss of ¥7.1 billion or minus 4.0% of our consolidated total.

This segment consists of 9 trading subsidiaries including Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A), Inc. (United States), Mitsui & Co. (Canada) Ltd. (Canada) and Mitsui Brasileira Importacao e Exportacao S.A. (Brazil), 34 other subsidiaries owned mainly by Mitsui U.S.A. including Steel Technologies Inc. (United States), Champions Pipe & Supply, Inc. (United States), Mit Wind Power Inc. (United States), Mitsui Automotriz S.A. (Peru), Road Machinery, LLC (United States), Ellison Technologies Inc. (United States), Intercontinental Terminals Company LLC (United States), Novus International, Inc. (United States), CornerStone Research & Development Inc. (United States), SunWize Technologies, Inc. (United States), Fertilizantes Mitsui S.A. Industria e Comercio (Brazil), Westport Petroleum, Inc. (United States), United Grain Corp. (United States), Mitsui Foods, Inc. (United States), MBK Real Estate LLC (United States) and AFC HoldCo, LLC (United States) and 6 associated companies including MED3000 Group. Inc. (United States).

Mitsui U.S.A. is our largest overseas subsidiary, and it carries out many diversified business activities together with subsidiaries and associated companies, in collaboration with the operating segments of the Head Office in Japan. Mitsui U.S.A. has been leading our entry in the U.S. market, and we believe that Mitsui U.S.A. is one of the major exporters of American products.

Business activities of Mitsui U.S.A.’s major operating divisions are as follows:

 

   

The Iron & Steel Products Division maintains alliances with steel makers, steel processors, and major local customers in the U.S. and other countries. It specializes in streamlining the processes at each step of value chain of steel products, managing inventory and process arrangements. Steel Technologies Inc., a steel processor which operates more than 20 steel processing facilities in North America, which Mitsui U.S.A. acquired in June 2007, is a core operation of this division. It processes flat-rolled steel and provides a wide range of value added services including pickling, cold strip and blanking for automotive steel plate. Among various customers, the United States automotive makers and their affiliated parts makers are major customers. Sales and distribution of energy related steel products inclusive of tubular products sales and distribution within Americas and other areas is another core operation, operated by Champion Pipe & Supply, Inc.

 

   

The Energy & Mineral Resources Division engages in copper concentrate, cathode and other copper related products; aluminum ingot; aluminum product; other non-ferrous metal materials; iron and steel raw materials; steel and nonferrous metal scrap; crude oil; petroleum coke, petroleum products, bio-ethanol and natural gas. The initiatives with Sims Metal Management Inc., an associated company of the Mineral & Metal Resources Segment, including electrical and electronic recycling, are also handled at this division. Westport Petroleum, Inc. in which this division has a 80% voting share and the Energy Segment has the remaining 20% voting share, is engaged in sales to and purchases from the energy industry with respect to pipeline and cargo trading of petroleum products throughout major international energy markets. These transactions by Westport Petroleum, Inc. account for a significant portion of our revenues from sales of products groupwide.

This division, together with the Energy Segment, has MitEnergy Upstream LLC, a subsidiary for the development and production of oil and gas in Gulf of Mexico.

 

   

The Infrastructure Projects Division engages in projects of power, water treatment and supply, transportation, natural resources and energy infrastructure in the Americas in collaboration with the Infrastructure Projects Business Unit. This division has subsidiaries such as Hydro Capital Corp. for water treatment projects in Mexico and Mit Wind Power Inc. for wind power generation in Texas.

 

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The Machinery Division engages in the businesses of motor vehicles, ship and marine projects, aircraft and construction and industrial machinery. It focuses on car dealerships, logistics business, construction machinery, newly built vessels to major oil and shipping companies, and aircraft leasing for regional airlines.

 

   

The Organic Chemicals Division and the Plastics & Inorganic Chemicals Division are engaged in the domestic and international trade of various chemical products such as plastic materials and products, compound resin and its final products, intermediate of medicine, food additives, chemical fertilizer, pesticide and petrochemical products. Novus International, Inc., a feed additive manufacturing subsidiary, produces and sells amino acids. In addition, Intercontinental Terminal Company is engaged in the chemical tank terminal operation. SunWize Technologies, Inc., which Mitsui U.S.A. acquired in November 2006, engages in sales and installation of solar power systems and modules.

 

   

The Foods and Retail Division deals in grain, coffee, foods materials and other foods products. This division has a subsidiary, United Grain Corp., which invests in United Harvest, LLC, a joint venture with CHS Inc. for export facility operations for wheat and other grains, and also has a 20% minority interest in WILSEY FOODS, INC. See also “Foods & Retail Business Unit” for business collaboration with CHS Inc. Additionally, Mitsui Foods Inc. is specialized in the import food distribution business.

 

   

In the Consumer Service Business Division, MBK Real Estate LLC handles the development and sale of unit houses and senior housing properties in the California market, as well as commercial properties on the West Coast of the United States. CornerStone Research & Development, Inc. focuses on processing and packaging of healthcare foods and supplements.

 

   

The Financial Markets Division engages in financial equity investments including principal investment and venture capital operation. This division has minority ownership interests in Mitsui & Co. Precious Metals, Inc. and Mitsui & Co. Energy Risk Management Ltd., both of which are subsidiaries of the Logistic & Financial Markets Segment. In September 2007, Mitsui U.S.A. acquired an 87.5% share interest in Affiliated Financial Corporation and BayQuest Capital Corporation, both of which merged into AFC LLC (United States). They provide automotive related financing services throughout the United States.

 

   

The Transportation Logistics Division engages in sophisticated, high value added logistics services to customers, leveraging its longstanding experience in offering such services groupwide. This division also engages in investment activities in transportation and logistics field.

Europe, the Middle East and Africa Segment

The Europe, the Middle East and Africa Segment is engaged in sales and intermediary service of various commodities and conducts related businesses led by overseas trading subsidiaries in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and CIS countries. Effective April 2007, the Europe, the Middle East and Africa Business Unit was formed by reorganizing the former Europe Business Unit in order to cover the businesses in these regions.

Gross profit and net loss for this segment for the year ended March 31, 2009 were ¥22.2 billion or 2.2% and minus ¥11.5 billion or minus 6.5% of our consolidated totals, respectively.

As of March 31, 2009, this segment consisted of 13 trading subsidiaries, including Mitsui & Co. Europe Holdings PLC (United Kingdom), Mitsui & Co. Europe PLC (United Kingdom), Mitsui & Co. Deutschland GmbH (Germany), Mitsui & Co. Benelux S.A./N.V. (Belgium), Mitsui & Co. France S.A.S. (France), Mitsui & Co. Italia S.p.A. (Italy), Mitsui & Co., Middle East Ltd. (United Arab Emirates), 7 subsidiaries including MBK Real Estate Europe Limited (United Kingdom) and 7 associated companies.

Mitsui & Co. Europe PLC, our wholly-owned subsidiary with its head office in London, manages the overall business activities in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and CIS countries through 12 overseas trading subsidiaries and other branch offices and liaison offices. Mitsui & Co. Europe PLC collaborates with our subsidiaries and associated companies of other operating segments.

Recently, the major parts of business in this segment have been sales and intermediary service of steel products, chemicals and machinery. For example, this segment provided assistance services for SCM of steel

 

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products procured by Norsk Hydro ASA. In the chemical business, this segment has been engaged in sales and intermediary service of various chemical products and materials supported by our global network and relationship with large scale manufacturers including Bayer Aktiengesellschaft.

Over the years, in Central and Eastern Europe, Mitsui has established trading subsidiaries and representative offices to expand business opportunities in the region, and have continuously participated in joint ventures, mainly with Japanese manufacturers. In connection with the enlargement of European Union, Japanese automobile, electric and chemical manufacturers are rushing to set up operations in the region. This segment is collaborating with them by taking advantage of our existing business bases.

In April 2008, MBK Real Estate Europe Limited (United Kingdom) was transferred to this segment from the Second Consumer Service Business Unit. This segment also has a 40% voting share in Mitsui Automotive Europe B.V. (Netherlands), a subsidiary of the Motor Vehicle Business Unit.

In the Middle East we have established trading subsidiaries Mitsui & Co., Middle East Ltd. (United Arab Emirates), Mitsui and Co. (Middle East) B.S.C.(c) (Bahrain), Mitsui and Co., Iran Ltd. (Iran) and Mitsui and Co. Kuwait W.L.L. (Kuwait). Mitsui & Co., Middle East Ltd. owns offices in United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman. Mitsui has several representative offices in the Middle East countries including Saudi Arabia. These trading subsidiaries and offices in the Middle East collaborate with the Head Office primarily in the field energy development and production and projects of petrochemical plants and power plants.

Asia Pacific Segment

Effective April 2006, following the introduction of our regional business unit system, the Asia Business Unit was formed and consists of the trading subsidiaries, branches and liaison offices in this region. The Chief Operating Officer of this business unit has been delegated authority of operation within this region. The Asia Pacific Segment is engaged in sales and intermediary service of various commodities and conducts related businesses led by overseas trading subsidiaries in Asia and Oceania countries. Effective April 2007, the Asia Pacific Business Unit was formed by reorganizing the former Asia Business Unit and consolidating subsidiaries in Oceania region.

Gross profit and net income for this segment for the year ended March 31, 2009 were ¥26.6 billion or 2.6% and ¥30.6 billion or 17.2% of our consolidated totals, respectively.

As of March 31, 2009, this segment consisted of 20 trading subsidiaries, including Mitsui & Co. (Asia Pacific) Pte. Ltd. (Singapore), Mitsui & Co. (Hong Kong) Ltd. (Hong Kong, China), Mitsui & Co. (China) Ltd. (China), Mitsui & Co. (Shanghai) Ltd. (China), Mitsui & Co. (Taiwan) Ltd. (Taiwan), Mitsui & Co. Korea Ltd. (Republic of Korea), Mitsui & Co. (Thailand) Ltd. (Thailand), Mitsiam International Ltd. (Thailand), Mitsui & Co. (Australia) Ltd. (Australia), 6 subsidiaries and 5 associated companies including HannSpree Inc. (Cayman Islands).

China

China joined the WTO in 2001 and enjoyed double-digit growth in gross domestic product from 2003 to 2007. Chinese economy has gaining greater influence on the world economy, though the growth rate in 2008 declined to 9.0% due to the financial turmoil.

We have been increasing our operations in, and shifting corporate resources to, Greater China, which includes mainland China and Hong Kong, in order to expand and strengthen our business operations in key industries in China such as steel products, chemicals, mineral and metal resources, foods and retail, IT, and transportation and logistics.

Our presence in China is comprised of nine local trading subsidiaries, all of which have been permitted to conduct import and export and wholesale trade domestically within China. Those trading subsidiaries include Mitsui & Co., (China) Ltd., an investing company in Beijing, Mitsui & Co. (Shanghai) Ltd., which is located in China’s bonded area, and Mitsui & Co. (Hong Kong) Ltd. In addition, we have established representative offices in seven cities in China.

 

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Mitsui & Co., (China) Ltd. has made investments jointly with the business units of the Head Office in critical joint ventures in key industries in China such as steel products, mineral and metal resources, and foods.

ASEAN Region

In the ASEAN region, trading subsidiaries including Mitsui & Co. (Asia Pacific) Pte. Ltd., Mitsui & Co., (Thailand) Ltd., Mitsiam International Ltd. (Thailand) and PT Mitsui Indonesia (Indonesia), and associated companies jointly collaborate with the Head Office and engage in various business activities involving, among other things, chemical and metal products and industrial type projects. With the Head Office, trading subsidiaries jointly establish various subsidiaries and participate in joint ventures formed with the third parties.

In December 2006, we obtained a special approval from the Vietnamese government to establish trading subsidiaries, and Mitsui & Co. Vietnam Ltd. started operations in April 2007. Mitsui & Co. (Asia Pacific) Pte. Ltd. started operations undertaking all the businesses with the relevant assets, liabilities, contracts and employees from the Singapore branch of Mitsui & Co., Ltd in April 2007.

Southwest Asia

Our operations in India were traditionally handled by branch offices in New Delhi, Calcutta, Madras and Bombay and were concentrated primarily in exporting commodities, such as iron ore, finished iron and steel products, textiles, and marine products, to Japan and other areas of the world. However, with the increasing deregulation of the Indian economy, in March 2003 we established Mitsui & Co., India Pvt. Ltd. Through Mitsui & Co., India Pvt. Ltd., we expect not only to engage in import and export-related transactions but also to pursue investment opportunities in domestic distribution channels.

Oceania

In Australia, Mitsui & Co. (Australia) Ltd. is active in the development of minerals such as iron ore and coal, energy and agricultural exports in collaboration with corresponding operating segments, mainly in the Head Office. As described in the Mineral & Metal Resources Segment and the Energy Segment above, Australia is a critical geographic area in our corporate strategy. Mitsui & Co. (Australia) Ltd. participates in Mitsui Iron Ore Development Pty. Ltd. (Australia) and Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd. (Australia) with equity shares of 20% and 30%, respectively.

All Other Segment

The operations of the All Other Segment include financing services, office services and other services to external customers, and/or to us and associated companies.

Gross profit and net income for this segment for the year ended March 31, 2009 were ¥2.9 billion or 0.3% and ¥6.5 billion or 3.7% of our consolidated totals, respectively.

The All Other Segment has 11 subsidiaries, including Mitsui & Co. Financial Services Ltd. (Japan), Mitsui Bussan Trade Services Ltd. (Japan), Mitsui & Co. Financial Services (Asia) Ltd. (Singapore), Mitsui & Co. Financial Services (Europe) B.V. (Netherlands) and Mitsui & Co. Financial Service (U.S.A.) Inc. (United States), and 1 associated company. The activities of major subsidiaries in this segment are as follows:

 

   

Mitsui & Co. Financial Services Ltd. is engaged in financial services such as commercial loan and cash management services, mainly provided to the wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries.

 

   

Mitsui & Co. Financial Services (Asia) Ltd., Mitsui & Co. Financial Services (Europe) B.V. and Mitsui & Co. Financial Service (U.S.A.) Inc. are engaged in-house financial services to wholly owned subsidiaries in Asia, Europe and Americas, respectively.

 

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Principal Markets

We are involved in the worldwide trading of various commodities. See “Item 5. A. Operating Results—Revenues” for further details of our revenues by commodity type for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.

 

     In Billions of Yen
     Years Ended March 31,
     2009    2008    2007

Revenues

        

Distribution by Commodity:

        

Iron and Steel

   ¥ 865.6    ¥ 801.3    ¥ 566.9

Non-Ferrous Metals

     197.5      79.7      99.9

Machinery

     394.2      478.2      428.6

Electronics & Information

     133.8      182.3      178.8

Chemicals

     1,414.9      1,318.6      1,146.6

Energy

     1,719.3      2,017.7      1,633.3

Foods

     611.2      572.6      467.0

Textiles

     28.4      38.2      39.8

General Merchandise

     19.4      40.5      50.3

Property and Service Business

     150.9      209.8      182.4
                    

Consolidated Total

   ¥ 5,535.2    ¥ 5,738.9    ¥ 4,793.6
                    

The following table shows our total trading transactions in each of our major markets for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.(1)(2)(3)

 

     In Billions of Yen
     Years Ended March 31,
     2009    2008    2007

Japan

   ¥ 8,845.1    ¥ 9,285.9    ¥ 8,903.1

United States

     1,122.6      1,323.8      1,159.1

China

     897.6      1,119.1      885.3

All Other

     4,482.6      5,280.3      4,324.1
                    

Consolidated Total

   ¥ 15,347.9    ¥ 17,009.1    ¥ 15,271.6
                    

 

Notes:

(1) Total trading transactions is a voluntary disclosure as permitted by Financial Accounting Standards Board Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 99-19, “Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent,” and represents the gross transaction volume or the nominal aggregate value of the sales contracts in which we act as principal and transactions in which we serve as agent. Total trading transactions is not meant to represent sales or revenues in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Total trading transactions should not be construed as equivalent to, or a substitute or proxy for, revenues, or as an indicator of our operating performance, liquidity or cash flows generated by operating, investing or financing activities. A substantial part of total trading transactions represents transactions in which title to and payment for the goods pass through us without physical acquisition and delivery through our inventories. We have included the information concerning total trading transactions because it is used by similar Japanese trading companies as an industry benchmark, and we believe it is a useful supplement to results of operations data as a measure of our performance compared to other similar Japanese trading companies. Total trading transactions is included in the measure of segment profit and loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker. See Notes 2, “BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES” and 17, “SEGMENT INFORMATION” accompanying the consolidated financial statements for further discussion.
(2) Total trading transactions are attributed to countries based on the location of customers.

 

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C. Organizational Structure.

We are a global general trading company and we conduct our business with our subsidiaries and associated companies. As of March 31, 2009, we had 326 subsidiaries and 207 associated companies that are accounted for by the equity method.

The table below provides information on our significant subsidiaries as of March 31, 2009. We have supplementarily provided voting power where it differs from ownership interest.

 

Operating Segment

  

Company

   Country of
Incorporation
 

Principal Business

   Ownership
Interest
(%)
   Voting
Power
(%)
Iron & Steel Products    Mitsui & Co. Steel Ltd.    Japan   Sales of construction materials and semi-assembled steel products    100.0   
   MITSUI BUSSAN KOZAI HANBAI CO., LTD.    Japan   Wholesale of steel products    89.1   
   MBK Steel Products West Co., Ltd.    Japan   Wholesale of steel products    100.0   
   Regency Steel Asia Pte Ltd.    Singapore   Wholesale and retail of steel products    85.0   
   Bangkok Coil Center Co., Ltd.    Thailand   Steel processing    95.4    98.9
                         
Mineral & Metal Resources    Mitsui Iron Ore Development Pty. Ltd.    Australia   Mining and sales of Australian iron ore    100.0   
   Mitsui-Itochu Iron Pty. Ltd.    Australia   Mining and sales of Australian iron ore    70.0   
   Japan Collahuasi Resources B.V.    Netherlands   Investments in a copper mine in Chile    61.9   
   Mitsui Raw Materials Development Pty. Limited    Australia   Investment in Sims Metal Management Ltd., a scrap metal recycler    100.0   
   MITSUI BUSSAN METALS CO., LTD.    Japan   Sales and trading of scrap, ferroalloys and non-ferrous material products    100.0   
                         
Machinery & Infrastructure Projects    MBK Project Holdings Ltd.    Japan   Investments in manufacturers of plant-related materials and equipment    100.0   
   Mitsui & Co. Plant Systems, Ltd.    Japan   Sales of various plants, electric power facilities and transportations    100.0   
   Mitsui Power Ventures Limited    United Kingdom   Investments in power generation business    100.0   
   MIT POWER CANADA LP INC.    Canada   Investment in Greenfield Power Generation Project in Ontario    100.0   
   Mitsui Renewable Energy Europe Limited    United Kingdom   Investment in wind power generation business in Poland    100.0   
   Mitsui Rail Capital Holdings, Inc.    United States   Freightcar leasing and management in North America    100.0   
   Mitsui Rail Capital Europe B.V.    Netherlands   Locomotive leasing and management in Europe    100.0   
   Mitsui Rail Capital Participacoes Ltda.    Brazil   Freightcar leasing and management in Brazil    100.0   
   MITSUI GAS E ENERGIA DO BRASIL LTDA.    Brazil   Investments in gas distribution companies    100.0   
   Cactus Energy Investment B.V.    Netherlands   Investment in an LNG terminal in Mexico    100.0   

 

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Operating Segment

  

Company

   Country of
Incorporation
 

Principal Business

   Ownership
Interest
(%)
   Voting
Power
(%)
   Drillship Investment B.V.    Netherlands   Investment in deepwater drilling service business    100.0   
   Mitsui Water Holdings (Thailand) Ltd.    Thailand   Investment in water supply business    100.0   
   Atlatec Holdings, S.A. de C.V.    Mexico   Designing, building and operation of water treatment plants    88.4    85.0
   Tokyo International Air Cargo Terminal Ltd.    Japan   Operation of air cargo terminal at Tokyo International Airport    100.0   
   Toyota Chile S.A.    Chile   Import and sales of automobiles and auto parts in Chile    100.0   
   Mitsui Automotive North America Inc.    United States   Investment in auto parts logistics business    100.0   
   Mitsui Automotive Europe B.V.    Netherlands   Investments in automotive-related companies and trading of automobiles    100.0   
   Mitsui Automotive CIS Investment B.V.    Netherlands   Investment in automotive-related companies in Russia    100.0   
   PT. Bussan Auto Finance    Indonesia   Motorcycle retail finance    90.0   
   Mitsiam Motors Co., Ltd.    Thailand   Sales of trucks and buses    74.4    99.0
   Komatsu-Mitsui Maquinarias Peru S.A.    Peru   Sales of construction and mining equipment    60.0   
   Lepta Shipping Co., Ltd.    Liberia   Shipping business    100.0   
   Clio Marine Inc.    Liberia   Shipping business    100.0   
   Orient Marine Co., Ltd.    Japan   Shipping business    100.0   
   Mitsui Bussan Aerospace Co., Ltd.    Japan   Import and sales of helicopters and defense and aerospace products    100.0   
                         
Chemical    P.T. Kaltim Pasifik Amoniak    Indonesia   Production and sales of anhydrous ammonia    75.0   
   Japan-Arabia Methanol Company Ltd.    Japan   Investments in methanol producing business in Saudi Arabia and sales of products    55.0   
   MITSUI BUSSAN SOLVENT & COATING CO., LTD.    Japan   Sales and trading of solvents and coating materials    100.0   
   Mitsui AgriScience International SA/NV    Belgium   Investments in crop protection businesses in Europe    100.0   
   Mitsui Bussan Agro Business Co., Ltd.    Japan   Development and sales of fertilizers and agricultural products    100.0   
   DAIICHI TANKER CO., LTD.    Japan   Operation of chemical tankers    100.0   
   Mitsui Bussan Plastics Trade Co., Ltd.    Japan   Sales of plastics and chemicals    100.0   
   Daito Chemical Industries, Ltd.    Japan   Production and sales of industrial chemicals    70.0   
   Shark Bay Salt Pty. Ltd.    Australia   Production of salt    100.0   
   Mitsui Electronics SCM (China) Co., Ltd.    Hong Kong,
China
  Electronics manufacturing service for liquid crystal parts    100.0   
                         

 

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Operating Segment

  

Company

   Country of
Incorporation
 

Principal Business

   Ownership
Interest
(%)
   Voting
Power
(%)
Energy    Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Limited    Australia   Exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas    100.0   
   Mitsui E&P Middle East B.V.    Netherlands   Exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas in Oman    81.4    100.0
   Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd.    Japan   Exploration, development and sales of crude oil and natural gas    53.5    53.0
   MitEnergy Upstream LLC    United States   Exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas    86.0    100.0
   Mitsui Gas Development Qatar B.V.    Netherlands   Development and production of natural gas and condensate    100.0   
   Mitsui Sakhalin Holdings B.V.    Netherlands   Investments in Sakhalin Energy Investment Company Ltd.    100.0   
   Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd.    Australia   Investments in Australian coal business    100.0   
   Mitsui Oil (Asia) Hong Kong Limited    Hong Kong,
China
  Physical and derivatives trading of oil and petroleum products    100.0   
   Mitsui Oil Co., Ltd.    Japan   Sales of petroleum products in Japan    89.9   
   Mitsui Marubeni Liquefied Gas Co., Ltd.    Japan   Sales of liquefied petroleum gas in Japan    60.0   
                         
Foods & Retail    Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd.    Japan   Manufacture and sales of food products    51.9    87.6
   PRI Foods Co., Ltd.    Japan   Production, processing and sales of broilers    77.8    77.9
   San-ei Sucrochemical Co., Ltd.    Japan   Manufacture and sales of sugars, pharmaceuticals, feedstuffs and other products    69.7    65.0
   MITSUI FOODS CO., LTD.    Japan   Wholesale of foods and beverages    99.9   
   Toho Bussan Kaisha, Ltd.    Japan   Import and sales of agricultural and marine products    96.3   
   VENDOR SERVICE CO., LTD.    Japan   Procurement and demand chain planning and management of food materials    100.0   
   WILSEY FOODS, INC.    United States   Investments in processed oil food company    90.0   
   Mitsui Alimentos Ltda.    Brazil   Export of coffee beans and domestic sales of roasted coffee    100.0   
   MCM FOODS B.V.    Netherlands   Import and sales of canned food products and groceries    100.0   
                         

 

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Operating Segment

  

Company

   Country of
Incorporation
 

Principal Business

   Ownership
Interest
(%)
   Voting
Power
(%)
Consumer Service & IT    Mitsui Bussan Inter-Fashion Ltd.    Japan   Planning and management of production and distribution of apparel    100.0   
   BUSSAN REAL ESTATE CO., LTD.    Japan   Real estate sales, leasing and management    100.0   
   Mitsui Bussan Woodchip Oceania Pty. Ltd.    Australia   Planting and production and sales of woodchip    100.0   
   Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd.    Japan   Planning, development and sales of information and communication systems    58.5    58.4
   J-SCube Inc.    Japan   Outsourcing services for data entry and other back-office tasks    100.0   
   Mitsui Electronics Inc.    Japan   Sales of electronics device and equipment    100.0   
   MBK Distribuidora de Produtos Eletronicos Ltda.    Brazil   Sales of home electric appliances and office equipment    100.0   
                         
Logistics & Financial Markets    Mitsui & Co. Energy Risk Management Ltd.    United Kingdom   Trading of energy derivatives    100.0   
   Mitsui & Co. Precious Metals, Inc.    United States   Trading of precious metals    100.0   
   Mitsui Bussan Precious Metals (Hong Kong) Limited    Hong Kong,
China
  Trading of precious metals    100.0   
   Mitsui Bussan Commodities Ltd.    United Kingdom   Trading of non-ferrous metals    100.0   
   Mitsui & Co., Principal Investments Ltd.    Japan   Investment in private equity    100.0   
   MVC Corporation    Japan   Investment in venture businesses    100.0   
   Mitsui Bussan Logistics Holdings Ltd.    Japan   Investments in domestic warehousing businesses    99.8   
   Mitsuibussan Insurance Co., Ltd.    Japan   Non life and life insurance agency services    100.0   
   TRI-NET (JAPAN) INC.    Japan   International integrated transportation services    100.0   
   TRI-NET LOGISTICS (ASIA) PTE LTD    Singapore   International integrated transportation services    100.0   
                         
Americas    Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc.    United States   Trading    100.0   
   Mitsui & Co. (Canada) Ltd.    Canada   Trading    100.0   
   Mitsui Brasileira Importacao e Exportacao S.A.    Brazil   Trading    100.0   
   Steel Technologies Inc.    United States   Steel processing    100.0   
   Champions Pipe & Supply, Inc.    United States   Sales of OCTG (steel pipe for oil & gas production) and other steel products for energy industry    100.0   
   Mit Wind Power Inc.    United States   Investment in wind power generation company    100.0   
   Mitsui Automotriz S.A.    Peru   Retail sales of automobiles and autoparts    100.0   
   Road Machinery, LLC    United States   Sales of construction and mining equipment    100.0   
   Ellison Technologies Inc.    United States   Sales of machine tools    88.8   
   Intercontinental Terminals Company LLC    United States   Chemical tank leasing    100.0   
   Novus International, Inc.    United States   Manufacture and sales of feed additives    65.0   
   CornerStone Research & Development, Inc.    United States   Processing and packaging of healthcare foods and supplements    100.0   

 

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Operating Segment

  

Company

  

Country of
Incorporation

 

Principal Business

   Ownership
Interest
(%)
   Voting
Power
(%)
   SunWize Technologies, Inc.    United States   Sales and installation of solar battery modules    100.0   
   Fertilizantes Mitsui S.A. Industria e Comercio    Brazil   Production and sales of fertilizers    100.0   
   Westport Petroleum, Inc.    United States   International trading of petroleum products and crude oil    100.0   
   United Grain Corp.    United States   Grain merchandising    100.0   
   Mitsui Foods, Inc.    United States   Import and sales of canned food products and groceries    100.0   
   MBK Real Estate LLC    United States   Real estate-related business    100.0   
   AFC HoldCo, LLC    United States   Investment in auto finance companies    87.5   
                         
Europe, the Middle East and Africa    Mitsui & Co. Europe Holdings PLC    United Kingdom   Management of business in Europe and Africa    100.0   
   Mitsui & Co. Europe PLC    United Kingdom   Trading    100.0   
   Mitsui & Co. Deutschland GmbH    Germany   Trading    100.0   
   Mitsui & Co. Benelux S.A./N.V.    Belgium   Trading    100.0   
   Mitsui & Co. France S.A.S.    France   Trading    100.0   
   Mitsui & Co. Italia S.p.A.    Italy   Trading    100.0   
   Mitsui & Co., Middle East Ltd.    United Arab Emirates   Trading    100.0   
   MBK Real Estate Europe Limited    United Kingdom   Real estate-related business    100.0   
                         
Asia Pacific    Mitsui & Co. (Asia Pacific) Pte. Ltd.    Singapore   Trading    100.0   
   Mitsui & Co. (Hong Kong) Ltd.    Hong Kong, China   Trading    100.0   
   Mitsui & Co. (China) Ltd.    China   Management of business in China    100.0   
   Mitsui & Co. (Shanghai) Ltd.    China   Trading    100.0   
   Mitsui & Co. (Taiwan) Ltd.    Taiwan   Trading    100.0   
   Mitsui & Co. Korea Ltd.    Republic of Korea   Trading    100.0   
   Mitsui & Co. (Thailand) Ltd.    Thailand   Trading    100.0   
   Mitsiam International Ltd.    Thailand   Trading    51.2    55.0
   Mitsui & Co. (Australia) Ltd.    Australia   Trading    100.0   
                         
All Other    Mitsui Bussan Trade Services Ltd.    Japan   Shared service center within Mitsui    100.0   
   Mitsui & Co. Financial Services Ltd.    Japan   Financing services within the Group    100.0   
   Mitsui & Co. Financial Services (Asia) Ltd.    Singapore   Financing services within the Group    100.0   
   Mitsui & Co. Financial Services (Europe) B.V.    Netherlands   Financing services within the Group    100.0   
   Mitsui & Co. Financial Services (U.S.A.) Inc.    United States   Financing services within the Group    100.0   

 

(1) MITSUI BUSSAN METALS CO., LTD. changed its name from Mitsui Bussan Raw Materials Development Corp. in April 2008 upon its merger with MITSUI BUSSAN METALS SALES CO., LTD.
(2) MITSUI BUSSAN SOLVENT & COATING CO., LTD. changed its name to Mitsui Bussan Chemical Co., Ltd. in April 2009 upon its merger with Bussan Chemicals Co., Ltd.
(3) Mitsui Bussan Plastics Trade Co., Ltd. changed its name from Nippon Trading Co., Ltd. in April 2008 upon its merger with Mitsui Bussan Plastics Co., Ltd. and Mitsui Bussan Plastics Kansai Co., Ltd.
(4) Mitsui Marubeni Liquefied Gas Co., Ltd. changed its name from Mitsui Liquefied Gas Co., Ltd. in April 2008 upon its merger with Marubeni Gas Energy Co., Ltd.
(5) PRI Foods Co., Ltd. changed its name from DAI-ICHI BROILER CO., LTD. in April 2008 upon its merger with K.K. Ichirei, Gordex Corporation and Hypor Japan Co., Ltd.

 

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D. Property, Plants and Equipment.

The following table provides a list of our principal property, plants and equipment as of March 31, 2009.

(Sft: Square feet, MT: Metric Ton)

 

Property, Plant and Equipment Description
(Holder or Lessee Other than Mitsui)

  

Location

   Size or Annual
Production
Capacity
  

Use of property

In Japan:

           

Mitsuibussan Building

   Tokyo    1,321,572    Sft    Office use (Corporate Headquarters)

Osaka Mitsuibussan Building

   Osaka    450,306    Sft    Office use

Nagoya Mitsuibussan Building

   Nagoya    152,067    Sft    Office use

Hibiya Central Building

   Tokyo    504,419    Sft    Office building for lease

Bussan Building Annex

   Tokyo    204,275    Sft    Office building for lease

Human Resource Development Center

   Shizuoka    83,863    Sft    Training facility

Land and equipment (Mitsui & Co. Steel Ltd.)

   Yokohama    197,324    Sft    Steel processing factory

Land and equipment (Seikei Steel Tube Corp.)

   Tochigi    195,290    Sft    Steel processing factory

Land and equipment (Mitsui Marubeni Liquefied Gas Co., Ltd.)

   Ishikawa    852,072    Sft    Liquefied petroleum gas terminal

Land (MITSUI FOODS CO., LTD.)

   Saitama    71,171    Sft    Distribution center

Land and equipment (PRI Foods Co., Ltd.)

   Aomori    305,512    Sft    Broiler processing factory

Land and equipment (Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd.)

   Yamanashi    339,871    Sft    Tea leaf processing factory

Land and equipment (San-ei Sucrochemical Co., Ltd.)

   Aichi    817,433    Sft    Dextrose manufacturing factory

Wakamatsu Building & Shinsuna Bayside Building (Bussan Real Estate Co., Ltd.)

   Tokyo    172,406    Sft    Office building for lease

Higashi Nakano Office Building (Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd.)

   Tokyo    36,317    Sft    Office use

Land (Mitsui Bussan Logistics Holdings Ltd.)

   Chiba    649,753    Sft    Logistics center

Overseas:

           

Office space (Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc.)

   United States    205,132    Sft    Office space leased from others

Office building (Mitsui & Co. UK PLC)

   United Kingdom    64,369    Sft    Office use

Equipment (Mitsui Iron Ore Development Pty. Ltd.)

   Australia(1)    21,309,000    Mt    Mining equipment for iron ore

Equipment (Mitsui-Itochu Iron Pty. Ltd.)

   Australia(1)    2,660,000    Mt    Mining equipment for iron ore

Land and plants (P.T. Kaltim Pasifik Amoniak)

   Indonesia    579,397    Sft    Ammonia manufacturing plant

Equipment (Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd.)

   Australia(1)    7,148,000    Mt    Mining equipment for coal

Land and equipment (Steel Technologies Inc.)

   United States    228,901    Sft    Steel processing factory

Chemical tank yard (Intercontinental Terminals Company LLC)

   United States    11,495,355    Sft    Chemical tank

Senior service apartment (MBK Real Estate, Ltd.)

   United States    146,628    Sft    Leasing asset

Land and plants (Novus International, Inc.)

   United States    658,187    Sft    Methionine production facility

Office building (MBK Real Estate Europe Limited)

   United Kingdom    75,486    Sft    Office building for lease

 

(1) Information on our mining activities related to Mitsui Iron Ore Development Pty. Ltd., Mitsui-Itochu Iron Pty. Ltd. and Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd. that are located in Australia is shown in “Mineral & Metal Resources Segment” and “Energy Segment” of “Item 4.B. Business Overview” and “Mining Activities” below.

 

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In addition to the above, our major assets leased to others as of March 31, 2009 were as below:

 

   

Some companies, including Clio Marine Inc. (Liberia), Lepta Shipping Co., Ltd. (Liberia) and LPG Transport Service Ltd. (Bermuda), own ocean vessels leased to foreign and domestic shipping companies whose combined book value amounts to ¥32 billion; and

 

   

Some companies, including Mitsui Rail Capital Holdings Inc. (United States) and Mitsui Rail Capital Europe B.V. (Netherlands), own rolling stock mainly leased to railway companies in the United States and European countries amounting to ¥53 billion as book value.

For information on oil and gas producing activities, see “Supplementary Information on Oil and Gas Producing Activities (Unaudited)” to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report.

A portion of the land, buildings and equipment owned by us is subject to mortgages or other liens. As of March 31, 2009, the aggregate amount of such mortgages or other liens was ¥63 billion. We know of no material defect in our title to any of the properties or of no material adverse claim with respect to them, either pending or contemplated.

We consider our offices and other facilities to be well maintained and believe that our plant capacity is adequate for our current requirements. For the information on plans to construct, expand or improve facilities, in particular those related to mineral resource projects and oil and gas projects, see relevant descriptions in “Item 4.A. History and Development of the Company—Capital Expenditures,” “Mineral & Metal Resources Segment” and “Energy Segment” of “Item 4.B. Business Overview” and “Mining Activities” below in this section.

We do not believe there are any material environmental issues that would affect the utilization of our assets.

 

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Mining Activities

Information regarding our mining activities is provided below.

IRON ORE

Name of Joint Venture

Entity by which Mitsui Participates in the Mining Activity and its Ownership Interest

Area of Mining Operation (Region, State, Country)

 

Name of Mines(1)

 

Location

 

Type of
Mineral
Resources(2)

  Fe Basis
(%)
 

Means of Access
to the Property

 

Title/Lease

 

Type of
Mine

 

Power Source

Robe River Iron Associates

         

Mitsui Iron Ore Development Pty. Ltd. (33%)

       

Pilbara Region, Western Australia, Australia

       

Mesa J(3)

  Robe Valley, south of the town of Pannawonica   Channel Iron Deposit   57.2   Railway and port (owned by Robe River Iron Associates and operated by Pilbara Iron Pty Ltd.)   Agreements for life of mine with Government of Western Australia   Open pit   Supplied through the integrated Hamersley and Robe power network operated by Pilbara Iron

West Angelas(3)

  Approximately 100 km west of the town of Newman   Marra Mamba   61.8   Same as above   Same as above   Open pit   Same as above

Name of Mines(2)

 

Location

 

Type of
Mineral
Resources(3)

  Fe Basis
(%)
 

Means of Access
to the Property

 

Title/Lease

 

Type of
Mine

 

Power Source

Mt. Newman Joint Venture

         

Mitsui Itochu Iron Pty. Ltd. (10%) (Mitsui share of Mitsui Itochu Iron Pty. Ltd. is 70%)

     

Pilbara Region, Western Australia, Australia

       

Mt. Whaleback

  Near the town of Newman, 426 km south of Port Hedland  

Brockman

Marra Mamba

  62.6
61.9
  Railway (owned and operated by Mt. Newman Joint Venture) and the Nelson Point shipping facilities at Port Hedland (owned and operated by Mt. Newman Joint Venture)   Mineral lease granted in 1967 under the Iron Ore (Mt. Newman) Agreement Act 1964 scheduled to expire in 2009 with rights for successive renewals for 21 years   Open cut   Sourced from Alinta Dewap’s Newman gas-fired power station via Company-owned powerlines under long-term contracts
Yandi Joint Venture          
Mitsui Iron Ore Development Pty. Ltd. (7%)      
Pilbara Region, Western Australia, Australia      

Marillana Creek

  92 km north of Newman, 310 km south of Port Hedland   Channel Iron Deposit   57.2   Rail spur (owned by Yandi Joint Venture) connected to the main Newman/ Hedland line (owned and operated by Mt. Newmani Joint Venture) and the Nelson Point shipping facilities at Port Hedland (owned and operated by Mt. Newman Joint Venture)   Mining lease granted in 1991 under the Iron Ore (Marillana Creek) Agreement Act 1991 scheduled to expire in 2012 with the right to extend for additional 42 years   Open cut   Sourced from Alinta Dewap’s Newman gas-fired power station via Company-owned powerlines under long-term contracts

 

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Name of Mines(2)

 

Location

 

Type of
Mineral
Resources(3)

 

Fe Basis
(%)

 

Means of Access
to the Property

 

Title/Lease

 

Type of
Mine

 

Power Source

Mt. Goldsworthy Joint Venture          
Mitsui Iron Ore Development Pty. Ltd. (7%)      
Pilbara Region, Western Australia, Australia      

Northern

(Yarrie)

(Nimingarra)

  210 km east of Port Hedland   Nimingarra   59.2   Railway (owned and operated by Mt. Goldsworthy Joint Venture) and the Nelson Point shipping facilities at Port Hedland (owned and operated by Mt. Newman Joint Venture)   Four mineral leases under the Iron Ore (Mt. Goldsworthy) Agreement Act 1964 and the Iron Ore (Goldsworthy— Nimingarra) Agreement Act 1972, which have expiry dates between 2008 and 2028 with rights to successive renewals of 21 years.   Open cut   Sourced from Alinta Dewap’s Port Hedland gas-fired power station under long-term contracts

Area C

  120 km northwest of Newman, 37 km southwest of Yandi  

Brockman

Marra

Mamba

 

62.0

61.9

  Rail spur (owned by Goldsworthy Joint Venture) connecting to the Yandi spur line (owned by Yandi Joint Venture) and then onto the main Newman/ Hedland line (owned and operated by Mt. Newman Joint Venture) and the Finucane Island shipping facilities at Port Hedland (owned and operated by Goldsworthy Joint Venture)   Same as above   Open cut   Sourced from Alinta Dewap’s Newman gas-fired power station under long-term contracts
(1) “Name of Mines” indicates the names of principal producing mines.
(2) “Channel Iron Deposit”, “Marra Mamba”, “Brockman” and “Nimingarra” refer to the types of iron ore that are found in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
(3) The percentage figures of “Fe Basis” of Mesa J and West Angelas represent the figures corresponding to mines, excluding the figures corresponding to stockpile components.

 

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COAL

Name of Joint Venture or Investee

Entity by which Mitsui Participates in the Mining Activity and its Ownership Interest(2)

Area of Mining Operation (Region, State, Country)

 

Name of Mines(3)

 

Location

  Type of
Resources
 

Means of Access
to the Property

 

Title/Lease

  Type of
Mine
  Power Source

BHP Mitsui Coal Pty. Ltd.

         

BHP Mitsui Coal Pty. Ltd.(1) (20%)

       

Queensland, Australia

       

South Walker Creek

  In the Bowen Basin, 100 km south-west of Mackay   Metallurgical
coal and
thermal coal
  Railway (Queensland Rail) and port in Mackay   Leases have expiry dates between 2008 and 2020 and are renewable for such further periods as the Queensland Government allows.   Open cut   State owned
grid

Poitrel

  Same as above   Same as
above
  Same as above   Same as above   Same as
above
  Same as
above

Bengalla Joint Venture

         

Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd. (10%)

       

New South Wales, Australia

       

Bengalla

  4 km west of Muswellbrook in the Upper Hunter Valley   Thermal coal   Railway and port at Newcastle   Leases granted by State   Open pit   State owned
grid

Kestrel Joint Venture

         

Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd. (20%)

         

Queensland, Australia

         

Kestrel

  In the Bowen Basin, 300 km west of Rockhampton   Metallurgical
coal and
thermal coal
  Railway and port at Gladstone   Leases granted by State   Underground   State owned
grid

Dawson Joint Venture

         

Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd. (49%)

         

Queensland, Australia

         
Dawson (formerly “Moura”)   In the Bowen Basin 184 km south-west of Gladstone   Metallurgical
coal and
thermal coal
  Railway and port at Gladstone   Leases granted by State   Open pit   State owned
grid

German Creek Joint Venture

         

Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd. (30%)

         

Queensland, Australia

         

German Creek

  In the Bowen Basin, 240 km south-west of Mackay   Metallurgical
coal
  Railway and port at Mackay   Leases granted by State   Open pit and
underground
  State owned
grid

 

(1) “BHP Mitsui Coal Pty. Ltd.” indicates the name of the company established by BHP Billiton plc and Mitsui.
(2) BHP Mitsui Coal Pty. Ltd. is our associated company in which Mitsui has 20% interest. Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd. is our subsidiary which owns interests in Bengalla Joint Venture, Kestrel Joint Venture, Dawson Joint Venture and German Creek Joint Venture.
(3) “Name of mines” indicates the names of principal producing mines.

 

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A brief history and the present condition of each of the above-mentioned mines, including the current state of development, if applicable, are provided below.

IRON ORE

Name of Joint Venture

Entity by which Mitsui Participates in the Mining Activity and its Ownership Interest

Area of Mining Operation (Region, State, Country)

 

 

Robe River Iron Associates

Mitsui Iron Ore Development Pty. Ltd. (33%)

Pilbara Region, Western Australia, Australia

 

Mesa J    The development of the Robe River project began in 1962(*) near Pannawonica. The Robe River project was commissioned and the first shipment was made in 1972. Iron ore reserves at the Mesa J production Base provide the cornerstone of Pannawonica’s sinter fines and lump output. Development of Mesa J began in 1992, and all mine administration, workshops, warehousing and other support facilities were integrated there in 1994. The mine produces Rove River fines and lump, which are pisolitic iron ore products. Process Plant 1 was commissioned in 1999 and Process Plant 2 in 2001. The plant processes clay-contaminated pisolite, sub-grade material which was once discarded, to reduce contaminants and retain on-specification ore. In December 2007, the joint venture decided to develop Mesa A / Warramboo mine which will have a full scale capacity of 25 million tons per annum and is expected to start production in 2010. The total capital cost will be estimated at US$901 million. The total mine life of Mesa A is expected to be 11 years. With this addition, total production of Robe Valley pisolite ore will be maintained at 32 million tons per annum.
West Angelas    The development of West Angelas began in 1998. Mining of ore commenced in March 2002. The West Angelas deposits contain Marra Mamba type iron ore with higher iron content than Robe River’s Mesa J mine. The West Angelas operation is comprised of an open pit mine, a crushing and screening ore processing plant producing lump and sinter fines iron ore, as well as stockpiling, reclaiming and train-loading facilities. Further expansion of the West Angelas mine was completed in October 2005. This US$105 million project took the mine’s production capacity to 25 million tons per year. Robe River Iron Associates uses a dedicated rail system, operated by Pilbara Iron, to transport ore from its mines to the company’s deepwater port facilities at Cape Lambert. Also, a US$200 million rail expansion project to duplicate almost 100 kilometers of track and associated interconnection and infrastructure to increase the capacity of the Pilbara Iron main line was completed in the first quarter of 2006. A further expansion plan to increase port capacity at Cape Lambert from nameplate capacity of 55 to 80 million tones per year was completed in November 2008, ahead of time with the total capital cost of US$860 million. Progressive capacity will ramp up in the first half of 2009.

 

(*) The Robe River project was originally started by Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company, an iron and steel producer in the United States. Since then, there were major changes in ownership before Rio Tinto took a 53% stake in Robe River Iron Associates in 2000.

 

 

 

Mt. Newman Joint Venture

Mitsui Itochu Iron Pty. Ltd. (10%) (Mitsui share of Mitsui Itochu Iron Pty. Ltd. is 70%)

Pilbara Region, Western Australia, Australia

 

Mt. Whaleback   

The joint venture began production in 1969 at the Mt. Whaleback ore body. Today, production continues to be sourced from the major Mt. Whaleback ore body and is complemented by production from other ore bodies, namely Orebody 18, 23, 25, 29 and 30 and Jimblebar, which we are involved in through the Wheelarra arrangement with BHP Iron Ore (Jimblebar) Pty Ltd, Itochu Minerals & Energy Australia Pty Ltd, and 4 Chinese steel companies.

 

The facilities at Mt. Whaleback include primary and secondary crushing plants with a nominal capacity of 35 million tons of product per year, a heavy media beneficiation plant with an annual capacity of 8 million tons and a train-loading facility. An additional primary and secondary crushing plant is present at Orebody 25 with a nominal capacity of 8 million tons of product per year. A crusher and train-loading facility are also located at Orebody 18.

 

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Yandi Joint Venture

Mitsui Iron Ore Development Pty. Ltd. (7%)

Pilbara Region, Western Australia, Australia

 

Marillana Creek    Development of the ore body began in 1991 and the project’s first shipment of iron ore was in March 1992. Capacity was progressively expanded between 1994 and 2003 and the current capacity is 42 million tons per annum. Two processing plants and a primary crusher and overland conveyor are used to crush and screen the Yandi ore and deliver it to one of two train loading facilities.

Mt. Goldsworthy Joint Venture

Mitsui Iron Ore Development Pty. Ltd. (7%)

Pilbara Region, Western Australia, Australia

 

Northern

(Yarrie)

(Nimingarra)

   Mt. Goldsworthy was commissioned in 1966 in the North Area. The original Goldsworthy mine was closed in 1982 and mining operations ceased at Shay Gap mine in 1993. Since then, mining has continued from the adjacent Nimingarra and Yarrie, 30 kilometers to the south-east. The primary crushers at Yarrie and Nimingarra, with a combined capacity of 8 million tons of products per year, have been placed into care and maintenance. Yarrie is currently using mobile in-pit crushing plant at a rate of 2 million tons of products per year. The ore is crushed and then railed to Port Hedland.
Area C    In October 2003, the joint venture opened the new Area C mine located 120 kilometers north-west of Newman, which produces Brockman ore and Marra Mamba ore deposits, which are sold under the trademark MAC. An ore processing plant, primary crusher and overland conveyor are located at Area C with a capacity of 42 million tons of products per year. All production from the Mt. Goldsworthy Northern (Yarrie and Nimingarra) is transported on a separate railway to Port Hedland. Ore from Area C is transported via a 39 kilometer new section of railway to the Yandi mine which then connects to the Newman main line to Port Hedland.
Development projects at joint ventures with BHP Billiton Ltd.    The three joint ventures, namely, Mt. Newman joint venture, Yandi joint venture and Mt. Goldsworthy joint venture have been planning for staged expansions of supply capacity. As a step, in October 2005 they approved the Rapid Growth Project 3 (RPG3) to add 20 million tons per annum to their capacity, upgrading combined capacity to 129 million tons per annum by 2007. The capital expenditure for the expansion work totaled A$2.2 billion (Mitsui’s share was approximately A$150 million). The expansion focused mainly on the Area C mine and encompassed expansions of rail systems and the loading port, including the rebuilding of the ‘C’ berth at Finucane Island. RGP3 was completed by 2008. In addition, in March 2007, the joint ventures approved the Rapid Growth Project 4 (RGP4) to increase annual production capacity to 155 million tons per annum by early 2010. The capital expenditure for the expansion will total approximately A$2.7 billion. The expansion includes development of a new crushing and screening plant, as well as additional stockyard, car dumping and train loading facilities at Mt. Whaleback. Furthermore, in November 2008, the joint ventures approved the Rapid Growth Project 5 (RGP5) with a total capital investment of US$5.6 billion. RGP5 will increase installed capacity by 50 million tons to 205 million tons per annum. RGP5 is expected to deliver first production in the second half of 2011. The majority of production growth will come from the Yandi and Mining Area C operations. RGP5 will also deliver significant infrastructure upgrades including additional shipping berths at the Port Hedland inner habour (Finucane Island), substantial double tracking of the rail system and additional crushing, screening and stockpiling facilities at Yandi.

 

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COAL

Name of Joint Venture or Investee

Entity by which Mitsui Participates in the Mining Activity and its Ownership Interest

Area of Mining Operation (Region, State, Country)

 

 

BHP Mitsui Coal Pty. Ltd.

BHP Mitsui Coal Pty. Ltd. (20%)

Queensland, Australia

 

South Walker Creek

   The joint venture commissioned Riverside in 1983, and its reserves were depleted in March 2005. South Walker Creek became operational in 1996. It produces pulverized coal injection (PCI) product and minor quantities of by- product energy coal. South Walker Creek has a production capacity of 3.8 million tons per year. BHP Mitsui Coal holds undeveloped leases in the Bowen Basin.

Poitrel

   Construction for the Poitrel mine commenced in early 2006 and first coal was produced in October 2006. The mine has a production capacity of 3.0 million tons per annual of metallurgical and PCI coals.

Bengalla Joint Venture

Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd. (10%)

New South Wales, Australia

Bengalla

   Development consent was granted in 1996 and production commenced in 1999. Coal & Allied, Rio Tinto’s subsidiary in Australia, acquired its interest in Bengalla in 2001. Its coal preparation plant has been designed to allow the mine to produce low ash thermal coal for export. Production in 2008 was 5.4 million tons of thermal coal.

Kestrel Joint Venture

Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd. (20%)

Queensland, Australia

Kestrel

   The Kestrel Coal mine, previously known as Gordonstone Mine, commenced operation in 1992. Coal is extracted by underground mining. The mine has two longwall units that are operated alternately to minimize downtime and ensure seamless production and reliability. The Kestrel Preparation Plant has been designed to allow the mine to produce low ash coking coal and high energy thermal coal. Production in 2008 was 4.0 million tons saleable high quality coking coal and export thermal coal. In January 2008, joint venture approved development of the new mining area for extend the operation period of Kestrel Joint Venture as the existing mining area is expected to be exhausted in 2014. Construction of this project started in August 2008 and the total capital expenditure will be A$1,443 million. The operation is expected to commence in 2012 and the project estimates a maximum 6.5 million tons per annum coal production with 20-year operation.

Dawson Joint Venture

Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd. (49%)

Queensland, Australia

Dawson

(formerly “Moura”)

   Dawson Joint Venture was originally called Moura Joint Venture. The Moura Mine commenced operation in 1961. Since 1994, all production at Moura has been from its surface operation. Production tonnage has been increasing steadily throughout the years. After a few changes of ownership, Anglo Coal acquired a 51% share in 2002. In September 2003, the adjacent Theodore deposit was developed which further expanded its capacity. Anglo Coal Australia and Mitsui Coal Holdings intend to recapitalize their existing operations at the Moura mine and to establish two additional operations on adjacent tenures. The new and expanded operations are known as the Dawson Complex. Moura Joint Venture has already changed its name to Dawson Joint Venture. The joint venture’s capital expenditure was estimated in excess of A$1 billion. Expansion work of the Dawson complex was completed in the year ended March 31, 2008, aiming to boost annual coal production from the present capacity of 6.5 million tons per annum to 12.7 million tons of metallurgical and thermal coals.

German Creek Joint Venture

Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd. (30%)

Queensland, Australia

German Creek

   Open pit mining commenced in 1981. Underground mining in the Central Colliery area started in 1984, while underground mining in the Southern Colliery area began in 1988. Grasstree is a new underground mine which commenced production in 2006 and produces hard coking coal for our export markets. In addition, the joint venture has started the development of Lake Lindsay mine, a new open cut mine adjacent to German Creek mine, with estimated ultimate completion during 2009, to increase the aggregate annual production from 6 to 10 million tons per annum and to extend the total joint venture’s mine life by about 11 years.

 

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Production Tonnage

IRON ORE

Production tonnage figures in the table below represent those of marketable products as tonnage after accounting for extraction and beneficiation losses.

 

Joint Venture or Investee and

Name of Mines

 

Mitsui’s Subsidiary
or
Associated Company

      In Thousands of Tons
        Year Ended March 31,
        2009   2008   2007
   

Location

  Total
Production
  Mitsui’s
Share
  Total
Production
  Mitsui’s
Share
  Total
Production
  Mitsui’s
Share
Robe River Iron Associates   Mitsui Iron Ore Development Pty. Ltd.   Pilbara Region, Western Australia            

Pannawonica(1)

      21,810   7,197   26,132   8,624   28,960   9,557

West Angelas

      23,773   7,845   26,756   8,829   24,866   8,206
Mt. Newman Joint Venture   Mitsui Itochu Iron Pty. Ltd.   Pilbara Region, Western Australia            

Mt. Whaleback(2)

      37,993   2,660   42,808   2,997   39,828   2,788
Yandi Joint Venture   Mitsui Iron Ore Development Pty. Ltd.   Pilbara Region, Western Australia            

Marillana Creek

      45,859   3,210   46,253   3,238   40,872   2,861
Mt. Goldsworthy Joint Venture   Mitsui Iron Ore Development Pty. Ltd.   Pilbara Region, Western Australia            

Northern

(Yarrie)

(Nimingarra)

      1,632   114   1,041   73   3,341   234

Area C

      42,038   2,943   27,744   1,942   24,011   1,681
Sesa Goa Limited(3)   Sesa Goa Limited   India            

Codli, Sonshi

    Goa   —     —     —     —     4,125   2,104

Chitradurga, Hospet

    Karnataka   —     —     —     —     1,433   736
                           
    TOTAL   173,105   23,969   170,734   25,703   167,446   28,167
                           

 

(1) The Pannawonica mine is composed of Mesa J, a producing mine, and other adjacent mines.
(2) “Name of Mines” indicates the names of principal producing mines.
(3) We sold our whole stake in Sesa Goa Limited in April 2007.

 

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COAL

Production tonnage figures in the table below represent those of marketable products as tonnage after accounting for extraction and beneficiation losses.

 

Joint Venture or Investee and

Name of Mines

 

Mitsui’s Subsidiary

or

Associated Company

      In Thousands of Tons
        Year Ended March 31,
        2009   2008   2007
    Location   Total
Production
  Mitsui’s
Share
  Total
Production
  Mitsui’s
Share
  Total
Production
  Mitsui’s
Share
BHP Mitsui Coal Pty. Ltd.(1)   BHP Mitsui Coal Pty. Ltd.   Queensland,
Australia
           

South Walker Creek

      2,862   572   3,422   684   3,049   610

Poitrel

      2,270   454   1,438   288   373   75

Bengalla Joint Venture(2)

  Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd.   New South
Wales,
Australia
  5,357   536   5,155   516   5,544   554

Kestrel Joint Venture(2)

  Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd.   Queensland,
Australia
  4,018   804   3,621   724   3,592   718

Dawson Joint Venture (formerly “Moura Joint Venture”(2))

  Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd.   Queensland,
Australia
  6,936   3,399   5,984   2,932   6,903   3,382

German Creek Joint Venture(2)

  Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd.   Queensland,
Australia
  8,031   2,409   5,880   1,764   4,522   1,357
                           
    TOTAL   29,474   8,174   25,500   6,908   23,983   6,696
                           

 

(1) Productions of BHP Mitsui Coal Pty. Ltd. indicate productions for the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006.
(2) Productions of joint ventures Bengalla, Kestrel, Dawson and German Creek indicate productions for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

Reserve Tonnage

IRON ORE

Reserves of iron ore classified according to operator are presented in the tables below.

Operator: Rio Tinto Ltd.( 1)(2)(3)

Reserves as disclosed by Rio Tinto Ltd. consist of proved and probable reserves.

 

Joint Venture or Investee and
Name of Mines

 

Mitsui’s
Subsidiary or
Associated
Company

          In Million of Tons
            Year Ended December 31,
            2008   2007   2006
    Location   Type of
Mine
  Total
Reserve
  Fe
Basis
(%)
  Mitsui’s
Share
  Total
Reserve
  Fe
Basis
(%)
  Mitsui’s
Share
  Total
Reserve
  Mitsui’s
Share

Robe River Iron Associates

  Mitsui Iron Ore Development Pty. Ltd.   Pilbara
Region,
Western

Australia

                 

Pannawonica(4)

      Open Pit   267   57.2   88   288   57.2   95   327   18
      Stockpile   20   56.9   7   16   56.9   5   17   6

West Angelas

      Open Pit   368   61.8   121   385   61.8   127   403   133
      Stockpile   6   58.0   2   6   59.3   2   6   2

 

(1) Iron ore reserves are shown as recoverable reserves of saleable product after accounting for all mining and processing losses. Mill recoveries are not shown.
(2) Reserves of Robe River Iron Associates indicate reserves as of the end of December 2008, 2007 and 2006.
(3) Iron ore price (based on a three year average historical price to June 30 2008) used to test whether the reported reserve estimate could be economically extracted was Australian benchmark price (fines) – US$0.79 per dry metric ton unit.
(4) The Pannawonica mine is composed of Mesa J, a producing mine, and some adjacent mines.

 

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Operator: BHP Billiton Ltd.(1)(2)(3)( 4)(9)(10)(11)

Reserve amounts of Mt. Newman, Yandi and Mt. Goldsworthy consist of proved and probable reserves.

 

Joint Venture or Investee and
Name of Mines

 

Mitsui’s
Subsidiary or
Associated
Company

          In Millions of Tons
            Year Ended June 30,
            2008   2007   2006
   

Location

  Ore
Type
  Total
Reserve
  Fe
Basis
(%)
  Mitsui’s
Share
  Total
Reserve
  Fe
Basis
(%)
  Mitsui’s
Share
  Total
Reserve
  Mitsui’s
Share
Mt. Newman Joint Venture(5)   Mitsui Itochu Iron Pty. Ltd.   Pilbara Region, Western Australia                  

Mt. Whaleback

      BKM   823   62.6   58   780   62.6   55   733   51
      MM   65   61.9   5   67   62.2   5   66   5

Mt. Goldsworthy Joint Venture

  Mitsui Iron Ore Development Pty. Ltd.   Pilbara Region, Western Australia                  

Northern(6)

      NIM   24   59.2   2   3   59.9   0   7   0

(Yarrie)

                     

(Nimingarra)

                     

Area C(7)

      BKM   180   62.0   13          
      MM   396   61.9   28   418   61.9   29   442   31
Yandi Joint Venture(8)   Mitsui Iron Ore Development Pty. Ltd.   Pilbara Region, Western Australia                  

Marillana Creek

      CID   1,092   57.2   76   913   57.5   64   848   59

 

(1) The reserves are divided into joint ventures and material types that reflect the various products produced. The West Australian ore types are classified as per the host Archaean or Proterozoic banded iron formations. Ore types are BKM – Brockman, MM – Marra Mamba, NIM – Nimingarra, CID – Channel Iron Deposit.
(2) For Mt. Newman, Mt. Goldsworthy and Yandi joint ventures tonnages represent wet tons based on the following moisture contents: BKM - 3%, MM - 4%, CID - 8%, NIM - 3.5%. Iron ore is marketed as Lump (direct blast furnace feed) and Fines (sinter plant feed).
(3) Metallurgical recoveries for the operations are 100% except for Mt. Newman Joint Venture BKM where recovery is 92%.
(4) Some cut-off grades have been adjusted to align with revised product strategy. Cut-off grades used to estimate reserves: Mt.Newman 50-62%Fe for BKM, 59%Fe for MM; Mt.Goldsworthy 50%Fe for NIM, 57%Fe for MM, 59.5%Fe for BKM; Yandi 55-55.5%Fe for CID.
(5) Changes to Mt. Newman Joint Venture for 2008 are due to additional deposit definition drilling, new geological interpretation and deposit models for Whaleback, Orebody 24, Orebody 25 Pit 4 and Orebody 30, and changed MM and BKM (except Whaleback) cut-off grade from 60%Fe to 59%Fe.
(6) Changes to Mt. Goldsworthy Joint Venture Northern for 2008 are due to the inclusion of Cundaline, Nimingarra A and B deposits, and a change in cut-off from 58%Fe to 50%Fe for Cattle Gorge.
(7) Changes to Mt. Goldsworthy Joint Venture Area C for 2008 are due to additional deposit definition drilling, new geological interpretation and deposit models for A Deposit, Packsaddle 1 and 3, New Reserve for Packsaddle 1 and 3 (BKM).
(8) Changes to Yandi Joint Venture for 2008 are due to a change in cut-off grade from 56%Fe to 55%Fe and 55.5%Fe, additional deposit definition drilling, new geological interpretation and deposit modeling for Yandi W1 and E4, and new pit designs.
(9) Reserves provided in the table above indicate reserves as of the end of June 2008, 2007 and 2006.
(10) Reserves provided in the table above do not exceed the quantities that we estimate could be extracted economically if future prices at similar levels to long-term contracted prices for the three years to December 31, 2007.
(11) “Name of Mines” indicates the names of principal producing mines.

 

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COAL

In the table below, coal reserves are shown as marketable reserves, which are tonnage after accounting for extraction and processing and preparation losses.

Operator: BHP Billiton Ltd.(1)(2)

 

     Mitsui’s
Subsidiary or
Associated
Company
  Location  

In Millions of Tons

Joint Venture or Investee
and Name of Mines

     

Year Ended June 30,

          2008   2007   2006
     

Coal
Type

  Total
Reserve
  Sulphur
Content
(%)
  Mitsui’s
Share
  Total
Reserve
  Sulphur
Content
(%)
  Mitsui’s
Share
  Total
Reserve
  Mitsui’s
Share
BHP Mitsui Coal Pty. Ltd.(1)   BHP Mitsui
Coal Pty. Ltd.
  Queensland,
Australia
                 

South Walker Creek

      Met/Th   31   0.39   6   35   0.37   7   34   7

Poitrel

      Met/Th   53   0.36   11   51   0.36   10   —     —  

 

(1) Reserves provided in the table above indicate reserves as of the end of June 2008, 2007 and 2006. Poitrel mine commenced production in November 2006.
(2) Coal Types are Met – metallurgical and Th – thermal coal.

Operator: Rio Tinto Ltd.(1)(2)

 

Joint
Venture
or
Investee
and

Name of
Mines

 

Mitsui’s

Subsidiary

or
Associated
Company

 

Location

 

In Millions of Tons

     

Year Ended December 31,

          2008   2007   2006
     

Coal
Type

  Total
Reserve
  Calorific
Value
(MJ/kg)
  Sulphur
Content
(%)
  Mitsui’s
Share
  Total
Reserve
  Calorific
Value
(MJ/kg)
  Sulphur
Content
(%)
  Mitsui’s
Share
  Total
Reserve
  Mitsui’s
Share
Bengalla Joint Venture(2)  

Mitsui Coal

Holdings Pty.

Ltd.

  New South Wales, Australia   Th   132   28.21   0.47   13   137   28.21   0.47   14   150   15
Kestrel Joint Venture(2)  

Mitsui Coal

Holdings Pty.

Ltd.

  Queensland, Australia   Met/Th   131   31.60   0.59   26   136   31.60   0.59   27   112   22

 

(1) Reserves provided in the table above indicate reserves as of the end of December 2008, 2007 and 2006.
(2) Coal Types are Met – metallurgical and Th – thermal coal.

Operator: Anglo American Plc.(1)(2)

 

Joint Venture or Investee and
Name of Mines

  Mitsui’s
Subsidiary or
Associated
Company
  Location  

In Millions of Tons

     

Year Ended December 31,

          2008   2007   2006
     

Coal
Type

  Total
Reserve
  Mitsui’s
Share
  Total
Reserve
  Mitsui’s
Share
  Total
Reserve
  Mitsui’s
Share

Dawson Joint Venture(2)
(formerly Moura Joint Venture)

  Mitsui Coal

Holdings
Pty. Ltd.

  Queensland,
Australia
  Met/Th   274   134   281   138   288   141

German Creek Joint Venture(2) (including Lake Lindsay Mine)

  Mitsui Coal

Holdings
Pty. Ltd.

  Queensland,
Australia
  Met   147   44   140   42   168   50

 

(1) Reserves provided in the table above indicate reserves as of the end of December 2008, 2007 and 2006.
(2) Coal Types are Met – metallurgical and Th – thermal coal.

 

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Equity Production Tonnage and Reserves through associated company (IRON ORE)

We hold a 15% profit share in Valepar S.A., which held a 33.3% profit share of the common stock and preferred stock of Vale S.A. (the former Companhia Vale do Rio Doce, which has been renamed legally effective May 22, 2009) as of December 31, 2008. Accordingly, 5.0% (33.3% x 15%) of Vale’s production and reserve amounts are indirectly attributable to us. The following table provides iron ore production and reserve amounts for Vale, and Mitsui’s share of the production and reserve amounts of Vale.

Production Tonnage (for the year ended December 31)

 

Millions of Tons

2008

 

2007

 

2006

Total Production

 

Mitsui’s Share

 

Total Production

 

Mitsui’s Share

 

Total Production

 

Mitsui’s Share

293.4

  14.7   295.9   14.4   264.2   12.9

Proven and Probable Reserves (as of December 31)

 

Millions of Tons

2008

 

2007

 

2006

Total Reserve

 

Fe Basis (%)

 

Mitsui’s Share

 

Total Reserve

 

Fe Basis (%)

 

Mitsui’s Share

 

Total Reserve

 

Mitsui’s Share

14,328.8

  59.0   716.0   7,267.8   56.9   353.9   7,619.3   371.0

Vale’s iron ore reserve estimates increased from 7,267.8 to 14,328.8 million tons. The increase mainly reflects (i) the inclusion of the huge reserves of S11, part of the Serra Sul deposit in Carajás, (ii) the expansion of the N4W reserves into a continuous body to the south of the deposit, and (iii) the inclusion of the low-grade itabirite reserves for the Vargem Grande complex (the Tamanduá, Capitão do Mato and Abóboras mines). All of these deposits have been intensively drilled over the past four years, and the related projects (Serra Sul, Carajás 130 Mt, and Vargem Grande (formerly Itabiritos)) are now in feasibility or pre-feasibility stages. Moreover, Vale’s reserve estimates for Segredo/João Pereira increased due to the expansion of the open-pit project, which was undertaken in order to include low-grade materials, that will be used to feed a new concentration plant. Changes in the other reserves reflect mining production during the year and small changes in new updated geological models and/or pit designs and reserve classifications.

Oil and Gas Producing Activities

The following table shows crude oil, condensate, natural gas liquids and natural gas production from our reserves for the three fiscal years indicated:

Production Information

 

    Millions of Barrels   Billions of Cubic Feet
    Crude Oil, Condensate and
Natural Gas Liquids(1)
  Natural Gas(1)(3)
    Consolidated Companies   Associated
Companies
  Worldwide   Consolidated Companies   Associated
Companies
  Worldwide

Year Ended
March 31,

  Oceania
and
Asia
  Middle
East
  Others   Oceania   Others     Oceania
and
Asia
  Middle
East
  Others   Oceania   Others  

2009

  19   3   2   5   1   30   98   5   5   44   2   154

2008

  16   3   2   5   1   27   107   6   5   44   3   165

2007

  11   3   1   6   4   25   96   6   3   45   6   156

 

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The following tables show proved reserves and proved developed reserves of crude oil, condensate, natural gas liquids and natural gas as of the ending date of three fiscal years indicated:

Proved Reserve Information:

Proved Reserves

 

    Millions of Barrels   Billions of Cubic Feet
    Crude Oil, Condensate and
Natural Gas Liquids(1)
  Natural Gas(1)(3)
    Consolidated Companies   Associated
Companies
    Worldwide   Consolidated Companies   Associated
Companies
    Worldwide

As of March 31,

  Oceania
and
Asia
    Middle
East
  Others   Oceania   Others       Oceania
and
Asia
    Middle
East
  Others   Oceania   Others    

2009

  61 (4)    17   13   33   3      127   632 (4)    44   25   714   185      1,600

2008

  74 (4)    18   14   35   4 (5)    145   664 (4)    32   31   722   189 (5)    1,638

2007

  72 (4)    23   15   37   91      238   344 (4)    31   38   740   1,668      2,821

Proved Developed Reserves(2)

 

    Millions of Barrels   Billions of Cubic Feet
    Crude Oil, Condensate and
Natural Gas Liquids(1)
  Natural Gas(1)(3)
    Consolidated Companies   Associated
Companies
  Worldwide   Consolidated Companies   Associated
Companies
  Worldwide

As of March 31,

  Oceania
and
Asia
    Middle
East
  Others   Oceania   Others     Oceania
and
Asia
    Middle
East
  Others   Oceania   Others  

2009

  44 (4)    14   10   21   3   92   353 (4)    29   15   392   181   970

2008

  55 (4)    14   11   20   3   102   322 (4)    15   21   454   182   994

2007

  46 (4)    18   11   21   24   120   299 (4)    19   24   385   11   738

 

(1) 1 barrel of crude oil = 5,800 cubic feet of natural gas
(2) The proportion of Proved Developed Reserves to Proved Developed and Undeveloped Reserves was about 34 percent as of March 31, 2007 and relatively low. The expected costs to develop these undeveloped reserves were estimated to be ¥502 billion in total as of March 31, 2007. The proportion of Proved Developed Reserves to Proved Developed and Undeveloped Reserves was about 64 percent as of March 31, 2008 and the expected costs to develop these undeveloped reserves were estimated to be ¥248 billion in total as of March 31, 2008. This large proportion change is mainly due to the reduction of Mitsui’s interest in Sakhalin II project. The proportion of Proved Developed Reserves to Proved Developed and Undeveloped Reserves was about 64 percent as of March 31, 2009 and almost same level compared to the percentage as of March 31, 2008. The expected costs to develop these undeveloped reserves were estimated to be ¥369 billion in total as of March 31, 2009.
(3) The proved gas reserves are restricted to those volumes that are related to firm sales commitments.
(4) Includes total proved reserves attributable to Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. of 19 million, 37 million and 32 million barrels of Crude oil, Condensate and Natural Gas Liquids and 265 billions, 636 billions and 584 billions of cubic feet of Natural Gas in March 2007, 2008 and 2009, as well as proved developed reserves of 18 million, 18 million and 19 million barrels of Crude oil, Condensate and Natural Gas Liquids and 227 billions, 294 billions and 339 billions of cubic feet of Natural Gas in March 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively, in which there were a 49.7 percent, 48.5 percent and 46.5 percent minority interest.
(5) Includes decreases of 96 million barrels in sales of Crude oil, Condensate and Natural Gas Liquids and 1,658 billions of cubic feet in sales of Natural Gas in place, which were mainly related to the reduction of Mitsui’s interest in Sakhalin II project.

The estimated net quantities of oil and gas applicable to long-term supply or similar agreements with foreign governments or authorities in which Mitsui acts as producer have not exceeded, nor do they now exceed, one percent of the amount of our total proved reserve for the respective commodity. The tables above reflect such estimated net quantities.

 

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Furthermore, the estimated net quantities of oil and gas received during each of the last three fiscal years applicable to long-term supply or similar agreements with foreign governments or authorities in which Mitsui acts as producer have not exceeded, nor do they now exceed, one percent of the amount of our total annual production of the respective commodity.

Information on our oil and gas producing activities, which also reflects the immediately preceding sentence, is shown in the “Supplemental Information on Oil and Gas Producing Activities (Unaudited)” to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report. Also see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating Results by Operating Segment—Energy Segment.”

Item 4A.    Unresolved Staff Comments

We are a large accelerated filer as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. There are no written comments which have been provided by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding our periodic reports under that Act not less than 180 days before the end of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009 and which remain unresolved as of the date of the filing of this Form 20-F with the Commission and which we believe are material.

Item 5.    Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

 

A. Operating Results

You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with “Selected Financial Data” and our consolidated financial statements that appear elsewhere in this annual report. Please note that you should be aware that this discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.

As used in this Operating and Financial Review and Prospects, “Mitsui” is used to refer to Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (Mitsui Bussan Kabushiki Kaisha), and “we,” “us,” and “our” are used to indicate Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated.

In the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the “Company” is used to refer to Mitsui & Co., Ltd., and the “companies” is used to refer to Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated.

All references to “Note” throughout the Operating and Financial Review and Prospects relate to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained elsewhere in this Annual Report.

Throughout the Operating and Financial Review and Prospects, we describe the domicile of our subsidiaries and associated companies in parentheses following names of those companies. For example, Mitsui Iron Ore Development, Pty. Ltd. (Australia) means that the company’s name is Mitsui Iron Ore Development, Pty. Ltd. and that it is domiciled in Australia.

Operations of a subsidiary that has either been disposed of or is classified as held for sale have been accounted for as discontinued operations under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). This means that income statement and cash flow information is reclassified for past years to separate the discontinued operations from our continuing operations. This presentation is required by U.S. GAAP and facilitates historical and future trend analysis of our continuing operations.

 

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Key Performance Measures under Management’s Discussion

Although our operating results and financial condition are influenced by various factors, management believes that as of the end of the fiscal year under review the following indicators can be usefully employed to discuss trends in our performance and financial condition.

Gross profit, operating income* and equity in earnings of associated companies

We undertake worldwide business activities, involving diversified risk-return profiles, ranging from intermediary services as agent to development and production activities of mineral resources and energy. In this context, changes in the amounts of gross profit, operating income and equity in earnings of associated companies by operating segment reflect the overall progress of our business, and greatly affect the amount of net income in the Statements of Consolidated Income. For further information, refer to the table of “Operating Segment Information” and subsequent discussions in “Operating Results by Operating Segment” in this Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.

Trends in the price of and supply-demand for mineral resources and energy

In recent years, we have observed a rapid growth in the operating results from our mineral resources and energy producing activities; and, the significance of these operations to our overall operating results has increased dramatically. These results have been brought on by rising prices as well as increased production, reflecting globally tightened supplies and increased demands and increased prices of mineral resources and energy that have been driven by expanding demand from emerging countries, particularly China. Furthermore, management recognize that for some time to come such global supply-demand balance and price fluctuations of mineral resources and energy will continuously have a material impact, positive or negative, on our operating results, financial condition and business. For further information regarding trends and prospects in this field, refer to the sections relating to the Mineral & Metal Resources Segment and the Energy Segment in “Operating Results by Operating Segment.”

Investment plans and cash flow from investing activities; and financial leverage

Consistent with our Medium-Term Management Outlook announced in May 2006, we have been engaged in establishing a group-wide strategic business portfolio, by leveraging proactive investment activities in the four business areas of Mineral Resources and Energy; Global Marketing Networks, including steel products, chemicals and machinery; Infrastructure, including power generation; and Consumer Services, including outsourcing services and content businesses. In parallel, management monitors the progress of investment plans quarterly and addresses divestitures of existing assets in order to maintain an optimum portfolio structure and also to generate additional cash flows as a source for the above-mentioned investments. Mitsui is monitoring and managing a group-wide financial leverage seeking to secure an efficient return on equity as well as maintaining and improving credit ratings and financial stability in order to secure necessary capital resources for investments as well as to refinance our interest bearing debt. For further information regarding details of expenditures and our financial policy, refer to “Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

 

 

* Operating Income

Operating income is included in the measure of segment performance reviewed by the chief operating decision maker. Operating income is comprised of our (a) gross profit, (b) selling, general and administrative expenses and (c) provision for doubtful receivables, as presented in the Statements of Consolidated Income.

 

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Results of Operations

Summary of Operations for the Years Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

Principal developments in the economic environment that influenced our operations during the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 included the following:

Operating Environment for the Year Ended March 31, 2009

During the first half of the current fiscal year, the United States economy continued to expand steadily supported by strong exports and by better-than-expected consumer spending boosted by the tax rebates made in spring that tended to mitigate the effects of the increases in the prices of oil and food products. The Asian economy also continued to show strong growth boosted by expanded domestic construction and capital investments as well as increases in exports, mainly in China, despite the fact that inflation in the region had risen due to a continued run-up in energy and food prices.

However, in September what had begun in the summer of 2007 with market turmoil surrounding U.S. subprime mortgages turned into a financial tsunami engulfing the largest U.S. insurance company and triggering the largest U.S. bankruptcy and rapidly transformed into a full-blown global financial crisis in the fall of 2008.

In the United States, the contraction in activity in 2009 is triggering a rapid demand destruction coupled with sharp declines in equity markets. Authorities have implemented various drastic plans for rehabilitating the financial sector as well as continued policy support to bolster domestic demand. Global economic activity has continued to decline ever since then, with advanced economies experiencing their sharpest declines in the post-war era, reflecting an intensification of the corrosive interplays between the financial crisis and real activity, notwithstanding continued policy efforts.

In the Euro area, the decline in activity in 2009 reflects a sharp collapse in external demand, the impact of housing market corrections in some member states, and an intensification of financing constraints.

Growth also plunged across a broad front of emerging and developing economies, as well as in low-income economies, reflecting the interaction of weakening external demand, tightening financial constraints, and plunging commodity prices.

Emerging Asia is being hurt through its reliance on manufacturing exports. The region’s manufacturing activity has been particularly hurt by collapsing IT exports. Growth in China is also slowing from higher growth rates of the past years albeit domestic demand is being supported by strong policy stimulus.

In Japan, the sharp fall in output reflects plunging net exports and business investment and faltering private consumption. The financial sector—though not at the epicenter of the crisis—is also suffering ill effects. The dramatic decline of export volumes which had been growing steadily, resulted in an unprecedented destocking, downward revisions of business investment plans and employment adjustment throughout nearly every industry. Responding to such a critical situation, the Japanese government implemented a policy stimulus and the Bank of Japan reduced the policy interest rate and purchased Japanese government bonds.

Commodity markets too are at a crossroad. Prices in energy, metals and all other commodity markets fell sharply reflecting slower growth and an increase in risk aversion. Future oil price (WTI) reached the highest price ever of U.S.$147.27 in July 2008, and then fell sharply to U.S.$33 per barrel at one time in December. Japanese Yen appreciated against almost all currencies and even reached ¥87 against U.S.$1.00 at one point. Nikkei Stock Average continued to move downward amid the same downward trend in the global equity markets, and plunged to less than ¥7,000, which is its lowest daily price after the bubble era.

The external factors influencing operating results and our businesses are 1) sharp curtailment in shipments for coal and iron ore triggered by the economic downturn despite contribution from large increases in annual contract

 

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prices for the two commodities, 2) plunging oil prices, 3) lower sales and drop in prices of various merchandise as a result of rapid global demand destruction and unprecedented destocking throughout almost every value chain and 4) continued precipitation of equity markets all over the globe. Notwithstanding a significant downward revision to the forecast, downside risks continue to dominate. Yet, global financial and economic conditions could rebound faster than anticipated if policy measures are credibly strengthened. While exceptional uncertainty far exceeds that seen during typical downturns, the right policies could help remedy the “crisis of confidence”, providing a lift to spending and growth. In this regards, we intend to be cautiously optimistic.

Operating Environment for the Year Ended March 31, 2008

The global economy continued to expand vigorously supported by generally sound fundamentals and strong momentum in the Asian economy, led by China, and resilient activities in Europe and Japan, despite increasing uncertainty about the outlook of the United States with concerns that financial market strains could deepen and trigger a more pronounced economic slowdown.

Continued run-up of prices of internationally traded commodities such as metals and crude oil, as well as continued strong growth of domestic demand in emerging countries, including BRICs, for capital investment and consumption were the two major factors influencing the operating results and businesses of Mitsui and its subsidiaries. These factors particularly boosted operating results of our mineral resources and energy related activities and supported steady business performance in steel products, machinery & infrastructure and chemicals.

On a regional basis, the business sentiment in the United States, which enjoyed moderate growth during the first half of the year as a result of healthy consumer spending, reflecting robust performance in the business sector and growth in real disposable income, deteriorated significantly in the second half, reflecting financial stress which erupted in August 2007 as the subprime mortgage market was derailed, leading to tightening of credit conditions, considerable deceleration of consumer spending due to sharp increases in the prices of crude oil and food products, as well as softening of the labor market. The European economy slowed down moderately as construction investments peaked out in the region. In Japan, exports of automotive, steel and chemical products to emerging economies drove a high level of industrial production. On the other hand, uncertainties increased in the corporate and household sectors reflecting a decline in construction investments caused by revision of the Japanese building standards regulation as well as rising prices of material costs and consumer goods including foodstuffs.

Looking into financial and foreign exchange markets, the Federal Reserve Board of the United States (“FRB”) implemented a series of interest rate cuts to try to stabilize the financial market. In foreign exchange markets, the U.S. dollar continued to depreciate against most major currencies, and fell below ¥100/ U.S. dollar in March 2008, the lowest value in 13 years. Furthermore, stock markets worldwide saw falling share prices in the latter half of the fiscal year.

Overview of the Financial Results for the Year Ended March 31, 2009

 

   

Operating results

The group posted consolidated net income of ¥177.6 billion, a sharp decline of ¥232.5 billion, or down 56.7%, from ¥410.1 billion for the corresponding previous year. Major developments during the two fiscal years were as follows;

 

 

Operating results during the first half of the current fiscal year were solid reflecting a continued broad-based surge in the emerging and developing economies. Following the banking crisis that erupted in mid-September 2008, the financial markets unraveled and took with them consumer confidence. The rapid demand destruction and unprecedented destocking throughout nearly every value chain resulted in lower sales volume and a sharp drop in prices of all merchandise which triggered a decline in net income of all segments excluding the Energy Segment and Asia Pacific

 

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Segment compared with the previous fiscal year. The Energy Segment reported an increase in net income due to the time lag in consolidating their earnings into our operating results as well as the price formulas while the Asia Pacific Segment posted an increase reflecting the higher prices of coal and iron ore.

 

  With the scale and scope of the current financial crisis taking the global economy into uncharted waters, the Group recognized additional impairment losses on unlisted securities, goodwill and long lived assets including real estate related losses in the Consumer Service & IT Segment and the Europe, the Middle East and Africa Segment and impairment losses on goodwill and long lived assets in the Americas Segment, after reviewing business plans of relevant businesses in the three month period ended March 31, 2009.

 

  Due to the sharp decline in equity markets, the Group recognized impairment losses of ¥117.4 billion including those of listed securities such as those of Mitsui Chemical held by the Chemical Segment, Nippon Steel Corporation held by the Iron & Steel Products Segment and Yamaha Motor held by the Machinery & Infrastructure Projects Segment. In addition, reflecting declines in listed shares of Sims Metal Management Limited (Australia) and Penske Automotive Group (United States), Inc., we recognized impairment losses in equity in earnings of associated companies-net for both companies.

 

 

Substantial one-off gains on sales of securities and divestiture in the previous year amounting to approximately ¥93 billion (after tax) were recorded. Those gains include sales of the Group’s stakes in mineral resources and energy businesses, such as Sesa Goa Limited (India), Sakhalin II in Russia, Wandoo Petroleum Pty. Ltd. (Australia) and EBM (Brazil)(*1), gains on sale of aircraft held by Tombo Aviation, Inc. (United States) as well as a gain on land sale in Europe in the automotive field.

 

  Return-on-Equity for the year ended March 31, 2009 was 8.7%, a decline of 10.4 percentage points from 19.1% for the previous year.

 

   

Financial condition

Total assets as of March 31, 2009 were ¥8.4 trillion, a decline of ¥1.1 trillion from ¥9.5 trillion as of March 31, 2008.

With prices of virtually all merchandises including commodities plummeting from the three month period ended December 31, 2008, current assets declined by ¥0.6 trillion. Investments and plant, property and equipment (“PPE”) declined by ¥0.5 trillion compared to the previous fiscal year end. The decline was attributable to decreases in investment in foreign associated companies, in PPE held by foreign subsidiaries and in listed securities resulting from the appreciation of the Japanese Yen against major currencies and sharp decline in equity markets all over the world in the second half of the current fiscal year, partially offset by additional investment in Valepar S.A. (Brazil) and various capital expenditures for the expansions made by the Mineral & Metal Resources and the Energy segments. Shareholders’ equity as of March 31, 2009 was ¥1.9 trillion, a decline of ¥0.3 trillion from ¥2.2 trillion as of March 31, 2008, due to the stronger Japanese Yen and lower equity prices offset by a slight increase in retained earnings. Net Debt-to-Equity Ratio (“Net DER”)(*2) as of March, 2009 was 1.34 times, an increase of 0.07 point from 1.27 times as of March 31, 2008.

 

   

Cash flows

As operating income slightly increased to ¥394.7 billion and cash inflow from the collection of trade receivables as well as changes in other operating assets and liabilities contributed positively, net cash

 

 

(*1) Empreendimentos Brasileiros de Mineração S.A.
(*2) Net DER is comprised of “net interest bearing debt” divided by shareholders’ equity. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

 

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provided by operating activities for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥582.7 billion. Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended March, 2009 was ¥290.9 billion due mainly to an additional investment in Valepar S.A., and other expansion related expenditures for natural resources in the Mineral & Metal Resources and the Energy Segments. As a result, free cash flow (*3) for the year ended March 31, 2009 was net inflow of ¥291.8 billion.

Overview of the Financial Results for the Year Ended March 31, 2008

 

   

Operating results

 

  We recorded consolidated net income of ¥410.1 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008, a significant increase of ¥108.6 billion, or 36.0%, from ¥301.5 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. In regards to the individual segments, the Mineral & Metal Resources and the Energy businesses made outstanding performances with increases of ¥78.7 billion and ¥48.4 billion, respectively, reflecting substantial one-off gains on divestitures such as Sesa Goa Limited in India and Sakhalin II in Russia as well as increases in energy equity production and mineral resource prices. The Iron & Steel Products, the Chemicals and the Machinery and Infrastructure Projects businesses continued to post robust results, and the Foods & Retail business, which had recorded significant impairment losses in the previous years, improved its performance by ¥22.8 billion with restructuring efforts paying off.

 

  The Americas recorded a downturn by ¥12.6 billion from write downs on inventories in the residential home businesses and a slowdown in its businesses in the United States, triggered by the subprime mortgage issues. In addition, several business units at the headquarters of Mitsui, including the Automotive and the Financial Markets businesses, recorded write downs on domestic listed securities.

 

   

Financial condition

Total assets as of March 31, 2008 were ¥9.5 trillion, a decline of ¥0.3 trillion from ¥9.8 trillion as of March 31, 2007. Despite active investing activities mainly at the Machinery & Infrastructure Projects, the Mineral & Metal Resources, the Energy and the Americas segments combined total of investments and plants, property and equipment (“PPE”) declined by ¥0.2 trillion due to:

 

  a partial divestiture of our stake in the Sakhalin II project by ¥0.2 trillion; and

 

  the impact from a decline in the domestic stock market and appreciation of the Japanese yen against the U.S. dollar, which resulted in net ¥0.2 trillion decline in combined sum of unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale securities and foreign currency translation adjustments in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

As of March 31, 2008, shareholders’ equity was ¥2.2 trillion as a result of current year earnings, and Net Debt-to-Equity Ratio (“Net DER”) was 1.27 times, a decline of 0.20 point from 1.47 times as of March 31, 2007. Return on Equity (“ROE”) during the period on an annualized basis is computed as 19.1%.

 

   

Cash flows

Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥415.8 billion, an increase of ¥176.5 billion from the year ended March 31, 2007, reflecting steady growth in operating income. Net cash used by investing activities was ¥104.8 billion, reflecting the above-mentioned new investments and expansion projects largely offset by the material divestitures of interests in Sakhalin II project, Sesa Goa Ltd., and other assets.

 

 

(*3) Free cash flow is sum of net cash provided/(used) by operating activities and net cash provided/(used) by investing activities. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

 

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Impact of Foreign Currency Exchange Fluctuation on Operating Results for 2009

Total sum of net income for the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 reported by overseas subsidiaries and associated companies were ¥254.0 billion and ¥306.9 billion, respectively. These companies principally use U.S. dollars, Australian dollars and Brazilian real as functional currency in their reporting.

The average U.S. dollar–Japanese yen exchange rate during the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥100.66 = U.S.$1, representing Japanese yen appreciation of ¥13.14, or 11.5%, compared to the average rate during the year ended March 31, 2008 of ¥113.80 = U.S.$1. As of March 31, 2009, the U.S. dollar–Japanese yen exchange rate was ¥98.23 = U.S.$1.

 

  a) Japanese yen denominated impact against the U.S. dollar, Australian dollar and Brazilian real

We conducted simplified estimation for the impact of foreign currency exchange fluctuations on net income for the year ending March 2010. We aggregated a total forecast net income in the business plans of these companies covering the year ending March 2010 according to their functional currencies. Firstly, we aggregated Australian dollar and Brazilian real denominated forecast net income of those companies using two currencies as functional currency, and secondly we aggregated the rest of net income at overseas subsidiaries and associated companies as U.S. dollar equivalent amount. We conduct a sensitivity analysis on foreign currency fluctuation towards 3 categories of aggregated net income. For example, yen appreciation by ¥1 against U.S.$1 would have the net effect of reducing net income by approximately ¥0.3 billion. Specifically, for the net income of those companies using Australian dollar and Brazilian real as functional currency, yen appreciation by ¥1 against Australian $1 and Brazilian R$1 would have the net effect of reducing net income by approximately ¥1.3 billion and ¥0.2 billion, respectively.

 

  b) Currency exchange rate risk between revenues from U.S. dollar denominated contract and costs denominated in Australian dollar and Brazilian real

Sum of net income from those companies using Australian dollar and Brazilian real as functional currency is getting significant, reflecting increasing income in mineral resources and energy producing operations. Net income of those mineral resources and energy producing companies are impacted by the currency fluctuation between U.S. dollar as a contractual currency of sales contracts and the two currencies as functional currency, affecting their Australian dollar or Brazilian real denominated revenues. We should pay attention to this in addition to the impact which is discussed in the above a).

Discussion and Analysis of Operating Results for the Years Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

Revenues

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, revenues are reported based on the gross amount billed to a customer or on the net amount retained (that is, the amount billed to a customer less the amount paid to a supplier) in the following manner.

 

   

Revenues are reported based on gross amounts for transactions where we have the related risks and rewards of ownership such as transactions mainly where we are the primary obligor in the arrangement and/or assume general inventory risk without any significant mitigation of our risk level.

 

   

Revenues are reported based on net amounts where we assume a low degree of related risks and rewards, effectively acting as an agent for the applicable products or services. A typical example of reporting revenues based on net amounts is a transaction where we receive a commission or fee at a fixed rate based on transaction volume or amount.

We classified our revenues into sales of products, sales of services and other sales with the corresponding costs of revenues.

 

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The table below provides these three categories of revenues by products in “PRODUCT INFORMATION” in Note 17, “SEGMENT INFORMATION.”(*)

 

    Billions of Yen  
    Years Ended March 31,                        
    2009   2008   Change  
    Sales of
Products
  Sales of
Services
  Other
Sales
  Total   Sales of
Products
  Sales of
Services
  Other
Sales
  Total   Sales of
Products
    Sales of
Services
    Other
Sales
    Total  

Iron and Steel

  ¥ 800.6   ¥ 64.5   ¥ 0.5   ¥ 865.6   ¥ 730.4   ¥ 70.6   ¥ 0.3   ¥ 801.3   ¥ 70.2      ¥ (6.1   ¥ 0.2      ¥ 64.3   

Non-Ferrous Metals

    165.0     7.3     25.2     197.5     56.8     9.3     13.6     79.7     108.2        (2.0     11.6        117.8   

Machinery

    226.7     97.5     70.0     394.2     276.0     123.6     78.6     478.2     (49.3     (26.1     (8.6     (84.0

Electronics & Information

    47.1     85.8     0.9     133.8     77.4     100.8     4.1     182.3     (30.3     (15.0     (3.2     (48.5

Chemicals

    1,333.0     75.5     6.4     1,414.9     1,207.5     104.2     6.9     1,318.6     125.5        (28.7     (0.5     96.3   

Energy

    1,688.2     6.5     24.6     1,719.3     1,992.1     6.9     18.7     2,017.7     (303.9     (0.4     5.9        (298.4

Foods

    567.5     43.1     0.6     611.2     533.2     38.3     1.1     572.6     34.3        4.8        (0.5     38.6   

Textiles

    11.8     14.6     2.0     28.4     14.7     19.5     4.0     38.2     (2.9     (4.9     (2.0     (9.8

General Merchandise

    15.0     4.4     0.0     19.4     33.8     6.7     0.0     40.5     (18.8     (2.3     0.0        (21.1

Property and Service Business

    26.3     80.3     44.3     150.9     87.9     73.8     48.1     209.8     (61.6     6.5        (3.8     (58.9
                                                                               

Consolidated Total

  ¥ 4,881.2   ¥ 479.5   ¥ 174.5   ¥ 5,535.2   ¥ 5,009.8   ¥ 553.7   ¥ 175.4   ¥ 5,738.9   ¥ (128.6   ¥ (74.2   ¥ (0.9   ¥ (203.7
                                                                               

 

    Billions of Yen  
    Years Ended March 31,                        
    2008   2007   Change  
    Sales of
Products
  Sales of
Services
  Other
Sales
  Total   Sales of
Products
  Sales of
Services
  Other
Sales
  Total   Sales of
Products
    Sales of
Services
    Other
Sales
    Total  

Iron and Steel

  ¥ 730.4   ¥ 70.6   ¥ 0.3   ¥ 801.3   ¥ 495.2   ¥ 71.5   ¥ 0.2   ¥ 566.9   ¥ 235.2      ¥ (0.9   ¥ 0.1      ¥ 234.4   

Non-Ferrous Metals

    56.8     9.3     13.6     79.7     71.2     9.0     19.7     99.9     (14.4     0.3        (6.1     (20.2

Machinery

    276.0     123.6     78.6     478.2     253.1     106.0     69.5     428.6     22.9        17.6        9.1        49.6   

Electronics & Information

    77.4     100.8     4.1     182.3     74.4     104.4     0.0     178.8     3.0        (3.6     4.1        3.5   

Chemicals

    1,207.5     104.2     6.9     1,318.6     1,038.9     98.4     9.3     1,146.6     168.6        5.8        (2.4     172.0   

Energy

    1,992.1     6.9     18.7     2,017.7     1,617.7     7.1     8.5     1,633.3     374.4        (0.2     10.2        384.4   

Foods

    533.2     38.3     1.1     572.6     417.2     49.3     0.5     467.0     116.0        (11.0     0.6        105.6   

Textiles

    14.7     19.5     4.0     38.2     17.1     21.2     1.5     39.8     (2.4     (1.7     2.5        (1.6

General Merchandise

    33.8     6.7     0.0     40.5     42.3     8.0     0.0     50.3     (8.5     (1.3     0.0        (9.8

Property and Service Business

    87.9     73.8     48.1     209.8     63.3     81.1     38.0     182.4     24.6        (7.3     10.1        27.4   
                                                                               

Consolidated Total

  ¥ 5,009.8   ¥ 553.7   ¥ 175.4   ¥ 5,738.9   ¥ 4,090.4   ¥ 556.0   ¥ 147.2   ¥ 4,793.6   ¥ 919.4      ¥ (2.3   ¥ 28.2      ¥ 945.3   
                                                                               

Sales of Products

Sales of products include the following four types of transactions:

 

   

the sale of products as a principal in the transactions, such as crude oil and petroleum products, petrochemical products and steel products;

 

   

the sale of manufactured products at our manufacturing subsidiaries such as feed additives by Novus International, Inc. (United States) and tea leaves by Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd. (Japan);

 

   

the sale of natural resources from iron ore and coal mining activities and oil and gas producing activities; and

 

   

the development and sale of real estate.

 

 

(*) Revenues reported in “PRODUCT INFORMATION” are classified by similarity of products as required by U.S. GAAP, and are not intended to represent classification by operating segment. As an example, revenues of “Chemicals” in “PRODUCT INFORMATION” include not only those reported in the Chemical Segment but also revenues related to various chemical businesses reported in other operating segments such as the Americas Segment. To differentiate between classification by product and classification by operating segment, classification by product is italicized in this “Revenues” section and “Gross Profit Classified by Category of Revenues” section.

 

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Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

For the year ended March 31, 2009, revenues from the sales of products were ¥4,881.2 billion, a decline of ¥128.6 billion, or 2.6%, from ¥5,009.8 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. Major factors by product were as follows:

 

   

Revenues from Energy were ¥1,688.2 billion, a decline of ¥303.9 billion from ¥1,992.1 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. Crude oil and petroleum products sales in international markets and domestic petroleum products and liquefied petroleum gas sales comprised the major part of the revenues from Energy. Revenues from sales of crude oil and petroleum products decreased at Westport Petroleum, Inc. (United States) by ¥159.8 billion. Regarding price trends of oil and gas for the year ended March 31, 2009, refer to the discussion under “Energy Segment” of “Operating Results by Operating Segment.”

 

   

Revenues from Chemicals were ¥1,333.0 billion, an increase of ¥125.5 billion from ¥1,207.5 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. In petrochemical products business, there was a decline in both product prices and sales volume in general for the second half of the fiscal year due to the credit crunch and rapidly deteriorating economic activities, however, Novus International Inc. reported an increase in revenue reflecting higher product prices and increase in sales volume supported by a strong global demand for animal feed additives. Agricultural business remains robust and the favorable market conditions and increase in sales volume for ammonia, sulfur and fertilizers for the first half of the fiscal year has also contributed to the increase in revenue.

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

For the year ended March 31, 2008, revenues from the sales of products were ¥5,009.8 billion, an increase of ¥919.4 billion, or 22.5%, from ¥4,090.4 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. Major factors by product were as follows:

 

   

Revenues from Energy were ¥1,992.1 billion, an increase of ¥374.4 billion from ¥1,617.7 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. Crude oil and petroleum products sales in international markets and domestic petroleum products and liquefied petroleum gas sales comprised the major part of the revenues from Energy. Revenues from sales of petroleum products increased at Westport Petroleum, Inc. (United States) by ¥187.7 billion. There was a new contribution of ¥79.3 billion from Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. (Japan)(*) which was newly consolidated as a subsidiary during the fourth quarter of the year ended March 31, 2007. Regarding price trends of oil and gas for the year ended March 31, 2008, refer to the discussion under “Energy Segment” of “Operating Results by Operating Segment.”

 

   

Revenues from Iron and Steel were ¥730.4 billion, an increase of ¥235.2 billion from ¥495.2 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. The increase was attributable to rising prices in iron ore and steel scrap as well as robust steel products sales, particularly in Asia. Also there was a new contribution from Steel Technologies, Inc. (United States) of ¥119.9 billion following our acquisition in June 2007. Regarding price trends of iron ore for the year ended March 31, 2008, please refer to the discussion under “Mineral & Metal resources Segment” of “Operating Results by Operating Segment.”

 

   

Revenues from Chemicals were ¥1,207.5 billion, an increase of ¥168.6 billion from ¥1,038.9 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007, primarily due to increased sales of basic petrochemicals and petrochemical intermediates of ¥118.3 billion at Mitsui, reflecting higher prices of those products as a result of rising crude oil prices.

 

 

(*) In March 2007, Mitsui acquired an additional 3% stake in Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd., formerly an associated company, increasing its voting interest in Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. to 50.3% and re-classifying Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. as a subsidiary of Mitsui.

 

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Revenues from Foods were ¥533.2 billion, an increase of ¥116.0 billion from ¥417.2 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007, mainly due to increases of ¥74.1 billion in Mitsui’s sales of grain and feedstuff, reflecting increased corn and soybean prices and active commodity markets.

Sales of Services

Sales of services include the revenues from trading margins (for our intermediary service) and commissions. For example:

 

   

As the most typical case of our services, for back-to-back sales and purchase transactions of products, we record the net amount of sale and purchase prices (namely, margin for our intermediary service) as revenues.

 

   

We provide various services such as logistics and warehouse services, information and communication services and technical support. We also facilitate arrangement of the contracts between manufacturers and customers and deliveries of the products between suppliers and customers. In these cases, the billed amounts for these services are recognized as revenues.

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

For the year ended March 31, 2009, revenues from the sales of services were ¥479.5 billion, a decline of ¥74.2 billion, or 13.4%, from ¥553.7 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. Chemicals declined by ¥28.7 billion to ¥75.5 billion from ¥104.2 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. Machinery declined by ¥26.1 billion to ¥97.5 billion from ¥123.6 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. Electronics & Information declined by ¥15.0 billion to ¥85.8 billion from ¥100.8 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. The decrease at Electronics & Information is mainly due to reclassification of T-Gaia Corporation from subsidiary to associated company, which resulted in a decline of ¥14.6 billion.

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

For the year ended March 31, 2008, revenues from the sales of services were ¥553.7 billion, a decline of ¥2.3 billion, 0.4%, from ¥556.0 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. While Machinery increased by ¥17.6 billion to ¥123.6 billion from ¥106.0 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007, Foods declined by ¥11.0 billion to ¥38.3 billion from ¥49.3 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007 and Property and Service Business declined by ¥7.3 billion to ¥73.8 billion from ¥81.1 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007.

Other Sales

Other sales principally include the revenues from:

 

   

derivative commodity instruments and derivative financial instruments held for trading purposes (by product category mainly in Energy and Non Ferrous Metals);

 

   

the revenues from leasing activities of real estate, rolling stock, ocean transport vessels and machinery equipment (by product category mainly in Property and Service Business and Machinery); and

 

   

the revenues from external consumer financing (by product category mainly in Machinery).

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

For the year ended March 31, 2009, revenues from other sales were ¥174.5 billion, a decline of ¥0.9 billion, 0.5%, from ¥175.4 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008, which was primarily attributable to the following factors:

 

   

Derivative trading revenues were ¥50.2 billion, an increase of ¥13.5 billion from the ¥36.7 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. The increase includes a profit corresponding to a foreign exchange loss of ¥13.6 billion related to commodity trading business posted in other expense-net.

 

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Leasing revenues were ¥82.6 billion, a decline of ¥7.7 billion from the ¥90.3 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008 due to less demand for and overhaul of rolling stock at leasing subsidiaries in North America and Europe.

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

For the year ended March 31, 2008, revenues from other sales were ¥175.4 billion, an increase of ¥28.2 billion, 19.2%, from ¥147.2 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007, which was primarily attributable to the following factors:

 

   

Derivative trading revenues were ¥36.7 billion, an increase of ¥3.6 billion from the ¥33.1 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. The increase was mainly attributable to a reversal effect from naphtha trading loss for the year ended March 31, 2007 at Mitsui Oil (Asia) Pte. Ltd. (Singapore), however, the improvement was partly offset by a decrease in commodity derivatives trading revenues for the year ended March 31, 2008.

 

   

Leasing revenues were ¥90.3 billion, an increase of ¥7.5 billion from the ¥82.8 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007 due to a full-year contribution from a rolling stock leasing subsidiary MRCE Dispolok Gmbh (Germany) which was acquired in October 2006.

 

   

P.T. Bussan Auto Finance (Indonesia) increased its revenue by ¥4.9 billion reflecting strong business performance in the motorcycle retail finance industry in Indonesia.

Gross Profit Classified by Category of Revenues

 

    Billions of Yen  
    Years Ended March 31,     Change between
2009 and 2008
    Change between
2008 and 2007
 
    2009     2008     2007      
    Gross
Profit
  GP
Ratio
    Gross
Profit
  GP
Ratio
    Gross
Profit
  GP
Ratio
    Gross
Profit
    GP
Ratio
    Gross
Profit
  GP
Ratio
 

Gross Profit from Sales of Products

  ¥ 597.7   12.2   ¥ 497.3   9.9   ¥ 393.6   9.6   ¥ 100.4      2.3   ¥ 103.7   0.3

Gross Profit from Sales of Services

    315.5   65.8     397.6   71.8     397.5   71.5        (82.1   (6.0 )%      0.1   0.3

Gross Profit from Other Sales

    103.1   59.1     93.2   53.1     75.2   51.1        9.9      6.0     18.0   2.0
                                                             

Total

  ¥ 1,016.3   18.4   ¥ 988.1   17.2   ¥ 866.3   18.1   ¥ 28.2      1.2   ¥ 121.8   (0.9 )% 
                                                             

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

For the year ended March 31, 2009, gross profit was ¥1,016.3 billion, an increase of ¥28.2 billion, or 2.9%, from ¥988.1 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. The Gross Profit ratio (“GP ratio”), or ratio of gross profit divided by revenues, for the year ended March 31, 2009 was 18.4%, an increase of 1.2 percentage points compared to the year ended March 31, 2008.

For the year ended March 31, 2009, gross profit from sales of products was ¥597.7 billion, an increase of ¥100.4 billion from ¥497.3 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. Gross profit from Iron and Steel was ¥182.8 billion, an increase of ¥76.7 billion from ¥106.1 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. Reflecting a significant increase in coal and iron ore prices, Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd (Australia) and Mitsui Iron Ore Development Pty. Ltd (Australia) reported increases of ¥46.6 billion and ¥23.3 billion, respectively. Gross profit from Chemical was ¥92.3 billion, an increase of ¥31.8 billion from ¥60.5 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. Novus International Inc. recorded an increase of ¥27.4 billion reflecting higher product prices and increase in sales volume supported by a strong demand for animal feed additives. Gross profit from Energy was ¥222.4 billion, a slight increase of ¥3.7 billion from ¥218.7 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Ltd reported an increase of ¥14.3 billion reflecting increase in sales volume and higher oil prices. Mitsui Marubeni Liquefied Gas Co., Ltd also contributed to the increase due to increased sales volume resulting from the merger.

 

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These contributions were partly offset by a decline of ¥22.7 billion reported by Mittwell Energy Resourses Pty., Ltd due to a decline of shipments and an increase in condensate cost as a result of the revision of the purchase price.

The GP ratio from sales of products for the year ended March 31, 2009 was 12.2%, an improvement of 2.3 percentage points compared to the year ended March 31, 2008. This 2.3 percentage point improvement was attributable to the substantial increase in gross profit (20.2% increase), particularly in Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd (Australia) of Iron and Steel reflecting a significant increase in coal prices. Revenues from sales of petroleum products decreased at Westport Petroleum, Inc. (United States) reflecting declines in the market prices, however, lower revenues do not necessarily result in decline in gross profit because its profit-earning opportunities derive from oil price fluctuations.

For the year ended March 31, 2009, gross profit from sales of services was ¥315.5 billion, a decline of ¥82.1 billion from ¥397.6 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. As illustrated by the table in three categories of revenues by products”—“Sales of Services”, Chemicals, Iron and Steel and Machinery recorded substantial declines.

The GP ratio from sales of services for the year ended March 31, 2009 was 65.8%, a decline of 6.0 percentage points compared to the year ended March 31, 2008.

For the year ended March 31, 2009, gross profit from other sales was ¥103.1 billion, an increase of ¥9.9 billion from ¥93.2 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. The major reason was gross profit corresponding to a foreign exchange loss of ¥13.6 billion related to commodity trading business posted in other expense-net.

The GP ratio from other sales for the year ended March 31, 2009 was 59.1%, an increase of 6.0 percentage points compared to the year ended March 31, 2008.

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

For the year ended March 31, 2008, gross profit was ¥988.1 billion, an increase of ¥121.8 billion, or 14.1%, from ¥866.3 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. The Gross Profit ratio (“GP ratio”), or ratio of gross profit divided by revenues, for the year ended March 31, 2008 was 17.2%, a decrease of 0.9 percentage points compared to the year ended March 31, 2007.

For the year ended March 31, 2008, gross profit from sales of products was ¥497.3 billion, an increase of ¥103.7 billion from ¥393.6 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. Gross profit from Energy was ¥218.7 billion, a significant increase of ¥91.1 billion from ¥127.6 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007, due to full year contributions of Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. by ¥58.7 billion which was newly consolidated as a subsidiary during the 4th quarter of the year ended March 31, 2007, and Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Limited which commenced a commercial production of the Enfield oil field by ¥26.4 billion. Mitsui E&P Middle East B.V. (Netherlands) and Mittwell Energy Resources Pty. Ltd. (Australia) recorded increases reflecting higher oil prices. On the other hand, Westport Petroleum, Inc. (United States) recorded a ¥12.4 billion decrease from sales of petroleum products.

The GP ratio from sales of products for the year ended March 31, 2008 was 9.9%, an improvement of 0.3 percentage points compared to the year ended March 31, 2007. This 0.3 percentage point improvement was attributable to the higher growth in gross profit (26.3% increase) than growth in revenues (22.5% increase), particularly in oil and gas producing activities of Energy reflecting the rising sales prices.

For the year ended March 31, 2008, gross profit from sales of services was ¥397.6 billion, an increase of ¥0.1 billion from ¥397.5 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. As illustrated by the table in three categories of revenues by products”—“Sales of Services”, increases in revenues from sales of services of Machinery were largely offset by decreases in those of Electronics & Information and Foods.

The GP ratio from sales of services for the year ended March 31, 2008 was 71.8%, an increase of 0.3 percentage points compared to the year ended March 31, 2007.

 

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For the year ended March 31, 2008, gross profit from other sales was ¥93.2 billion, an increase of ¥18.0 billion from ¥75.2 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. The major reasons were the same as described in “Revenues—Other Sales” above.

While GP ratio in all the three categories of revenue increased, the overall GP ratio decreased by 0.9%. This is due to the change in the sales mix wherein the percentage of sales from services, which has considerably higher GP ratio as compared to products and others, has reduced from 45.8% in 2007 to 40.2% in 2008.

Gross Profit Classified by Operating Segment

For detailed discussion, see “Operating Results by Operating Segment.” A summary of the increase in gross profit classified by operating segment is provided below.

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

For the year ended March 31, 2009 consolidated total gross profit was ¥1,016.3 billion, an increase of ¥28.2 billion, or 2.9%, from ¥988.1 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008 as a result of the following:

 

   

The Energy Segment reported an increase of ¥52.7 billion in gross profit. This increase is attributable to solid performance by the oil & gas producing businesses, reflecting continued run-up in prices and additional equity production, as well as contribution of ¥46.6 billion made by Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd. (Australia) reflecting a significant increase in coal prices.

 

   

The Mineral & Metal Resources Segment also reported an increase of ¥23.4 billion in gross profit. Reflecting higher iron ore prices, Mitsui Iron Ore Development Pty. Ltd. (Australia) and Mitsui Itochu Iron Pty. Ltd. (Australia) reported increases of ¥23.3 billion and ¥2.0 billion, respectively.

 

   

The Americas Segment reported an increase of ¥37.5 billion in gross profit. Supported by strong demand as well as increased price of animal feed additives, Novus International Inc. (United States) reported an increase of ¥27.4 billion. Backed by strong demand for tubular pipes for oil and gas industry, Champions Pipe & Supply, Inc. (United States) also contributed to the increase in gross profit.

 

   

Consumer Service & IT Segment reported a decline of ¥43.0 billion, due to a loss on write-down of inventories in the domestic residential home business and weak results from almost all the domestic consumer related businesses. In addition, reclassification of T-Gaia Corporation from subsidiary to associated company through merger with MS Communications Co., Ltd. in the three month period ended December 31, 2008, resulted in a decline of ¥14.6 billion in gross profit.

 

   

Due to the financial turmoil which intensified after last autumn, the Chemical Segment, the Iron & Steel Products Segment and the Machinery & Infrastructure Projects Segment recorded substantial declines in gross profit attributable to declines in sales volumes as well as margins, which offset the increased gross profits for the first half of the current fiscal year reflecting the positive economic circumstances in the emerging countries.

LOGO

 

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Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

For the year ended March 31, 2008 consolidated total gross profit was ¥988.1 billion, an increase of ¥121.8 billion, or 14.1%, from ¥866.3 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007 as a result of the following:

 

   

The Energy Segment recorded an increase of ¥95.4 billion compared to the year ended March 31, 2007, making up 78% of the consolidated total increase, mainly attributable to contributions from Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. and the Enfield oil field. These contributions were partly offset by a decline in gross profit at Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd. (Australia) reflecting a lower coal price, the Australian dollar appreciation against the U.S. dollar and a cost increase related to various operational troubles at its mining expansion project.

 

   

The Machinery & Infrastructure Projects Segment recorded an increase of ¥26.1 billion from the year ended March 31, 2007, primarily reflecting solid performance at a motorcycle retail finance subsidiary, P.T.Bussan Auto Finance, and other automotive subsidiaries, ocean vessels and rolling stock leasing subsidiaries as well as contribution from a newly acquired machine tools sales subsidiary Ellison Technologies Inc. (United States). Similarly, the Chemical Segment and the Iron & Steel products Segment reported increases of ¥7.2 billion reflecting favorable methanol and ammonia market conditions and ¥3.6 billion reflecting firm results in steel tubular products for energy sector as well as construction material and tubular products to Asian market, respectively.

 

   

The Mineral & Metal Resources Segment recorded a decline of ¥15.2 billion from the year ended March 31, 2007, mainly due to divestiture of Sesa Goa Limited (India)(*). This negative impact was partly offset by an increase of gross profit at Mitsui Iron Ore Development Pty. Ltd. and Mitsui Itochu Iron Pty. Ltd. reflecting higher prices of iron ore.

 

   

The Consumer Service & IT Segment and the Americas Segment recorded declines from the year ended March 31, 2007. The decline at the Consumer Service & IT Segment was attributable to business reorganization through withdrawals from or divestitures of mainly domestic businesses. In the Americas Segment for the year ended March 31, 2008, MBK Real Estate LLC. (United States), which engages in the development and sale of residential homes in the West Coast market, recorded a sharp fall in sales and a loss from write-downs on inventories reflecting deterioration in the residential market triggered by the subprime mortgage problems of the United States. Moreover, Westport Petroleum Inc. decreased its profit from oil products trading and so did steel products subsidiaries engaged in the steel products business mainly in oil tubular products reflecting lower margins.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Classified by Category of Expenses

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended March 31, 2009 were ¥602.1 billion, a decline of ¥3.1 billion or 0.5% from ¥605.2 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008.

 

 

(*) As a result of Mitsui’s divestiture of Sesa Goa, the operating results of Sesa Goa for the year ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 are presented as income from discontinued operations (after income tax effect in our statements of consolidated income). However, in this “Gross Profit Classified by Operating Segment”, operating results of the company are presented and discussed according to line items of the consolidated statements of income.

 

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The table below provides a breakdown of selling, general and administrative expenses used for our internal review for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.

 

     Billions of Yen
     Years Ended March 31,    Change
(2009–2008)
    Change
(2008–2007)
     2009    2008    2007     

Personnel

   ¥ 294.1    ¥ 294.5    ¥ 283.3    ¥ (0.4   ¥ 11.2

Welfare

     12.2      12.2      10.3      0.0        1.9

Travel

     33.3      35.1      32.0      (1.8     3.1

Entertainment

     10.5      10.8      10.5      (0.3     0.3

Communication

     49.0      48.5      43.9      0.5        4.6

Rent

     20.9      20.6      18.1      0.3        2.5

Depreciation

     15.6      15.1      13.9      0.5        1.2

Fees and Taxes

     9.8      11.6      10.6      (1.8     1.0

Others

     156.7      156.8      149.0      (0.1     7.8
                                   

Total

   ¥ 602.1    ¥ 605.2    ¥ 571.6    ¥ (3.1   ¥ 33.6
                                   

 

   

Personnel expenses were ¥294.1 billion for the year ended March 31, 2009, a decline of ¥0.4 billion from the year ended March 31, 2008. This nominal decline was mainly attributable to a decline related to the reclassification of T-Gaia Corporation from subsidiary to associated company offset by an increase resulting from Mitsui Marubeni Liquefied Gas Co., Ltd. (Japan)’s merger with Marubeni Liquefied Gas Corporation (Japan) and increased sales volume at Novus International, Inc.

 

   

Travel expenses were ¥33.3 billion for the year ended March 31, 2009, a decline of ¥1.8 billion from the year ended March 31, 2008. This decline resulted from the reclassification of T-Gaia Corporation from subsidiary to associated company. Fees and Taxes were ¥9.8 billion for the year ended March 31, 2009, a decline of ¥1.8 billion from the year ended March 31, 2008. This was mainly attributable to a decline in enterprise tax expense at Mitsui.

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended March 31, 2008 were ¥605.2 billion, an increase of ¥33.6 billion or 5.9% from ¥571.6 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007.

 

   

Personnel expenses were ¥294.5 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008, an increase of ¥11.2 billion from the year ended March 31, 2007. This was mainly attributable to acquisitions of subsidiaries such as Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. in the Energy Segment and Ellison Technologies Inc. (United States) and Steel Technologies, Inc. in the Americas segment.

 

   

Other remaining items in selling, general and administrative expenses increased showing similar patterns as personnel expenses.

 

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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Classified by Operating Segment

The table below provides selling, general and administrative expenses for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 by operating segment.

 

     Billions of Yen  
     Years Ended March 31,    Change
(2009–2008)
    Change
(2008–2007)
 
     2009    2008    2007     

Iron & Steel Products

   ¥ 34.5    ¥ 35.7    ¥ 33.1    ¥ (1.2   ¥ 2.6   

Mineral & Metal Resources

     15.2      16.6      19.8      (1.4     (3.2

Machinery & Infrastructure Projects

     82.9      82.4      75.3      0.5        7.1   

Chemical

     51.9      58.0      58.1      (6.1     (0.1

Energy

     57.8      46.2      38.3      11.6        7.9   

Foods & Retail

     63.7      65.1      69.6      (1.4     (4.5

Consumer Service & IT

     83.9      98.4      109.4      (14.5     (11.0

Logistics & Financial Markets

     34.5      32.9      35.9      1.6        (3.0

Americas

     72.8      70.3      55.1      2.5        15.2   

Europe, the Middle East and Africa

     24.0      24.9      22.4      (0.9     2.5   

Asia Pacific

     27.5      25.3      21.2      2.2        4.1   
                                     

Total

     548.7      555.8      538.2      (7.1     17.6   
                                     

All Other

     5.8      7.2      8.5      (1.4     (1.3

Adjustments and Eliminations

     47.6      42.2      24.9      5.4        17.3   
                                     

Consolidated Total

   ¥ 602.1    ¥ 605.2    ¥ 571.6    ¥ (3.1   ¥ 33.6   
                                     

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

The Consumer Service & IT Segment and the Chemical Segments reported declines of ¥14.5 billion and ¥6.1 billion, respectively. These declines are mainly attributable to the reclassifications from subsidiaries to associated companies such as T-Gaia Corporation. The Energy Segment reported an increase of ¥11.6 billion attributable to Mitsui Marubeni Liquefied Gas Co., Ltd. (Japan), which merged with Marubeni Liquefied Gas Corporation (Japan).

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

As illustrated by the above table, selling, general and administrative expenses increased mainly at segments such as the Machinery & Infrastructure, the Americas and the Energy by ¥7.1 billion, ¥15.2 billion and ¥7.9 billion, respectively. The increase at the Machinery & Infrastructure was mainly attributable to business expansions of P.T. Bussan Auto Finance and Mitsui Automotive CIS Investment B.V. (Netherlands). The increases at the Americas and the Energy was mainly attributable to acquisitions of subsidiaries such as Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. in the Energy Segment and Ellison Technologies Inc. and Steel Technologies, Inc. in the Americas segment. On the other hand, expenses at the Consumer Service & IT Segment and the Foods & Retail Segment declined as a result of business reorganizations including exit and disposal of domestic businesses.

With regard to the Energy Segment and the Mineral & Metal Resources Segment, they have relatively small numbers of employees and little correlation between gross profit and selling, general and administrative expenses compared to other operating segments such as the Machinery & Infrastructure Projects Segment and the Consumer Service & IT Segment. See “Item 6.D. Employees” for further details of numbers of employees.

 

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Provision for Doubtful Receivables

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

Provision for doubtful receivables for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥19.5 billion, an increase of ¥11.4 billion, or 140.7%, from ¥8.1 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008, reflecting the tightening of credit sparked by the intensifying financial turmoil. Provisions for both periods consisted of an accumulation of reserves for individually small receivables, including those of P.T. Bussan Auto Finance.

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

Provision for doubtful receivables for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥8.1 billion, a decline of ¥3.8 billion, or 31.9%, from ¥11.9 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. Provisions for the year ended March 31, 2008 consisted of a number of individually small receivables. For the year ended March 31, 2007, major factors were a new provision for an overseas oil exploration company, an increase in the provision for motorcycle retail finance at P.T. Bussan Auto Finance reflecting its expanding operations and an increase in the provision at Fertilizantes Mitsui S.A. Industria e Comercio (Brazil).

Interest Income and Interest Expense

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

Interest income for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥40.0 billion, a decline of ¥17.3 billion, or 30.2%, from ¥57.3 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. Interest expense was ¥75.0 billion, a decline of ¥31.2 billion, or 29.4%, from ¥106.2 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. As a result, interest expense, net of interest income was ¥35.0 billion, a decline of ¥13.9 billion from ¥48.9 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008.

 

   

Interest expense for the Sakhalin II project declined by ¥4.6 billion as a result of declines in U.S dollar interest rates.

 

   

Mitsui recorded a ¥1.5 billion increase in interest expense, net of interest income.

 

   

Reflecting lower U.S. dollar interest rates, interest expense at overseas subsidiaries declined by ¥11.3 billion, out of which a ¥7.6 billion decline was attributable to the Americas Segment.

In general, interest income tends to show similar patterns of fluctuations as interest expense. We provide loans and deferred payment facilities, which generate interest income, by funding our borrowings from financial institutions. Usually, both interest expense and interest income have the same interest rate type, floating or fixed. Accordingly, most fluctuations in interest income are offset by corresponding fluctuations in interest expense.

With respect to interest rate swaps employed to manage interest rate risk exposure, see “Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Funding Sources.”

Interest rate trends for the year ended March 31, 2009 regarding the Japanese yen and the U.S. dollar, in which we have borrowings, were as follows:

 

   

Following the reduction in the policy interest rate by the Bank of Japan twice in October and December 2008 the Bank of Japan purchased CP and corporate bonds from the market as a further response of easing monetary policy. As a result, policy interest rate became close to zero percent, but reflecting turmoil in the financial and capital markets, spreads implied in the borrowing rates for the companies remained high. Market interest rate (the average of the month-end Japanese yen three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”)) for the year ended March 31, 2009 was 0.85% on par with 0.87% for the year ended March 31, 2008. On the other hand, the average yield rate on 10-year Japanese Government Bonds was 1.45% for the year ended March 31, 2009, down from 1.59% during the year

 

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ended March 31, 2008 supported by the aforementioned easing monetary policy although there were upward pressures on rate from the expectation of the economic rebound as well as concerns on supply-demand imbalance of Government Bonds after the beginning of the current year.

 

   

The FRB gradually lowered the Federal Funds target rate to 0-0.25% in December 2008 in response to stabilizing the financial market following the sub-prime mortgage crisis. This is the first time the FRB had virtually taken zero interest rate policy in its history. The FRB provided enough liquidity to the interbank markets and implemented additional monetary easing measures including purchases of agency debt and mortgage-backed securities to provide support to the mortgage and housing markets. However, risk spread implied in the interest rates remained high reflecting the uncertainties in the market including bankruptcy risk of the major automobile companies in the U.S. As a result, the average of the month-end U.S. dollar three-month LIBOR during the year ended March 31, 2009 was 2.36%, down from the average of 4.66% during the year ended March 31, 2008. For information regarding development of our investment plans and financial policies, refer to “B. Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

Interest income for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥57.3 billion, an increase of ¥7.5 billion, or 15.1%, from ¥49.8 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. Interest expense was ¥106.2 billion, an increase of ¥13.7 billion, or 14.8%, from ¥92.5 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. As a result, interest expense, net of interest income, was ¥48.9 billion, an increase of ¥6.2 billion, or 14.5%, from ¥42.7 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. A breakdown of the principal changes for the year ended March 31, 2008 is as follows:

 

   

Interest expense for the Sakhalin II project declined by ¥7.2 billion as a result of the transfer of our 50% stake in the project and subsequent decline in related interest bearing debt.

 

   

Mitsui recorded a ¥5.5 billion increase in interest expense, net of interest income, reflecting higher Japanese yen interest rates.

 

   

Reflecting increased interest bearing debt used to fund various investments, interest expense at overseas subsidiaries increased by ¥6.6 billion, out of which a ¥5.6 billion increase was attributable to the Americas Segment.

Interest rate trends for the year ended March 31, 2008 regarding the Japanese yen and the U.S. dollar, in which we have borrowings, were as follows:

 

   

The Bank of Japan raised the policy interest rate in February 2007 but kept policy interest rates on hold thereafter. Reflecting steady growth of the Japanese economy in the first half of the year market interest rate ( the average of the month-end Japanese yen three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”)) for the year ended March 31, 2008 rose to 0.87% from 0.45% for the year ended March 31, 2007. On the other hand, the average yield rate on 10-year Japanese Government Bonds was 1.59% for the year ended March 31, 2008, down from 1.75% during the year ended March 31, 2007.

 

   

The FRB raised the Federal Funds target rate to 5.25% in June 2006 and kept the rate level thereafter. However, it gradually lowered the rate from September 2007 in response to a concern about economic slowdown triggered by the sub-prime mortgage crisis, to 2.25% in March 2008, showing its attitude to provide an actual money rate of zero. The FRB then lowered the rate to 2.0% in April 2008. The average of the month-end U.S. dollar three-month LIBOR during the year ended March 31, 2008 was 4.66%, down from the average of 5.35% during the year ended March 31, 2007. For information regarding development of our investment plans and financial policies, refer to “B. Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

 

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Dividend Income

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

Dividend income for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥71.9 billion, an increase of ¥21.8 billion, or 43.5%, from ¥50.1 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. Dividends from LNG projects in Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Oman and Equatorial Guinea were ¥48.9 billion, an increase of ¥24.9 billion from the year ended March 31, 2008.

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

Dividend income for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥50.1 billion, an increase of ¥0.9 billion, or 1.8%, from ¥49.2 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. Dividends from LNG projects in Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Oman amounted to ¥23.4 billion, a decline of ¥3.2 billion over the year ended March 31, 2007, which was offset by increased dividends from other investees including INPEX Holdings Inc. held by Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd.

Gains on Sales of Securities—Net

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

Gain on sales of securities for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥33.2 billion, a decline of ¥59.1 billion, or 64.0%, from ¥92.3 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. While we recorded gains of ¥11.9 billion on sale of a trust beneficiary right with respect to Shiodome building, ¥6.7 billion on the sale of our shareholding in Kyushu Oil Co., Ltd. (Japan) and ¥4.0 billion on the sale of our share in T-Gaia Corporation (former Telepark Corp.) (Japan) through T-Gaia’s share buy-back program and its merger with MS Communications Co., Ltd. (Japan) for the year ended March 31, 2009, we posted substantial gains for the year ended March 31, 2008, as a result of several large scale divestitures such as the sale of a part of our stake in the Sakhalin II project and our whole stake in EBM in Brazil.

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

Gain on sales of securities for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥92.3 billion, a substantial increase of ¥33.5 billion, or 57.0%, from ¥58.8 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. Since the year ended March 31, 2007, Mitsui continuously conducted scrutiny on whole investments held by operating segments to optimize the business portfolio. Consequently it recorded gains on the sales of shares mainly in listed companies.

 

   

For the year ended March 31, 2008, the largest part of the gains came from the sale of a part of Mitsui’s stake in the Sakhalin II project; sales of its entire holding in EBM in Brazil; and sale of additional shares in Toho Titanium Co., Ltd. (Japan) following the sale of the previous year. In addition, the Consumer Service & IT Segment recorded gains in exchange of shares in Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd. (Japan) and on sales of shares in telecommunication companies including two cable television providers and Jupiter Telecommunications Co., Ltd in Japan. Other operating segments also recorded gains on sales of shares of listed companies such as Quintiles Transnational Corp. in the United States and BALtrans Holdings Limited in Hong Kong, China in the Logistics & Financial Market Segment.

 

   

For the year ended March 31, 2007, Mitsui enhanced scrutiny on the assets held by operating segments to optimize its business portfolio, and consequently we recorded gains on the sales of shares in listed companies including a ¥15.6 billion gain from Toho Titanium Co., Ltd. shares. Mitsui also record a ¥4.5 billion gain on the sale of shares in Telepark Corp. (Japan), a subsidiary engaged in sales of mobile devices and telecommunication lines.

Loss on Write-Down of Securities

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

Loss on write-downs of securities for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥117.4 billion, a substantial increase of ¥80.7 billion, or 219.9%, from ¥36.7 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008.

 

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After reaching ¥18,261.98 in July 2007 reflecting high expectations for continued growth in Japanese corporate earnings, the Nikkei Stock Average started to move downwards reflecting declines in global equity prices and the appreciation of Japanese Yen against major currencies and closed at ¥12,525.54 as of March 31, 2008. Subsequent to that date, the Nikkei Stock Average once rebounced to ¥14,489.44 in June 2008, but resumed its downward trend over the summer. Following the bankruptcy of one of the largest investment banks in the U.S. in September 2008, the Nikkei Stock Average plummeted to ¥7,054.98 in the beginning of March, the lowest since 1982, and ended with ¥8,109.53 as of March 31, 2009. (The above mentioned stock prices are closing prices.)

 

   

The losses for the year ended March 31, 2009 included write-downs on listed shares of ¥79.3 billion reflecting the above mentioned domestic market downward trend. While we recorded impairment losses of ¥18.0 billion for Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. (Japan) as well as ¥4.2 billion for Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, LTD. (Japan) in the Chemical Segment, ¥9.6 billion for Nippon Steel Corporation in the Iron & Steel Products Segment and ¥8.2 billion for Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Japan) in the Machinery & Infrastructure Projects Segment, almost all the segments recorded impairment losses on various listed securities.

 

   

The losses for the year ended March 31, 2009 included write-downs on non-listed shares, including ¥12.0 billion for Recruit Co., Ltd. (Japan) and ¥9.8 billion on domestic office building development business in the Consumer Service & IT Segment.

 

   

The losses for the corresponding year ended March 31, 2008 included write-downs on listed shares for ¥28.0 billion, including an ¥8.6 billion loss for Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., a ¥4.5 billion loss for Central Finance Co., Ltd. (Japan) in the Logistics & Financial Markets Segment and a ¥4.5 billion loss for Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd. in the Foods & Retail Segment.

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

Loss on write-down of securities for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥36.7 billion, a large increase of ¥25.0 billion, or 213.7%, from ¥11.7 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007.

For the year ended March 31, 2007 the Nikkei Stock Average hit a low of ¥14,218.60 in June 2006, reflecting appreciation of the Japanese yen and correction of global stock markets. However, such pessimistic sentiment faded and the Nikkei Stock Average recovered to ¥17, 287.65 as of March 31, 2007. During the year ended March 31, 2008, the Nikkei Stock Average recorded a high of ¥18,261.98 due to the rise of expectations for expanding Japanese corporate earnings, but retreated from highs reflecting declines in global stock prices and Japanese yen appreciation, triggered by the sub-prime mortgage crisis, and recorded ¥12,525.54 as of March 31, 2008.

 

   

The losses for the year ended March 31, 2008 included write-downs on listed shares for ¥28.0 billion, including ¥4.5 billion for Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd. in the Foods & Retail Segment and ¥4.5 billion for Central Finance Co., Ltd. in the Logistics & Financial Markets Segment. Furthermore, reflecting overall decline in domestic stock markets, we recorded write-down losses in the Machinery & Infrastructure Segment in ¥8.6 billion for Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd shares and in the Chemical Segment in ¥2.8 billion for Kaneka Corporation shares.

 

   

Losses for the year ended March 31, 2007 consisted of miscellaneous small losses, including those on listed shares, amounting to ¥3.1 billion.

Gain on Disposal or Sales of Property and Equipment—Net

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

Gain on disposal or sales of property and equipmentnet for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥2.8 billion, an increase of ¥3.0 billion, or 1,500.0%, from a loss of ¥0.2 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. Major gains for the year ended March 31, 2009 were related to the sale of a lumber mill held by Portac Inc.

 

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(United States) in the Americas Segment and the sale of an office building previously held by Mitsui & Co. France S.A. in the Europe, the Middle East and Africa Segment, while there were only miscellaneous small transactions for the year ended March 31, 2008.

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

Gain on disposal or sales of property and equipmentnet for the year ended March 31, 2008 was a loss of ¥0.2 billion, a decline of ¥5.5 billion, or 103.8%, from a ¥5.3 billion gain for the year ended March 31, 2007. Loss for the year ended March 31, 2008 consisted of miscellaneous small items. For the year ended March 31, 2007, major gains resulted from disposal of warehouses and land at Tri-Net Logistics Management, Inc. (United States) and NST, Inc. (United States).

Impairment Loss of Long-Lived Assets

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

Impairment loss of long-lived assets for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥37.8 billion, an increase of ¥13.4 billion, or 54.9%, from ¥24.4 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008.

 

   

For the year ended March 31, 2009, we recorded a ¥14.6 billion loss on property & equipment and mineral rights of the Vincent oil field resulting from the decline of oil prices in the Energy Segment, a ¥9.6 billion loss on office building business in London, the U.K, reflecting severe real estate market conditions in the region in the Europe, the Middle East and Africa Segment, and a ¥2.8 billion loss on intangible assets at Steel Technologies Inc. in the Americas Segment. For more information on impairment losses on long-lived assets, see Note 10, “IMPAIRMENT LOSS OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS”. Also see the relevant discussions as described later on the impairment losses in “Operating Results by Operating Segment” in this item.

 

   

For the year ended March 31, 2008 the Group recorded a ¥13.9 billion loss on real estate which Mitsui held in Saito International Culture Park located in the north area of Osaka Prefecture, a ¥3.9 billion loss on a domestic power producing operation, and a loss on company-owned residences of Mitsui.

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

Impairment loss of long-lived assets for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥24.4 billion, an increase of ¥5.0 billion, or 25.8%, from ¥19.4 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007.

 

   

For the year ended March 31, 2008, we recorded a ¥13.9 billion loss on real estate which we possess in Saito International Culture Park (“SICP”), located in the north area of Osaka Prefecture. Other major losses were those related to impairment on power producing equipment at GTF Green Power Co., Ltd. (Japan), a domestic power producing operation, and on Mitsui’s corporate residences and dormitories. See the relevant discussion as described later on the impairment loss in “Operating Results by Operating Segment—All Other” in this item.

 

   

For the year ended March 31, 2007, the subsidiaries in the Foods & Retail Segment recorded major impairment losses, namely, a ¥12.1 billion loss on intangible assets at Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd. (Japan) due to deterioration of the operating environment and a ¥2.2 billion loss at MITSUI FOODS CO., LTD. (Japan) on real estate and facilities which were idle as a result of the reorganization of distribution bases. See the relevant discussion as described later on the impairment loss at Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd. in “Operating Results by Operating Segment— Foods & Retail Segment” in this item.

 

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Impairment Loss of Goodwill

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

Impairment loss of goodwill for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥18.6 billion, an increase of ¥16.6 billion, or 830.0%, from ¥2.0 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008.

 

   

For the year ended March 31, 2009, we recorded a ¥6.4 billion loss for Steel Technologies Inc., reflecting rapid slowdown of the steel products business for automotive and housing industries in the United States, and a ¥4.1 billion loss for Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd. (Japan), reflecting a decline in its share price. See the relevant discussions as described later on the impairment losses in “Operating Results by Operating Segment” in this item.

 

   

For the year ended March 31, 2008, we recorded a ¥2.0 billion loss for Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd., reflecting a decline in its share price.

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

Impairment loss of Goodwill for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥2.0 billion, a decline of ¥14.5 billion, or 87.9%, from ¥16.5 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. Details of impairment losses are as below:

 

   

Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd. (Japan) and NextCom K.K. (Japan), both of which were subsidiaries and listed on the second section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, were merged in April, 2007. At the merger, a ¥2.5 billion gain from the exchange of shares was recognized. For the year ended March 31, 2008, Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd. (Japan) reported a ¥2.0 billion impairment loss on its goodwill, reflecting a decline in its share price.

 

   

For the year ended March 31, 2007, Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd. reported a ¥16.5 billion impairment loss on all of its goodwill, using a discounted future cash flow method based on its internal operating budget for evaluation of fair value of its goodwill. After reporting this significant impairment loss, Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd. recorded net income of ¥0.3 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008, a marginal income which the management had expected considering continuously strict business conditions.

The carrying amounts of goodwill as of March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were ¥33.6 billion, ¥52.5 billion and ¥37.2 billion, respectively. For more information, see Note 12, “GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS.” Despite the fact that the Americas Segment recorded a ¥13.6 billion impairment loss of goodwill for the year ended March 31, 2009, goodwill recorded at the segment still accounts for 42% of the total goodwill outstanding balance as of March 31, 2009, and most of the goodwill in the segment belongs to subsidiaries in the United States. As of the date of this annual report, management continues to pay a close attention to the operating results and business of the subsidiaries in the United States in monitoring the possibility of occurrence of additional goodwill impairment, considering the prolonged economic slowdown in the United States.

Other Expense—Net

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

Other Expensenet for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥46.5 billion, an increase of expense of ¥43.5 billion, or 1,450%, from ¥3.0 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008.

 

   

Mitsui recorded foreign exchange losses of ¥17.1 billion for the year ended March 31, 2009 including a loss of ¥13.6 billion on commodity trading activities in the Logistics & Financial Markets Segment which corresponded to the related profit recorded in gross profit in the same segment.

 

   

Exploration expenses at the oil & gas business increased. The salvage expenses of ¥4.5 billion for the Mexican gulf oil production facility seriously damaged by a hurricane and a liquidation cost of ¥3.7 billion of currency option transactions at Fertilizantes Mitsui S.A. Industria e Comercio were also recorded.

 

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A major component of other expensesnet for the year ended March 31, 2008 was exploration expenses, mainly at Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Limited (Australia).

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

Other expensenet for the year ended March 31, 2008 was a ¥3.0 billion expense, an increase of ¥2.5 billion, or 500.0%, from a loss of ¥0.5 billion in expenses for the year ended March 31, 2007. A major component of other expensesnet for the year ended March 31, 2008 was exploration expenses, mainly at Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Limited (Australia). For the year ended March 31, 2007, restructuring-related charges were reported mainly by MITSUI FOODS CO., LTD. (Japan) and Hokushuren Company Limited (Japan).

For more information on other expense—net, see Note 19, “OTHER EXPENSE (INCOME)—NET.” and on our restructuring activities, see Note 24, “EXIT OR DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES.”

Income Taxes

Comparison between the year ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

Income taxes for the year ended March 31, 2009 were ¥119.4 billion, a decline of ¥51.8 billion, or 30.3%, from ¥171.2 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008 due to a decline in income from continuing operations before income taxes, minority interests and equity in earnings. The effective tax rate for the year ended March 31, 2009 was 48.3%, an increase of 5.7 percentage points from 42.6% for the year ended March 31, 2008. The increase in the effective tax rate was due mainly to an increase in the valuation allowance for the deferred tax assets after evaluating the recoverability of deferred tax assets, which was partially offset by a decline in the effective tax rate attributable to the application of lower income tax rates to certain taxable income at overseas subsidiaries and a decline in the effect of taxation on dividends.

The increase in the valuation allowance include a ¥20.8 billion valuation allowance recorded at Mitsui based on new tax laws to be applied for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2010. The new tax laws allow tax payers to deduct 95% of dividend received income from foreign subsidiaries, which are 25% or more owned foreign investees in this context, and therefore, Mitsui’s future taxable incomes after the year ending March 31, 2010 are expected to be reduced. Also from the year ending March 31, 2010, Mitsui and its 100% domestic subsidiaries will file a consolidated tax return as a group. Under the circumstances, we forecasted the future taxable incomes of the consolidated tax group as well as of Mitsui stand alone basis, and evaluated the realizability of the deferred tax assets. As a result of the analysis, we recognized the valuation allowance of ¥20.8 billion since we determined that a recovery of a part of deferred tax assets is highly unlikely. For further information, see Note 20, “INCOME TAXES.”

 

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Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

For the year ended March 31, 2008, income taxes were ¥171.2 billion, an increase of ¥25.9 billion, or 17.8%, from ¥145.3 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007, reflecting increases in income from continuing operations before income taxes, minority interests and equity in earnings. The effective tax rate was 42.6%, a decline of 4.4 percentage points from 47.0% for the year ended March 31, 2007. The decline was seen in the effect of taxation on dividends, application of lower income tax rates to certain taxable income at overseas subsidiaries and changes in valuation allowance, which was partly offset by a higher income tax rate on certain natural resources extracting activities including those in Australia, Thailand and Oman.

LOGO

Transfer price taxation issue with North West Shelf LNG Project

Mitsui was audited by the Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau with regard to transfer pricing on the LNG Project in Western Australia for the six fiscal years from the year ended March 31, 2000 to the year ended March 31, 2005. Mitsui received notices of tax assessment from the Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau for the years ended March 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 and paid approximately ¥10.7 billion in total. Mitsui disagreed with the assessment, registered its protest and lodged an application in November 2006 for the mutual agreement procedure pursuant to a provision in the tax treaty between Japan and Australia in order to settle the double taxation. In December 2008, the competent authorities of Japan and Australia reached the mutual agreement, and Mitsui received abatement regarding the tax assessments while our associated company in Australia also received a tax refund for the taxable income adjustment from the Australian tax authority. The total of the tax assessment, the abatement and the reversal of FIN48 reserve at Mitsui was recorded in Income Taxes. For further information, see Note 20, “INCOME TAXES.”

As of March 31, 2009, the earliest tax years that remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions in which the companies operate are the year ended March 31, 2003 for Japan; the year ended March 31, 2006 for the United States; and the year ended March 31, 2005 for Australia.

Minority Interests in Earnings of Subsidiaries

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

Minority interests in earnings of subsidiaries for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥35.1 billion, a decline of ¥10.9 billion, or 23.7%, from ¥46.0 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. (with a minority interest of 46.5%), Japan Collahuasi Resources B.V. (Netherlands) (with a minority interest of 38.1%) and Mitsui E&P Mozambique Area 1 (Republic of Mozambique) (with a minority interest of 74.4% reported declines in minority interests in earnings of subsidiaries while Novus International Inc. (U.S.A.) (with a minority interest of 35.0%) reported an increase.

 

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Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

Minority interests in earnings of subsidiaries for the year ended March 31, 2008 were ¥46.0 billion, a large increase of ¥28.1 billion, or 157.0%, from ¥17.9 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. Minority interests in earnings of subsidiaries increased due to the following factors:

 

   

The Energy Segment recorded minority interests in earnings of ¥20.6 billion and ¥1.7 billion for the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, most of which related to Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. (Japan) (with a minority interest of 48.5%), which became a subsidiary as a result of the acquisition of additional voting shares in Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. (Japan) during the fourth quarter of the year ended March 31, 2007.

 

   

In the Foods & Retail Segment, for the year ended March 31, 2007 Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd. (Japan) (with a minority interest of 48.1%) recorded a loss from continuing operations before minority interests and equity in earnings, reflecting significant impairment losses on long-lived assets and goodwill, contributing ¥8.3 billion in minority interests in income for the year ended March 31, 2007. For the year ended March 31, 2008, its operating results recovered to a marginally positive amount of income and zero minority interest is recorded.

 

   

The Mineral & Metal Resources Segment recorded minority interests in earnings of ¥7.2 billion and ¥7.3 billion for the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 respectively, in Japan Collahuasi Resources B.V. (Netherlands) (with a minority interest of 38.1%), which owns an interest in a copper mine joint venture, Compania Minera Dona Ines de Collahuasi SCM (Chile).

Equity in Earnings of Associated Companies—Net (After Income Tax Effect)

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

Equity in earnings of associated companiesnet (after income tax effect) for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥84.8 billion, a decline of ¥69.5 billion, or 45.0%, from ¥154.3 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008 as a result of the followings (See “Operating Results by Operating Segment” for detailed discussion.):

 

   

An increase of ¥11.0 billion at Robe River Mining Company (Australia) reflecting an increase in iron ore prices.

 

   

A decline in earnings at Compania Minera Dona Ines de Collahuasi SCM (Chile) of ¥7.4 billion due to the drop in copper prices, an increase in production cost and the depreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Japanese Yen.

 

   

A decline at Valepar S.A.(*1) of ¥4.9 billion reflecting a reduction in earnings at its investee, Companhia Vale do Rio Doce (“Vale”), mainly due to a sharp drop in nickel prices as well as appreciation of the Brazilian Real against the U.S. Dollar partially offset by an increase in iron ore prices.

 

   

A decline in earnings due to impairment losses of approximately ¥54.0 billion including a loss of ¥28.0 billion for Sims Metal Management Limited and a loss of ¥7.6 billion for Penske Automotive Group, Inc., reflecting other-than-temporary declines in share prices of these listed associated companies.

 

   

Overseas power producing businesses such as IPM Eagle LLP (United Kingdom) reported an increase of ¥6.9 billion due to a reversal effect that Australian power producing operation recorded mark-to-market evaluation losses on power swap contracts for the corresponding previous year(*2).

 

 

(*1) Valepar S.A. is a controlling shareholder of Vale, Companhia Vale do Rio Doce, a mineral resources company in Brazil, legally renamed Vale S.A. in May 2009.
(*2) An Australian power producing operation of IPM Eagle had concluded a long term power price swap contract, corresponding to a power supply contract until 2016. Reflecting fluctuations in the Australian open electricity market, it recognizes mark-to-market evaluation profit and loss. See also “Machinery & Infrastructure Projects Segment” of “Operating Results by Operating Segment” for further information.

 

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An increase in earnings at Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) PTY. Ltd. (Australia) reflecting an increase in oil prices as well as a higher price of condensate sold to Mittwell Resources Pty. Ltd. (Australia)

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

Equity in earnings of associated companiesnet (after income tax effect) for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥154.3 billion, a slight increase of ¥1.2 billion, or 0.8%, from ¥153.1 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. Major factors for improved earnings are as follows. (See “Operating Results by Operating Segment” for detailed discussion.):

 

   

For the year ended March 31, 2008, the Mineral & Metal Resources Segment reported ¥71.2 billion equity in earnings, an increase of ¥10.9 billion, from ¥60.3 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. Earnings increased at Valepar S.A. due to strong operating results of Vale reflecting higher iron prices and contributions from Inco Limited (currently Vale Inco Limited) following the acquisition by Vale during the fourth quarter of the year ended March 31, 2007.

 

   

For the year ended March 31, 2008, the Energy Segment reported ¥36.8 billion equity in earnings, a decline of ¥7.6 billion, from ¥44.4 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. Operating results of Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. were reported as earnings of an associated company up to the third quarter of the year ended March 31, 2007. However upon Mitsui’s acquisition of additional voting shares in the fourth quarter of the year ended March 31, 2007, its operating results are now reported within line items of the consolidated statement of income for the year ended March 31, 2008. On the other hand, an LNG and oil development associated company, Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty. Ltd. (Australia), recorded a slight increase in earnings.

 

   

For the year ended March 31, 2008, the Machinery & Infrastructure Projects Segment reported a ¥20.3 billion equity in earnings, a decline of ¥1.1 billion, from ¥21.4 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. This segment recorded a loss reflecting an other-than-temporary decline in share price of ASAHI TEC CORPORATION (Japan), a manufacturer of ductile iron cast parts and aluminum forged parts. In addition, IPM Eagle LLP (United Kingdom) and others recorded a total of ¥5.8 billion mark-to-market evaluation loss on long-term swap agreements at their overseas power operations for the year ended March 31, 2008 , while Brazilian gas distribution associated companies reported improved earnings.

 

   

Other operating segments also recorded improvement in general, mainly in the Consumer Service & IT Segment.

Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations—Net (After Income Tax Effect)

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

Income from discontinued operationsnet (after income tax effect) for the year ended March 31, 2009 was nil, a decline of ¥71.0 billion from the year ended March 31, 2008. Major discontinued operations for the year ended March 31, 2008 were a gain of ¥55.2 billion on the sale of our whole stake in Sesa Goa Limited (India) of the Mineral & Metal Resources Segment, a gain of ¥9.6 billion on the sale of our entire oil and gas producing interests in Wandoo Petroleum Pty. Ltd. of the Energy Segment, and a gain of ¥4.4 billion on the sale of leased aircraft held by Tombo Aviation, Inc. of the Machinery & Infrastructure Projects Segment.

Comparison between the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

Income from discontinued operations—net (after income tax effect) for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥71.0 billion, a significant increase of ¥68.6 billion, or 2,858.3%, from ¥2.4 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. Major components of discontinued operations for the year ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:

 

   

For the year ended March 31, 2008, we divested our entire stake in Sesa Goa Limited (India) and recorded a ¥55.2 billion gain in income in line with an on-going optimization initiative of the business portfolio in our worldwide iron ore mining operations. For the year ended March 31, 2007, Sesa Goa Limited reported ¥1.4 billion in net income.

 

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We divested our entire oil and gas producing interest in Wandoo Petroleum Pty Limited (Australia) and recorded a ¥9.6 billion gain in income. For the year ended March 31, 2007, Wandoo Petroleum Pty Limited reported ¥0.2 billion in net income.

 

   

For the year ended March 31, 2008, we liquidated an aircraft leasing company of Tombo Aviation (United States) after divesting all its aircraft and recorded ¥4.4 billion in income, while it reported ¥0.3 billion in income for the year ended March 31, 2007.

 

   

For the year ended March 31, 2008, Mitsui Bussan House-Techno, Inc., which discontinued housing business during the year ended March 31, 2007, recorded a ¥0.2 billion gain in income. For the year ended March 31, 2007, Mitsui Bussan House-Techno recorded ¥1.1 billion in net loss.

Mitsui Bussan House Techno recorded estimated cost of ¥5.3 billion to meet future requirements for products warranties and maintenance Services for the year ended March 31, 2007. For further information about the products warranties, refer to Note 22, “CONTINGENT LIABILITIES”. Except Mitsui Bussan House-Techno there is no significant contingent liability from the discontinued operations.

For additional information about our discontinued operations, see Note 4, “DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS.”

Operating Results by Operating Segment

The business units of Mitsui’s Head Office, which are organized based on “products and services,” plan overall and worldwide strategies for their products and services and conduct their worldwide operations. The business units also collaborate with overseas branches and overseas trading subsidiaries in planning and executing their strategies for products and regions. The overseas branches and overseas trading subsidiaries are separate operating units, which are delegated responsibility for the business of their regions as the centers of each particular regional strategy and operate diversified businesses together with their subsidiaries and associated companies in collaboration with the business units. Therefore, our operating segments consist of product-focused operating segments comprised of the business units of the Head Office and region-focused operating segments comprised of overseas branches and overseas trading subsidiaries.

Our operating segments have been aggregated based on the nature of the products and other criteria into eight product-focused reportable operating segments and three region-focused reportable operating segments, totaling eleven reportable operating segments.

Based on the reorganization effective April 1, 2008, the following subsidiaries previously included in the Machinery & Infrastructure Projects and the Chemical Segments were transferred to the Americas Segment. The operating segment information for the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 has been restated to conform to the current fiscal year presentation.

From the Machinery & Infrastructure Projects Segment:

Mitsui Automotoriz S.A. (Peru), Road Machinery LLC (United States), Ellison Technologies Inc. (United States)

From the Chemical Segment:

Novus International, Inc.(*1), Fertilizantes Mitsui S.A. Industria e Comercio (Brazil)

 

 

(*1) Novus International, Inc. was transferred in the 4th quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008.

 

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Our operating segment information for gross profit, operating income (loss), equity in earnings (losses) of associated companies and net income (loss) for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 is as follows:

Operating Segment Information

Gross Profit

 

     Billions of Yen  
     Years Ended March 31,     Change
(2009–2008)
    Change
(2008–2007)
 
     2009    2008     2007      

Iron & Steel Products

   ¥ 52.2    ¥ 61.3      ¥ 57.8      ¥ (9.1   ¥ 3.5   

Mineral & Metal Resources

     119.2      95.8        111.0        23.4        (15.2

Machinery & Infrastructure Projects

     106.3      119.7        101.9        (13.4     17.8   

Chemical

     80.0      100.2        95.6        (20.2     4.6   

Energy

     272.0      219.3        123.9        52.7        95.4   

Foods & Retail

     82.4      81.2        81.3        1.2        (0.1

Consumer Service & IT

     73.7      116.7        130.0        (43.0     (13.3

Logistics & Financial Markets

     62.1      55.1        60.5        7.0        (5.4

Americas

     116.0      78.5        78.3        37.5        0.2   

Europe, the Middle East and Africa

     22.2      26.8        25.4        (4.6     1.4   

Asia Pacific

     26.6      33.1        30.7        (6.5     2.4   
                                       

Total

     1,012.7      987.7        896.4        25.0        91.3   
                                       

All Other

     2.9      5.5        4.3        (2.6     1.2   

Adjustments and Eliminations

     0.7      (5.1     (34.4     5.8        29.3   
                                       

Consolidated Total

   ¥ 1,016.3    ¥ 988.1      ¥ 866.3      ¥ 28.2      ¥ 121.8   
                                       

LOGO

 

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Operating Income (Loss)

 

     Billions of Yen  
     Years Ended March 31,     Change
(2009–2008)
    Change
(2008–2007)
 
     2009     2008     2007      

Iron & Steel Products

   ¥ 17.4      ¥ 25.6      ¥ 25.6      ¥ (8.2   ¥ 0.0   

Mineral & Metal Resources

     104.5        79.0        91.3        25.5        (12.3

Machinery & Infrastructure Projects

     16.0        30.1        19.4        (14.1     10.7   

Chemical

     24.2        42.8        36.2        (18.6     6.6   

Energy

     214.1        172.5        81.3        41.6        91.2   

Foods & Retail

     19.0        16.6        10.9        2.4        5.7   

Consumer Service & IT

     (12.8     19.0        20.3        (31.8     (1.3

Logistics & Financial Markets

     23.8        20.9        24.2        2.9        (3.3

Americas

     39.0        7.3        22.0        31.7        (14.7

Europe, the Middle East and Africa

     (1.9     1.8        2.9        (3.7     (1.1

Asia Pacific

     (1.6     7.6        9.5        (9.2     (1.9
                                        

Total

     441.7        423.2        343.6        18.5        79.6   
                                        

All Other

     (2.9     (1.4     (4.4     (1.5     3.0   

Adjustments and Eliminations

     (44.1     (47.0     (56.4     2.9        9.4   
                                        

Consolidated Total

   ¥ 394.7      ¥ 374.8      ¥ 282.8      ¥ 19.9      ¥ 92.0   
                                        

Operating Income (Loss)

Operating income (loss) is included as a measure of reviewing the performance of each segment. Operating income (loss) reflects our (a) gross profit, (b) selling, general and administrative expenses and (c) provision for doubtful receivables, as presented in the Statements of Consolidated Income.

Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Associated Companies—Net (After Income Tax Effect)

 

     Billions of Yen  
     Years Ended March 31,     Change
(2009–2008)
    Change
(2008–2007)
 
     2009     2008     2007      

Iron & Steel Products

   ¥ (1.3   ¥ 4.9      ¥ 3.1      ¥ (6.2   ¥ 1.8   

Mineral & Metal Resources

     39.4        71.2        60.3        (31.8     10.9   

Machinery & Infrastructure Projects

     13.9        20.3        21.4        (6.4     (1.1

Chemical

     1.7        5.8        4.9        (4.1     0.9   

Energy

     44.1        36.8        44.4        7.3        (7.6

Foods & Retail

     (3.8     3.1        3.8        (6.9     (0.7

Consumer Service & IT

     2.0        8.2        8.7        (6.2     (0.5

Logistics & Financial Markets

     (10.5     (1.9     2.0        (8.6     (3.9

Americas

     (2.2     5.1        3.9        (7.3     1.2   

Europe, the Middle East and Africa

     0.3        0.3        0.3        0.0        0.0   

Asia Pacific

     1.0        1.1        0.7        (0.1     0.4   
                                        

Total

     84.6        154.9        153.5        (70.3     1.4   
                                        

All Other

     0.0        0.1        0.1        (0.1     0.0   

Adjustments and Eliminations

     0.2        (0.7     (0.5     0.9        (0.2
                                        

Consolidated Total

   ¥ 84.8      ¥ 154.3      ¥ 153.1      ¥ (69.5   ¥ 1.2   
                                        

 

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Net Income (Loss)

 

     Billions of Yen  
     Years Ended March 31,     Change
(2009–2008)
    Change
(2008–2007)
 
     2009     2008     2007      

Iron & Steel Products

   ¥ (4.8   ¥ 20.2      ¥ 20.6      ¥ (25.0   ¥ (0.4

Mineral & Metal Resources

     90.0        177.0        98.4        (87.0     78.6   

Machinery & Infrastructure Projects

     21.8        34.4        33.2        (12.6     1.2   

Chemical

     (10.2     18.3        20.8        (28.5     (2.5

Energy

     153.3        124.1        75.7        29.2        48.4   

Foods & Retail

     1.5        10.4        (12.3     (8.9     22.7   

Consumer Service & IT

     (31.4     12.0        16.6        (43.4     (4.6

Logistics & Financial Markets

     (14.5     7.5        14.6        (22.0     (7.1

Americas

     (7.1     5.0        15.8        (12.1     (10.8

Europe, the Middle East and Africa

     (11.5     5.0        4.1        (16.5     0.9   

Asia Pacific

     30.6        22.5        22.0        8.1        0.5   
                                        

Total

     217.7        436.4        309.5        (218.7     126.9   
                                        

All Other

     6.5        (7.1     5.8        13.6        (12.9

Adjustments and Eliminations

     (46.6     (19.2     (13.8     (27.4     (5.4
                                        

Consolidated Total

   ¥ 177.6      ¥ 410.1      ¥ 301.5      ¥ (232.5   ¥ 108.6   
                                        

LOGO

Iron & Steel Products Segment

 

     Billions of Yen  
     Years Ended March 31,    Change
(2009–2008)
    Change
(2008–2007)
 
     2009     2008    2007     

Gross Profit

   ¥ 52.2      ¥ 61.3    ¥ 57.8    ¥ (9.1   ¥ 3.5   

Operating Income

     17.4        25.6      25.6      (8.2     0.0   

Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Associated Companies—Net (After Income Tax Effect)

     (1.3     4.9      3.1      (6.2     1.8   

Net Income (Loss)

     (4.8     20.2      20.6      (25.0     (0.4

 

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Comparison between the Year Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

Gross profit for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥52.2 billion, a decline of ¥9.1 billion from ¥61.3 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. The domestic steel products business which enjoyed a steady growth up to the first half of the current fiscal year but faced a drastic change in the environment following the sharp escalation of financial stress and the decline in global economy. The rapid demand destruction resulted in lower sales volume and a sharp drop in prices of all steel products in the second half of the current fiscal year. Except for demand of steel tubular products for oil field applications, which was softened by destocking, foreign trading transactions of various products such as steel sheets and plates for automobiles and shipbuilding, steel tubular products and line pipes for oil and gas development including transactions carried out by Regency Steel Asia Pte Ltd. to Asian markets decelerated due to a sharp decline in demand for the same reasons mentioned above. As a result, Regency Steel Asia Pte Ltd. was forced to recognize a valuation loss on inventories while it recorded solid results for the first half of the current fiscal year supported by continued favorable demand.

Operating income for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥17.4 billion, a decline of ¥8.2 billion from ¥25.6 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008, reflecting a decline in gross profit.

Equity in losses of associated companiesnet (after income tax effect) for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥1.3 billion, a decline of ¥6.2 billion from earnings of ¥4.9 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. On top of lower earnings of associated companies in general due to the economic slowdown, we recognized an impairment loss of ¥3.4 billion, reflecting a decline in the listed share price of Nippon Steel Trading Co., Ltd.

Net loss for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥4.8 billion, a ¥25.0 billion decline from earnings of ¥20.2 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. In addition to the decline in operating income and equity in earnings, a decline in gains on sales of securities and recognition of impairment losses of ¥13.3 billion on listed securities, including a ¥9.6 billion impairment loss on shares of Nippon Steel Corporation, resulted in the decline in net income.

Comparison between the Year Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

Gross profit for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥61.3 billion, an increase of ¥3.5 billion from ¥57.8 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. Overall steel products business continued to show solid performance mainly in high-end tubular products for energy applications, automobile steel plates and shipbuilding steel plates. Regency Steel Asia Pte Ltd. (Singapore) also contributed to the increase in earnings, reflecting robust operations for construction material, tubular products and steel plates for the Asian market.

Operating income for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥25.6 billion, the same as the year ended March 31, 2007. The increase in gross profit was mainly offset by higher selling, general and administrative expenses.

Equity in earnings of associated companies—net (after income tax effect) for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥4.9 billion, an increase of ¥1.8 billion from ¥3.1 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007.

Net income for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥20.2 billion, a ¥0.4 billion decline from ¥20.6 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007, due to a decline of gain on sales of securities, although there was an increase in equity in earnings of associated companies.

 

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Mineral & Metal Resources Segment

 

     Billions of Yen  
     Years Ended March 31,    Change
(2009–2008)
    Change
(2008–2007)
 
     2009    2008    2007     

Gross Profit

   ¥ 119.2    ¥ 95.8    ¥ 111.0    ¥ 23.4      ¥ (15.2

Operating Income

     104.5      79.0      91.3      25.5        (12.3

Equity in Earnings of Associated Companies—Net (After Income Tax Effect)

     39.4      71.2      60.3      (31.8     10.9   

Net Income

     90.0      177.0      98.4      (87.0     78.6   

Comparison between the Years Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

Gross profit for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥119.2 billion, an increase of ¥23.4 billion from ¥95.8 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008.

 

   

The main factor contributing to the increase in gross profit from iron ore mining operations was the increase in iron ore annual contract prices. Reflecting the tight market condition in emerging and developing countries, especially in China, iron ore prices for the year ended March 31, 2009 increased substantially from prices for the year ended March 31, 2008. Following the settlement of Brazilian iron ore fines with increases of 65~71%, Australian iron ore lump and fines prices were settled with an increase of 96.5% and 79.9% respectively. FOB (Free On Board) prices of Brazilian iron ore and Australian iron ore had been at the same level as was the customary practice in this industry up to the year ended March 31, 2008. However, Australian iron ore producers insisted that different prices be applied, reflecting the ocean freight difference between Australia and Brazil to major markets, such as China and Japan.

 

   

Due to the global economic slowdown triggered by the financial turmoil, the world crude steel production fell sharply in the three month period ended December 31, 2008 and the production for the year ended March 31, 2009 was down by approximately 9%, from that of the year ended March 31, 2008. Crude steel production in China, which had been sharply increasing in the recent years, fell off dramatically in the three month period ended December 31, 2008 and the total production for the year ended March 31, 2009 was flat, compared with the year ended March 31, 2008. Experiencing decline in sales volume under such a weak demand situation as well as the weakening Australian Dollar vis-à-vis the Japanese Yen, the iron ore mining operating business recorded a decline in gross profit for the three month period ended March 31, 2009 compared with the corresponding three month period of the previous year although the gross profit for the year ended March 31, 2009 still recorded a modest increase from the year ended March 31, 2008, thanks to the increase in iron ore annual prices as mentioned above. Consequently, increases in gross profit recorded by Mitsui Iron Ore Development and Mitsui Itochu Iron were ¥23.3 billion and ¥2.0 billion, respectively.

Operating income for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥104.5 billion, an increase of ¥25.5 billion from ¥79.0 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008, reflecting the increase in gross profit.

Equity in earnings of associated companiesnet (after income tax effect) for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥39.4 billion, a decline of ¥31.8 billion from ¥71.2 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. Major factors were as follows:

 

   

Earnings at Robe River Mining Company were ¥22.3 billion, an increase of ¥11.0 billion from ¥11.3 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008, reflecting the increase in iron ore prices.

 

   

Compania Minera Dona Ines de Collahuasi SCM, a Chilean copper mining company, recorded earnings of ¥11.5 billion, a decline of ¥7.4 billion from ¥18.9 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008 due to an increase in production costs and the depreciation of the U.S.Dollar against the Japanese Yen.

 

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Valepar S.A. posted earnings of ¥29.2 billion, a decline of ¥4.9 billion from ¥34.1 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008, reflecting a reduction in earnings at, its investee, Vale, mainly due to a drop in nickel prices as well as the depreciation of the Brazilian Real against the Japanese Yen.

 

   

Reflecting a decline in the listed share price of Sims Metal Management Limited, we recognized an impairment loss of ¥28.0 billion.

Net income for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥90.0 billion, a decline of ¥87.0 billion from ¥177.0 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. In addition to the factors mentioned above there are the following factors:

 

   

Other expense-net was a loss of ¥0.4 billion, a decline of ¥4.8 billion from a profit of ¥4.4 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008, as a result of a foreign exchange translation loss of ¥3.6 billion related to a borrowing denominated in U.S. Dollars at Mitsui Raw Material Development Pty. Limited (Australia). In addition, this segment recorded a loss of ¥3.0 billion on write-down of securities including an impairment loss on shares of JFE Holdings, Inc. (Japan).

 

   

Increase in operating income and equity in earnings were offset by a significant reversal effect from gains of ¥93.9 billion on the sale of our whole stake in Sesa Goa Limited(*) and of ¥12.4 billion on the sale of shares in EBM, a Brazilian iron ore company for the year ended March 31, 2008.

Comparison between the Years Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

Gross profit for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥95.8 billion, a decline of ¥15.2 billion from ¥111.0 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007 as a result of the following:

 

   

The divestiture in April 2007 of our entire holding in Sesa Goa Limited, formerly our iron ore subsidiary, which resulted in a decline of ¥27.2 billion(*) in this segment’s gross profit, the amount which Sesa Goa Limited contributed for the year ended March 31, 2007.

 

   

Reflecting tight supply-demand balance in Asia, especially in China, iron ore prices for the year ending March 31, 2008 increased by 9.5 % from the year ended March 31, 2007. Consequently, gross profit at Mitsui Iron Ore Development Pty. Ltd. (Australia) and Mitsui Itochu Iron Pty. Ltd. (Australia) increased by ¥8.7 billion and ¥4.3 billion, respectively. At Mitsui Iron Ore Development Pty. Ltd. and Mitsui Itochu Iron Pty. Ltd., shipments (on our equity production basis) stayed at almost the same levels of 22.6 million tons and 3.1 million tons respectively for the year ended March 31, 2008, compared to 22.8 million tons and 2.9 million tons respectively for the year ended March 31, 2007.

Operating income for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥79.0 billion, a decline of ¥12.3 billion from ¥91.3 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007, due to the above-mentioned decline in gross profit. There was a marginal improvement in selling, general administrative expenses as a result of the divestiture of Sesa Goa Limited.

Equity in earnings of associated companies—net (after income tax effect) for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥71.2 billion, an increase of ¥10.9 billion from ¥60.3 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. Major factors contributing to the increase were as follows:

 

   

Valepar S.A. (Brazil) posted a net income of ¥34.1 billion, an increase of ¥9.1 billion from ¥25.0 billion including a ¥5.6 billion one-time gain on issuance of stock by Vale in exchange for Caemi Mineraçã o e

 

 

(*) In the consolidated statements of income, net income of Sesa Goa for the years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are presented as income from discontinued operations (after income tax effect). However, in this “Operating Results by Operating Segment”, operating results of Sesa Goa have been included in and presented as continuing operation.

 

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Metalurgia S.A stock in the year ended March 31, 2007. This increase is due to strong operating results of Vale reflecting higher iron prices and contributions from newly acquired Inco Limited (currently Vale Inco Limited) following the acquisition by Vale during the fourth quarter of the year ended March 31, 2007.

 

   

Earnings of Compania Minera Dona Ines de Collahuasi SCM (Chile) was a net income of ¥18.9 billion, a decline of ¥0.3 billion from the year ended March 31, 2007. The LME copper price for 2007 (calendar year) was U.S.$7,126 per ton on average compared to U.S.$6,731 per ton for 2006 (calendar year).

 

   

Sims Group Limited (Australia), a metal recycler, added a new contribution in earnings of ¥1.9 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008.

Net income for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥177.0 billion, a significant increase of ¥78.6 billion from ¥98.4 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. Besides the above-mentioned factors, there were significant gains from divestitures for the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 as follows:

 

   

For the year ended March 31, 2008, this segment recorded a ¥93.9 billion gain on the sale of its whole stake in Sesa Goa Limited(*). In addition, it also recorded a ¥12.4 billion gain on the sale of shares in Empreendimentos Brasileiros de Mineração S.A.

 

   

For the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, this segment recorded ¥14.2 billion and ¥9.4 billion gains on the sale of shares in Toho Titanium Co., Ltd. (Japan), respectively.

Short- and Long-Term Outlook on Prices and Supply-Demand Balance for Iron Ore, and Our Equity Production

Short-Term Pricing and Supply-Demand Balance

Major suppliers including our joint venture businesses in Australia in which we participate with major overseas mineral resources companies conclude long-term supply contracts with various clients in the world including Japanese and Chinese steel manufacturers. Based on such contracts, sales prices are reviewed and renegotiated each fiscal year. (Unit prices for iron ore from each mine in production also reflect the difference of respective grades and types.)

Until the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009 prices continued to run up driven by increased demands especially in China as well as tightened supplies from Australia and Brazil due to their limited production capacities. Annual prices for the year ended March 31, 2009 rose sharply after long negotiations, resulting in 65-96.5% price increases depending on the grades and types over the annual prices for the year ended March 31, 2008. Nevertheless, economic slowdown triggered by the financial crisis in September 2008 changed the situation drastically. Crude steel production in the world, even in China, which is the world largest crude steel producing country, rapidly declined, and as a result, iron ore producers were forced to adjust their productions as well as shipments and spot prices of iron ore dropped.

While crude steel production in China is showing signs of recovery, production in the rest of the world remains to be under tremendous pressure. Under such circumstances, one major Australian iron ore producer announced in early June that it had settled its iron ore contract for the year ending March 31, 2010 with major iron ore consumers in Asian countries such as Japan, Korea and Taiwan with price reductions of 32.9% for fine ore and 44.5% for lump ore from the prices for the year ended March 31, 2009. On June 10, 2009, a major Brazilian iron ore producer announced that it concluded negotiations with Japanese and Korean

 

 

(*) In the consolidated statements of income, net income of Sesa Goa for the years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are presented as income from discontinued operations (after income tax effect). However, in this “Operating Results by Operating Segment”, operating results of Sesa Goa have been included in and presented as continuing operation.

 

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iron ore consumers with price reductions of 28.2% for fine ore, 44.5% for lump ore and 48.3% for pellet from the prices for the year ended March 31, 2009. As of July 10, 2009, the both iron ore producers remain in price negotiations with other consumers including Chinese consumers. The other major Australian iron ore producer has not made any announcement regarding its annual contract price negotiation for the year ending March 31, 2010.

Fluctuations in iron ore prices directly affect revenues from the equity-based production at our iron ore subsidiaries and associated companies. For the year ending March 31, 2010, we estimate that the impact on net income from a change of U.S.$1 per ton in iron ore price would be approximately ¥2.0 billion.

For the year ended March 31, 2009, the equity-based shipments of our overseas subsidiaries and associated companies amounted to approximately 39 million tons of iron ore. The above-mentioned effect is calculated based on the assumptions of an estimated decline in production in line with our holdings after the year ended March 31, 2009, and a specific range of foreign exchange rates for the Japanese yen, U.S. dollar, Australian dollar and Brazilian real.

Although the rate of run-up in material and equipment costs as well as utility and personnel costs has halted due to the global economic slowdown, the cost is expected not to decline immediately since the impact of such cost reductions has certain time lag and the effect of increased unit cost due to lower production volumes offsets the cost reduction. In natural resource producing countries such as Australia and Brazil, there is a general trend toward currency appreciation in line with the growing export of those products, resulting in a negative impact on the revenues of our overseas subsidiaries and associated companies.

Middle- and Long-Term Price Outlook and Supply-Demand Balance and Trends in Our Equity Production

Due to the contraction of activity and trade provoked by the dramatic escalation of the financial crisis, the demand for iron ore is likely to decline in the short-term. However, in the mid- and long-term, it is expected that steel products demand in developing countries remains strong, and consequently. In order to respond to such increasing demand, major iron ore producers intend to continue investing to expand their production capacity. As of March 31, 2009, noteworthy developments in iron ore projects in which we hold stakes are as follows: (Unless otherwise noted, production amounts represent a 100% basis.)

 

   

Our iron ore mining joint ventures led by the BHP Billiton group completed expansion to raise the combined iron ore production capacity to 129 million tons per annum from 118 million tons. In addition, the joint venture members further agreed to an expansion plan to increase annual production capacity to 155 million tons and to start production by 2010. Furthermore, joint venture members approved expansion plan in November 2009 involving the expansion of railway and ports in parallel with the current construction, with the aim being to increase annual production capacity to 205 million tons by latter half of 2011.

 

   

In the iron ore mining joint venture led by Rio Tinto group, participants agreed to a plan in 2007 to expand port capacity at Cape Lambert in the Pilbara region of Western Australia from nameplate capacity of 55 to 80 million tons per annum, and completed the project in November 2008. In addition, the joint ventures agreed to approve capital investment representing pre-approval of expenditures for material and equipment with an aim to increase annual capacity to 180 million. Furthermore, the joint venture decided to develop the Mesa A / Warramboo mine in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The new mine will have a full scale capacity of 25 million tons per annum and is expected to start production in 2010. The total mine life of Mesa A is expected to be 11 years. With this addition, total production of Robe Valley pisolite ore will be maintained at 32 million tons per annum.

Including those we are participating in, most of the iron ore mining projects have plans for expanding their production capacity in response to forecasted iron ore demand increase in mid- and long-term. As there are too many uncertainties including demand from China and other emerging countries, it is difficult for our management to draw up definitive forecasts on supply-demand balance and prices at this point in time.

 

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Machinery & Infrastructure Projects Segment

 

     Billions of Yen  
     Years Ended March 31,    Change
(2009–2008)
    Change
(2008–2007)
 
     2009    2008    2007     

Gross Profit

   ¥ 106.3    ¥ 119.7    ¥ 101.9    ¥ (13.4   ¥ 17.8   

Operating Income

     16.0      30.1      19.4      (14.1     10.7   

Equity in Earnings of Associated Companies—Net (After Income Tax Effect)

     13.9      20.3      21.4      (6.4     (1.1

Net Income

     21.8      34.4      33.2      (12.6     1.2   

Comparison between the Years Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

Gross profit for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥106.3 billion, a decline of ¥13.4 billion from ¥119.7 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008.

 

   

While the motorcycle retail finance company P.T. Bussan Auto Finance continued to show solid performance, the Motor Vehicle Business Unit reported a decline of ¥5.9 billion in gross profit due to a decline in import and sales transactions of finished cars and auto parts logistics business activities in the Americas and less business activity as a result of restructuring of subsidiaries in Europe, reflecting contraction of demand inflicted by the massive financial crisis.

 

   

Despite the financial turmoil and the sluggish freight market, the Marine & Aerospace Business Unit showed relatively stable performance through marketing commercial vessels, trading in used vessels, operating and chartering vessels for the year ended March 31, 2009. Nevertheless, this business unit reported a decline of ¥3.7 billion in gross profit due to a reversal effect from profit on delivery of some new vessels realized in the year ended March 31, 2008.

 

   

Infrastructure Projects Business Unit reported a decline of ¥3.9 billion in gross profit due to less demand for and overhaul of rolling stock at leasing subsidiaries in North America and Europe and fewer deliveries in plant business.

Operating income for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥16.0 billion, a decline of ¥14.1 billion from ¥30.1 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. The major factors were increases in selling, general and administrative expenses and in the provision for doubtful receivables at the Marine & Aerospace and the Infrastructure Projects Business Units in addition to the decline in gross profit.

Equity in earnings of associated companiesnet (after income tax effect) for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥13.9 billion, a decline of ¥6.4 billion from ¥20.3 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. Major factors were as follows:

 

   

Overseas power producing businesses such as IPM UK Power Holdings Limited, IPM Eagle LLP and P.T. Paiton Energy reported equity in earnings of ¥10.6 billion, an increase of ¥6.5 billion from equity in earnings of ¥4.1 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. Power producing operations recorded a ¥0.3 billion mark-to-market evaluation gain related to long-term power contracts while Australian power producing operations recorded a ¥5.8 billion mark-to-market evaluation loss on long-term swap agreement for the year ended March 31, 2008.

 

   

This segment recorded equity in losses of ¥6.1 billion (this segment portion) for Penske Automotive Group, Inc., ¥3.2 billion for Toyo Engineering Corporation (Japan) and ¥2.1 billion for ASAHI TEC CORPORATION (Japan), reflecting declines in the share prices. The segment also recorded a loss of ¥4.4 billion (this segment portion) for ASAHI TEC CORPORATION for the same reason in the year ended March 31, 2008.

 

   

Other than the above-mentioned factors, this segment recorded a profit from sales of vessels at marine business for the year ended March 31, 2009 and had a reversal effect of profit from sale of real estate in automotive related business for the year ended March 31, 2008.

 

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Net income for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥21.8 billion, a decline of ¥12.6 billion from ¥34.4 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. In addition to the above-mentioned factors, major factors were as follows:

 

   

This segment recorded a loss of ¥8.2 billion on write-down of securities of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. The segment posted a positive tax effect of ¥6.9 billion in Income Taxes including the effect of the impairment loss of ¥8.6 billion for the previous year(*1).

 

   

This segment recorded a gain of ¥5.5 billion(*2) on the sale of leased aircraft held by Tombo Aviation Inc. for the year ended March 31, 2008.

Comparison between the Years Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

Gross profit for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥119.7 billion, an increase of ¥17.8 billion from ¥101.9 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007.

 

   

Overseas automotive-related subsidiaries continued to post solid performance, particularly the motorcycle retail finance company P.T. Bussan Auto Finance (Indonesia) reported higher gross profit, along with an automobile sales dealer company in Russia and other areas.

 

   

Ocean vessels and marine project businesses showed overall strong performance through marketing newly built and second hand vessels, operating and chartering vessels and energy related businesses, supported by continued strong demand.

 

   

Gross profit increased due to expanding operations at the two rolling stock leasing subsidiaries in Europe and plant businesses including power generation businesses.

Operating income for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥30.1 billion, an increase of ¥10.7 billion from ¥19.4 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. The increase is primarily attributable to the improvement in gross profit in ocean vessels and marine project businesses and infrastructure projects businesses. Operating income of automotive and machine tools related subsidiaries slightly increased, as increases in their gross profit was mostly offset by increases in selling, general and administrative expenses and provision for doubtful receivables.

Equity in earnings of associated companies—net (after income tax effect) for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥20.3 billion, a decline of ¥1.1 billion from ¥21.4 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007.

 

   

Overseas power producing businesses such as IPM Eagle LLP (United Kingdom) and P.T. Paiton Energy (Indonesia) reported equity in earnings of ¥4.1 billion in total, a decline of ¥5.4 billion from ¥9.5 billion earnings for the year ended March 31, 2007. The decline is due to a ¥5.8 billion mark-to-market evaluation losses for the year ended March 31, 2008 which were recorded mainly by IPM Eagle on long-term swap contracts, among others in its Australian power producing operations.

 

 

(*1) Mitsui records an impairment loss on a marketable security if a decline in the share price is other-than-temporary. Basically a 30% or more decline in fair value of a security leads to the conclusion that the security has an other-than-temporary impairment. Among those determined to be other-than-temporary impaired, a 50% or less decline in fair value of a security is a nondeductible impairment loss based on Japanese tax laws and regulations. Mitsui evaluates the realizability of the deferred tax assets for nondeductible impairment losses and set up valuation allowances if it is more likely than not that they are not considered recoverable.
(*2) In this “Operating Results by Operating Segment”, the gain on the sale of aircraft has been included in and presented as continuing operations. In the consolidated statement of income, the gain of ¥4.4 billion on the sale for the year ended March 31, 2008 is presented as income from discontinued operations (after income tax effect).

 

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This segment recorded a ¥4.4 billion equity in loss reflecting an other-than-temporary decline in share price of ASAHI TEC CORPORATION (Japan)(*1), a manufacturer of ductile iron cast parts and aluminum forged parts.

 

   

The other associated companies reported improved earnings in general, such as the gas distribution companies in Brazil and the automotive and construction machinery related businesses.

Net income for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥34.4 billion, an increase of ¥1.2 billion from ¥33.2 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. In addition to the above-mentioned factors, for the year ended March 31, 2008, this segment recorded:

 

   

gains on sales of aircraft which were previously leased to others at Tombo Aviation, Inc. (United States)(*2); and

 

   

a ¥8.6 billion loss on the write down of shares in Yamaha Motors Co., Ltd., reflecting an other-than-temporary decline in its market price(*3).

Chemical Segment

 

     Billions of Yen  
     Years Ended March 31,    Change
(2009–2008)
    Change
(2008–2007)
 
     2009     2008    2007     

Gross Profit

   ¥ 80.0      ¥ 100.2    ¥ 95.6    ¥ (20.2   ¥ 4.6   

Operating Income

     24.2        42.8      36.2      (18.6     6.6   

Equity in Earnings of Associated Companies—Net (After Income Tax Effect)

     1.7        5.8      4.9      (4.1     0.9   

Net Income (Loss)

     (10.2     18.3      20.8      (28.5     (2.5

 

 

(*1) Regarding investment in associated companies listed on Japanese and/or overseas stock exchanges, when we observe an other-than-temporary decline including the case that its book value exceeds the market value, we recognize an impairment loss in the amount equal to the balance between the book value and the market value and record the loss in equity in loss of associated companies. The market price of ASAHI TECH Corporation (listed on the first section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange) declined significantly from the end of 2006 to the middle of 2007. For the year ended March 31, 2008, we concluded it was an other-than-temporary decline in fair value loss in the account title of equity in earnings/losses of associated companies.
(*2) In the consolidated statements of income, net income of Tombo Aviation, Inc. for the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 is presented as income from discontinued operations (after income tax effect). However, in this “Operating Results by Operating Segment”, operating results of the company are presented and discussed according to line items of the consolidated statements of income.
(*3) Mitsui’s Management principally recognizes that a 50% or more decline in fair value of a security from cost leads to the conclusion that the security has an other-than-temporary impairment. In addition, management recognizes an other-than-temporary impairment in case of a 30% or more and less than 50% decline, considering the materiality of declined value. The closing share price of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. at the Tokyo Stock Exchange was ¥1,834 leading to a more than 30% decline from the cost. As of the end of June 2008, its closing share price at the Tokyo Stock Exchange was ¥1,987, which was slightly less than a 30% decline.

 

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Comparison between the Years Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

Gross profit for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥80.0 billion, a decline of ¥20.2 billion from ¥100.2 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. The principal developments in this segment were as follows:

 

   

Basic petrochemicals of upstream products recorded an increase of ¥3.1 billion in gross profit. The ethylene and propylene businesses contributed to the increase by focusing on reducing transportation costs as well as by marketing operations closely monitoring supply demand balance under the circumstances where global demand contraction and a further deterioration in market prices have been taking place. Despite the fact that the market price of ammonia plunged sharply after last autumn, P.T. Kaltim Pasifik Amoniak, a joint venture manufacturing and marketing company of ammonia, recorded an increase in gross profit due to higher price and an increase in sales volume in the first half of the current fiscal year.

 

   

Mid-stream intermediate products used for synthetic resin and synthetic fiber products overall recorded a decline of ¥6.8 billion in gross profit due to sharp declines in market prices as well as a further drop in demand.

 

   

Plastics and Functional Materials also recorded a decline of ¥7.9 billion in gross profit due to declines in the market prices coupled with a decline in demand.

 

   

On the other hand, supported by a globally stable demand for agriculture products, businesses of crop protection chemicals and fertilizer remained robust while sulfur and sulfuric acid, raw materials of fertilizer, decelerated sharply after last summer when the export custom duty for fertilizer products in China was raised which resulted in a decline in the demand and a decline in the price, resulting in a decline of ¥3.5 billion of gross profit.

Operating income for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥24.2 billion, a decline of ¥18.6 billion from ¥42.8 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008, reflecting the decline in gross profit.

Equity in earnings of associated companiesnet (after income tax effect) for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥1.7 billion, a decline of ¥4.1 billion from ¥5.8 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. While International Methanol Company, a joint venture methanol manufacturing company, recorded almost same level of earnings as the year ended March 31, 2008, the segment recorded an equity in loss reflecting impairments of Japanese listed shares.

Net loss for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥10.2 billion, a decline of ¥28.5 billion from net income of ¥18.3 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. In addition to the above-mentioned factors, this segment recorded a loss of ¥30.0 billion on the write-down of securities including an ¥18.0 billion impairment loss on shares of Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. and a ¥4.2 billion impairment loss on shares in Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha LTD.

Comparison between the Years Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

Gross profit for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥100.2 billion, an increase of ¥4.6 billion from ¥95.6 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. The principal developments in this segment were as follows:

 

   

Gross profit continued to stay at high levels, reflecting a solid performance mainly in ammonia and methanol; however, the basic petrochemicals business recorded a decline in gross profit due to a sharp decline in margins following a rapid increase in prices of crude oil and naphtha.

 

   

The sulphur business improved its performance, substantially supported by a globally strong demand for agriculture products. Performance of inorganic chemicals and plastics including IT related parts and components remained solid, reflecting a strong demand particularly in Asia.

Operating income for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥42.8 billion, an increase of ¥6.6 billion from ¥36.2 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007.

 

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Equity in earnings of associated companies—net (after income tax effect) for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥5.8 billion, an increase of ¥0.9 billion from ¥4.9 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007.

Net income for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥18.3 billion, a decline of ¥2.5 billion from ¥20.8 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. Besides the above-mentioned improvements for the year ended March 31, 2008, this segment recorded the following:

 

   

For the year ended March 31, 2007, this segment recorded a credit to income of ¥3.9 billion as a result of the reversal of the accrued cost which had been set up based on estimated cost for compensation and other charges related to the DPF incident during past years as a result of completion of the redemption of the relevant DPFs. For more information, see Note 21, “COMPENSATION AND OTHER CHARGES RELATED TO DPF INCIDENT.”

 

   

This segment recorded a gain on the sale of shares in Toho Titanium Co., Ltd., for the years ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007.

 

   

For the year ended March 31, 2008, this segment recorded a ¥4.7 billion loss on the write down of shares mainly in Kaneka Corporation, reflecting other-than-temporary decline in their market prices.

Energy Segment

 

     Billions of Yen  
     Years Ended March 31,    Change
(2009–2008)
   Change
(2008–2007)
 
     2009    2008    2007      

Gross Profit

   ¥ 272.0    ¥ 219.3    ¥ 123.9    ¥ 52.7    ¥ 95.4   

Operating Income

     214.1      172.5      81.3      41.6      91.2   

Equity in Earnings of Associated Companies—Net (After Income Tax Effect)

     44.1      36.8      44.4      7.3      (7.6

Net Income

     153.3      124.1      75.7      29.2      48.4   

Comparison between the Years Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

Japan Crude Cocktail (“JCC”), which is average CIF price of oil imported to Japan, continued to rise from April 2007, reflecting strong demand and an influx of speculative money into the futures markets and reached US$135 per barrel in August 2008. Following the banking crisis in September 2008, the JCC plummeted to US$43 per barrel in January 2009, and ended at US$44 per barrel (preliminary figure) in March 2009, as a result of weaker demand and increased risk aversion. The JCC price trend is generally reflected in the net income of our overseas oil and gas producing subsidiaries and associated companies in this segment with a zero to 6 month time lag.

Considering these time lags, Mitsui periodically calculates the weighted average JCC price applied to operating results of those oil and gas producing subsidiaries and associated companies for internal reviewing purposes. Such weighted average JCC prices for internal reviewing purposes for the year ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 were US$101 per barrel and US$71 per barrel, respectively.

Gross profit for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥272.0 billion, an increase of ¥52.7 billion from ¥219.3 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008 primarily due to the following:

 

   

There were contributions of ¥14.2 billion by Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Ltd due to the start-up of oil production at Tui oil field in New Zealand in July 2007 as well as higher oil prices. Likewise, due to higher oil prices MitEnergy Upstream LLC (United States) and Mitsui E&P Middle East B.V. (Netherlands) reported increases of ¥9.5 billion and ¥5.1 billion, respectively. On the other hand, Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. posted a decline of ¥4.2 billion, due to a drop in oil prices reflecting short period of time lag and stronger Japanese Yen against US Dollar and Thai Baht. Mittwell Energy

 

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Resources Pty., Ltd. posted a decline of ¥22.7 billion in gross profit due to decline of shipments and an increase in condensate cost as a result of the revision of the purchase price from Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty. Ltd during the year ended March 31, 2009.(*1)

 

   

The price for representative Australian premium hard coking coal for the year ended March 31, 2009 was quoted as US$300 per ton FOB, which was approximately three times the price for the year ended March 31, 2008. At the same time thermal coal prices doubled from the price for the prior year. For the year ended March 31, 2009, gross profit at Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd. (Australia) increased by ¥46.6 billion, reflecting higher coal price as well as an increase in sales volume. Despite the sharp decline in demand due to economic slowdown, shipments for the year ended March 31, 2009 were approximately 7.4 million tons, a slight increase from 6.8 million tons for the year ended March 31, 2008 when there were production troubles.

 

   

Following the merger with Marubeni Liquefied Gas Corporation (Japan) in April 2008, Mitsui Marubeni Liquefied Gas Co., Ltd. reported an increase of ¥10.5 billion in gross profit due to the merger and increased sales volume.

Operating income for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥ 214.1 billion, an increase of ¥41.6 billion from ¥172.5 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. An increase of ¥14.1 billion of selling, general and administrative expenses resulting from the merger with Marubeni Liquefied Gas Corporation was recorded at Mitsui Marubeni Liquefied Gas Co., Ltd.

Equity in earnings of associated companiesnet (after income tax effect) for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥44.1 billion, an increase of ¥7.3 billion from ¥36.8 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty. Ltd. reported an increase in earnings due to higher oil prices and revised transfer price applied to sales of condensate to Mittwell Energy Resources Pty., Ltd. partially offset by foreign exchange translation effect of the depreciated Australian Dollar against the Japanese Yen and decline of oil shipment.

Net income for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥153.3 billion, an increase of ¥29.2 billion from ¥124.1 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. Besides the above-mentioned developments, there were following factors:

 

   

Interest expenses declined by ¥4.8 billion, due mainly to lower US interest rates applied for funding for Sakhalin II project.

 

   

Dividends from LNG projects in Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Oman and Equatorial Guinea were ¥48.9 billion, an increase of ¥24.9 billion over the year ended March 31, 2008 due to higher oil prices.

 

   

This segment recorded a profit of ¥6.7 billion on sale of its shareholding in Kyushu Oil Co., Ltd. On the other hand, in April 2007, this segment sold 50% of its stake in Sakhalin Energy Investment Company Ltd. (Bermuda) and recorded the relevant gain on sale of the shares for the year ended March 31, 2008.

 

   

This segment recorded a ¥20.2 billion gain (pre-tax) on the sale of its entire oil and gas producing interests(*2) at Wandoo Petroleum Pty. Ltd. (Mitsui’s profit share 71.7%) for the year ended March 31, 2008.

 

 

(*1) Positive impact of the increase in condensate sales price at Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty. Ltd. is not reflected timely due to a three-month time lag in consolidating its earnings into our operating results, whereas negative impact of the decline in condensate sales price at Mittwell Energy Resources Pty., Ltd. is reflected with no lag. Therefore, positive impact related to condensate sales earned during January to March 2009 period will be reflected in the earnings of Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty. Ltd. in the year ending March 31, 2010.
(*2) In this “Operating Results by Operating Segment”, the gain on the sale of the entire oil and gas producing interests in Wandoo Petroleum Pty. Ltd. has been included in and presented as continuing operations. In the consolidated statement of income, the gain of ¥9.6 billion on the sale for the year ended March 31, 2008 is presented as income from discontinued operations (after income tax effect).

 

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This segment recorded a ¥14.6 billion impairment loss on property & equipment and mineral rights of Vincent oil field belonging to Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Limited. We wrote down the assets to the fair value using a discount cash flow method. Future cash flow used for the impairment judgment as well as for the fair value calculation is estimated from its business plan that the most updated oil reserve is produced from the oil field in accordance with the production plan, and the estimate of the sales prices is based on the future prices at the analysis day. For the year ended March 31, 2008 this segment recorded a ¥3.9 billion impairment loss on power producing equipment at a domestic power producing operation.

 

   

Other expense-net increased by ¥17.9 billion due mainly to exploration expenses and salvage expenses of ¥4.5 billion for the Mexican gulf oil production facility damaged seriously by a hurricane. The exploration expenses included a ¥6.3 billion expense at Mitsui E&P Australia, a ¥3.6 billion expense at Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd.(Japan), a ¥2.7 billion expense at Mitsui E&P Mozambique Area1. For the corresponding previous year, major exploration expenses were a ¥5.4 billion expense at Mitsui E&P Australia and a ¥2.7 billion expense at Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd.

Comparison between the Years Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

After reaching U.S.$72 per barrel in September 2006, Japan Crude Cocktail (“JCC”) dropped to U.S.$55 per barrel in February 2007. It then bounced back sharply and reached U.S.$95.4 per barrel in March 2008. On average, crude oil prices continued to rise, reflecting strong demand supported by global expansion, geopolitical uncertainty surrounding supply from the Middle East and other oil producing regions, and an influx of speculative money into the futures markets. Average JCC for the year ended March 31, 2008 was U.S.$78.71 per barrel compared to U.S.$63.50 per barrel for the year ended March 31, 2007. Average JCC for calendar year 2007 was U.S.$69.41 compared to U.S.$63.94 for calendar year 2006.

The JCC price trend is generally reflected in the net income of our overseas oil and gas producing subsidiaries and associated companies in this segment within a zero to 6 month time lag. Considering these time lags, Mitsui periodically calculates the weighted average JCC price applied to operating results of those oil and gas producing subsidiaries and associated companies for internal reviewing purposes. Such weighted average JCC prices for internal reviewing purposes for the year ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 were U.S.$71 per barrel and U.S.$64 per barrel, respectively.

Gross profit for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥219.3 billion, a significant increase of ¥95.4 billion from ¥123.9 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007 primarily due to the following factors:

 

   

As a result of Mitsui’s acquisition of additional voting shares in Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. (Japan) during the 4th quarter of the year ended March 31, 2007, Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd., formerly an associated company, became a subsidiary with Mitsui’s 50.3% voting interest (51.03% as of March 31, 2008). There was a new contribution to gross profit from Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. of ¥58.4 billion coming from this acquisition of shares. There were also new contributions of ¥23.9 billion by Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Limited (Australia) due to the start of oil production at the Enfield oil field in July 2006 as well as the Tui oil filed in July 2007. Moreover, Mittwell Energy Resources Pty. Ltd. (Australia) reported an ¥8.6 billion increase, reflecting increased shipment of condensate and higher prices; and Mitsui E&P Middle East B.V. (Netherlands) operating in Oman reported an increase of ¥5.6 billion, reflecting increased prices.

 

   

The price for representative Australian hard coking coal for the year ending March 31, 2008 declined by approximately 15.5% to U.S.$92 per ton FOB. At the same time soft coking coal prices rose in general by 9%. For the year ended March 31, 2008, gross profit at Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd. (Australia) declined significantly by ¥11.9 billion, reflecting lower coal prices, appreciation of the Australian dollar against the U.S. dollar, delay of expansion projects and other operational troubles including heavy rainfall. Although the expansion plan in the Dawson mine has been completed, shipments by Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd. for the year ended March 31, 2008 were approximately 7.9 million tons, a slight

 

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increase from 6.8 million tons for the year ended March 31, 2007 due to the above-mentioned operation troubles. As of April 2008, the operational trouble at the Dawson mine had been remedied in general and it is currently concentrating on stabilizing production.

 

   

There were ¥9.6 billion naphtha trading losses at Mitsui Oil (Asia) Pte. Ltd. (Singapore) for the year ended March 31, 2007.

 

   

In domestic sales operations, Mitsui Liquefied Gas Co., Ltd. (Japan) recorded a ¥3.3 billion increase, reflecting higher sales prices; however, Mitsui Oil Co., Ltd. (Japan) reported a decline due to reduced margins related to a sharp increase in crude oil prices.

Operating income for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥172.5 billion, an increase of ¥91.2 billion from ¥81.3 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. The increase in gross profit was partly offset by increased selling, general and administrative expenses, particularly at Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd..

Equity in earnings of associated companies—net (after income tax effect) for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥36.8 billion, a decline of ¥7.6 billion from ¥44.4 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty. Ltd. (Australia), which is engaged in natural gas, crude oil and condensate exploration, development and marketing in Western Australia, recorded a slight increase in earnings. Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd., as an associated company up to the third quarter of the year ended March 31, 2007, reported ¥8.4 billion equity in earnings for the year ended March 31, 2007, but has been consolidated for the year ended March 31, 2008.

Net income for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥124.1 billion, a significant increase of ¥48.4 billion from ¥75.7 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. Besides the above-mentioned developments, the following factors contributed to this increase:

 

   

This segment divested 50% of its shares in Sakhalin Energy Investment Company Ltd. (Bermuda) and recorded relevant gains on sale of the shares for the year ended March 31, 2008.

 

   

This segment recorded a ¥20.2 billion gain (pre-tax) on the sale of its entire oil and gas producing interests in Wandoo Petroleum Pty. Ltd. (Mitsui’s profit share 71.7%) for the year ended March 31, 2008(*1).

 

   

Dividends from LNG projects in Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Oman were ¥23.4 billion, a decline of ¥3.2 billion over the year ended March 31, 2007.

 

   

This segment reported an impairment loss on power producing equipment at GTF Green Power Co., Ltd. (Japan), a domestic power producing operation, for the year ended March 31, 2008.

 

   

Minority interests in earnings of subsidiaries increased by ¥18.9 billion (in expense) related to consolidation of Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. by Mitsui in the fourth quarter of the year ended March 31, 2007.

 

 

(*1) In the consolidated statements of income, net income of the assets of Wandoo Petroleum Pty. Ltd. for the year ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 is presented as income from discontinued operations (after income tax effect).

 

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Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Limited (Australia) recorded a Petroleum Resource Rent tax (“PRRT”) of ¥9.5 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008(*2).

Short- and Long-Term Outlook on Prices and Supply-Demand Balance for oil and gas, and Our Equity Production

Short-Term Pricing and Supply-Demand Balance

A survey conducted by the International Energy Agency (May 2008) indicated that world crude oil demand in 2008 was 85.8 million barrels per day, with an estimated demand for 2009 of 83.2 million barrels per day. As of May 2009, general observations on short-term supply-demand balance of crude oil by agencies and corporations in this industry suggest that:

 

   

After WTI reached its historical high price of U.S.$147 per barrel in July 2008, it plummeted due to the credit constraints and economic downturn. Entering into 2009, crude oil prices picked up once reflecting increasing geopolitical uncertainties such as Israel’s military activity Gaza region and disputes regarding gas supply between Russia and Ukraine, but the oil market immediately changed due to the worse-than-expected worldwide recession and the prices dropped to nearly U.S.$30 per barrel in February 2009. Afterward, crude oil prices have recovered and hit the U.S.$70 per barrel level recently mainly due to the inflow of risk money into the energy market.

 

   

While oil inventory in the U.S. continues to rise reflecting a decline in overall demand, there have been considerable inflows of risk money into commodity markets, resulting in a run-up of crude oil price. Although oil prices have surged as a result of such inflow of risk money, the outlook is extremely uncertain especially since the recovery of demand is likely to take place in 2010 at the soonest based on the demand estimation reported by International Energy Agency.

 

   

The following are the changing factors for oil price; 1) development of disposal of non performing loans which constitutes of the bedrock of the recession, 2) implementation of economic stimulus packages by the governments including Chinese government and 3) market confidence risk of the U.S. Dollar stemming from increasing public spending.

Our production amount for the year ended March 31, 2009 was 57 million barrels, an increase of 2 million barrels from the year ended March 31, 2008 (gas is converted to barrels of oil at the ratio of 5,800 cubic feet of natural gas to 1 barrel of crude oil), as presented in Table 4, Proved Reserve Quantity Information of Supplemental Information on Oil and Gas Producing Activities (Unaudited). Each of production amounts for the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 includes 11 million barrels for Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd.’s minority interest portion. We expect that our production amount for the year ending March 31, 2010 will be at the approximately same level as amount for the year ended March 31, 2009 considering full year contributions from

 

 

(*2) PRRT applies to all petroleum projects in Australian offshore areas (or Commonwealth adjacent areas), other than production licenses derived from the North West Shelf exploration permits. (Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty. Ltd. participates in the North West Shelf LNG project.) Therefore, Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Limited, our oil and gas exploration and production subsidiary in Australia, is subject to this tax. PRRT is assessed as follows:

 

   

PRRT is levied on the taxable profits of a petroleum project at a rate of 40%. The taxable profit of a project is the excess of assessable receipts over operating expenditures; and exploration and development expenditures. Exploration and development expenditures are deductible on an accrual basis, including the period when these expenditures are capitalized on the balance sheets.

 

   

All undeducted expenditures are eligible for compounding. The expenditures can be compounded annually at set rates (Australian long term bond yields and specified spreads), and the compounded amount is deducted against assessable receipts in future years.

 

   

PRRT is deductible for Australian income tax computation.

 

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the Vincent oil field project as well as the fifth LNG producing train of the Northwest Shelf JV, while crude oil production at the Tui crude oil field belonging to Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Limited and Mexican gulf operation of Mit Energy Upstream LLC is expected to decline.

On April 13, 2009, a fire started in the gas compression units on the Vincent’s floating production storage and off-take facility, and was immediately extinguished. Receiving regulatory approval, production at the Vincent oil field resumed on June 16, 2009 on an interim basis while work to restore the gas compression facility is still continuing.

For the year ending March 31, 2010, a change of U.S.$1 per barrel in crude oil prices is estimated to have an effect of ¥1.6 billion on net income as a result of changes in revenues of our oil and gas related subsidiaries and associated companies. Similar to the discussion regarding iron and steel raw materials, actual results of operations are also influenced by production costs, trends in foreign exchange rates and other factors surrounding those subsidiaries and associated companies.

Middle- and Long-Term Price Outlook and Supply-Demand Balance and Trends in Our Equity Production

The middle- and long-term trends in supply-demand balance and prices of crude oil are subject to far greater levels of uncertainty than recent trends, and it is therefore difficult for the management to make a definitive forecast. On the other hand, with respect to LNG, we are focusing on the changes in market structure that are currently taking place, and acting accordingly as follows:

 

   

In the past, the market growth has been driven primarily by long-term purchase contracts by power and gas companies operating in Japan and the Far East. Expansion of incumbent projects and green field projects coming on stream will increase the volume of supply to the market, while demand, traditionally centered around the Far East, is likely to increase by growing demand from Europe and the United States, while huge markets in China and India will emerge. Therefore, globalization both in terms of supply and demand is expected to continue. In addition, as the opportunity for supply-demand adjustments in these markets increases, LNG is expected to become a more marketable commodity.

 

   

Long-term purchase contracts with Japanese companies in many projects are subject to renewal around 2015, and more flexible terms reflecting the above-mentioned supply-demand balance trends will be requested from the buyers. In evaluating the opportunities for the expansion of incumbent projects or participation in green field projects, we are putting an emphasis on securing stable supply as well as diversifying our source of supply to enhance flexibility.

Short- and Long-Term Outlook on Prices and Supply-Demand Balance for coal, and Our Equity Production

Short-Term Pricing and Supply-Demand Balance

As is the case with the iron ore business, coal (metallurgical coal) producing joint venture businesses in Australia in which we participate together with major foreign mineral resources companies conclude supply contracts with Japanese steel manufacturers and major clients in other countries every year. Based on such contracts, sales prices are reviewed and renegotiated each fiscal year. For the year ending March 31, 2010, the annual prices of coal have declined sharply due to reduced demand stemming from curtailment of production by steel manufacturers, especially in developed countries. (Unit prices for coal from each mine in production also reflect the difference of respective grades and types.)

Up to the date of this annual report, we have observed that an indicative price for representative Australian premium hard coking coal, a type of metallurgical coal, declined to U.S.$115 to U.S.$125 per ton/FOB for the year ending March 31, 2010. Generally, metallurgical coal prices declined approximately 60% from the year ended March 31, 2009. Also, some contracts indicate that the price for thermal coal declined to U.S.$70 to U.S.$72 per ton /FOB for the year ending March 31, 2010. At the same time, in general, thermal coal prices have declined approximately 40% from the year ended March 31, 2009.

 

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Fluctuations in coal prices directly affect revenues from the equity-based production at our coal subsidiaries and associated companies. For the year ending March 31, 2010, we calculate that an estimated impact on net income from a change of U.S.$1 per ton in coal price would be approximately ¥0.5 billion.

For the year ended March 31, 2009, the equity-based shipments of our overseas subsidiaries and associated companies amounted to approximately 8.6 million tons of coal. For the year ending March 31, 2010, we expect that the equity-based shipments of our overseas subsidiaries and associated companies will amount to approximately 8.0 million tons of coal. The above impact is calculated based on the assumptions of an estimated decline in production in line with our holdings after the year ended March 31, 2009, and a specific range of foreign exchange rates for the Japanese yen, the U.S. dollar and the Australian dollar.

Although a global trend of rising material and equipment costs as well as utility and personnel costs, which was remarkable before the financial crisis, reversed due to the economic slowdown, the cost is unlikely to decline so immediately since the impact of such cost reductions has a certain time lag and the effect of increased unit costs due to lower production volume partially offsets the cost reduction in costs. In addition, the appreciation of Australian dollar against the U.S. dollar may have a negative impact on the revenues of our coal mining subsidiaries and associated companies.

Middle- and Long-Term Price Outlook and Supply-Demand Balance and Trends in Our Equity Production

In order to respond to tightening supply-demand balance in mid- and long-term resulting from increased demand for metallurgical coal in line with economic growth of developing countries as well as rising demand of thermal coal for coal fired power plants especially in India and Taiwan, major coal producers continue investing to increase production capacity. With respect to coal mining joint ventures with the Rio Tinto group, we approved the development of the new mining area owned by Kestrel Joint Venture in Queensland, Australia. This project will extend the operation period of Kestrel Joint Venture by developing the new mining area, as the existing mining areas are expected to be exhausted in 2014. We obtained the government’s approvals in November 2009. The operation is expected to commence in 2012. The project estimates a maximum 6.5 million tons per annum coal production and 20-year operation.

Including those we are participating in, most of the coal mining projects have plans for expanding their production capacity. As there are too many uncertainties, including demand from China and other emerging countries, it is difficult for our management to draw up definitive forecasts on supply-demand balance and prices at this point in time.

Foods & Retail Segment

 

     Billions of Yen  
     Years Ended March 31,     Change
(2009–2008)
    Change
(2008–2007)
 
     2009     2008    2007      

Gross Profit

   ¥ 82.4      ¥ 81.2    ¥ 81.3      ¥ 1.2      ¥ (0.1

Operating Income

     19.0        16.6      10.9        2.4        5.7   

Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Associated Companies—Net (After Income Tax Effect)

     (3.8     3.1      3.8        (6.9     (0.7

Net Income (Loss)

     1.5        10.4      (12.3     (8.9     22.7   

Comparison between the Years Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

Gross profit for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥82.4 billion, an increase of ¥1.2 billion from ¥81.2 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. Food raw material business demonstrated solid performance reflecting the run-up in commodity market in the first half of the year ended March 31, 2009. On the other hand, under severe business circumstances due to higher raw material and oil costs in the first half of the year ended

 

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March 31, 2009 as well as lack of consumer confidence due to economic downturn in the second half of the year ended March 31, 2009, this segment has been taking various cost reduction initiatives in the food distribution and retail operations in Japan. The major developments were as follows:

 

   

In the food raw material business, broiler business displayed robust performance due to increases in prices of the products in addition to steady results from soybean and wheat transactions.

 

   

MITSUI FOODS CO., LTD (Japan) recorded an increase of ¥1.1 billion over the year ended March 31, 2008 due to improved margins gained through restructuring unprofitable businesses.

 

   

Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd. (Japan) reported a decline of ¥1.1 billion in gross profit due to the weaker market for wholesale tea products and beverage raw materials as the food service industry has been dull despite firm performance of tea business for the household use. In addition, Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd. recorded a loss on a write down of inventories.

Operating income for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥19.0 billion, an increase of ¥2.4 billion from ¥16.6 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. MITSUI FOODS CO., LTD. showed an improvement in operating income reflecting the increase in gross profit. Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd. reported a decline in operating income although the decline in gross profit was partly offset by a slight improvement in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Equity in losses of associated companiesnet (after income tax effect) for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥3.8 billion, a decline of ¥6.9 billion from earnings of ¥3.1 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. This segment recognized a ¥4.8 billion impairment loss on MIKUNI COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO., LTD., reflecting the sharp decline in the equity market in Japan. In addition, overseas food business suffered and reported a decline in equity in earnings.

Net income for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥1.5 billion, a decline of ¥8.9 billion from ¥10.4 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. In addition to the above-mentioned factors, there are following factors:

 

   

Loss on write-down of securities for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥3.6 billion. For the year ended March 31, 2008, this segment recognized a ¥5.6 billion loss mainly due to the write-down of the shares of Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd of ¥4.5 billion.

 

   

This segment recorded a ¥3.2 billion gain on sales of securities, mainly related to listed securities, for the year ended March 31, 2008.

 

   

Other expenses-net increased by ¥3.1 billion, major part of which was foreign exchange losses, over the year ended March 31, 2008.

Comparison between the Years Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

Gross profit for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥81.2 billion, a decline of ¥0.1 billion from ¥81.3 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. Food raw material business transactions showed solid performance, partly reflecting a run-up in prices. At the same time, this segment has been taking various cost reduction initiatives in the competitive, domestic food distribution and retail operations.

 

   

In October 2007, this business unit transferred 70% of its shares of Hokushuren Co., Ltd. (Japan), formerly a foods and liquor wholesale subsidiary, to KOKUBU & CO., LTD., an unrelated entity, following the transfer of MITSUI FOODS CO., LTD.’s business in the Hokkaido area (excluding Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd.-related businesses) to Hokushuren Co., Ltd. As a result, gross profit of Hokushuren Company Limited declined by ¥2.9 billion. Gross profit of MITSUI FOODS CO., LTD. declined by ¥1.1 billion, primarily reflecting the restructuring of domestic distribution centers and exiting from unprofitable businesses.

 

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There was an increased gross profit in the feed grain businesses, mainly in corn due to increased prices and trading transactions for the year ended March 31, 2008.

 

   

Gross profit of Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd. (Japan) declined slightly by ¥0.1 billion due to fierce competition mainly in the tea leaves business and rising material costs.

Operating income for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥16.6 billion, an increase of ¥5.7 billion from ¥10.9 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. MITSUI FOODS CO., LTD. and Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd. succeeded in decreasing general, selling and administrative expenses, which resulted in a substantial improvement in their operating income, although their gross profit declined marginally due to less sales transactions as a result of exiting from unprofitable businesses.

Equity in earnings of associated companies—net (after income tax effect) for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥3.1 billion, a ¥0.7 billion decline from ¥3.8 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007.

Net income for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥10.4 billion, a significant improvement of ¥22.7 billion from ¥12.3 billion net loss for the year ended March 31, 2007. In addition to the above-mentioned development, major factors were as follows:

 

   

For the year ended March 31, 2007, Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd. recorded impairment losses on intangible assets and goodwill of ¥12.1 billion and ¥16.5 billion, respectively, and moreover established a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets. At the same time, a ¥8.3 billion minority interest in income from these losses was also recorded. For the year ended March 31, 2008, its operating results recovered to a marginally positive amount of income and zero minority interest is recorded.

 

   

For the year ended March 31, 2008, Mitsui recognized a ¥4.5 billion loss on the write-down of the shares of Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd., following a decline in its share price.

The major component of impairment losses for the year ended March 31, 2007 was a loss on intangible assets at Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd. (Japan) due to deterioration of operating environment, such as intensifying competition in both beverage and beverage materials. Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd. used a discounted cash flow method based on its internal budget for evaluation of fair value of the intangible assets, and used its weighted average capital cost for the discount rate in evaluating fair values of intangible assets. Following recognition of the impairment losses (including the loss on its goodwill), the book values of fixed assets and intangible assets as of March 31, 2008 and 2007 were ¥9.5 billion and ¥10.0 billion, respectively. While there may be fluctuations from future developments in the market management expects that Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd. will continue to record positive, but not substantial, net income considering its market and its competitive position in the beverage industry. Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd. recorded net income of ¥0.3 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008, a marginal income but reasonable level considering strict business conditions. Management also believes that the estimation and assumption for this impairment loss has been specific to Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd., and does not expect such estimation and assumption to have a material impact on our future consolidated operating results excluding Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd. For more information, see “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.”

Consumer Service & IT Segment

 

     Billions of Yen  
     Years Ended March 31,    Change
(2009–2008)
    Change
(2008–2007)
 
     2009     2008    2007     

Gross Profit

   ¥ 73.7      ¥ 116.7    ¥ 130.0    ¥ (43.0   ¥ (13.3

Operating Income (Loss)

     (12.8     19.0      20.3      (31.8     (1.3

Equity in Earnings of Associated Companies—Net (After Income Tax Effect)

     2.0        8.2      8.7      (6.2     (0.5

Net Income (Loss)

     (31.4     12.0      16.6      (43.4     (4.6

 

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Comparison between the Years Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

Gross profit for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥73.7 billion, a decline of ¥43.0 billion from ¥116.7 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. Consumer Service Business Unit recorded a loss of ¥6.1 billion on write down of inventories and a decline of ¥3.2 billion due to reduced sales in the domestic residential home business. This business unit also reported a decline of ¥2.5 billion in gross profit due to divestiture of cable television business in the year ended March 31, 2008. The apparel and brand marketing related business continued to suffer with a ¥3.8 billion decline in gross profit. In addition to unfavorable performance in electronics and display-related business with a ¥6.5 billion decline in gross profit, reclassification of T-Gaia Corporation from subsidiary to associated company through merger with MS Communications Co., Ltd. resulted in a decline of ¥14.6 billion in gross profit at the IT Business Unit.

Reflecting a decline of gross profit for the year ended March 31, 2009, this segment recorded a ¥12.8 billion operating loss, a decline of ¥31.8 billion from operating income of ¥19.0 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. Reclassification of T-Gaia Corporation from subsidiary to associated company resulted in a decline of ¥11.4 billion in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Equity in earnings of associated companiesnet (after income tax effect) for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥2.0 billion, a decline of ¥6.2 billion from ¥8.2 billion income for the year ended March 31, 2008. Due to a decline of IT demand and an impairment loss on fixed assets Nippon Unisys, Ltd. (Japan) reported a decline in earnings.

Net loss for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥31.4 billion, a decline of ¥43.4 billion from net income of ¥12.0 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. Additional factors are as follows:

 

   

Reflecting the sharp drop in the Japanese equity market, this segment recorded a loss of ¥35.2 billion on write-down of securities, which includes impairment losses of listed securities including those of Tokyo Broadcasting System, Inc. of ¥3.1 billion, securities of Recruit Co., Ltd. of ¥12.0 billion(*1), and our equity share in office building development business in Japan of ¥9.8 billion(*2) for the year ended March 31, 2009. For the year ended March 31, 2008, this segment recorded a loss of ¥4.6 billion on write-down of securities, which were mainly listed on the market.

 

   

This segment reported a gain of ¥16.2 billion on sale of securities including a gain of ¥11.9 billion on sales of a trust beneficiary right with respect to Shiodome building and a gain of ¥4.0 billion on sales of share in T-Gaia Corporation through its share buy-back program and the merger transaction with MS Communications Co., Ltd. This segment reported a gain of ¥10.8 billion on sales of securities for the year ended March 31, 2008. The gain resulted from the merger of Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd. and NextCom K.K. and sales of shares of two cable television providers and Jupiter Telecommunications Co., Ltd.

 

   

Considering a decline in share price of Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd., which is listed in Tokyo Stock Exchange, we evaluated if the fair value of the subsidiary’s equity fell below its carrying amount and potential impairment is identified. As a result of the evaluation, we determined that the implied fair value of the goodwill fell below its carrying value, and this Segment reported an impairment loss of ¥4.1 billion for the difference.

 

 

(*1) Reflecting recent decline in the markets of recruiting as well as advertising in Japan, there was a concern that economic environments surrounding Recruit Co., Ltd. would be deteriorated, and consequently its operating profit would become worse than originally expected. We calculated the impairment loss based on the objective data of the economic environment surrounding the company gathered by us and its financial statements of the past fiscal years.
(*2) We used a third party appraisal for the fair value of the office building, which was estimated based on the most recent rents of the office buildings in the surrounding areas. Taking into consideration such appraisal price, we calculated the share price, and recorded the impairment loss for the difference between the carrying value and the share price calculated.

 

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Comparison between the Years Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

Gross profit for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥116.7 billion, a decline of ¥13.3 billion from ¥130.0 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. The primary cause of the decline is related to business reorganization including withdrawals from or divestitures of existing businesses; for example, the housing business of Mitsui Bussan House-Techno, Inc. (Japan)(*), Mitsui Bussan Forestry Co., Ltd. (Japan), two cable television providers and certain textile and general merchandise businesses. In addition, IT related businesses mainly in the system integration sector reported a marginal decline, while real estate businesses in Japan and Europe showed steady performance.

Operating income for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥19.0 billion, a decline of ¥1.3 billion from ¥20.3 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. The improvements in selling, general and administrative expenses, primarily at Mitsui Bussan House-Techno, Inc. offset most of the decline in gross profit.

Equity in earnings of associated companies—net (after income tax effect) for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥8.2 billion, a decline of ¥0.5 billion from ¥8.7 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007.

Net income for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥12.0 billion, a decline of ¥4.6 billion from ¥16.6 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. Major reasons other than the above-mentioned factors were as follows:

 

   

For the year ended March 31, 2007, Mitsui Bussan House-Techno, Inc., which discontinued housing business during the year ended March 31, 2007, recorded estimated costs of ¥5.3 billion to meet future requirements for product warranties and maintenance services. At the same time, it recorded a reversal of the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets on its retained loss.

 

   

For the year ended March 31, 2008, there were gains on sales of shares of Jupiter Telecommunications Co., Ltd. of ¥1.8 billion and those of two cable television providers of ¥2.8 billion. In addition, in conjunction with the merger of NextCom K.K. and Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd., this segment recorded a ¥2.5 billion gain from the exchange of shares of these subsidiaries with minority interests. For the year ended March 31, 2007, this segment recorded a ¥4.5 billion gain on the sale of shares in Telepark Corp. (Japan).

Logistics & Financial Markets Segment

 

     Billions of Yen  
     Years Ended March 31,    Change
(2009–2008)
    Change
(2008–2007)
 
     2009     2008     2007     

Gross Profit

   ¥ 62.1      ¥ 55.1      ¥ 60.5    ¥ 7.0      ¥ (5.4

Operating Income

     23.8        20.9        24.2      2.9        (3.3

Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Associated Companies—Net (After Income Tax Effect)

     (10.5     (1.9     2.0      (8.6     (3.9

Net Income (Loss)

     (14.5     7.5        14.6      (22.0     (7.1

Comparison between the Years Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

Gross profit for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥62.1 billion, an increase of ¥7.0 billion from ¥55.1 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. The increase includes a profit corresponding to a foreign exchange loss of ¥13.6 billion related to commodity trading business posted in other expense-net. Despite reduction of

 

 

(*) In the consolidated statements of income, net income of Mitsui Bussan House-Techno, Inc. (Japan) for the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 is presented as income from discontinued operations (after income tax effect). However, in this “Operating Results by Operating Segment”, operating results of the company are presented and discussed according to line items of the consolidated statements of income.

 

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commodity trading activities due to the intensification of financial strains in the latter half of the year ended March 31, 2009, the trading activities at Mitsui Energy Risk Management Ltd. remained robust as the commodity markets, mainly energy market, continued to be volatile. On the other hand, this segment reported a loss due to a poor performance of private equity funds this segment manages for the year ended March 31, 2009. Furthermore, logistics business recorded a valuation loss on real estate for sale.

Reflecting the increase in gross profit, which was partially offset by an increased provision for doubtful receivables related to commodity derivatives, operating income for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥23.8 billion, an increase of ¥2.9 billion from ¥20.9 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008.

Equity in losses of associated companiesnet (after income tax effect) for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥10.5 billion, an ¥8.6 billion deterioration from losses of ¥1.9 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. JA Mitsui Leasing ltd. (Japan) reported a decline of ¥5.0 billion in earnings due to increased provision for doubtful receivables. Furthermore, this segment recorded equity in losses of ¥2.9 billion from investment in a partnership, NPF-Harmony (Japan), reflecting an other-than-temporary decline in its fair value. This segment recorded equity in losses from investments in the same NPF-Harmony and from ASAHI TECH CORPORATION in the year ended March 31, 2008.

Net loss for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥14.5 billion, a decline of ¥22.0 billion from net income of ¥7.5 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. Other than the above mentioned factors there were following factors:

 

   

This segment reported a loss of ¥8.0 billion on write-downs of securities due to a decline in stock prices in the markets. For the year ended March 31, 2008, the segment recorded a ¥8.7 billion loss on the write-down of securities including a ¥4.5 billion impairment loss of Central Finance Co., Ltd.

 

   

This segment reported a ¥10.0 billion profit for gains on sales of securities including Quintiles Transnational Corp. (United States) for ¥3.8 billion (this segment portion) and BALtrans Holdings Limited (Hong Kong) for ¥3.2 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008,

 

   

This segment recorded a foreign exchange loss of ¥13.6 billion in other expense-net, which corresponded to the increase in gross profit.

Comparison between the Years Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

Gross profit was ¥55.1 billion, a decline of ¥5.4 billion from ¥60.5 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. Gross profit declined at Mitsui & Co. Energy Risk Management Ltd. (United Kingdom), reflecting lower trading margins due to a significant reduction of volatility in the market. In addition, divestiture of Mitsui Bussan Futures Ltd. (Japan) resulted in further deterioration of gross profit.

Reflecting the decline in gross profit, operating income for the year ended March 31, 2008 declined to ¥20.9 billion, a decline of ¥3.3 billion from ¥24.2 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007.

For the year ended March 31, 2008, this segment reported a ¥1.9 billion equity in net losses of associated companies—net (after income tax effect), a ¥3.9 billion deterioration from ¥2.0 billion in earnings for the year ended March 31, 2007. The decline was attributable to the loss on investment in ASAHI TEC Corporation (Japan) jointly held with the Machinery & Infrastructure Project Segment, and investment in the partnership NPF-Harmony (Japan). Mitsui Leasing & Development, Ltd. (Japan) reported a decline caused from increased provision for doubtful receivables.

Accordingly, net income for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥7.5 billion, a decline of ¥7.1 billion from ¥14.6 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. In addition to the above-mentioned negative factors, this segment recorded a ¥4.5 billion loss on the write-down on shares of Central Finance Co., Ltd. for the year ended March 31, 2008 while it recorded a ¥4.4 billion increase in gains on sales of securities including Quintiles Transnational Corp. (United States) for ¥3.8 billion and BALtrans Holdings Limited (Hong Kong) for ¥3.2 billion.

 

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Americas Segment

 

     Billions of Yen  
     Years Ended March 31,    Change
(2009–2008)
    Change
(2008–2007)
 
     2009     2008    2007     

Gross Profit

   ¥ 116.0      ¥ 78.5    ¥ 78.3    ¥ 37.5      ¥ 0.2   

Operating Income

     39.0        7.3      22.0      31.7        (14.7

Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Associated Companies—Net (After Income Tax Effect)

     (2.2     5.1      3.9      (7.3     1.2   

Net Income (Loss)

     (7.1     5.0      15.8      (12.1     (10.8

Comparison between the Years Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

Gross profit for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥116.0 billion, an increase of ¥37.5 billion from ¥78.5 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008.

 

   

Novus International Inc. recorded an increase of ¥27.4 billion in gross profit reflecting higher product prices as well as increase in sales volume driven by a strong demand for poultry feed additives especially during the first nine months of the fiscal year.

 

   

Steel Technologies, Inc., which we acquired in June 2007 and reported results for only ten months in the year ended March 31, 2008, contributed to the increase in gross profit by ¥3.7 billion. The increase in gross profit was attributable to increases in steel product prices in the first half of the current fiscal year as well as a transfer of business from Mitsui Steel Inc., which was partially offset by a decline in gross profit for the second half of the current fiscal year reflecting declines in the sales volume and prices caused by demand contraction and credit uncertainties of the customers under the recession. Also, Champions Pipe & Supply, Inc. contributed to the increase in gross profit supported by a strong demand for tubular pipes for oil and gas industry despite a sharp demand contraction starting in the three month period ended March 31, 2009.

 

   

MBK Real Estate LLC., which recorded a loss of ¥9.6 billion on the write-down of residential home inventories for the year ended March 31, 2008, increased gross profit by ¥6.6 billion, recording a relatively small loss of ¥2.5 billion in the current fiscal year on the write-down of inventories under severe circumstances in the real estate business in the United States.

Operating income for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥39.0 billion, an increase of ¥31.7 billion from ¥7.3 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008 reflecting the increase in gross profit. Personnel expenses at Novus International Inc. and Champions Steel & Pipe, Inc. increased.

Equity in losses of associated companiesnet (after income tax effect) for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥2.2 billion, a ¥7.3 billion decline from earnings of ¥5.1 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. This segment recorded equity in losses of ¥1.5 billion for Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (this segment portion), reflecting an other-than-temporary decline in its share price. Earnings of associated companies in the steel products and medical health care businesses declined. In addition, United Harvest, LLC (United States) reported a decline in earnings due to a reversal effect of its strong performance from the wheat export facility operation business in the year ended March 31, 2008.

Net loss for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥7.1 billion, a decline of ¥12.1 billion from net income of ¥5.0 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. In addition to the above factors, there were the following factors:

 

   

Interest expense, net of interest income, declined by ¥7.6 billion in the overall Americas Segment resulting from a decline in U.S. Dollar interest rates.

 

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This segment recorded a ¥13.6 billion impairment loss of goodwill. Steel Technologies Inc. recorded a ¥6.4 billion impairment loss of goodwill(*1), reflecting severe condition of the steel products business for automotive and housing industries in the United States. Steel Technologies Inc. also recorded a ¥2.8 billion impairment loss of intangible assets(*1).

 

   

Fertilizantes Mitsui S.A.Industria e Comercio, a fertilizer manufacturing and sales company, recorded a ¥3.7 billion liquidation cost of currency options in other expense-net.

 

   

Income taxes increased by ¥9.3 billion. The increase was attributable to an increase of ¥10.4 billion in income from continuing operations before income taxes, minority interests and equity in earnings. The fact that Steel Technologies did not record tax effect on the goodwill impairment loss as the goodwill recorded on its book can not be amortized for the tax purpose, and Ferlitilizantes Mitsui S.A. Industria e Comercio set up valuation allowance for deferred tax assets evaluating the realizability of the deferred tax assets also resulted in the increase.

 

   

Minority interest in earnings of subsidiaries increased by ¥5.9 billion. This is mainly attributable to increase in earnings of Novus International Inc., in which the segment has a 65% ownership interest.

Comparison between the Years Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

Gross profit for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥78.5 billion, an increase of ¥0.2 billion from ¥78.3 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007.

 

   

For the year ended March 31, 2008, MBK Real Estate LLC. (United States), which engages in the development and sale of residential homes in the West Coast market, recorded both declined sales and a ¥9.6 billion loss on the write-down of inventories based on the discount cash flow method applying the latest market values reflecting directly as a result of the deterioration in the residential market. After the write-down, the book value of inventories at MBK Real Estate LLC. was reduced to approximately ¥20.4 billion.

 

   

Westport Petroleum Inc. (United States) reported a ¥11.7 billion decline in earnings due to a negative reversal effect from the high performance in oil product trading for the year ended March 31, 2007.

 

   

Steel products businesses at the former Mitsui Steel Holdings, Inc. (United States) and other subsidiaries recorded a ¥3.8 billion decline due to a declined margin from oil well tubular and other steel products.

 

   

Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc. also recorded a ¥4.0 billion decline, reflecting an overall slowdown in the United States economy.

 

   

There were contributions from newly acquired subsidiaries, particularly Steel Technologies, Inc. (United States) of ¥6.1 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. Newly acquired SunWize Technologies, Inc. (United States) and Ellison Technologies Inc. (United States) also contributed to the increase.

 

   

Gross profit increased at Novus International, Inc. (United States), a feed additive manufacturing subsidiary, due to improvement in both sales volume and margin.

 

 

(*1) Demand on the steel products for automotive and housing industries in the United States, which Steel Technologies Inc. considers its principal markets, is likely to remain under pressure for some time. The overall economic conditions in the North America and corporate restructuring plans of the U.S. major automotive companies are extremely uncertain. Reflecting these uncertainties Steel Technologies Inc. made its mid-term business plan, based on which the equity value was calculated by using discount cash flow method and guideline public company method (EBITDA multiple method) for the impairment testing of the goodwill. Implied fair value of the goodwill as well as other intangible assets was evaluated by using mainly discount cash flow method.

 

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This segment recorded a ¥7.3 billion operating income for the year ended March 31, 2008, a deterioration of ¥14.7 billion from ¥22.0 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. Steel products subsidiaries and Westport Petroleum Inc. recorded declines in selling, general and administrative expenses, which partly offset deterioration in gross profit. The contributions to gross profit from newly acquired subsidiaries were mostly offset by their selling, general and administrative expenses.

Equity in earnings of associated companies—net (after income tax effect) for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥5.1 billion, a ¥1.2 billion increase from ¥3.9 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007 led by United Harvest, LLC (United States) which enjoyed strong performance from the wheat export operation facility business.

Net income for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥5.0 billion, a significant decline of ¥10.8 billion from ¥15.8 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. In addition to the above-mentioned, there were the following factors:

 

   

Interest expenses increased by ¥5.6 billion at Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc. and its subsidiaries, resulting from increased interest bearing debt.

 

   

For the year ended March 31, 2007, there were ¥3.7 billion in gains on sales of warehouses and real estate by Tri-Net Logistics Management, Inc. (United States) and a chemical subsidiary, Nst, Inc. (United States).

Europe, the Middle East and Africa Segment

 

     Billions of Yen  
     Years Ended March 31,    Change
(2009–2008)
    Change
(2008–2007)
 
     2009     2008    2007     

Gross Profit

   ¥ 22.2      ¥ 26.8    ¥ 25.4    ¥ (4.6   ¥ 1.4   

Operating Income (Loss)

     (1.9     1.8      2.9      (3.7     (1.1

Equity in Earnings of Associated Companies—Net (After Income Tax Effect)

     0.3        0.3      0.3      0.0        0.0   

Net Income (Loss)

     (11.5     5.0      4.1      (16.5     0.9   

Comparison between the Years Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

Gross profit for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥22.2 billion, a decline of ¥4.6 billion from ¥26.8 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008, reflecting a decline in gross profit of the chemical business due to declines in the market prices and reductions in sales volume.

This segment recorded a ¥1.9 billion operating loss for the year ended March 31, 2009, a ¥3.7 billion decline from a ¥1.8 billion operating profit for the year ended March 31, 2008.

Net loss for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥11.5 billion, a decline of ¥16.5 billion from the net profit of ¥5.0 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. Other than the above mentioned factors, MBK Real Estate Europe Ltd. recorded a ¥9.6 billion impairment loss of long-lived assets for commercial office buildings in London, reflecting severe circumstances for the commercial office building business in the region. The financial crisis seriously affected the performance of the corporate sector, especially the finance sector, and amid the circumstances that job cuts and cost reduction efforts were accelerated, commercial real estate market in London deteriorated sharply. As it is reasonably expected that the deteriorated market conditions will continue for some time, we recognized the impairment loss based on a third party appraised value taking into consideration the most recent selling prices and rents of the real estate in the surrounding areas. Mitsui & Co. France S.A.S. reported a gain from sale of office building. Also, this segment recorded its portion of a gain on sale of real estate in automotive and real estate related business for the year ended March 31, 2008.

 

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Comparison between the Years Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

Gross profit for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥26.8 billion, an increase of ¥1.4 billion from ¥25.4 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007, reflecting solid performance of the energy, machinery and infrastructure project businesses in this segment.

Operating income for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥1.8 billion, a ¥1.1 billion decline from ¥2.9 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007, reflecting increased selling, general and administrative expenses, mainly in personnel expenses.

Net income for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥5.0 billion, an increase of ¥0.9 billion from ¥4.1 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. Increases in the segment’s minority interest in subsidiaries in the fields of automotive business and real estate contributed to this improvement.

Asia Pacific Segment

 

     Billions of Yen  
     Years Ended March 31,    Change
(2009–2008)
    Change
(2008–2007)
 
     2009     2008    2007     

Gross Profit

   ¥ 26.6      ¥ 33.1    ¥ 30.7    ¥ (6.5   ¥ 2.4   

Operating Income (Loss)

     (1.6     7.6      9.5      (9.2     (1.9

Equity in Earnings of Associated Companies—Net (After Income Tax Effect)

     1.0        1.1      0.7      (0.1     0.4   

Net Income

     30.6        22.5      22.0      8.1        0.5   

Comparison between the Years Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

Gross profit for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥26.6 billion, a decline of ¥6.5 billion from ¥33.1 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008, reflecting a decline in gross profit in the chemical business due to declines in market prices and in sales volume.

Operating loss for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥1.6 billion, a decline of ¥9.2 billion from ¥7.6 billion income for the year ended March 31, 2008, reflecting mainly declines in gross profit and increases in personnel expenses.

Net income for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥30.6 billion, an increase of ¥8.1 billion from ¥22.5 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. The main factor for the increase in net income is attributable to the segment’s minority interest in Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd. and Mitsui Iron Ore Development Pty. Ltd. whose majority interest is held by the Energy Segment and the Mineral & Metal Resources Segment, respectively.

Comparison between the Years Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

Gross profit for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥33.1 billion, an increase of ¥2.4 billion from ¥30.7 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. Steel products and chemicals exhibited strong performance.

Operating income for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥7.6 billion, a decline of ¥1.9 billion from ¥9.5 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. This decline reflects increases in personnel expenses.

Net income for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥22.5 billion, an increase of ¥0.5 billion from ¥22.0 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. Income related to minority interests held by this segment in Mitsui Iron Ore Development Pty. Ltd. and Wandoo Petroleum Pty. Ltd. increased, while it declined in Mitsui Coal Holdings Pty. Ltd. (Australia) for the year ended March 31, 2008.

 

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All Other

 

     Billions of Yen  
     Years Ended March 31,     Change
(2009–2008)
    Change
(2008–2007)
 
     2009     2008     2007      

Gross Profit

   ¥ 2.9      ¥ 5.5      ¥ 4.3      ¥ (2.6   ¥ 1.2   

Operating Loss

     (2.9     (1.4     (4.4     (1.5     3.0   

Equity in Earnings of Associated Companies—Net (After Income Tax Effect)

     0.0        0.1        0.1        (0.1     0.0   

Net Income (Loss)

     6.5        (7.1     5.8        13.6        (12.9

Comparison between the Years Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

The activities of this segment primarily include financing services, office services and other services to external customers, and/or to us, and associated companies.

Gross profit for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥2.9 billion, a decline of ¥2.6 billion from ¥5.5 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008.

Operating loss for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥2.9 billion, a deterioration of ¥1.5 billion from a ¥1.4 billion loss for the year ended March 31, 2008.

Net income for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥6.5 billion, an improvement of ¥13.6 billion from a ¥7.1 billion loss for the year ended March 31, 2008. For the year ended March 31, 2008, we recorded a ¥13.9 billion impairment loss on real estate which we possess in Saito International Culture Park (“SICP”), located in the north area of Osaka Prefecture due to the revaluation of its business(*1).

Comparison between the Years Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

The activities of this segment include financing services, office services and other services to external customers, and/or to us, and associated companies.

Gross profit for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥5.5 billion, an increase of ¥1.2 billion from ¥4.3 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007.

Operating loss for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥1.4 billion, an improvement of ¥3.0 billion from a ¥4.4 billion loss for the year ended March 31, 2007.

Net loss for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥7.1 billion, a deterioration of ¥12.9 billion from ¥5.8 billion of net income for the year ended March 31, 2007. For the year ended March 31, 2008, we recorded a ¥13.9 billion impairment loss on real estate which we possessed in Saito International Culture Park, located in the north area of Osaka Prefecture.

Inflation

The management believes that inflation did not have a significant effect on our reported results of operations.

 

 

(*1) In March 2008, Urban Renaissance Agency (“URA”), an implementing body of land readjustment of SICP, announced that it would be difficult for URA to execute the project as the implementing body considering a conclusion on the project provided by the special appraisal and monitoring committee, and suggested that the project plan should be fundamentally revised. As a result of the URA’s announcement, uncertainty about the progress and profitability of the land readjustment project in SICP has increased and Mitsui recognized a ¥13.9 billion impairment loss on land, by re-examining future value based on the current prices in the nearby block.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Accounting policies and estimates are considered to be critical if they are important to our financial condition and results of operations and involve estimates that require management’s subjective or significant judgment about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.

The following items require significant management judgments and estimates.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Impairment losses of long-lived assets, other than goodwill and intangible assets not subject to amortization, for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 and the balance of the long-lived assets, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization, as of March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:

 

     Billions of Yen
     As of March 31,
     2009    2008    2007

Long-lived assets

   ¥ 1,196.6    ¥ 1,264.9    ¥ 1,304.5

Impairment loss

     37.6      24.4      17.6

Impairment losses of long-lived assets have had a material impact on our net income in recent years. These losses were mainly due to the declining profitability resulting from deterioration of business environment and the reorganization of business structure of our subsidiaries.

Our long-lived assets to be held and used or to be disposed of other than by sale are reviewed for impairment semiannually or more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.

This review for impairment is performed by comparing the carrying amount of the asset with the aggregate amount of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows (“impairment analysis”). Cash flow projections used in our impairment analysis and fair value calculations are based on the business plan authorized by our management or, if this is not available, on the operating plan reflecting the most recent condition of the long-lived asset. In these plans, for example, we assume:

 

   

that the level of most recent selling prices and rents of real estate in the surrounding areas will remain unchanged for a reasonable period in the future; and

 

   

that the estimate of the sales prices of the products from facilities and equipment for the certain future period is based on the average price of the equivalent length of period in the past or on the analysts’ reports.

 

   

that the most updated oil reserve will be produced from the oil field in accordance with the production plan, and the estimate of the sales prices is based on the future prices at the analysis day.

As for the discount rate used in fair value calculations, when expected variations of cash flows are not considered in the cash flow estimate, a discount rate which includes the risk factor for the cash flow deviation is used. For example:

 

   

Assumptions that marketplace participants would use in their estimates of fair value are incorporated in the discount rate when such information is available; or

 

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When such information is not available, an expected internal rate of return (“IRR”) used for management purposes or a weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”) of a company that owns the long-lived asset, whichever is higher, is also considered for the discounted cash flow calculation.

Factors to be considered when estimating future cash flows and determining discount rates vary for each long-lived asset because of the difference in nature of the assets and in operating circumstances, such as location, owner, operator, profitability and other factors.

Also see the relevant discussion on the impairment losses at the Vincent oil field in “Operating Results by Operating Segment—Energy Segment”, at Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd. in “Operating Results by Operating Segment—Foods & Retail Segment”, at Steel Technologies Inc. in “Operating Results by Operating Segment—Americas Segment” and at MBK Real Estate Europe Limited in “Operating Results by Operating Segment—Europe, the Middle East and Africa Segment” in this item.

Impairment of Goodwill

Impairment of goodwill for recent fiscal years has had a significant impact on our income. The following table shows the carrying amounts of goodwill as of March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 and the impairment loss for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.

 

     Billions of Yen
     As of March 31,
     2009    2008    2007

Goodwill

   ¥ 33.6    ¥ 52.5    ¥ 37.2

Impairment loss

     18.6      2.0      16.5

We assess the carrying amount of goodwill for impairment annually and upon the occurrence of an indicator of impairment. We perform our impairment testing of goodwill by comparing the carrying amount with the fair value of each of our subsidiaries as our reporting units. Goodwill impairment is determined using a two-step process. The first step of the goodwill impairment test is used to indentify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of the subsidiary’s equity with its carrying amount.

If the fair value of the subsidiary’s equity falls below its carrying amount and potential impairment is identified in the first step, the second step is performed by comparing the implied fair value of the goodwill with its carrying value. If the implied fair value of the goodwill falls below its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded for the difference. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination. Namely, the equity fair value of a subsidiary is allocated to all of the identifiable assets and liabilities of that subsidiary, and the remaining value which can not be allocated to any identifiable assets and liabilities is considered the implied fair value of the goodwill.

Determining the fair value of a subsidiary’s equity under the first step of the goodwill impairment test and determining the fair value of individual assets and liabilities of a subsidiary under the second step of the goodwill impairment test are judgmental and often involve the use of significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions could significantly impact whether or not an impairment loss is recognized as well as the magnitude of any such loss. In case that stock of a subsidiary which has goodwill on its book is listed on a market, we use the market equity price for the first step. In case that it is not listed, we perform internal valuation analyses using discount cash flow model or utilize third-party valuations when management believes the amounts are material. To determine the fair value of individual assets and liabilities of a subsidiary for the second step, we also use internal valuation analyses using discount cash flow model or utilize third-party valuations if necessary. Similar to impairment of long-lived assets, cash flow projections used in the fair value calculations are based on the business plan authorized by our management or, if this is not available, on the business plan reflecting the most recent business environment of the subsidiary. In these plans, we make same kinds of assumption we make for impairment of long-lived assets.

 

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Also see the relevant discussion on the impairment losses at Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd. in “Operating Results by Operating Segment—Consumer Service & IT Segment” and at Steel Technologies Inc. in “Operating Results by Operating Segment—Americas Segment” in this item.

Impairment of Investment Securities

Impairments of equity investments for recent fiscal years have had a significant impact on our income. The following table shows the carrying amounts of marketable and non-marketable equity securities as of March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 and the impairment loss for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.

 

     Billions of Yen
     Year ended March 31,
     2009    2008    2007
     Carrying
amount
   Impairment
loss
   Carrying
amount
   Impairment
loss
   Carrying
amount
   Impairment
loss

Marketable equity securities

   ¥ 398.7    ¥ 79.3    ¥ 652.0    ¥ 28.1    ¥ 861.5    ¥ 3.1

Non-marketable equity securities

     499.9      37.8      557.6      8.7      316.2      8.6
                                         

Total

   ¥ 898.6    ¥ 117.1    ¥ 1,209.6    ¥ 36.8    ¥ 1,177.7    ¥ 11.7
                                         

Management principally believes that a 30% or more decline in fair value of a security at the end of quarter for marketable equity securities leads to the conclusion that the security has an other-than-temporary impairment. In addition, if the decline is less than 30%, various factors, such as the duration of the market decline (for more than nine consecutive months), our intention and ability to hold the investment until its market price recovery and the financial conditions of the investee, are considered in concluding if the decline is temporary or not.

Management believes that the criteria for evaluating the significance of the decline in fair value are reasonable. The aggregate unrealized loss amount of the marketable securities that have been in continuous unrealized loss position for less than one year and had severity of decline of fair value below cost was ¥36.8 billion. But, considering the combination of length of time that fair values have been below cost, the extent of decline and the financial condition of the investees, we expect that their fair values will recover above their costs while we hold these investments.

We assess the carrying value of non-marketable equity securities for impairment semiannually and upon the occurrence of an indicator of impairment. If our portion of net asset measured at fair value(*) falls below the carrying amount by more than 50% we assess the recoverability of the carrying amount of a non-marketable security as we determine a potential impairment exists. Where we have determined that there is an other-than-temporary decline in the fair value of the security, the carrying value of the security is written down to its fair value, which is calculated by discount cash flow method or measured based on net asset taking into consideration various factors affecting the fair value. See the relevant discussion on the impairment losses on shares in Recruit Co., Ltd. and in office building business in “Operating Results by Operating Segment—Consumer Service & IT Segment” in this item.

We also review investments in listed associated companies for impairment losses using the same other-than-temporary criteria for marketable equity securities unless there are reasonable grounds that the decline is temporary in case that the decline ratio is from 30% to 50% and the decline has been for less than nine consecutive months. The amount of impairment loss on net of tax basis for the years ended March 31, 2009 was approximately ¥54.0 billion, and was recorded in equity earnings in associated companies-net (after income tax effect).

 

 

(*) For this analysis, net asset measured at fair value means net of assets and liabilities marked to market based on the most recent and available balance sheet, and excludes goodwill or any other intangible assets which represent excess earning power.

 

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Tax Asset Valuation

Establishing a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, pursuant to evaluation on its realizability, has had a significant impact on our income. The following table shows the deferred tax assets and valuation allowance for deferred tax assets and valuation allowance as of March 31, 2009 and 2008.

 

     Billions of Yen  
     As of March 31,  
     2009     2008  

Total deferred tax assets

   ¥ 321.7      ¥ 218.9   

Valuation allowance

     (153.8     (99.0
                

Deferred tax assets—net

   ¥ 167.9      ¥ 119.9   
                

Mitsui determines the realizability of deferred tax assets based on all available evidence, both positive and negative, including all currently available information regarding tax deductibility on future years and ability to generate sufficient taxable income at Mitsui and subsidiaries prior to the expiration of the loss carryforward pursuant to the relevant tax laws and regulations. Management believes it is more likely than not that all of those deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance, will be realized. However, the amount of realizable net deferred tax assets may change in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are changed or if statutory tax rates are changed. Some of the examples we factored in to assess the realizability of deferred tax assets were as follows;

 

   

On the occurrence of temporary difference, we establish a deferred tax asset; and, at the same time we evaluate when those deferred tax assets will be realized in future. Particularly, when we establish a deferred tax asset in relation to a write-down loss of securities or impairment loss on long-lived assets which are not subject to depreciation for tax purposes and we have no specific schedule of sale or disposal of those assets, we establish a valuation allowance for the deferred tax asset because we view the deferred tax amount as not realizable.

 

   

We evaluate realizability of deferred tax assets on the future deductible temporary difference and tax loss carryforwards at subsidiaries and associated companies. Among others, no deferred tax assets are determined to be realizable, if those subsidiaries and associated companies recorded a significant amount of tax loss carryforwards for each of the past three years and are expected to record a significant tax loss in the current fiscal year as well, considering all our past experiences in determining realizability of deferred tax assets.

 

   

Effective April 1, 2009, a new tax law was introduced in Japan that excludes 95% of dividend received from a foreign investee in which an investor has 25% or more ownership interest from taxable income. Mitsui’s taxable income is expected to be reduced from the year ending March 31, 2010 onward. At the same time, Mitsui and its wholly owned domestic subsidiaries are to file a consolidated corporate income tax return to the National Tax Agency as a consolidated group. As a result of the consolidated tax return filing, realizability of national corporate tax portion of the deferred tax assets at Mitsui is dependant on the estimate of the consolidated tax group’s taxable incomes in future.

Reserve estimates for oil and gas producing and mining activities

Reserves are estimates of the amount of product that can be economically and legally extracted from the company’s interests in properties. In order to calculate reserves, estimates and assumptions are required about a range of geological, technical and economic factors, including quantities, grades, production techniques, recovery rates, production costs, transport costs, commodity demand, commodity prices and exchange rates. Because the economic assumptions used to estimate reserves change from period to period, and because

 

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additional geological data is generated during the course of operations, estimates of reserves may change from period to period. Changes in reported reserves may affect the company’s financial results and financial position in a number of ways, including the following:

 

   

Asset carrying values may be impaired due to changes in estimated future cash flows.

 

   

Depreciation and amortization charged in the income statement may change where such charges are determined by the units of production basis, or where the useful economic lives of assets change.

 

   

Decommissioning, site restoration and environmental provisions may change where changes in estimated reserves affect expectations about the timing or cost of these activities.

Pension Benefit Costs

Employee pension benefit costs and obligations are dependent on various assumptions, including discount, retirement, and mortality rates, which are based on current statistical data, as well as the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and other factors. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, the difference between actual results and the assumptions is accumulated and amortized to expenses over future periods and, therefore, generally affects the recognized costs in future periods. Management believes that the assumptions used are appropriate; however, differences in actual experience or changes in assumptions may affect our future pension costs and obligations.

We determine the discount rates each year as of the measurement date, based on a review of interest rates associated with long-term Japanese government bonds or high-quality fixed-income corporate bonds. The discount rates determined on each measurement date are used to calculate the benefit obligation as of that date, and are also used to calculate the net periodic pension costs for the upcoming plan year.

Mitsui determines the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets based on the weighted-average rate of return computed by using the expected long-term rate of return on each asset class, which is derived from an extensive study conducted by investment advisors and actuaries on a periodic basis, and the target allocations for each asset class. The study includes a review of anticipated future performance with market analysis of individual asset classes, and also gives appropriate consideration to actual historical returns achieved by the plans. The subsidiaries determine the expected long-term rates of return on plan assets mainly based on the expectations for future returns by investment advisors and actuaries.

The following table illustrates the sensitivity to changes in certain assumptions for Mitsui’s pension plans:

 

     Billions of Yen  
     Impact of change in
assumption on NPPC
for the year ending
March 31, 2010
    Impact of change in
assumption on PBO
as of
March 31, 2009
 

50 basis point decrease in discount rate

   ¥ 1.9      ¥ 15. 3   

50 basis point increase in discount rate

     (1.6     (14.4

50 basis point decrease in expected long-term rate of return on plan assets

     1.0        —     

50 basis point increase in expected long-term rate of return on plan assets

     (1.0     —     

See Note 14, “PENSION COSTS AND SEVERANCE INDEMNITIES,” for further discussion about the estimates and assumptions on PBO and NPPC.

 

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New Accounting Standards

Fair value measurements

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 157-4, “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly.” This FSP provides guidance for determining whether a market that was formerly active has become inactive and a transaction is not orderly in order to apply the fair value measurement provisions of SFAS No. 157. This FSP is applied prospectively for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. The effect of the adoption of this FSP on our financial position and results of operations will be immaterial.

Business combinations

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141R”).

SFAS No. 141R establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase. SFAS No. 141R also requires disclosures to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination.

In April 2009, the FASB also issued FSP No. FAS 141(R)-1, “Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies,” which requires an asset or liability arising from a contingency in a business combination to be recognized at fair value if fair value can be reasonably determined.

Both SFAS No. 141R and FSP No. FAS 141(R)-1 are applied prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The effects of the adoption of these standards on our financial position and results of operations are not currently known and cannot be reasonably estimated until further analysis is completed.

Noncontrolling interests in consolidated financial statements

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB No. 51.”

SFAS No. 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary.

SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The effect of the adoption of this statement on our financial position and results of operations is not currently known and cannot be reasonably estimated until further analysis is completed.

Recognition and presentation of other-than-temporary impairments

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments.”

FSP No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 amends SFAS No. 115 and SFAS No. 124, “Accounting for Certain Investments Held by Not-for-Profit Organizations.” This FSP requires an entity to recognize the credit component of an other-than-temporary impairment of a debt security in earnings and the noncredit component in other comprehensive income when the entity does not intend to sell the security and it is more likely than not that the entity will not be required to sell the security prior to recovery. This FSP also expands the disclosure requirements for other-than-temporary impairments on debt and equity securities.

FSP No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. The effect of adoption of this FSP on our financial position and results of operations is not currently known and cannot be reasonably estimated until further analysis is completed.

 

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B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Non-GAAP financial measures are defined in the SEC regulations as financial measures that either exclude or include amounts that are not excluded from or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.

Net Debt-to-Equity Ratio

We refer to “Net Debt-to-Equity Ratio” (“Net DER”) in this Liquidity and Capital Resources and elsewhere in this annual report. Net DER is comprised of “net interest bearing debt” divided by shareholders’ equity.

“Net interest bearing debt” is defined as interest bearing debt, consisting of short-term debt and long-term debt, less cash and cash equivalents and time deposits. Management believes that Net DER is a useful internal measure to review the balance between interest bearing debt and shareholders’ equity for the purpose of improving our capacity to meet debt repayments and/or return on equity. This calculation does not recognize the fact that cash and cash equivalents and time deposits may not be completely available for debt repayments because some amount of cash and cash equivalents and time deposits may be required for operational needs including contractual obligations or capital expenditures.

“Net interest bearing debt” and “Net DER” are presented in the table below.

 

     Billions of Yen  
     As of March 31,  
     2009     2008  

Short-term debt

   ¥ 454.1      ¥ 464.6   

Long-term debt

     3,214.5        3,221.0   
                

Interest bearing debt

     3,668.6        3,685.6   

Less cash and cash equivalents and time deposits

     (1,153.5     (911.6

Net interest bearing debt

   ¥ 2,515.1      ¥ 2,774.0   
                

Shareholders’ equity

   ¥ 1,881.7      ¥ 2,183.7   
                

Net DER (times)

     1.34        1.27   
                

The most directly comparable GAAP measures for Net interest bearing debt and Net DER are considered to be “Interest bearing debt” and “Debt-to-Equity Ratio” (“DER”), respectively. However, these measures do not measure changes in cash position.

 

DER (times)

   1.95    1.69

(defined as interest bearing debt divided by shareholders’ equity)

     

Free Cash Flow

We define “free cash flow” as the sum of net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities and net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities. Management believes that such indicator is useful to investors, to measure available net cash for investment in strategic opportunities and/or debt repayment, or the extent of reliance on borrowing to procure funds for strategic investments. Free cash flow does not represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures.

 

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The following table shows a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to free cash flow.

 

     Billions of Yen  
     Years Ended March 31,  
     2009     2008     2007  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   ¥ 582.7      ¥ 415.8      ¥ 239.3   

Net cash used in investing activities

     (290.9     (104.8     (418.0
                        

Free cash flow

   ¥ 291.8      ¥ 311.0      ¥ (178.7
                        

Finance and Liquidity Management

Funding and Treasury Policies and Objectives

Our management believes our basic funding policy is to secure liquidity required for our smooth operations and to maintain the strength and soundness of our balance sheet. In order to achieve our objectives, our principal strategy is to obtain long-term funds (those with maturities of around 10 years) from financial institutions, including insurance companies and banks, and through the issuance of corporate bonds. In addition, we minimize our refinance risk by deconcentrating the amount of repayment of our long-term debt by each fiscal year. In case where large amount of finance is required for various projects, we utilize financing programs provided by government financing agencies and/or project financing to obtain long-term financing. Another strategy is to hold sufficient cash and cash equivalents in order to maintain liquidity to flexibly meet capital requirements and to minimize the harmful effect by the deteriorated financial market on future debt-service requirements. Cash and cash equivalents consist mainly of highly-liquid and highly-rated short-term financial instruments and deposits considering the current financial market conditions.

In principle, the domestic financing subsidiary provides a cash management service with wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries, and it results in the centralization of funding sources, efficient use of excess funds and securement of liquidity for domestic subsidiaries. The same policy and practices have been extended to wholly-owned overseas subsidiaries through our regional financing subsidiaries, which, in principle, centralizes the fund raising function and fund operation function. As a result, approximately 86% of total interest bearing debt as of March 31, 2009 was raised by Mitsui and the above-mentioned financing subsidiaries.

Funding Sources

In accordance with our basic funding policy above, we choose the funding source among various measures of direct and in-direct financing in order to secure long and stable sources of funds, and procure financing by the preferable method under the financial condition at that point of time. We borrow funds based on our longstanding and wide-ranging relations with financial institutions in Japan and overseas, borrow from government financing agencies, and also utilize project financing. In addition to these funding sources, Mitsui maintains direct finance methods such as a ¥200 billion debt shelf-registration and a ¥2,400 billion commercial paper program in Japan, and utilize suitable one among these facilities depending on the financial situation. Similarly, Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc., Mitsui & Co. Financial Services (Europe) B.V., Mitsui & Co. Financial Services (Asia) Ltd. and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. have arranged a joint Euro medium-term note (“MTN”) program of U.S.$5 billion. Mitsui guarantees notes issued by these overseas subsidiaries. For raising short-term funds overseas, Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc. has a U.S.$1.5 billion U.S. domestic commercial paper program, and there are similar commercial paper programs in some other overseas markets.

Certain overseas subsidiaries set lines of credit by paying commitment fees to the financial institutions, which were not material in each of the past three years. For unused lines of credit financing outside of Japan, including these lines of credit with fees, see Note 13, “SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT.”

 

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Short-term and long-term debt as of March 31, 2009 was mainly denominated in Japanese yen and the rest was primarily denominated in U.S. dollars. Considering the type of interest and currency of our assets, we employ certain derivative financial instruments, which include interest rate swaps, currency swaps and foreign exchange forward contracts. We enter into interest rate swaps to convert fixed interest rate into floating interest rate (or vice versa) and currency swaps or foreign exchange forward contracts to convert funds in Japanese yen into U.S. dollars (or vice versa). The proportion of interest bearing debt with floating interest rate after taking into account interest rate swaps is nearly same as last year’s ratio, and management believes that it is consistent with interest rate conditions of our current balance sheet. See Note 25, “DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES,” for further description of our derivative financial instruments.

Credit Ratings

To facilitate access to funds from capital markets, Mitsui and certain of our overseas subsidiaries have obtained ratings from Rating and Investment Information, Inc. (“R&I”), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) and Standard and Poor’s Services (“S&P”). The ratings as of June 2009 were as follows:

 

     R&I    Moody’s    S&P

Commercial paper rating

   a-1+    P-1    A-1

Long-term corporate credit rating

   AA-       A+

Long-term unsecured senior debt rating

   AA-    A2   

Medium-term note program rating

   AA-    A2   

S&P raised our long-term credit rating to “A+” from “A” in March 2008. S&P cited the following factors for the change in ratings:

 

   

Improving balance between our risk assets and risk buffer; and

 

   

Enhancement of our risk management system.

Credit ratings are an assessment by the rating agencies of the credit risks associated with us and are based on information provided by us and other sources that the rating agencies consider reliable. Credit ratings do not constitute a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and are subject to change or withdrawal by each of the rating agencies at any time. As rating agencies may have different criteria in evaluating the risk associated with a company, you should evaluate each rating independently of other ratings. Ratings may be changed without pre-notice at any time.

Liquidity Management

Cash and cash equivalents, which were mostly in Japanese yen, were ¥1,147.8 billion as of March 31, 2009, an increase of ¥248.5 billion from March 31, 2008. This increase is primarily attributable to a surplus in free cash flow. As a result, management believes that cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2009 satisfy the liquidity for the repayment of short-term debt (¥454.1 billion) and current maturities of long-term debt (¥373.2 billion)

Commencing from the subprime mortgage crisis, turmoil in financial market brought about the sharp drop in property and commodity prices and volatility in foreign exchange market, and then it had much harmful effect on the real economic activity such as the sudden slow-down of consumption, causing red figures on the manufacturers’ books and sharp fall in the stock market. At the same time, huge loss of the major financial institutions in various countries caused by substantial valuation loss in securitized products triggered credit crunch all over the world, and it forced financial institutions to tighten the credit line to the corporate customer. After Lehman Brothers’ bankruptcy filing, the credit market conditions were supported to some degree by the massive supply of liquidity, rate reduction as well as credit support program by the central banks and the equity injection to the financial institutions by the governments, but the credit market situation was still required to be monitored closely.

 

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Under such circumstances, we procured necessary funds in accordance with our basic funding policy by utilizing the long-term relationship with financial institutions and measures implemented by public financial institutions. The primary source in the direct finance is issuance of domestic corporate bonds, while the primary source in the in-direct finance are borrowings from banks and life insurance companies. Approximately 87.6% of total interest bearing debt as of March 31, 2009 was long-term debt and this ratio was almost same as last fiscal year’s ratio (87.4%).

For the details of the long-term debt, interest rate structure and the maturity profile of our outstanding debt as of March 31, 2009, see Note 13, “SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT.”

As of March 31, 2009, although shareholders’ equity decreased to ¥1,881.7 billion, a decline of ¥302.0 billion from March 31, 2008, Net DER stayed 1.34 as of March 31, 2009 almost same as 1.27 as of March 31, 2008, since net interest bearing debt was also decreased by ¥258.9 billion to ¥2,515.1 billion.

The ratio of current assets to current liabilities as of March 31, 2009 was 158.3%, up by 11.3% points from 147.0% as of March 31, 2008.

Judging by the numbers above, we believe that our balance sheet has been financially maintained in good shape at this stage, even though we suffered limited impact by the turmoil in the financial market.

As of March 31, 2009, we had given guarantees for obligations of various third parties and associated companies. These guarantees are not expected to require substantial use of our capital resources. We have not had any material payment requirements resulting from these guarantees for the past three years. For details on guarantees issued by us, see Note 22, “CONTINGENT LIABILITIES.”

With the exception of project financing and non-recourse financing, it is our policy not to conclude agreements for important financial transactions with financial institutions that contain additional debt restriction clauses that may cause acceleration of our obligations, including debt incurrence restrictions, negative pledges, restrictions on dividend payments and various financial ratio limits, and there are no material financial covenants in the agreements undertaken.

Assuming that our subsidiaries have sufficient distributable net assets or retained earnings as provided under the local laws of the relevant jurisdictions, there are no material contractual or legal restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to transfer funds to us in the form of dividends, loans or advances. There are no material economic restrictions on payments of dividends, loans or advances to us by our subsidiaries other than general withholding or other taxes calculated at the rates determined by the local tax laws of the relevant jurisdictions.

We plan to contribute ¥4.2 billion to our defined-benefit pension plans for the year ending March 31, 2010. This cash requirement will be managed under our funding policy mentioned above.

 

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Investment Plans and Financial Policies of the Medium-Term Management Outlook

For the year ended March 31, 2009, we forecasted total investing cash outflow to be approximately ¥700 billion, reflecting a favorable investing environment. We also plan assets recycling for total sum of approximately ¥270 billion(*1). Facing the credit crunch and economic slowdown triggered by the financial crisis, during the year ended March 31, 2009, new investments and loans we executed were limited to approximately ¥520 billion due to further intensification of our financial discipline. Cash generated through continued divestitures of non core businesses was ¥190 billion due to tightening of credit crunch as well as decline in asset value(*2). Most of these investments and divestitures were executed in the six month period ended September 30, 2008. For the six month period ended September 30, 2008, cash outflow for the investments and loans and cash inflow from the divestitures were approximately ¥320 billion and ¥120 billion, respectively.

As a result, net cash used in investing activities for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥290.9 billion. On the other hand, net cash provided by operating activities increased to ¥582.7 billion in spite of the decrease in net income for the year ended March 31, 2009, as most of factors of the decrease were losses on non-cash items. Free cash flow for the year ended March 31, 2009 was a net inflow of ¥291.8 billion. See “Cash Flows”, for further description of cash flows for the year ended March 31, 2009.

As of the issuing date of this annual report, during the year ending March 31, 2010, we plan total sum of ¥360 billion expenditure for investments and loans, which includes investments and loans in the Mineral Resources & Energy area for ¥120 billion mainly for projects under development or for expansion, in the Global Marketing Networks area for ¥70 to 100 billion, in the Consumer Services areas for ¥10 to 20 billion and Infrastructure for ¥140 billion. We also plan assets recycling for total sum of approximately ¥120 billion.

We expect a break-even free cash flow for the year ending March 31, 2010 led by operating activities with positive cash inflow while cash flows from investing activities continue to be still negative. During the year ended March 31, 2009, the financial crisis led us to implement proactive interventions in achieving a positive free cash flow. Included in such interventions were reducing our working capital, accelerating divestitures of non-core assets and intensifying financial discipline and execution in investments. We continue to work on the initiatives to achieve a positive free cash flow trend continuously and stably.

Compared to the assumptions in our Medium-term Management Outlook, we could not achieve our targeted earnings of the original plan, but we expect stable positive free cash flow trend as following efforts: improvement of working capital, intensifying financial discipline and execution in investments, and generating cash for investment by internal financing. Additionally, given the exceptionally high level of uncertainty surrounding financial markets as well as the global economy, we believe that it would also be beneficial for the shareholders in the medium- to long-term if we strive to further strengthen our balance sheet. Accordingly, we would like to maintain the targeted dividend payout ratio at 20% of consolidated net income. However, we also believe that it would be necessary for us to continue seeking new investment opportunities that may provide us a foundation for our future. Even in such opportunities, we try to generate funds for the investments through additional divestures in order to maintain the leverage with a marginal increase.

 

 

(*1) Mitsui defines Investment Plan with the combined total of investing cash flows of operating segments other than All Other Segment and Adjustments and Eliminations. Financial services from and to Mitsui and its subsidiaries referred to in “Funding and Treasury Policies and Objectives” and “Liquidity Management” above are provided by the All Other Segment. Acquisitions of and proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities as investing activities in the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows are mostly conducted by the All Other Segment which includes the units in charge of corporate financing and liquidity management as discussed in “Funding Sources”.
(*2) See “Cash Flows from Investing Activities” of “Cash Flows” for the breakdown by operating segment.

 

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We forecast that total interest bearing debt as of March 31, 2010 will remain at the same level as of March 31, 2009. We also forecast that Net DER as of March 31, 2010 will remain at the same level as of March 31, 2009 at 1.34 times.

For the details of the refinance by direct financing from capital markets and fund raising—including project finance—from the private sector and government financing agencies, see “Funding and Treasury Policies and Objectives” and “Funding Sources”. Many of the projects in the investment plan involve bidding. The outcome of bidding will have an effect on our actual cash flows and financial condition for the year ending March 31, 2010.

Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

Total assets as of March 31, 2009 were ¥8,364.2 billion, a decrease of ¥1,173.6 billion from ¥9,537.8 billion as of March 31, 2008.

Current assets as of March 31, 2009 were ¥4,419.1 billion, a decrease of ¥639.0 billion from ¥5,058.1 billion as of March 31, 2008. Trade receivables declined by ¥893.9 billion due to decreased crude oil and oil product trading volumes reflecting the decline of the oil prices, in the Energy Segment and America Segment, and also declines in the commodity prices and trading volumes in the Chemical and the Iron & Steel Products Segment, while cash and cash equivalents increased by ¥248.5 billion to secure the liquidity for the financial turmoil.

Total current liabilities as of March 31, 2009 were ¥2,792.5 billion, a decrease of ¥649.1 billion from ¥3,441.6 billion as of March 31, 2008 due to a decline in trade payables corresponding to the decline in trade receivables.

As a result, working capital, or current assets minus current liabilities, as of March 31, 2009 was ¥1,626.6 billion, resulting in an increase of ¥10.1 billion from ¥1,616.5 billion as of March 31, 2008. The current ratio as of March 31, 2009 was 158%, an increase of 11% from 147% as of March 31, 2008.

 

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The sum of “investments and non-current receivables”, “property and equipment—at cost” , “intangible assets, less accumulated amortization”, “deferred tax assets-non-current” and “other assets” as of March 31, 2009 totaled ¥3,945.1 billion, a ¥534.7 billion decrease from ¥4,479.8 billion as of March 31, 2008, mainly due to the following factors:

 

   

Total investments and non-current receivables as of March 31, 2009 was ¥2,866.4 billion, a decline of ¥370.9 billion from ¥3,237.3 billion as of March 31, 2008. Within this category, investments in and advances to associated companies as of March 31, 2009 was ¥1,275.5 billion, a decline of ¥57.5 billion from ¥1,333.0 billion as of March 31, 2008. Major expenditures and divestitures were:

 

  Additional investments in Valepar S.A. for ¥78.4 billion and acquisitions of shares in Sims Metal Management Limited for ¥23.0 billion, an Australian metal recycler in the Mineral & Metal Resources Segment;

 

  Additional investment in Multigrain AG (Switzerland) for ¥14.0 billion in the Foods & Retail Segment; and

 

  Major proceeds were a preferred stock redemption of ¥23.1 billion (net of additional contribution made to) made by IPM Eagle LLP in the Machinery & Infrastructure Projects Segment.

LOGO

In addition to the above-mentioned increases, there were another factors which do not involve cash outflows such as:

 

  Increases in equity in earnings (before tax effect) of ¥17.3 billion (net of ¥99.6 billion dividends received from associated companies); and

 

  A ¥175.0 billion net deterioration in foreign exchange translation cumulative adjustments.

 

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The following table shows the details of investments in and advances to associated companies as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 by operating segment.

 

     Billions of Yen  
     As of March 31,    Change  
     2009    2008   

Iron & Steel Products

   ¥ 20.7    ¥ 25.6    ¥ (4.9

Mineral & Metal Resources

     409.2      388.8      20.4   

Machinery & Infrastructure Projects

     324.5      374.7      (50.4

Chemical

     39.9      42.9      (3.0

Energy

     138.5      154.0      (15.5

Foods & Retail

     81.0      63.1      17.9   

Consumer Service & IT

     117.1      123.0      (5.9

Logistics & Financial Markets

     16.5      29.1      (12.6

Americas

     31.4      36.9      (5.3

Europe, the Middle East and Africa

     15.5      25.5      (10.0

Asia Pacific

     55.2      53.5      1.7   
                      

Total

     1,249.5      1,317.1      (67.6
                      

All Other

     1.8      3.2      (1.4

Adjustments and Eliminations

     24.2      12.7      11.5   
                      

Consolidated Total

   ¥ 1,275.5    ¥ 1,333.0    ¥ (57.5
                      

LOGO

 

   

Other investments were ¥957.2 billion, a ¥324.3 billion decrease from ¥1,281.5 billion as of March 31, 2008. Major factors were as follows:

 

  A ¥143.5 billion net decline of unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sales securities, such as those of INPEX Holdings Inc;

 

  A ¥117.4 billion loss on write down of shares including write down of shares in such as Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. of ¥18.0 billion, Recruit Co., Ltd of ¥ 12.0 billion; and

 

  A ¥12.5 billion net decline of preferred stock in Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group overseas subsidiary due to redemption and acquisition of the shares and a ¥3.8 billion net decline of investment in Sakhalin Energy Investment due to capital redemption and acquisition of the shares (including a decline of ¥4.9 billion from foreign exchange translation).

 

   

Property leased to others—at cost as of March 31, 2009 was ¥199.2 billion, an increase of ¥14.8 billion from ¥184.4 billion as of March 31, 2008, mainly due to a warehouse estate for lease.

 

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Property and equipment—at cost as of March 31, 2009 was ¥946.3 billion, a decline of ¥70.0 billion from ¥1,016.3 billion as of March 31, 2008. Major components were as follows:

 

  A ¥6.9 billion increase for iron ore mining expansion projects in Australia (including a negative effect from foreign exchange translation of 29.6 billion) in the Mineral & Metal Resources Segment;

 

  A ¥28.4 billion decrease for coal mining expansion projects in Australia (including a negative effect from foreign exchange translation of ¥38.8 billion) in the Energy Segment, and

 

  A ¥8.5 billion decrease for energy related projects (including a negative effect from foreign exchange translation of ¥5.4 billion) such as Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. (offshore Thailand), oil and gas projects of offshore Gulf of Mexico, Enfield and Vincent oil field in Australia, Tui oil field in New Zealand, and oil and gas projects in Oman in the Energy Segment.

The following table shows the details of property leased to others—at cost and property and equipment—at cost as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 by operating segment.

 

     Billions of Yen  
     As of March 31,       
     2009    2008    Change  

Iron & Steel Products

   ¥ 24.0    ¥ 23.3    ¥ 0.7   

Mineral & Metal Resources

     99.7      96.8      2.9   

Machinery & Infrastructure Projects

     130.5      121.5      9.0   

Chemical

     49.9      58.4      (8.5

Energy

     436.7      460.2      (23.5

Foods & Retail

     58.2      63.8      (5.6

Consumer Service & IT

     55.2      69.3      (14.1

Logistics & Financial Markets

     50.4      57.6      (7.2

Americas

     85.7      86.9      (1.2

Europe, the Middle East and Africa

     14.7      10.7      4.0   

Asia Pacific

     4.9      5.6      (0.7
                      

Total

     1,009.9      1,054.1      (44.2
                      

All Other

     9.8      10.2      (0.4

Adjustments and Eliminations

     125.8      136.5      (10.7
                      

Consolidated Total

   ¥ 1,145.5    ¥ 1,200.8    ¥ (55.3
                      

LOGO

 

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Long-term debt, less current maturities as of March 31, 2009 was ¥2,841.3 billion, a decrease of ¥103.1 billion from ¥2,944.4 billion as of March 31, 2008, due mainly to repayments at Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc. and domestic and foreign financial subsidiaries.

Shareholders’ equity as of March 31, 2009 was ¥1,881.7 billion, a decline of ¥302.0 billion from ¥2,183.7 billion as of March 31, 2008. Major components of the decline were a net decline of ¥249.4 billion in foreign currency translation adjustments due to weaker Australian Dollar, Brazilian Real and U.S. Dollar against Japanese Yen, and a net decline of ¥96.2 billion in unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities reflecting a sharp decline in equity markets contrary to an increase of ¥90.2 billion in retained earnings.

Cash Flows

 

     Billions of Yen  
     Years Ended March 31,  
     2009     2008     2007  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   ¥ 582.7      ¥ 415.8      ¥ 239.3   

Net cash used in investing activities

     (290.9     (104.8     (418.0

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (9.8     (185.1     272.3   

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (33.5     (26.7     9.4   
                        

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   ¥ 248.5      ¥ 99.2      ¥ 103.0   
                        

Cash Flows during the Year Ended March 31, 2009

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥582.7 billion, an increase of ¥166.9 billion from ¥415.8 billion for the year ended March 31, 2008. Major components of the net cash provided by operating activities were our operating income of ¥394.7 billion for the period and net changes in operating assets and liabilities of ¥69.9 billion due to a decline in commodity prices since the three month period ended December 31, 2008. Other major components were:

 

   

Operating income which increased steadily mainly at the Mineral & Metal Resources and the Energy Segment;

 

   

Dividends received totaling ¥168.5 billion from associated companies as well as investees other than associated companies, among others from our mineral resources and energy related associated companies such as Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty. Ltd. (Australia), Valepar S.A. (Brazil), and other Middle Eastern LNG companies; and

 

   

Payments of ¥255.0 billion for corporate income taxes.

Compared to the year ended March 31, 2008, operating income slightly increased by ¥16.0 billion while net cash provided by the changes in operating assets and liabilities increased by ¥94.4 billion. Net income for the year ended March 31, 2009 was a decrease of ¥232.5 billion. The decrease was comprised of mostly one time losses on non-cash items.

 

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Cash Flows from Investing Activities

The following table shows net cash provided by (used in) investing activities by operating segment.

 

     Billions of Yen  
     Years Ended March 31,  
     2009     2008     2007  

Iron & Steel Products

   ¥ (3.4   ¥ (3.2   ¥ (10.3

Mineral & Metal Resources

     (155.0     (3.5     5.1   

Machinery & Infrastructure Projects

     (37.6     (85.9     (163.9

Chemical

     3.0        (16.7     (21.1

Energy

     (90.5     118.3        (211.6

Foods & Retail

     (25.2     (14.7     5.8   

Consumer Service & IT

     13.6        23.7        (58.7

Logistics & Financial Markets

     3.5        (0.7     0.4   

Americas

     (17.3     (101.2     (29.6

Europe, the Middle East and Africa

     (8.3     (8.3     (4.6

Asia Pacific(*)

     31.6        (73.7     (15.7
                        

Total

     (285.6     (165.9     (504.2
                        

All Other and Adjustments and Eliminations(*)

     (5.3     61.1        86.2   
                        

Consolidated Total

   ¥ (290.9   ¥ (104.8   ¥ (418.0
                        

 

(*) The figures of operating segments include the inter-segment transactions, for example, increase in long-term loan receivables disbursed to other operating segments. At the same time, the amounts of such inter-segment transactions are eliminated in Eliminations. Among others, for the year ended March 31, 2009, the Asia Pacific Segment recorded net decrease in loans to 2 subsidiaries owned by the Mineral & Metal Resources Segment and the Energy Segment, amounting to ¥26.9 billion.

Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended March 31, 2009 was a net outflow of ¥290.9 billion, a ¥186.1 billion increase from a ¥104.8 billion net outflows for the year ended March 31, 2008.

 

   

The net outflows of cash that corresponded to investments in and advances to associated companies (net of sales of investments in and collection of advances to associated companies) were ¥131.6 billion. Major components were:

 

  The additional investments in Valepar S.A. for ¥78.4 billion, the acquisitions of shares in Sims Metal Management Limited for ¥23.0 billion in the Mineral & Metal Resources Segment;

 

  The additional investment in Multigrain AG for ¥14.0 billion in the Foods & Retail Segment; and

 

  The additional investments in IPM Eagle LLP for ¥9.6 billion. The major cash inflow was the redemption of preferred shares in IPM Eagle LLP for ¥32.7 billion in the Machinery & Infrastructure Projects Segment.

 

   

A total of ¥253.6 billion was paid out for property leased to others and property and equipment; and proceeds of ¥34.6 billion was provided from sales of property leased to others and property and equipment. As a result, net cash outflows were ¥219.0 billion. Cash inflows consisted of an accumulation of small factors, major purchases of equipment included:

 

  Acquisition of property and equipment for the oil and gas projects of the Enfield and Vincent oil field in Australia, Tui oil field in New Zealand, oil and gas projects in Oman, and oil and gas projects of offshore Gulf of Mexico as well as oil and gas projects by Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. in total for ¥71.1 billion and for the coal mining projects in Australia for ¥14.2 billion in the Energy Segment;

 

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  Acquisition of property and equipment for the iron ore mining projects in Australia for ¥42.4 billion in the Mineral & Metal Resources Segment; and

 

  Leased rolling stock for ¥26.8 billion in the Machinery & Infrastructure Projects Segment.

 

   

A total of ¥76.2 billion was paid out for acquisitions of available-for-sale and other investments, while proceeds of ¥119.9 billion were received from sales of those securities. As a result, net cash outflows were ¥47.2 billion. For the year ended March 31, 2009, cash outflows and inflows in connection with debt securities for the purpose of corporate fund management were marginal compared to the past fiscal years. Major transactions were:

 

  Additional investment in Sakhalin Energy Investment for ¥15.3 billion in the Energy Segment;

 

  Acquisition of preferred Stock in Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group overseas subsidiaries for ¥10.0 billion in the All Other Segment;

 

  Proceeds from sales of those investments consisted of redemption of the preferred stock in Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group overseas subsidiary for ¥22.5 billion in the All Other Segment;

 

  Proceeds from sale of a trust beneficiary right with respect to Shiodome building for ¥14.7 billion in the Consumer Service & IT Segment; and

 

  Proceeds of redemption of shares in Sakhalin Energy Investment for ¥14.2 billion and proceeds from sale of shares in Kyushu Oil Co., Ltd for ¥8.2 billion in the Energy Segment.

Compared to the year ended March 31, 2008, cash flows used in investing activities for the year ended March 31, 2009 increased by ¥186.1 billion. Major reason was proceeds from the divestitures of Sakhalin Energy Investment Company Ltd. and Sesa Goa Limited in the year ended March 31, 2008.

Free cash flows, or sum of net cash provided by operating activities and net cash used in investing activities, for the year ended March 31, 2009 was a net inflow of ¥291.8 billion.

LOGO

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥9.8 billion. Major factors were as below:

 

   

Net cash inflows from the borrowing of long-term debt mainly at Mitsui were ¥51.6 billion corresponding for demand of various investment.

 

   

Dividend paid by Mitsui totaled ¥101.7 billion.

 

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Compared to the year ended March 31, 2008, net cash used in financing activities for the year ended March 31, 2009 decreased by ¥175.3 billion, reflecting increases in net cash from both short-term and long-term debt from the year ended March 31, 2008. See also “Funding Sources” above, for details of our fund procurement.

Cash Flows during the Year Ended March 31, 2008

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥415.8 billion, an increase of ¥176.5 billion from ¥239.3 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. Major components were:

 

   

Operating income which increased steadily in general mainly at the Energy Segment, the Machinery & Infrastructure Projects Segment and other segments;

 

   

Dividends received totaling ¥149.4 billion from associated companies as well as investees other than associated companies, among others from our mineral resources and energy related associated companies such as Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty. Ltd. (Australia), Valepar S.A. (Brazil), and other Middle Eastern LNG companies; and

 

   

Payments of ¥184.3 billion for corporate income taxes.

Compared to the year ended March 31, 2007, net cash for the year ended March 31, 2008 provided by operating activities increased by ¥176.5 billion. In addition to the above-mentioned components, the increase was also attributable to positive impact from collection of trade receivables as well as changes in other operating assets and liabilities.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended March 31, 2008 was a net outflows of ¥104.8 billion, a ¥313.2 billion decrease from a ¥418.0 billion in net outflows for the year ended March 31, 2007.

 

   

A total of ¥206.9 billion was paid out for investments in and advances to associated companies, and proceeds of ¥309.6 billion were collected from sales of investments in and advances to associated companies. As a result, net cash inflows were ¥102.7 billion. The principal factor of the inflows was a ¥226.4 billion (equivalent to the proceeds of US$1,862.5 million) proceed from the 50% divestiture of our stake in Sakhalin II project. On the other hand, major components of expenditures were:

 

  Investments in Sims Group Limited (currently Sims Metal Management), an Australian metal recycler, for ¥70.6 billion and Erdos Electrical Power & Metallurgical Co., Ltd., a conglomerate in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China engaged in power generation, coal mining and ferrous alloy production, for ¥16.4 billion in the Mineral & Metal Resources Segment;

 

  Additional investment to combine United Kingdom power generating assets with International Power plc for ¥22.2 billion in the Machinery & Infrastructure Projects Segment; and

 

  Additional investment in Tangguh LNG project for ¥7.8 billion in the Energy Segment.

 

   

A total of ¥282.1 billion was paid out for property leased to others and property and equipment; and proceeds of ¥115.8 billion was provided form sales of property leased to others and property and equipment. As a result, net cash outflows were ¥166.2 billion. Major purchases of equipment included:

 

  Acquisition of property and equipment for the oil and gas projects of the Enfield and Vincent oil field in Australia, Tui oil field in New Zealand, oil and gas projects in Oman, and oil and gas projects of offshore in the Gulf of Mexico as well as oil and gas projects by Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. in total for ¥80.3 billion; and for the coal mining projects in Australia for ¥35.3 billion in the Energy Segment; and

 

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  Acquisition of property and equipment for the iron ore mining projects in Australia for ¥26.3 billion in the Mineral & Metal Resources Segment.

Major divestitures of assets included:

 

  Sales of whole oil and gas producing interests at Wandoo Petroleum Pty Limited (Australia) amounting to ¥35.0 billion in the Energy Segment; and

 

  Net proceeds from the sales of the rolling stock for lease amounted to ¥11.0 billion (net of additions of those assets) at rolling stock leasing subsidiaries in the Machinery & Infrastructure Projects Segment.

 

   

A total of ¥194.2 billion was paid out for acquisitions of available-for-sale and other investments, while proceeds of ¥107.4 billion were received from sales of those securities. As a result, net cash outflows were ¥86.8 billion. For the year ended March 31, 2008, cash outflows and inflows in connection with debt securities for the purpose of corporate fund management were marginal compared to the past fiscal years. Major transactions for expenditure included:

 

  Additional investment in Sakhalin Energy Investment for ¥45.7 billion in the Energy Segment;

 

  Purchases of shares in Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. for ¥24.3 billion (except for loss on write-down) and preferred stock in Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. for ¥20.0 billion in the Machinery & Infrastructure Projects Segment

 

  Shares and bonds of Central Finance Co., Ltd. for ¥19.4 billion (except for loss on write-down) in the Logistics & Financial Markets Segment.

On the other hand, we obtained cash through the sales of shares in Empreendimentos Brasileiros de Mineração S.A. for ¥13.8 billion and in Toho Titanium Co., Ltd. for ¥11.2 billion in the Mineral & Metal Resources Segment.

 

   

A total of ¥52.2 billion was used for acquisitions of subsidiaries (net of cash held by the acquired subsidiary), including the acquisition of Steel Technologies Inc. for ¥45.0 billion in the Americas Segment. On the other hand, a total of ¥106.3 billion was provided from the sales subsidiaries (net of cash held by the divested subsidiary), including the sale of Sesa Goa Limited for ¥92.8 billion in the Mineral & Metal Resources Segment.

Compared to the year ended March 31, 2007, cash flows used in investing activities for the year ended March 31, 2008 decreased significantly by ¥313.2 billion. Major reasons for the improvement were proceeds from the divestitures of Sakhalin Energy Investment Company Ltd. and Sesa Goa Limited for the year ended March 31, 2008.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended March 31, 2008 was ¥185.1 billion. Major factors were as below:

 

   

Net cash outflows from short-term debt amounted to ¥148.8 billion mainly due to increased repayment of short-term debt at overseas financial subsidiaries. Proceeds from long-term debt were ¥37.4 billion (net of repayments of long-term debt).

 

   

Dividend paid by Mitsui totaled ¥72.1 billion.

Compared to the year ended March 31, 2007, net cash raised by financing activities for the year ended March 31, 2008 decreased by ¥454.7 billion, reflecting decreases in net cash from both short term and long term debt from the year ended March 31, 2007.

 

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C. Research & Development

For the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, research and development (“R&D”) expenses for the various R&D activities totaled ¥3.5 billion, ¥4.0 billion and ¥3.9 billion, respectively.

Management recognizes that individual R&D activity will not have a significant impact on our future operating results.

 

D. Trend Information

See Item 5.A, B, E and F.

 

E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We use off-balance sheet arrangements in the ordinary course of business to further our trading, fund-raising and other activities. Categories of off-balance sheet arrangements are as follows:

Guarantees

The following tables summarize our guarantees as of March 31, 2009 and 2008.

The maximum potential amount of future payments represents the amount without consideration of possible recoveries under recourse provision or from collateral held or pledged that we could be obliged to pay if there were defaults by guaranteed parties or there were changes in an underlying which would cause triggering events under market value guarantees and indemnification contracts. Such amounts bear no relationship to the anticipated losses on these guarantees and indemnifications, and they greatly exceed anticipated losses. Estimated proceeds from collateral and recourse represent the anticipated values of assets we could liquidate or receive from other parties to offset our payments under guarantees. The carrying amounts of liabilities recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets reflect our best estimate of future payments we may incur as part of fulfilling our guarantee obligations.

 

     Billions of Yen

As of March 31, 2009:

   Maximum
potential amount of
future payments
   Recourse
provisions/
collateral
   Carrying
amount of
liabilities

Financial Guarantees

   ¥ 322    ¥ 35    ¥ 4

Performance Guarantees

     11      4      0

Market Value Guarantees

     46      31      0

 

     Billions of Yen

As of March 31, 2008:

   Maximum
potential amount of
future payments
   Recourse
provisions/
collateral
   Carrying
amount of
liabilities

Financial Guarantees

   ¥ 216    ¥ 20    ¥ 3

Performance Guarantees

     20      5      1

Market Value Guarantees

     67      43      —  

In the furtherance of our trading activities, it is a customary practice for us to guarantee, severally or jointly with others, indebtedness of certain of our customers and suppliers and of certain associated companies as well as to guarantee the performance of contracts by such entities.

As lessees in operating lease contracts, certain subsidiaries have issued residual value guarantees of leased ocean transport vessels, and on the date of expiration of operating lease contracts, such subsidiaries will either purchase the leased assets at a fixed price or will be responsible for making up any shortfall between the actual sales price and the guaranteed value. In accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable

 

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Interest Entities (revised December 2003)-an Interpretation of ARB No. 51” on December 31, 2003, we consolidated ¥11.9 billion and ¥12.2 billion of total assets related to certain ocean transport vessels entities at March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. This information is provided in Note 23, “VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES.”

Sales of Trade Receivables

At March 31, 2009 and 2008, the outstanding amounts of off-balance sheet arrangements in which certain trade receivables are sold to third parties were immaterial.

Variable Interest Entities

We are involved with and have significant variable interests in a number of variable interest entities (“VIEs”) that are not consolidated because we are not the primary beneficiary, but in which we have significant variable interests. These VIEs mainly engage in leasing and financing activities. Further information is provided in Note 23, “VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES.”

Commitments on Deferred Payments

We had no financing commitments at March 31, 2009 and 2008.

Contingent Liabilities

See Note 22, “CONTINGENT LIABILITIES.”

 

F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

The following table provides our contractual obligations as of March 31, 2009 and payment due by period of these contractual obligations:

 

     Billions of Yen
          Payment Due by Period

Contractual Obligations

   Balance as of
March 31, 2009
   March
2010
   March
2012
   March
2014
   After
March 2014

Long-Term Debt(1)

   ¥ 3,159    ¥ 363    ¥ 641    ¥ 680    ¥ 1,475

Capital Lease Obligations(2)

     30      8      12      5      5

Operating Leases(3)

     143      36      45      29      33

Long-Term Purchase Contracts(4)

     3,264      1,017      1,083      455      709

 

(1) The amounts of “Long-Term Debt” include bank borrowings and bonds, excluding the effect of the SFAS No. 133 fair value adjustment and capital lease obligations (present value of net minimum lease payments).
(2) “Capital Lease Obligations” represents the schedule of payments for future minimum lease payments.
(3) “Operating Leases” represents the schedule of payments for future minimum rentals. Minimum rental payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of ¥40.4 billion due in the future under noncancelable subleases.
(4) “Long-Term Purchase Contracts” represents the schedule of payments for long-term purchase obligations, net of advance payments of ¥160 billion made to suppliers as of March 31, 2009.

For additional information regarding long-term debt, capital lease obligations and operating leases, see Note 13, “SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT,” and Note 8, “LEASES,” respectively.

In addition to the above, we plan to contribute ¥4.2 billion to our defined benefit pension plans for the year ending March 31, 2010.

The table above excludes estimated interest payments on liabilities and estimated payments under interest swap. Total cash paid for interest during the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥84.0 billion.

 

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Concerning only Mitsui which has approximately 71% of total interest bearing debt, estimated interest payments on liabilities and estimated payments under interest swaps were ¥232.6 billion. The payment amount by period was ¥30.5 billion due by March 2010, ¥51.9 billion due by March 2012, ¥55.6 billion due by March 2014 and ¥94.6 billion due after March 2014.

The table above also excludes unrecognized tax benefits of ¥4.3 billion. Unrecognized tax benefits classified as current liabilities are ¥0.9 billion. The timing of future cash outflows associated with unrecognized tax benefits classified as non current liabilities is highly uncertain.

The purchased items under “Long-Term Purchase Contracts” are principally ocean transport vessels, oil products, chemical materials, metals and machinery and equipment, either at fixed prices or at basic purchase prices adjustable to the market. In general, our customers, primarily large Japanese industrial companies and shipping firms, are also parties to the contracts, or conclude separate agreements with us, and are committed to purchasing the items from us. Therefore, management does not recognize that these long-term purchase contracts could have seriously adverse effects on our future liquidity. As of March 31, 2009, there was no outstanding balance of purchase contracts which have unconditional payment conditions.

Item 6.    Directors, Senior Management and Employees.

 

A. Directors and Senior Management.

We are managed by a Board of Directors and Executive Officers. As of June 23, 2009, we have twelve Directors and forty Executive Officers including seven of whom are also Directors. In accordance with Mitsui’s Articles of Incorporation, each Director was elected for a term of one year. Each Executive Officer has been appointed by the Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors is our decision-making body. The Board of Directors determines our basic guidelines and policies by establishing our corporate strategy, reviewing our business plans, and supervising and monitoring the activities of our Executive Officers.

The Executive Officers are responsible for the execution of our corporate activities. They must follow and enforce the general guidelines and policies established by the Board of Directors and Mitsui’s Articles of Incorporation.

As of June 23, 2009, Mitsui’s Executive Officers consisted of one President, four Executive Vice Presidents, five Senior Executive Managing Officers, ten Executive Managing Officers and twenty Managing Officers.

The execution of the Directors’ functions (including their functions to supervise and monitor the activities of the Executive Officers) is audited by Corporate Auditors. Each Corporate Auditor is elected by shareholders of Mitsui at a general meeting of shareholders. As of June 23, 2009, we have six Corporate Auditors. In performing their auditing activities, they act independently of each other while they constitute and act through the Board of Corporate Auditors, as the Companies Act of Japan requires.

 

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Directors, Corporate Auditors and Executive Officers

Our Directors, Corporate Auditors and Executive Officers as of June 23, 2009 were:

Directors

 

Name

  

Position

Shoei Utsuda

  

Chairman of the Board of Directors

Masami Iijima

  

Representative Director

Ken Abe

  

Representative Director

Yoshiyuki Izawa

  

Representative Director

Junichi Matsumoto

  

Representative Director

Norinao Iio

  

Representative Director

Seiichi Tanaka

  

Representative Director

Takao Omae

  

Representative Director

Akishige Okada(1)

  

Director

Nobuko Matsubara(1)

  

Director

Ikujiro Nonaka(1)

  

Director

Hiroshi Hirabayashi(1)

  

Director

 

(1) Mr. Akishige Okada, Ms. Nobuko Matsubara, Mr. Ikujiro Nonaka and Mr. Hiroshi Hirabayashi are external directors. See “Item 6.C. Board Practices.”

Corporate Auditors

 

Name

  

Position

Satoru Miura(2)

  

Corporate Auditor

Motonori Murakami(2)

  

Corporate Auditor

Hideharu Kadowaki(3)

  

Corporate Auditor

Naoto Nakamura(3)

  

Corporate Auditor

Kunihiro Matsuo(3)

  

Corporate Auditor

Hiroyasu Watanabe(3)

  

Corporate Auditor

 

(2) Mr. Satoru Miura and Mr. Motonori Murakami are full-time Corporate Auditors.
(3) Mr. Hideharu Kadowaki, Mr. Naoto Nakamura, Mr. Kunihiro Matsuo and Mr. Hiroyasu Watanabe are external Corporate Auditors. See “Item 6.C. Board Practices.”

 

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Executive Officers

 

Name

  

Title and Principal Position

Masami Iijima

   President and Chief Executive Officer; Chairman of Internal Controls Committee

Ken Abe

   Executive Vice President; Iron & Steel Products Business Unit; Mineral & Metal Resources Business Unit; Energy Business Unit I; Energy Business Unit II; Financial Markets Business Unit; Transportation Logistics Business Unit; Director of Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A), Inc.

Yoshiyuki Izawa

   Executive Vice President; Basic Chemicals Business Unit; Performance Chemicals Business Unit; Foods & Retail Business Unit; Domestic Offices and Branches; Director of Mitsui & Co. Europe Holdings PLC; Chairman of Portfolio Management Committee

Junichi Matsumoto

   Executive Vice President; Chief Financial Officer; Chief Compliance Officer; Corporate Staff Division (Financial Planning & Administrative Division, Global Controller Division, Segment Controller Division, Finance Division, Investment Administration Division, Credit Risk Management Division, Market Risk Management Division, Investor Relations Division); Chairman of Compliance Committee; Chairman of Disclosure Committee

Toshimasa Furukawa

   Executive Vice President; Chief Operating Officer of Asia Pacific Business Unit

Norinao Iio

   Senior Executive Managing Officer; Corporate Staff Division (Secretariat, Corporate Auditor Division, Human Resources & General Affairs Division, Legal Division, Logistics Management Division); Business Continuity Plan Management; Director of Mitsui & Co. (Asia Pacific) Pte. Ltd.

Seiichi Tanaka

   Senior Executive Managing Officer; Chief Information Officer; Chief Privacy Officer; Corporate Staff Division (Corporate Planning & Strategy Division, Information Technology Promotion Division, CSR Promotion Division, Corporate Communication Division); New Business Promotion; Environmental Matters; Chairman of CSR Promotion Committee

Takao Omae

   Senior Executive Managing Officer; Infrastructure Projects Business Unit; Motor Vehicles Business Unit; Marine & Aerospace Business Unit; Consumer Service Business Unit; IT Business Unit

Koji Nakamura

   Senior Executive Managing Officer; Chief Operating Officer of EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) Business Unit

Masaaki Fujita

   Senior Executive Managing Officer; Chief Operating Officer of Americas Business Unit

Shinjiro Ogawa

   Executive Managing Officer; Chief Representative of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. in China

Kiyotaka Watanabe

   Executive Managing Officer; General Manager of Kyushu Office

Junichi Mizonoue

   Executive Managing Officer; President of Mitsui & Co. (Thailand) Ltd.

Hideyo Hayakawa

   Executive Managing Officer; General Manager of Internal Auditing Division

Osamu Koyama

   Executive Managing Officer; President & CEO of Mitsui Global Strategic Studies Institute

Shigeru Hanagata

   Executive Managing Officer; General Manager of Nagoya Office

 

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Name

  

Title and Principal Position

Masayoshi Komai

   Executive Managing Officer; Chief Operating Officer of Marine & Aerospace Business Unit

Yoshinori Setoyama

   Executive Managing Officer; Chief Operating Officer of Basic Chemicals Business Unit

Masahiko Okamura

   Executive Managing Officer; General Manager of Osaka Office

Masaaki Iida

   Executive Managing Officer; Chief Operating Officer of Transportation Logistics Business Unit

Terukazu Okahashi

   Managing Officer; President of Mitsui & Co. (Canada) Ltd.

Katsumi Ogawa

   Managing Officer; Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Americas Business Unit

Akio Yamamoto

   Managing Officer; President of Mitsui Bussan Plastics Trade Co., Ltd.

Noriaki Sakamoto

   Managing Officer; Deputy Chief Operating Officer of EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) Business Unit

Fuminobu Kawashima

   Managing Officer; Chief Operating Officer of Energy Business Unit I

Joji Okada

   Managing Officer; Deputy Chief Financial Officer; General Manager of Global Controller Division; Chairman of SOA Sec. 404 Committee

Takashi Fukunaga

   Managing Officer; Chief Operating Officer of Foods & Retail Business Unit

Takashi Yamauchi

   Managing Officer; Chief Operating Officer of Iron & Steel Products Business Unit

Shuji Nakura

   Managing Officer; Chief Operating Officer of IT Business Unit

Mitsuhiko Kawai

   Managing Officer; Chief Operating Officer of Financial Markets Business Unit

Daisuke Saiga

   Managing Officer; General Manager of Human Resources & General Affairs Division

Masayuki Kinoshita

   Managing Officer; Chief Operating Officer of Mineral & Metal Resources Business Unit

Atsushi Oi

   Managing Officer; Chairman & Managing Director of Mitsui & Co. (Australia) Ltd.

Noritaka Tanaka

   Managing Officer; General Manager of Investment Administration Division

Susumu Uneno

   Managing Officer; Chief Operating Officer of Performance Chemicals Business Unit

Kazuhiko Fukuchi

   Managing Officer; Chief Operating Officer of Consumer Service Business Unit

Shintaro Ambe

   Managing Officer; Chief Operating Officer of Infrastructure Projects Business Unit

Motomu Takahashi

   Managing Officer; Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Americas Business Unit

Mitsuo Hidaka

   Managing Officer; Chief Operating Officer of Energy Business Unit II

Ichizo Kobayashi

   Managing Officer; Chief Operating Officer of Motor Vehicles Business Unit

 

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The date of birth, the position as of June 23, 2009 and the prior positions of our Directors and Corporate Auditors were provided below.

 

Directors

     

Name

   Shoei Utsuda

Date of Birth

   February 12, 1943

Current Position

   Chairman of the Board of Directors (since April 1, 2009)

Prior Positions

  

•  1997

   A member of Board of Directors (Director, General Manager of Machinery & Information Industries Administrative Division)
  

•  2000

   Representative Director, Executive Managing Director, General Manager of Corporate Planning Division
  

•  2002/4

   Representative Director, Senior Executive Managing Officer, Chief Strategic Officer (Responsible for Administrative Division), Chief Operating Officer of Business Process Re-Engineering Project
  

•  2002/10

   Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer

Name

   Masami Iijima

Date of Birth

   September 23, 1950

Current Position

   Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (since April 1, 2009)

Prior Positions

  

•  2006

   Managing Officer, Chief Operating Officer of Iron & Steel Raw Materials and Non-Ferrous Metals Business Unit
  

•  2007

   Managing Officer, Chief Operating Officer of Mineral & Metal Resources Business Unit
  

•  2008/4

   Executive Managing Officer
  

•  2008/6

   Representative Director, Executive Managing Officer
  

•  2008/10

   Representative Director, Senior Executive Managing Officer

Name

   Ken Abe

Date of Birth

   September 19, 1947

Current Position

   Representative Director, Executive Vice President, Director of Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A), Inc. (since June 24, 2008)

Prior Positions

  

•  2002

   Managing Officer, General Manager of Metals Administrative Division, Metal Products & Mineral Group
  

•  2003

   Managing Officer, Chief Operating Officer of Iron & Steel Raw Materials Unit
  

•  2004

   Executive Managing Officer, Chief Operating Officer of Iron & Steel Raw Materials and Non-Ferrous Metals Business Unit
  

•  2006

   Senior Executive Managing Officer, Chief Operating Officer of Europe Business Unit
  

•  2007

   Senior Executive Managing Officer, Chief Operating Officer of EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) Business Unit
  

•  2008/4

   Executive Vice President, Director of Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A), Inc.

 

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Name

   Yoshiyuki Izawa

Date of Birth

   February 10, 1948

Current Position

   Representative Director, Executive Vice President, Director of Mitsui & Co. Europe Holdings PLC (since April 1, 2008)

Prior Positions

  

•  2000

   A member of Board of Directors (Director, Chief Operating Officer of Information Business Unit)
  

•  2002

   Director, Senior Managing Officer, Chief Operating Officer of Information Business Unit, Machinery, Electronics & Information Group
  

•  2004

   Executive Managing Officer, General Manager of Osaka Office
  

•  2007/4

   Senior Executive Managing Officer, Director of Mitsui & Co. Europe PLC
  

•  2007/6

   Representative Director, Senior Executive Managing Officer, Director of Mitsui & Co. Europe Holdings PLC

Name

   Junichi Matsumoto

Date of Birth

   September 25, 1947

Current Position

   Representative Director, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer (since April 1, 2008)

Prior Positions

  

•  2002

   Managing Officer, General Manager of Corporate Planning Division
  

•  2003

   Managing Officer, Deputy Chief Representative of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. in China
  

•  2004

   Managing Officer, Chief Operating Officer of Transportation Logistics Business Unit
  

•  2005

   Executive Managing Officer, Chief Operating Officer of Transportation Logistics Business Unit
  

•  2007/4

   Senior Executive Managing Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Privacy Officer
  

•  2007/6

   Representative Director, Senior Executive Managing Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Privacy Officer

Name

   Norinao Iio

Date of Birth

   March 2, 1951

Current Position

   Representative Director, Senior Executive Managing Officer, Director of Mitsui & Co. (Asia Pacific) Pte. Ltd. (since June 23, 2009)

Prior Positions

  

•  2005

   Managing Officer, Chief Operating Officer of Energy Business Unit
  

•  2007

   Managing Officer, Chief Operating Officer of Energy Business Unit II
  

•  2008/4

   Executive Managing Officer, Chief Operating Officer of EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) Business Unit
  

•  2008/10

   Senior Executive Managing Officer, Chief Operating Officer of EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) Business Unit
  

•  2009/4

   Senior Executive Managing Officer, Director of Mitsui & Co. (Asia Pacific) Pte. Ltd.

 

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Name

   Seiichi Tanaka

Date of Birth

   January 12, 1953

Current Position

   Representative Director, Senior Executive Managing Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Privacy Officer (since April 1, 2009)

Prior Positions

  

•  2006

   Managing Officer, General Manager of Human Resources & General Affairs Division
  

•  2008/4

   Executive Managing Officer, Chief Privacy Officer, Director of Mitsui & Co. (Asia Pacific) Pte. Ltd.
  

•  2008/6

   Representative Director, Executive Managing Officer, Chief Privacy Officer, Director of Mitsui & Co. (Asia Pacific) Pte. Ltd.
  

•  2008/10

   Representative Director, Senior Executive Managing Officer, Chief Privacy Officer, Director of Mitsui & Co. (Asia Pacific) Pte. Ltd.

Name

   Takao Omae

Date of Birth

   December 18, 1949

Current Position

   Representative Director, Senior Executive Managing Officer (since June 23, 2009)

Prior Positions

  

•  2005

   Managing Officer, President of Mitsui Brasileira Importacao e Exportacao S.A.
  

•  2007

   Executive Managing Officer, President of Mitsui Brasileira Importacao e Exportacao S.A.
  

•  2008

   Executive Managing Officer, Chief Operating Officer of Infrastructure Projects Business Unit
  

•  2009/4

   Senior Executive Managing Officer

Name

   Akishige Okada

Date of Birth

   April 9, 1938

Current Position

   Director (since June 27, 2003)

Principal Positions at Business Organizations Outside Mitsui

      Director, Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
      Director, Mitsui Life Insurance Co., Ltd.
      Corporate Auditor, Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.
      Corporate Auditor, Hotel Okura Co., Ltd.
      Corporate Auditor, Toyota Motor Corporation

Prior Positions

  

•  1991

   Director, The Mitsui Taiyo Kobe Bank, Ltd.
  

•  1995

   Managing Director, The Sakura Bank, Ltd.
  

•  1996

   Senior Managing Director, The Sakura Bank, Ltd.
  

•  1997

   President, The Sakura Bank, Ltd.
  

•  1999

   President and Managing Director, The Sakura Bank, Ltd.
  

•  2001

   Chairman of the Board, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
  

•  2002

   Chairman of the Board, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.
  

•  2003

   Chairman of the Board, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
  

•  2005

   Advisor, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

 

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Name

   Nobuko Matsubara

Date of Birth

   January 9, 1941

Current Position

   Director (since June 23, 2006)

Principal Positions at Business Organizations Outside Mitsui

      Director, Daiwa Securities Group Inc.

Prior Positions

  

•  1987

   Director of International Labor Division, Minister’s Secretariat, the Ministry of Labor
  

•  1991

   Director-General of Women’s Bureau, the Ministry of Labor
  

•  1997

   Vice Minister of the Ministry of Labor
  

•  1999

   President of Japan Association for Employment of Persons with Disabilities
  

•  2002/9

   Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Italy
  

•  2002/11

   Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Albania, to San Marino and to Malta
  

•  2006/1

   Advisor to Japan Institute of Workers’ Evolution
  

•  2006/7

   Chairman of Japan Institute of Workers’ Evolution

Name

   Ikujiro Nonaka

Date of Birth

   May 10, 1935

Current Position

   Director (since June 22, 2007)

Principal Positions at Business Organizations Outside Mitsui

      Director, Fujitsu Limited
      Director, Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd.

Prior Positions

  

•  1977

   Professor, Management Faculty, Nanzan University
  

•  1979

   Professor, National Defense Academy of Japan
  

•  1982

   Professor, Institute of Business Research, Hitotsubashi University
  

•  1995

   Professor, Graduate School of Knowledge Science, JAIST
  

•  1997

   Xerox Distinguished Professor in Knowledge, Walter A, Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley
  

•  2000

   Professor, Graduate School of International Corporate Strategy, Hitotsubashi University
  

•  2006

   Professor Emeritus, Hitotsubashi University
  

•  2007

   First Distinguished Drucker Scholar in Residence, Drucker School of Claremont Graduate University

Name

   Hiroshi Hirabayashi

Date of Birth

   May 5, 1940

Current Position

   Director (since June 22, 2007)

Principal Positions at Business Organizations Outside Mitsui

      Director, TOSHIBA CORPORATION

Prior Positions

  

•  1988

   Director, Management and Coordination Division, Minister’s Secretariat, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  

•  1990

   Minister, Japanese Embassy in the U.S.A
  

•  1992

   Envoy, Japanese Embassy in the U.S.A
  

•  1993

   Director-General, Economic Cooperation Bureau, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  

•  1995

   Chief Cabinet Councilor’s Office on External Affairs, Cabinet Secretariat
  

•  1997

   Secretary-General, Indo-China Refugees Measures Coordination Conference
  

•  1998

   Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to India and Bhutan
  

•  2002

   Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to France and Andorra
  

•  2003

   Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Djibouti
  

•  2006

   Ambassador in charge of Inspection, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  

•  2007/3

   Councilor, The Japan Forum on International Relations, Inc.
  

•  2007/6

   President, The Japan-India Association
  

•  2008

   Visiting Professor, Waseda University, Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies
  

•  2009

   Vice President, The Japan Forum on International Relations, Inc.

 

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Corporate Auditors

     

Name

   Satoru Miura

Date of Birth

   March 2, 1947

Current Position

   Corporate Auditor (since June 22, 2007)

Prior Positions

  

•  2001

   A member of Board of Directors (Director, Chief Operating Officer of Iron & Steel Products Business Unit)
  

•  2002

   Director, Senior Managing Officer, Chief Operating Officer of Iron & Steel Products Unit, Metals Group
  

•  2004

   Executive Managing Officer, Chief Operating Officer of Iron & Steel Products Business Unit
  

•  2005

   Executive Managing Officer, General Manager of Nagoya Office
  

•  2007/4

   Executive Managing Officer

Name

   Motonori Murakami

Date of Birth

   November 19, 1948

Current Position

   Corporate Auditor (since June 22, 2007)

Prior Positions

  

•  2003

   Managing Officer, General Manager of Accounting Division
  

•  2006

   Executive Managing Officer, Assistant to Senior Executive Managing Officer (Corporate Staff Division), Assistant to Chief Financial Officer

Name

   Hideharu Kadowaki

Date of Birth

   June 20, 1944

Current Position

   Corporate Auditor (since June 24, 2004)

Principal Positions at Business Organizations Outside Mitsui

      Corporate Auditor, Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.

Prior Positions

  

•  1996

   Director, The Sakura Bank Ltd.
  

•  1998

   Managing Director, The Sakura Bank Ltd.
  

•  1999

   Managing Director & Executive Managing Officer, The Sakura Bank Ltd.
  

•  2000

   Senior Managing Director and Senior Executive Managing Officer, The Sakura Bank Ltd.
  

•  2001

   Senior Managing Director and Senior Executive Managing Officer, The Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
  

•  2002

   Senior Managing Director, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.
  

•  2003

   Deputy President, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.
  

•  2004

   Chairman of the Institute, The Japan Research Institute, Limited
  

•  2008

   Special Advisor & Senior Fellow, The Japan Research Institute, Limited

Name

   Naoto Nakamura

Date of Birth

   January 25, 1960

Current Position

   Corporate Auditor (since June 23, 2006)

Principal Positions at Business Organizations Outside Mitsui

      Corporate Auditor, Asahi Breweries, Ltd.

Prior Positions

  

•  1985/4

   Admitted to the member of Second Tokyo Bar Association
  

•  1985/4

   Joined Mori Sogo Law Office
  

•  1998

   Founded HIBIYA PARK LAW OFFICES and became a partner
  

•  2003

   Founded Law Firm of Naoto Nakamura (currently Law Firm of Nakamura, Tsunoda & Matsumoto) and became a partner

 

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Name

   Kunihiro Matsuo

Date of Birth

   September 13, 1942

Current Position

   Corporate Auditor (since June 24, 2008)

Principal Positions at Business Organizations Outside Mitsui

      Director, Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.
      Corporate Auditor, Toyota Motor Corporation
      Corporate Auditor, Sompo Japan Insurance Inc.
      Corporate Auditor, Komatsu Ltd. (elected by shareholders of Komatsu Ltd. at a general meeting of shareholders on June 24, 2009)

Prior Positions

  

•  1968

   Appointment as Public Prosecutor
  

•  1999

   Vice Minister of Justice
  

•  2004

   Attorney General
  

•  2006

   Admission as Attorney at Law

Name

   Hiroyasu Watanabe

Date of Birth

   April 11, 1945

Current Position

   Corporate Auditor (since June 23, 2009)

Principal Positions at Business Organizations Outside Mitsui

      Corporate Auditor, NOMURA Co., Ltd.
      Corporate Auditor, NIPPON MINING HOLDINGS, INC.

Prior Positions

  

•  1994

   Director-General, Nagoya Taxation Bureau, National Tax Agency
  

•  1995

   Director-General of Kinki Finance Bureau
  

•  1996

   Deputy Director-General, Tax Bureau, Ministry of Finance
  

•  1997

   Director-General, Tokyo Taxation Bureau, National Tax Agency
  

•  1998

   Director-General, Customs and Tariff Bureau, Ministry of Finance
  

•  2000

   President, Policy Research Institute, Ministry of Finance
  

•  2002

   Commissioner, National Tax Agency
  

•  2003

   Visiting Professor, University of Tokyo, Graduate Schools for Law and Politics
  

•  2004

   Professor, Waseda University, Graduate School of Finance, Accounting & Law

There is no family relationship between any Directors, Corporate Auditors, Executive Officers and any other persons named above. There is no arrangement or understanding between any of the above and any other person pursuant to which they were selected as a Director, a Corporate Auditor or a member of the senior management.

 

B. Compensation.

The aggregate amount of compensation and benefits in kind paid to Directors, Corporate Auditors and Executive Officers during the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥4,016 million. A breakdown is provided as below.

Directors and Corporate Auditors

The remuneration of Directors and Corporate Auditors totaling ¥1,119 million during the year ended March 31, 2009 was as follows.

 

     Number of recipients    Total remuneration paid
relating to the year ended
March 31, 2009

Directors

   16    ¥ 902 million

Corporate Auditors

   8    ¥ 217 million

External Directors and External Corporate Auditors (included in the above amounts)

   9    ¥ 96 million

Total

   24    ¥  1,119 million

 

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Notes:

i) Limits on remuneration of Directors and Corporate Auditors have been determined by General Meeting of Shareholders resolutions as follows: for Directors, there is a total limit of ¥70 million per month (by resolution of June 22, 2007); for Corporate Auditors, there is a total limit of ¥20 million per month (by resolution of June 22, 2007).
ii) The above amounts include ¥178 million in bonuses for Directors (excluding external Directors), which was determined by the following system.

Total bonuses for Directors (excluding External Directors) are calculated as the lesser of consolidated net income x 0.1% and ¥500 million, which is payable to each director in proportionate allocation according to points given to each Director’s position. The Remuneration Committee reviewed the formula and reported to the Board of Directors in advance of the Board of Directors’ decision to establish the formula.

Executive Officers

The remuneration of Executive Officers (excluding Executive Officers who are also Directors) totaled ¥2,173 million during the year ended March 31, 2009, comprised of ¥748 million in bonuses and ¥1,425 million in monthly remunerations. The Remuneration Committee also reviews and reports to the Board of Directors on appropriateness of remuneration system and compensation levels for Executive Officers.

Pension Plans and Retirement Allowances

In addition, the aggregate amount of benefits from Directors’ and Corporate Auditors’ Pension Plans and retirement allowances for retiring Directors and Corporate Auditors—accrued prior to the abolition of the retirement allowance system—paid during the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥724 million.

Our retirement allowance system for Directors and Corporate Auditors was abolished pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors in February 2004. Up to this resolution, in accordance with customary Japanese business practices, a retiring Director or Corporate Auditor was entitled to receive a retirement allowance, which was subject to approval by shareholders at a general meeting of shareholders. The amount of the retirement allowance generally reflected the number of years of service, rank at the time of retirement and special contributions to our performance. After the abolition of the retirement allowance system, retirement allowances are not paid except for those accrued prior to the abolition.

The aggregate amount set aside by us to provide pension benefits to Directors and Corporate Auditors was ¥3,554 million as of March 31, 2009.

Mitsui has no stock option plans for Mitsui’s Directors and Senior Management as of June 23, 2009.

 

C. Board Practices.

The information in “Item 6.A. Directors and Senior Management” is incorporated into this section by reference.

None of our Directors have entered into any service contracts with us providing for benefits upon termination of his or her employment.

The Companies Act of Japan allows a company to adopt the “Committee System” as the framework for corporate governance. We have decided, however, to maintain the corporate auditor system because we believe that our Corporate Auditors, of whom two are full-time and four are external Auditors as of June 23, 2009 and whose functions are legally defined and reinforced, provide adequate auditing functions. Furthermore, internal Directors are familiar with our business operations and can therefore contribute to effective management.

 

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Although we retained the corporate auditor system, we have decided to adopt certain aspects of the Committee System and have established three committees (the Governance Committee, the Nomination Committee, and the Remuneration Committee) to provide advice to the Board of Directors.

Functions and Composition of three committees

The functions and composition of three committees are provided as below.

Governance Committee

 

  Assignment : To study the state and direction of Mitsui’s corporate governance

 

  Composition : Chairman of the Board of Directors (committee chair, Shoei Utsuda), President (Masami Iijima), External Directors 2 (Nobuko Matsubara, Ikujiro Nonaka), internal Directors 3 (Junichi Matsumoto, Norinao Iio, Seiichi Tanaka), External Corporate Auditor 1 (Hideharu Kadowaki)

Nomination Committee

 

  Assignment : To establish the selection standards and processes used in nominating directors and executive officers as well as evaluating director nomination proposals

 

  Composition : President (committee chair, Masami Iijima), External Directors 2 (Akishige Okada, Hiroshi Hirabayashi), internal Directors 2 (Norinao Iio, Seiichi Tanaka)

Remuneration Committee

 

  Assignment : To study the system and decision-making process related to remuneration and bonuses for directors and executive officers as well as evaluating remuneration proposals for them

 

  Composition : External Director (committee chair, Akishige Okada), President (Masami Iijima), internal Directors 2 (Junichi Matsumoto, Norinao Iio)

Our Directors and Corporate Auditors are elected at the general meeting of shareholders. In accordance with our Articles of Incorporation, the normal term of office for our Directors is one year and for our Corporate Auditors is four years. However, they may both serve any number of consecutive terms. The following table shows our Directors’, Corporate Auditors’ and Executive Officers’ terms of office from appointment to June 2009 and their shareholdings as of March 31, 2009.

 

     Length of Time
Served in Office
(From Appointment
to June 2009)
   Shareholdings as of
March 31, 2009

Director:

     

Shoei Utsuda

   12 years    64,652

Masami Iijima

   1 year    19,964

Ken Abe

   1 year    33,417

Yoshiyuki Izawa

   4 years    20,986

Junichi Matsumoto

   2 years    23,855

Norinao Iio

   Less than 1 year    9,684

Seiichi Tanaka

   1 year    7,627

Takao Omae

   Less than 1 year    13,814

Akishige Okada(1)

   6 years    2,828

Nobuko Matsubara(1)

   3 years    1,945

Ikujiro Nonaka(1)

   2 years    7,940

Hiroshi Hirabayashi( 1)

   2 years    2,694

 

Note (1) Mr. Akishige Okada, Ms. Nobuko Matsubara, Mr. Ikujiro Nonaka and Mr. Hiroshi Hirabayashi are external Directors.

 

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     Date of Expiration of
Current Term of Office
   Length of Time
Served in Office
(From Appointment
to June 2009)
   Shareholdings as of
March 31, 2009

Corporate Auditor:

        

Satoru Miura

   June 2011    2 years    19,276

Motonori Murakami

   June 2011    2 years    24,922

Hideharu Kadowaki( 2)

   June 2012    5 years    7,919

Naoto Nakamura(2)

   June 2010    3 years    0

Kunihiro Matsuo(2)

   June 2012    1 year    1,613

Hiroyasu Watanabe( 2)

   June 2013    Less than 1 year    0

 

Note (2) Mr. Hideharu Kadowaki, Mr. Naoto Nakamura, Mr. Kunihiro Matsuo and Mr. Hiroyasu Watanabe are external Corporate Auditors.

 

     Length of Time
Served in Office
(From Appointment
to June 2009)(3)
   Shareholdings as of
March 31, 2009

Executive Officer (excluding Executive Officers who are also a Director):

     

Toshimasa Furukawa

   7 years    20,388

Koji Nakamura

   5 years    16,428

Masaaki Fujita

   4 years    9,097

Shinjiro Ogawa

   7 years    20,646

Kiyotaka Watanabe

   4 years    11,913

Junichi Mizonoue

   4 years    8,989

Hideyo Hayakawa

   3 years    6,349

Osamu Koyama

   4 years    6,102

Shigeru Hanagata

   3 years    13,568

Masayoshi Komai

   2 years    7,131

Yoshinori Setoyama

   2 years    16,420

Masahiko Okamura

   2 years    9,564

Masaaki Iida

   2 years    6,121

Terukazu Okahashi

   3 years    12,877

Katsumi Ogawa

   2 years    7,243

Akio Yamamoto

   2 years    7,241

Noriaki Sakamoto

   2 years    4,484

Fuminobu Kawashima

   2 years    13,121

Joji Okada

   1 year    12,881

Takashi Fukunaga

   1 year    2,731

Takashi Yamauchi

   1 year    3,926

Shuji Nakura

   1 year    2,731

Mitsuhiko Kawai

   1 year    10,812

Daisuke Saiga

   1 year    2,731

Masayuki Kinoshita

   1 year    4,902

Atsushi Oi

   1 year    2,926

Noritaka Tanaka

   Less than 1 year    108

Susumu Uneno

   Less than 1 year    2,703

Kazuhiko Fukuchi

   Less than 1 year    10,569

Shintaro Ambe

   Less than 1 year    2,402

Motomu Takahashi

   Less than 1 year    0

Mitsuo Hidaka

   Less than 1 year    6,949

Ichizo Kobayashi

   Less than 1 year    0
       

Total Shareholdings by Directors, Corporate Auditors, and Executive Officers

      527,189
       

 

Note (3) The rules of Executive Officers provide for the term of the Executive Officers as one year starting April 1 and ending March 31.

 

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Mitsui’s Articles of Incorporation provide that the Board of Directors shall elect from among its members Representative Directors, one of whom shall be the President. Under the Companies Act of Japan, each of the Representative Directors has statutory authority and power to represent and act on behalf of the company in all respects.

Under the Companies Act of Japan, at least half of the Corporate Auditors should be persons who have not at any time been a director, executive officer, manager or employee of a company or any of its subsidiaries prior to his or her election as a Corporate Auditor. Each Corporate Auditor has a statutory duty to examine financial statements, in collaboration with independent auditors, and business reports and also to supervise the administration of the company’s affairs by Directors. Corporate Auditors are required to participate in meetings of the Board of Directors but are not entitled to vote.

The Board of Corporate Auditors is comprised of all Corporate Auditors. The Board of Corporate Auditors has a statutory duty to prepare its audit report each year. Each Corporate Auditor has the right to write his or her individual opinion in the audit report if his or her opinion is different from the opinion expressed in the audit report of the Board of Corporate Auditors. The Board of Corporate Auditors is empowered to establish audit principles, methods of examination by the Corporate Auditors of the company’s affairs and financial position and other matters concerning the performance of the Corporate Auditors’ duties. The Corporate Auditors may not at the same time be directors, managers or employees of the company or any of its subsidiaries.

Rights of ADS Holders

The rights of ADS holders, including their rights relating to corporate governance practices, are provided in the deposit agreement.

Limitation of Liabilities of Directors and Corporate Auditors

The Articles of Incorporation of Mitsui provide that Mitsui may, by resolution of the Board of Directors, exempt the Directors and Corporate Auditors from their liabilities to the extent as permitted by the Companies Act of Japan. The Articles of Incorporation of Mitsui also provide that Mitsui may conclude a contract with external Directors and external Corporate Auditors to limit the liability of such Directors and Corporate Auditors to the extent as permitted by the Companies Act of Japan. In accordance with such provision of the Articles of Incorporation, Mitsui has concluded with external Directors (Mr. Akishige Okada, Ms. Nobuko Matsubara, Mr. Ikujiro Nonaka and Mr. Hiroshi Hirabayashi) and external Corporate Auditors (Mr. Hideharu Kadowaki, Mr. Naoto Nakamura Mr. Kunihiro Matsuo and Mr. Hiroyasu Watanabe), respectively, contracts to limit their liability to the extent permitted by the Companies Act of Japan.

 

D. Employees

As of March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we had 39,864, 39,161 and 41,761 employees, respectively. The average number of temporary employees during the year ended March 31, 2009 was 18,990.

Effective April 1, 2007, we changed our reportable operating segments as follows:

 

   

We transferred coal mining, nuclear fuel and other businesses which were formerly included in “Iron & Steel Raw Materials and Non-Ferrous Metals” to “Energy.” “Iron & Steel Raw Materials and Non-Ferrous Metals” was renamed and presented as “Mineral & Metal Resources.”

 

   

The former “Lifestyle, Consumer Service and Information, Electronics & Telecommunication” was renamed and presented as “Consumer Service & IT.”

 

   

Subsidiaries in Oceania which were formerly included in “Other Overseas Areas” were integrated to “Asia” and presented as “Asia Pacific.” Also, subsidiaries in the Middle East, Africa and Russia which were formerly included in “Other Overseas Areas” were combined with “Europe” and presented as “Europe, the Middle East and Africa.”

 

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Furthermore, effective April 1, 2008, some of the chemical and automobile subsidiaries located in North and South America, which had been included in “Chemical” and “Machinery & Infrastructure Projects” respectively, were transferred to “Americas” to further strengthen the regional strategies of these subsidiaries.

For more information, see Note 17, “Segment Information,” to our consolidated financial statements.

The following tables provide the numbers of employees by operating segment as of the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007. It is not practicable to restate the numbers as of March 31, 2008 and 2007 to conform to the current year presentation.

 

     As of March 31,
     2009    2008(*)

Operating Segment:

     

Iron & Steel Products

   2,282    2,255

Mineral & Metal Resources

   570    757

Machinery & Infrastructure Projects

   10,227    9,717

Chemical

   2,752    3,489

Energy

   1,360    1,633

Foods & Retail

   5,673    6,008

Consumer Service & IT

   4,505    4,540

Logistics & Financial Markets

   1,445    1,177

Americas

   5,544    4,297

Europe, the Middle East and Africa

   1,342    1,299

Asia Pacific

   2,338    2,196

All Other

   1,826    1,793
         

Total

   39,864    39,161
         

 

       As of March 31,   
     2007

Operating Segment:

  

Iron & Steel Products

   2,270

Iron & Steel Raw Materials and Non-Ferrous Metals

   2,425

Machinery & Infrastructure Projects

   10,859

Chemical

   3,731

Energy

   1,516

Foods & Retail

   6,575

Lifestyle, Consumer Services and Information, Electronics & Telecommunication

   5,481

Logistics & Financial Markets

   1,284

Americas

   2,316

Europe

   1,081

Asia

   1,969

Other Overseas Areas

   503

All Other

   1,751
    

Total

   41,761
    

 

(*) The numbers of employees in Machinery & Infrastructure Projects and in Total as of March 31, 2008 have been corrected due to an immaterial error.

We consider relations between management and our labor unions to be good.

 

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E. Share Ownership.

Directors, Corporate Auditors and Executive Officers

As of March 31, 2009, the members of Mitsui’s Board of Directors, Corporate Auditors and Executive Officers who are incumbent as of June 23, 2009 had held as a group, 527,189 shares of our common stock, representing 0.029% of the shares outstanding. None of these shares differ as to their voting rights. This number of shares included 71,786 shares held by Mitsui Executives’ Shareholding Association.

None of Mitsui’s Directors, Corporate Auditors nor Executive Officers is the beneficial owner of more than 1% of Mitsui’s common stock. The number of shares held by Mitsui’s Directors, Corporate Auditors and Executive Officers, on an individual basis, is provided in “Item 6.C. Board Practices,” and is incorporated herein by reference.

In July, 2006, a new management shareholding scheme was introduced, whereby each of Mitsui’s Directors (excluding external Directors) and Executive Officers are required to purchase Mitsui’s shares through Mitsui Executives’ Shareholding Association. Mitsui’s Directors (excluding external Directors) and Executive Officers purchase Mitsui’s shares in an amount equivalent to 10% of his or her salary, which amount is deducted from his or her salary for the purchases through said Mitsui Executives’ Shareholding Association.

Employees Shareholding Association

Mitsui operates an Employees’ Shareholding Association which, as of March 31, 2009, had 3,639 employee member participants.

Employee members declare monthly the amount to be deducted from his or her salary to be used to purchase shares of common stock of Mitsui through the Employees’ Shareholding Association. Employee members receive from Mitsui a monthly subsidy equivalent to 10% of the declared amount, enabling them to purchase shares equivalent to 110% of the declared amount. Employee members are entitled to dividends which are applied towards the purchase of additional shares through the Employees’ Shareholding Association. Employee members are able to sell part of their shares that have been reserved for them under the Employees’ Shareholding Association’s plan, in multiples of 100 shares (1,000 shares until March 2009), once every month. As of March 31, 2009, the total amount of shares having voting rights owned by the Employees’ Shareholding Association was 11,537,281, representing 0.63% of the total shares issued and outstanding.

Mitsui does not have any other arrangements for its employees that involve the issue or grant of options, shares or securities of Mitsui.

Item 7.    Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions.

 

A. Major Shareholders.

As of March 31, 2009, there were 1,824,928,240 shares of our common stock issued (including 3,770,220 shares of treasury stock), of which 17,319,480 shares were in the form of ADSs, representing 0.95% of our then outstanding common stock, and 247, 076,698 shares, representing 13.57% of our then outstanding common stock, were held of record in the form of common stock by residents in the United States. The number of registered ADS holders was 35, and the number of registered holders of shares of common stock in the United States was 192.

 

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The following table shows our major shareholders as of March 31, 2009, including shareholders who owned less than 5% of our then outstanding common stock, disclosed under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan.

 

Shareholders

   Thousands of Shares of
Common Stock Owned
   Percentage of
Common Stock Issued(*)
 

The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Ltd. (trust account)

   164,802    9.03

Japan Trustee Services Bank, Ltd. (trust account)

   156,649    8.58

Japan Trustee Services Bank, Ltd. (trust account 4G)

   107,404    5.88

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

   38,500    2.10

Nippon Life Insurance Company

   35,070    1.92

The Chuo Mitsui Trust and Banking Company, Limited

   30,799    1.68

The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd.

   30,375    1.66

The Chase Manhattan Bank N.A. London Secs Lending Omnibus Account

   29,767    1.63

Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company, Limited

   24,726    1.35

Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd.

   24,083    1.31

 

(*) The figures are rounded down to two decimal places.

Under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan, any person that becomes a holder (together with its related persons) of more than 5% of the total issued voting shares of a company listed on any Japanese stock exchange (including ADSs representing such shares) must file a report with the Director of the relevant Local Finance Bureau and send a copy of such report to the company. A similar report must also be filed if the percentage holding of a holder of more than 5% of the total issued voting shares of a company increases or decreases by 1% or more.

Based on such reports we have received, we are aware that each of the following persons, together with its affiliates, was the beneficial owner of our common stock in the amounts and as of the dates shown in the following tables:

Fidelity Investments Japan Limited

 

Ownership as of

   Shares of
Common Stock Owned(*1)
   Percentage of
Common Stock Issued(*2)
 

February 15, 2007

   72,786,000    4.22

May 31, 2007

   90,801,000    5.08   

March 31, 2008

   69,399,760    3.82   

JPMorgan Trust Bank Limited

 

Ownership as of

   Shares of
Common Stock Owned(*1)
   Percentage of
Common Stock Issued(*2)
 

September 30, 2006

   60,525,493    3.51

AllianceBernstein Japan Ltd.

 

Ownership as of

   Shares of
Common Stock Owned(*1)
   Percentage of
Common Stock Issued(*2)
 

May 31, 2006

   91,095,320    5.28

February 29, 2008

   116,987,615    6.44   

August 29, 2008

   93,716,155    5.14   

September 30, 2008

   116,241,355    6.38   

November 28, 2008

   90,056,395    4.93   

 

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Nomura Securities Co., Ltd.

 

Ownership as of

   Shares of
Common Stock Owned(*1)
   Percentage of
Common Stock Issued(*2)
 

August 31, 2006

   97,028,174    5.55

January 15, 2007

   72,867,946    4.20   

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.

 

Ownership as of

   Shares of
Common Stock Owned(*1)
   Percentage of
Common Stock Issued(*2)
 

January 29, 2007

   86,629,949    5.02

October 8, 2007

   147,839,726    8.16   

August 25, 2008

   130,666,673    7.16   

 

(*1) The numbers of shares of common stock owned include those of convertible bonds owned that are calculated on a fully diluted basis.
(*2) The percentage figures are calculated as of the dates shown in the table. Percentage figures as of March 31, 2009 are not necessarily available from the aforementioned reports.

The voting rights of our major shareholders do not differ from the voting rights of other shareholders.

To our knowledge, we are not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by any other corporations, by any foreign government or by any other natural or legal persons severally or jointly.

We know of no arrangements which may, at a subsequent date, result in a change in control of Mitsui.

 

B. Related Party Transactions

When conducting our business operations throughout the world, we form alliances with leading partner companies in Japan and overseas, including manufacturers and companies in the field of natural resources, such as energy and ferrous materials. In addition to investing in, or providing loans to, associated companies where we are a minority shareholder, we conduct selling and purchasing transactions of various products on a recurring basis with such associated companies.

Our principal associated companies include Valepar S.A. (18.24%), Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty. Ltd. (50.00%), Sims Metal Management Limited (The company changed its name from Sims Group Limited.) (19.99%), P.T. Paiton Energy (36.32%), IPM (UK) Power Holdings (26.32%), and Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (17.00%), among others.

The following table shows information regarding account balances and transactions with associated companies:

 

     Billions of Yen
     As of March 31, 2009

Accounts receivable, trade

   ¥ 169

Advances to associated companies

     160

Accounts payable, trade

     39

Dividends received from associated companies for the year ended March 31, 2009 amounted to ¥97 billion.

 

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See Note 6, “INVESTMENTS IN AND ADVANCES TO ASSOCIATED COMPANIES” to our consolidated financial statements.

Prices applied in transactions with associated companies are computed in the same way that such prices would be calculated in transactions with unrelated third parties. In addition, when associated companies are counterparties in transactions with us and we conduct such business under long-term procurement and/or sales contracts, in general, we conclude a corresponding sales contract with the purchasers (unrelated parties) of goods procured by us and/or with suppliers (unrelated parties) of the goods we sell to associated companies. Regarding any other commitments related to transactions with associated companies, we do not normally assume risk in excess of its percentage of share ownership in an associated company.

In furtherance of their trading activities, it is customary practice for us to loan or guarantee, severally and jointly with others, indebtedness of certain customers and suppliers and of certain associated companies as well as to guarantee the performance of contracts by such entities. At March 31, 2009, the aggregate amount of loans (including ¥74 billion guarantees) relating to associated companies was ¥281billion. The largest amount outstanding as of March 31, 2009 was ¥30 billion loan with interest to P&M Drilling International B.V., which engages in capital lease operation in Netherlands. The loan was mainly from Mitsui. Other major loans to associated companies are related to the power plant project and the lease operation of ships.

In the ordinary course of our business, we have entered into transactions with various organizations with which certain of our Directors and Senior Management are associated, but no material transactions have been entered into for the three-year period ended March 31, 2009.

As of March 31, 2009, no person was the beneficial owner of more than 10% of our common stock.

 

C. Interests of Experts and Counsel.

Not applicable.

Item 8.    Financial Information.

 

A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information.

Consolidated Financial Statements

The audited consolidated financial statements required by this item are included elsewhere in this annual report.

Export Sales

The total amount of revenues from export transactions for the year ended March 31, 2009 was ¥494 billion or 9% of total revenue of ¥5,535 billion.

Legal Proceedings

Various claims and legal actions are pending against us in respect of contractual obligations and other matters arising out of the conduct of our business. Appropriate provision has been recorded for the estimated loss on claims and legal actions. In the opinion of management, any liability will not materially affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Dividend Policy

It is Mitsui’s basic policy to declare dividends twice per year. The record date for year-end dividends is March 31 and the record date for interim dividends is September 30. For a discussion of dividend distribution provisions under the Companies Act of Japan and Mitsui’s Articles of Incorporation, see “Item 10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association.”

 

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In order to maximize shareholder value, we have sought to maintain an optimal balance between (1) achieving sustainable growth through strategic investments in areas of our core strength and growth and (2) paying out cash dividends as direct compensation to shareholders with the target dividend payout ratio of 20% of consolidated net income.

For the year ended March 31, 2009, due to the drastic decline in earnings especially during the second half of the fiscal year, the dividend amount calculated in accordance with the payout ratio of 20% of consolidated net income was lower than the interim dividends of ¥25 per share which we had already paid. Accordingly, we determined not to pay any additional year-end dividends.

For the year ending March 31, 2010, we intend to make a dividend proposal upon reviewing the operating results. The key factors for the proposal are as follows:

(1) In light of the current business circumstances, we forecast a substantial decline in earnings for the year ending March 31, 2010 due to prolonged economic downturn and decline in commodity prices, although we have recently started to see a few bright spots in the markets which suggest there may be some recovery in the near future.

(2) Given the exceptionally high level of uncertainty surrounding financial markets as well as the global economy, we believe that it would be for the benefit of the shareholders in the medium- to long-term if we strive to further strengthen our balance sheet.

(3) We also believe that it would be necessary for us to continue seeking new investment opportunities that may provide us a foundation for our future with the utmost financial discipline.

Accordingly, we currently plan to maintain the target dividend payout ratio of 20% of consolidated net income. We will continue to review the dividend policy taking into consideration the business environment, future trend of the investing activities, free cash flow level, interest bearing debt level and return on equity.

 

B. Significant Changes

Except as disclosed in this annual report, there has not been any significant change since the date of the latest annual financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report.

Item 9.    The Offer and Listing.

 

A. Offer and Listing Details.

The primary market for Mitsui’s common stock is the Tokyo Stock Exchange, or TSE. Mitsui’s common stock is traded on the First Section of the TSE and is also listed on four other stock exchanges in Japan (Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka and Sapporo Stock Exchanges).

Mitsui’s American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”), each representing 20 shares of common stock, are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol MITSY. American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), each evidencing one or more ADSs, were originally issued pursuant to a Deposit Agreement in May 1963, as amended from time to time, that we entered into with Citibank N.A. of New York as Depositary and the holders of the ADRs.

 

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The following table provides the reported high and low closing sales prices of our common stock on the TSE and the reported high and low closing bid price quotations per ADS for the period indicated:

 

     TSE    NASDAQ
     Price per Share of
Common Stock
(Yen)
   Price per ADS
(U.S. dollars)(1)
     High    Low    High    Low

Year ended March 31:

           

2005

   ¥ 1,074    ¥ 773    $ 206.20    $ 137.50

2006

     1,731      908      292.66      171.50

2007

     2,315      1,427      382.21      245.00

2008

     3,080      1,704      538.92      336.25

2009

     2,750      691      526.70      141.44

Year ended March 31, 2008:

           

First quarter

   ¥ 2,595    ¥ 2,040    $ 416.60    $ 347.21

Second quarter

     2,880      2,005      501.67      371.60

Third quarter

     3,080      2,270      538.92      395.02

Fourth quarter

     2,405      1,704      463.97      336.25

Year ended March 31, 2009:

           

First quarter

   ¥ 2,750    ¥ 2,040    $ 526.70    $ 400.04

Second quarter

     2,425      1,278      454.20      212.45

Third quarter

     1,352      691      257.00      141.44

Fourth quarter

     1,077      806      232.77      163.53

Year ending March 31, 2010:

           

First quarter

   ¥ 1,308    ¥ 1,024    $ 271.90    $ 211.53

Month of:

           

January 2009

   ¥ 1,052    ¥ 875    $ 220.00    $ 190.62

February 2009

     1,045      872      232.77      176.42

March 2009

     1,077      806      219.01      163.53

April 2009

     1,206      1,024      242.80      211.53

May 2009

     1,216      1,075      253.72      227.14

June 2009

     1,308      1,111      271.90      233.10

 

(1) All fractional figures of the prices per ADS are rounded to the nearest two decimal points.

Share prices on Japanese stock exchanges are determined on a real-time basis by the equilibrium between bids and offers. These exchanges set daily price limits, which limit the maximum range of fluctuation within a single trading day. Daily price limits are set according to the previous day’s closing price or special quote. Although transactions may continue at the upward or downward limit price if the limit price is reached on a particular trading day, no transactions may take place outside these limits. Consequently, an investor wishing to sell at a price above or below the relevant daily limit may not be able to sell his shares at such price on a particular trading day, or at all.

On July 10, 2009, the closing sales price per share of our common stock on the TSE was ¥1,049, and the closing sales price per ADS on the NASDAQ Global Select Market was U.S.$225.17.

 

B. Plan of Distribution.

Not applicable.

 

C. Markets.

See “Item 9.A. Offer and Listing Details.”

 

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D. Selling Shareholders.

Not applicable.

 

E. Dilution.

Not applicable.

 

F. Expenses of the Issue.

Not applicable.

Item 10.    Additional Information.

 

A. Share Capital.

Not applicable.

 

B. Memorandum and Articles of Association.

General

Set forth below is information relating to the organization and common stock of Mitsui, including brief summaries of the relevant provisions of Mitsui’s Articles of Incorporation and Share Handling Regulations adopted by Mitsui’s Board of Directors, as currently in effect, and of the Companies Act of Japan and related legislation.

Organization

Mitsui is a corporation (kabushiki kaisha) incorporated in Japan under the Companies Act of Japan. It is registered in the Commercial Register (shogyo tokibo) maintained by the Tokyo Legal Affairs Bureau and several other registry offices of the Ministry of Justice.

Objects and Purposes

Article 2 of Mitsui’s Articles of Incorporation provides that our objects are to engage in the following business:

 

  1. Foreign trade, purchases and sales, wholesale, agency and brokerage business relating to the following commodities:

 

  (1) Ferrous and non-ferrous metals and their raw materials, manufactured goods, and minerals.

 

  (2) Coal, petroleum, natural gas and other fuels and their by-products.

 

  (3) All kinds of machines, appliances (including measuring instruments and medical apparatus) and equipment including manufacturing equipment, communications equipment and antipollution equipment, rolling stock and vehicles, ships and boats, aerospace equipment and aircraft, and parts for the foregoing.

 

  (4) All kinds of chemical products, salt, fertilizers, high-pressure gas, explosives, pharmaceuticals (including medicines, non-medicinal drugs, medicine for veterinary use, narcotics, poisons and stimulants), radio isotopes, cosmetics, and raw materials for the foregoing.

 

  (5) Cereals, sugar, oils and fats, feeds and their raw materials; livestock, agricultural, dairy and marine products, processed foods, alcoholic beverages and other foodstuffs and drinks.

 

  (6) All kinds of textile products and their raw materials.

 

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  (7) All kinds of fur products and raw fur.

 

  (8) Lumber, cement, other building materials and housing-related equipment.

 

  (9) Rubber, pulp, paper and their manufactured goods; tobacco, cigars, cigarettes and sundry goods.

 

  (10) Industrial water and drinking water.

 

  2. Exploration, development, manufacturing, processing, scrapping and recycling business relating to the above-mentioned items.

 

  3. Acquisition, planning, preservation, utilization and disposition of copyright, patents and other intellectual property rights, know-how, systems technology and other software, including acting as an intermediary in such transactions.

 

  4. Information processing and supply, telecommunications, broadcasting, advertising, publishing, printing and translation businesses, and the production and sale of audio and visual copyright products.

 

  5. Forestry, sawmilling and lumber processing businesses.

 

  6. Chattel leasing business.

 

  7. Secondhand goods business.

 

  8. Transportation and transportation agency, land transportation, marine transportation business, port transportation, freight forwarding, customs brokerage, shipping agency and warehousing businesses.

 

  9. Businesses related to non-life insurance, insurance under the Automobile Liability Law, life insurance, and overseas non-life reinsurance business.

 

  10. Construction sub-contracting, building design and supervision and management of various construction works.

 

  11. Acquisition, disposition, leasing, other utilization and development of real estate and acting as an intermediary in such transactions.

 

  12. Supply and development of hot springs.

 

  13. Surveying and research relating to land, sea and sky.

 

  14. Investing in, purchasing, selling and brokering negotiable instruments, etc.

 

  15. Lending money, guaranteeing and assuming debts, sale and purchase of various receivables, foreign exchange transactions and conducting any other financing business.

 

  16. Operation and management of medical facilities, day-care facilities, sports facilities, restaurants, and hotel and travel businesses.

 

  17. Planning, administration and implementation of various events.

 

  18. Temporary personnel placement, employment agency, and personnel education, guidance and training to develop appropriate job skills and qualifications.

 

  19. Maintenance and management of real estate.

 

  20. Investment, commodities investments sales and advisory services, securities investment advisory services, trustee services, sale of beneficial interests in trusts, investment trust management services and asset management services for investment corporations.

 

  21. Generation, supply, and sale and purchase of electricity.

 

  22. Administrative agency services for management, labour and accounting work.

 

  23. Buying, selling, and derivative transactions for greenhouse gas emission rights and related intermediary services.

 

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  24. Agency and intermediary services for credit card applications.

 

  25. Consultancy business relating to the foregoing items.

 

  26. Other lines of business relating to any of the foregoing items.

Directors

There is no provision in our Articles of Incorporation as to a Director’s power to vote on a proposal, arrangement or contract in which a Director is materially interested, but, under the Companies Act of Japan, a director is required to refrain from voting on such matters when passing a resolution of the board of directors.

The Companies Act of Japan provides that compensation for directors is determined at a general meeting of shareholders of a company. Within the upper limit approved by the general meeting of shareholders, the board of directors will determine the amount of compensation for each director. The board of directors may, by its resolution, leave such decision to the discretion of the company’s chief executive officer.

The Companies Act of Japan provides that the incurrence by a company of a significant loan from a third party should be approved by the company’s board of directors. Our Regulations of the Board of Directors have adopted this policy.

There is no mandatory retirement age for our Directors under the Companies Act of Japan or our Articles of Incorporation.

There is no requirement concerning the number of shares one individual must hold in order to qualify him or her as a Director of Mitsui under the Companies Act of Japan or our Articles of Incorporation.

Common Stock

Authorized capital

Article 6 of the Mitsui’s Articles of Incorporation provides that the total number of shares that can be issued by Mitsui is two billion five hundred million (2,500,000,000).

Under Mitsui’s Articles of Incorporation, currently in effect, only shares of common stock are issuable and 1,824,928,240 shares of common stock (including treasury stock of 3,770,220 shares) were issued, fully paid as of March 31, 2009.

Dividends

Dividends on our shares are generally distributed in proportion to the number of shares owned by each shareholder.

In Japan, the ex-dividend date and the record date for any dividend precede the date of determination of the amount of the dividend to be paid. Generally, the ex-dividend date is three business days prior to the record date.

Under the Companies Act of Japan, we are permitted to make distributions of surpluses to our shareholders any number of times per fiscal year pursuant to resolutions of our general meeting of shareholders, subject to certain limitations described below. Distributions of surpluses are required, in principle, to be authorized by a resolution of the general meeting of shareholders. In an exception to the above rule, we are permitted to make distributions of surpluses in cash to our shareholders by board resolution once per fiscal year if our Articles of Incorporation so provide. Currently, our Articles of Incorporation so provide.

Distributions of surpluses may be made in cash or in-kind in proportion to the number of shares held by each shareholder. If a distribution of surpluses is to be made in-kind, we may, pursuant to a general meeting of

 

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shareholders’ resolution, or as the case may be, a board resolution, grant our shareholders a right to require us to make the distribution in cash instead of in kind. If no such right is granted, the relevant distribution must be approved by a special resolution of a general meeting of shareholders. Currently, we do not have any concrete plan to make a distribution of surpluses in kind.

Under the Companies Act of Japan, when we make a distribution of surpluses, we must set aside in our additional paid-in capital or legal reserves an amount equal to at least one-tenth of the amount of surpluses so distributed, unless the sum of our additional paid-in capital and legal reserves is one-quarter or more of our stated capital. Under the Companies Act of Japan, we may distribute any dividends up to the amount of the excess of the aggregate of (a) and (b) below, less the aggregate of (c) through (f) below, on an unconsolidated basis, as of the effective date of such distribution (the “Distributable Amount”), if our net assets are not less than ¥3,000,000:

 

  (a) the amount of surpluses, as described below;

 

  (b) in the event that extraordinary financial statements as of, or for a period from the beginning of the business year to, the specified date are approved, the aggregate amount of (i) the aggregate amount of (x) the net income for such period described in the profit and loss statement included in the extraordinary financial statements and (y) the amount of payment made to fulfill certain obligations as provided for by an ordinance of the Ministry of Justice, and (ii) the amount of consideration that we received for the treasury stock that we disposed of during such period;

 

  (c) the book value of our treasury stock;

 

  (d) in the event that we disposed of treasury stock after the end of the previous business year, the amount of consideration that we received for such treasury stock;

 

  (e) in the event of that which is described in (b) in this paragraph, the absolute difference between zero and the amount of net loss for such period described in the profit and loss statement included in the extraordinary financial statements; and

 

  (f) the aggregate amount of accounts as provided for by an ordinance of the Ministry of Justice.

For the purposes of this section, the amount of surpluses is the excess of the aggregate of I. through IV. below, less the aggregate of V. through VII. below, on an unconsolidated basis:

 

  I. the total amount of (x) assets and (y) the book value of treasury stock, less the total amount of (i) liabilities, (ii) stated capital, (iii) additional paid-in capital, (iv) legal reserve and (v) certain other amounts set forth in an ordinance of the Ministry of Justice;

 

  II. in the event that we disposed of treasury stock after the end of the previous business year, the difference between the book value of such treasury stock and the consideration that we received for such treasury stock;

 

  III. in the event that we reduced our stated capital after the end of the previous business year, the amount of such reduction less the portion thereof that has been transferred to additional paid-in capital and/or the legal reserve (if any);

 

  IV. in the event that additional paid-in capital and/or legal reserves were reduced after the end of the previous business year, the amount of such reduction less the portion thereof that has been transferred to stated capital (if any);

 

  V. in the event that we canceled treasury stock after the end of the previous business year, the book value of such treasury stock;

 

  VI. in the event that we distributed dividends after the end of the previous business year, the aggregate of the following amounts:

 

  a. the aggregate amount of the book value of the distributed assets, excluding the book value of such assets that would be distributed to shareholders for their exercise of the right to receive dividends in cash instead of dividends in kind;

 

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  b. the aggregate amount of cash distributed to shareholders who exercised the right to receive dividends in cash instead of dividends in kind; and

 

  c. the aggregate amount of cash paid to shareholders holding fewer shares that was required in order to receive dividends in kind;

 

  VII. the aggregate amounts of a. through c. below, less d. below:

 

  a. in the event that the amount of surpluses was reduced and transferred to additional paid-in capital, the legal reserve and/or stated capital after the end of the previous business year, the amount so reduced;

 

  b. in the event that we distributed dividends after the end of the previous business year, the amount set aside in our reserve;

 

  c. in the event that we disposed of treasury stock in the process of (x) a merger in which we acquired all rights and obligations of a company, (y) a corporate split in which we acquired all or a part of the rights and obligations of a split company or (z) a share exchange in which we acquired all shares of a company after the end of the previous business year, the difference between the book value of such treasury stock and the consideration that we received for such treasury stock; and

 

  d. in the event that we made (x) a merger in which we acquired all rights and obligations of a company, (y) a corporate split in which we acquired all or a part of the rights and obligations of a split company or (z) a share exchange in which we acquired all shares of a company after the end of the previous business year, the aggregate amount of (i) the amount of our additional paid-in capital after such merger, corporate split or share exchange, less the amount of our additional paid-in capital before such merger, corporate split or share exchange, and (ii) the amount of our legal reserve after such merger, corporate split or share exchange, less the amount of our legal reserve after such merger, corporate split or share exchange.

Under the Companies Act of Japan, we are permitted to prepare non-consolidated extraordinary financial statements consisting of a balance sheet as of any date subsequent to the end of the previous business year and an income statement for the period from the first day of the current business year to the date of such balance sheet. If we prepare such extraordinary financial statements, special provisions may apply to the calculation of distributable amounts.

We plan to make distributions of surpluses twice per fiscal year, if possible. The record date for annual dividends is March 31 and the record date for interim dividends is September 30.

Under the Articles of Incorporation, Mitsui is not obliged to pay any interest on interim dividends paid in cash which are left unclaimed for a period of three years after the date on which they first became payable.

Shareholders’ Meetings

Mitsui normally holds its ordinary general meeting of shareholders in June of each year in Tokyo, Japan. In addition, Mitsui may hold an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders whenever necessary by giving at least two weeks advance notice to shareholders.

Under the Companies Act of Japan and related regulations, notice of a general meeting of shareholders setting forth the date, time, place, purpose thereof etc and providing a summary of the matters to be acted upon, must be mailed to each shareholder having voting rights (or, in the case of a non-resident shareholder, to his or her resident proxy or mailing address in Japan) at least two weeks prior to the date set for the meeting. The record date for any ordinary general meeting of shareholders of Mitsui is March 31.

Any shareholder or group of shareholders holding at least 3% of the total outstanding voting rights, for a continuous period of six months or longer, may require the convocation of a general meeting of shareholders for

 

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a particular purpose. Unless such a general meeting of shareholders is convened promptly or a convocation notice of a meeting which is to be held not later than eight weeks from the day such demand is dispatched, the requiring shareholders may, upon obtaining court approval, convene such shareholders’ meeting.

Any shareholder or group of shareholders holding at least 300 voting rights, or 1% of the total outstanding voting rights, for a continuous period of six months or longer, may propose a matter to be considered at a general meeting of shareholders by making such request to a director at least eight weeks prior to the date set for such meeting.

To attend a shareholders’ meeting in person or by proxy, shareholders must provide proof of identity upon request. Shareholders may be represented by proxies in writing appointed for the meeting. Proxy must be one shareholder of Mitsui with voting rights. A Director appointed by the Board of Directors acts as the chairman at a meeting of shareholders.

Voting rights

A shareholder is entitled to one vote per unit subject to the limitations on voting rights set forth in the following paragraph and “‘Unit’ share system—Voting rights under the unit share system” below. Except as otherwise provided by law or by the Articles of Incorporation, a resolution can be adopted at a general meeting of shareholders by a majority of the voting rights represented at the meeting. The Companies Act of Japan and Mitsui’s Articles of Incorporation provide, however, that the quorum for the election of Directors and Corporate Auditors shall not be less than one-third of the total voting rights. Mitsui’s shareholders are not entitled to cumulative voting in the election of Directors. A corporate shareholder, 25% or more of whose outstanding shares are directly or indirectly owned by Mitsui, may not exercise its voting rights with respect to shares of Mitsui that it owns. Shareholders may exercise their voting rights through proxies, provided that the proxies are also Mitsui’s shareholders holding voting rights. Mitsui’s shareholders also may cast their votes in writing or electronically.

Under the Companies Act of Japan and our Articles of Incorporation, certain corporate actions must be approved by “special shareholders’ resolutions” of our meeting of shareholders, for which the quorum is one-third of the total number of shares having voting rights and the approval of the holders of two-thirds of our shares having voting rights represented at the meeting is required. Examples of corporate actions that require special shareholders’ resolutions are:

 

   

any amendment to our Articles of Incorporation (except for amendments that may be authorized solely by the Board of Directors under the Companies Act of Japan);

 

   

a reduction of capital, except for a reduction of capital for the purpose of replenishing capital deficiencies;

 

   

a distribution by us of surpluses in-kind, if we do not grant shareholders the right to require us to effect the distribution in cash, instead of in-kind;

 

   

a dissolution, merger or consolidation, subject to a certain exception under which a shareholders’ resolution is not required;

 

   

the transfer of the whole or an important part of the business, except for the transfer of an important part of the business in which the book value of transferred assets does not exceed 20% of that of the company’s total assets;

 

   

the taking over of the whole of the business of any other corporation;

 

   

a share exchange or share transfer for the purpose of establishing a 100% parent-subsidiary relationship, subject to a certain exception under which a shareholders’ resolution is not required;

 

   

a corporate split, subject to a certain exception under which a shareholders’ resolution is not required;

 

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the offering of new shares at a “specially favorable” price and any offering of stock acquisition rights or bonds with stock acquisition rights at a “specially favorable” price or in a “specially favorable” condition to any persons other than shareholders; and

 

   

any purchase of the company’s own shares from a certain person.

Liquidation rights

In the event of Mitsui’s liquidation, the assets remaining after payment of all debts and liquidation expenses and taxes will be distributed among shareholders in proportion to the respective number of shares of common stock held.

Record date

March 31 is the record date for Mitsui’s year-end dividends. The shareholders and beneficial shareholders who are registered as the holders of the number of shares constituting 1 unit or more whole units in Mitsui’s register of shareholders and/or beneficial shareholders at the end of each March 31 are also entitled to exercise shareholders’ voting rights at the ordinary general meeting of shareholders with respect to the fiscal year ending on such March 31. September 30 is the record date for interim dividends.

Mitsui’s shares generally go ex-dividend or ex-rights on Japanese stock exchanges on the third business day prior to a record date (or if the record date is not a business day, the fourth business day prior thereto), for the purpose of dividends or rights offerings.

Repurchase by Mitsui of its Common Stock

Under the Companies Act of Japan and the Mitsui’s Articles of Incorporation, Mitsui may acquire its own shares (i) from a specific shareholder other than any of its subsidiaries (pursuant to a special resolution of a general meeting of shareholders), (ii) from any of its subsidiaries (pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors), or (iii) by way of purchase on any Japanese stock exchange on which Mitsui’s shares are listed or by way of tender offer (as long as its non-consolidated annual financial statements and certain documents for the last business year fairly present its asset and profit or loss status, as required by ordinances of the Ministry of Justice) (in either case pursuant to an ordinary resolution of a general meeting of shareholders or a resolution of the Board of Directors). In the case of (i) above, any other shareholder may make a request to Mitsui that such other shareholder be included as a seller in the proposed purchase, provided that no such right will be available if the purchase price or any other consideration to be received by the relevant specific shareholder will not exceed the last trading price of the shares on the relevant stock exchange on the day immediately preceding the date on which the resolution mentioned in (i) above was adopted (or, if there is no trading in the shares on the stock exchange or if the stock exchange is not open on such day, the price at which the shares are first traded on such stock exchange thereafter). The total amount of the purchase price of Mitsui’s own shares may not exceed the Distributable Amount, as described in the “Dividends” above.

Mitsui may also acquire its own shares in response to a shareholder’s request for purchase of his or her shares representing less than 1 unit. See “‘Unit’ share system—Repurchase by Mitsui of shares constituting less than a full unit” below.

Transfer of shares

On January 5, 2009, a new central clearing system for shares of Japanese listed companies was established pursuant to the Law Concerning Book-Entry Transfer of Corporate Bonds and Other Securities for Trade of Stocks and Other Securities” (including regulations promulgated thereunder; the “Book-Entry Law”), and the shares of all Japanese companies listed on any Japanese stock exchange, including Mitsui’s shares, became subject to this new system. On the same day, all existing share certificates for such shares became null and void. At present, the Japan Securities Depository Center, Inc. (“JASDEC”) is the only institution that is designated by

 

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the relevant authorities as a clearing house which is permitted to engage in the clearing operations of shares of Japanese listed companies under the Book-Entry Law. Under the new clearing system, in order for any person to hold, sell or otherwise dispose of shares of Japanese listed companies, it must have an account at an account management institution unless such person has an account at JASDEC. “Account management institutions” are financial instruments traders (i.e., securities companies), banks, trust companies and certain other financial institutions which meet the requirements prescribed by the Book-Entry Law.

Under the Book-Entry Law, any transfer of shares is effected through book entry, and title to the shares passes to the transferee at the time when the transferred number of the shares is recorded at the transferee’s account at an account management institution. The holder of an account at an account management institution is presumed to be the legal owner of the shares held in such account.

Because shares constituting less than one unit do not comprise a trading unit under the rules of the Japanese stock exchanges, such shares may not be sold on the Japanese stock exchanges.

“Unit” share system

Pursuant to the Companies Act of Japan, Mitsui has adopted unit share system and the current number of shares constituting one unit is 100 shares (five ADSs). This unit share system is called “tangen-kabu-system.”

Any amendment to the Articles of Incorporation reducing the number of shares constituting a unit or eliminating the provisions for units of shares may be made by a resolution of the Board of Directors rather than by special shareholders’ resolutions. The number of shares constituting 1 unit cannot exceed 1,000.

Voting rights under the unit share system

Under the unit share system, shareholders shall have one voting right for each unit of shares that they hold. Any number of shares less than a full unit will carry no voting rights.

Repurchase by Mitsui of shares constituting less than a full unit

A holder of shares representing less than one unit may at any time require Mitsui to purchase its shares through the account management institutions and JASDEC. These shares will be purchased at (a) the closing price of the shares reported by the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Inc. (the “TSE”) on the day when the request to purchase is made or (b) if no sale takes place on the TSE on that day, then the price at which sale of shares is effected on such stock exchange immediately thereafter, subject in each case to the payment of applicable brokerage commission.

Increase in purchase of the shares to make one unit

Under the Articles of Incorporation, any shareholder who holds shares less than one unit may request Mitsui to sell such number of shares owned by Mitsui as are necessary to make one unit by adding the number of shares owned by such shareholder in accordance with the Share Handling Regulations and the Companies Act of Japan.

Such a request shall be made through the account management institutions and JASDEC. These shares will be sold at (a) the closing price of the shares reported by the TSE on the day when the request to sell becomes effective or (b) if no sale has taken place on the TSE on that day, then the price at which sale of shares is effected on such stock exchange immediately thereafter, subject in each case to the payment of applicable brokerage commission.

Effect of the unit share system on holders of ADSs

A holder who owns ADSs evidencing less than 100 common shares will indirectly own less than one whole unit. Although, as discussed above, under the unit share system holders of less than one unit have the right to

 

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require Mitsui to purchase their shares or sell such number of shares owned by Mitsui as are necessary to make one unit by adding the number of their shares, holders of ADSs that represent other than integral multiples of whole units are unable to withdraw the underlying shares representing less than one unit and, therefore, are unable, as a practical matter, to exercise the rights to require Mitsui to purchase nor sell such underlying shares. As a result, access to the Japanese markets by holders of ADSs through the withdrawal mechanism will not be available for dispositions of shares in lots less than one unit. The unit share system does not affect the transferability of ADSs, which may be transferred in lots of any size.

Reporting of Substantial Shareholdings

The Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan and its related regulations require any person who has become, beneficially and solely or jointly, a holder of more than 5% of the total issued shares of a company listed on any Japanese stock exchange or whose shares are traded on an over-the-counter market in Japan, to file a report concerning such shareholdings with the director of the relevant Local Finance Bureau of the Ministry of Finance within five business days. With certain exceptions, a similar report must also be made in respect of any subsequent change of 1% or more in any such holding or of any change in material matters set out in any previously-filed reports. For this purpose, shares issuable or transferable to such person upon exercise of exchangeable securities, conversion of convertible securities or exercise of warrants or stock acquisition rights (including those incorporated in bonds with share subscription rights) are taken into account in determining both the number of shares held by such holder and the issuer’s total issued share capital. Copies of each report must also be furnished to the issuer of the shares and to all Japanese stock exchanges on which the shares are listed or, in the case of shares traded over-the-counter, to the Japan Securities Dealers Association.

Exercise of Voting Rights

Except for the general limitation under Japanese anti-trust and anti-monopoly regulations against the holding of shares of a Japanese corporation which leads or may lead to a restraint of trade or monopoly, and except for general limitations under the Companies Act of Japan or Mitsui’s Articles of Incorporation on the rights of shareholders applicable regardless of residence or nationality, there is no limitation under Japanese laws and regulations applicable to Mitsui or under its Articles of Incorporation on the rights of non-resident or foreign shareholders to hold or exercise voting rights on the shares of common stock of Mitsui.

Change in Control

There is no provision in Mitsui’s Articles of Incorporation that would have an effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of Mitsui and that would operate only with respect to merger, consolidation, acquisition or corporate restructuring involving Mitsui.

Daily Price Fluctuation Limits under Japanese Stock Exchange Rules

Share prices on Japanese stock exchanges are determined on a real-time basis by the equilibrium between bids and offers. These exchanges are order-driven markets without specialists or market makers to guide price formation. To prevent excessive volatility, these exchanges set daily upward and downward price fluctuation limits for each share, based on the previous day’s closing price. Although transactions may continue at the upward or downward limit price if the limit price is reached on a particular trading day, no transactions may take place outside these limits. Consequently, an investor wishing to sell at a price above or below the relevant daily limit may not be able to sell his or her shares at such price on a particular trading day, or at all.

On July 10, 2009, the closing price of our shares on the Tokyo Stock Exchange was ¥1,049 per share. The following table shows the respective daily price limit for a stock on the Tokyo Stock Exchange with a closing price per share corresponding to five ranges. Other daily price limits would apply if our per share price moved to other ranges.

 

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Selected Daily Price Limits

 

     Previous Day’s Closing Price or Special Quote    Maximum Daily Price Movement

Greater or equal to

   ¥ 500    Less than    ¥ 1,000    100

Greater or equal to

     1,000    Less than      1,500    200

Greater or equal to

     1,500    Less than      2,000    300

Greater or equal to

     2,000    Less than      3,000    400

Greater or equal to

     3,000    Less than      5,000    500

For a history of the trading price of our shares on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, see “Item 9.A. Offer and Listing Details” of this annual report.

 

C. Material Contracts.

We have not been a party to any material contract, other than contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, within past two years immediately preceding the date of this report.

 

D. Exchange Controls.

Foreign Exchange Regulations

The Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Law of Japan, as currently in effect, and the cabinet orders and ministerial ordinances thereunder (the “Foreign Exchange Regulations”) govern certain matters relating to the acquisition and holding of the shares or the ADSs, by “Non-Residents of Japan” and by “Foreign Investors” as hereinafter defined.

“Non-Residents of Japan” are defined as individuals who are not resident in Japan and corporations whose principal offices are located outside Japan. Branches and other offices of Japanese corporations located outside Japan are regarded as Non-Residents of Japan, and branches and other offices located within Japan of foreign corporations are regarded as residents of Japan. “Foreign Investors” are defined to be (i) individuals not resident in Japan, (ii) corporations which are organized under the laws of foreign countries or whose principal offices are located outside Japan, and (iii) other corporations of which (a) 50% or more of the shares are held directly or indirectly by (i) or (ii) above, (b) a majority of officers consists of Non-Residents of Japan or (c) a majority of officers having the power of representation consists of Non-Residents of Japan.

Acquisition of Shares

In general, acquisition of shares of stock of a Japanese company listed on any Japanese stock exchange or traded in any over-the-counter market in Japan (“Listed Shares”) by a Non-Resident of Japan from a resident of Japan is not subject to any prior filing requirements except as described below. However, the Minister of Finance Japan (the “MOF”) and other Ministers having jurisdiction over the business of the subject company (together, the “Ministers”) may require a prior approval for any such acquisition in certain exceptional circumstances. The resident of Japan who transferred the shares of a Japanese company to a Non-Resident of Japan must file a report concerning such transfer with the MOF within 20 days after the transfer unless such transfer is made through a bank, securities company or financial futures trader licensed under the relevant Japanese law or consideration of such transfer is ¥100 million or less.

If the number of Listed Shares to be acquired, or the number of Listed Shares that will be held as a result of such acquisition, by a Foreign Investor (whether from a resident of Japan, another Foreign Investor or from or through security companies) is 10% or more of the total outstanding shares of the subject company, the Foreign Investor must file a post facto report with the Ministers by the 15th day of the month following the month during which such acquisition occurred (and in the event that the relevant 15th day is a holiday, such post facto report shall be filed by a business day immediately preceding the holiday). In certain exceptional cases, a prior notification is required in respect of such an acquisition.

 

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Acquisition of Shares upon Exercise of Subscription Rights Attached to Bonds

The acquisition by a Non-Resident of Japan of shares upon exercise of his or her rights under the bonds with rights for subscription of new shares offered overseas is exempted from the notification and reporting requirements described under this “Item 10.D. Exchange Controls—Acquisition of Shares” above.

ADRs

The deposit of the shares by a Non-Resident of Japan, the issuance of the ADRs, in exchange therefore and the withdrawal of the underlying shares upon surrender of the ADRs are not subject to any formalities referred to under “Acquisition of Shares” above, except where as a result of such deposit (or withdrawal) the aggregate number of shares held by the depositary (or its nominee) or the holder surrendering the ADRs, as the case may be, would be certain percentage of the total outstanding shares, in which event the relevant report is required as outlined under “Item 10. B. Memorandum and Articles of Association—Reporting of Substantial Shareholdings” and/or under this “Item 10.D. Exchange Controls—Acquisition of Shares.”

Dividends and Proceeds of Sales

Dividends paid on, and the proceeds of sales in Japan of the shares held by Non-Residents of Japan may be convertible into any foreign currency and repatriated abroad with no limit on the amount under the Foreign Exchange Regulations currently in effect. The acquisition of the shares by Non-Residents of Japan by way of stock splits is not subject to any of the aforesaid notification and confirmation requirements.

 

E. Taxation.

Japanese Taxation

The following is a summary of the principal Japanese national tax consequences to owners of our shares or ADSs who are non-resident individuals or non-Japanese corporations without a permanent establishment in Japan to which income from our shares is attributable. The tax treatment is subject to possible changes in the applicable Japanese laws or double taxation conventions occurring after that date. This summary is not exhaustive of all possible tax considerations that may apply to a particular investor. Investors are encouraged to consult their own tax advisers as to:

 

   

the overall tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of shares or ADSs, including specifically the tax consequences under Japanese law;

 

   

the laws of the jurisdiction of which they are resident; and

 

   

any tax treaty between Japan and their country of residence.

Generally, a non-resident holder of shares or ADSs is subject to Japanese withholding tax on dividends paid by us. In the absence of any applicable tax treaty, convention or agreement reducing the maximum rate of withholding tax, the rate of Japanese withholding tax applicable to dividends paid by us to non-resident holders is 7% for dividends to be paid on or before December 31, 2011, and 15% thereafter, except for dividends paid to any individual shareholder who holds 5% or more of the issued shares of Mitsui. Japan has income tax treaties, conventions or agreements whereby the maximum withholding tax rate for dividend payment is set at, in most cases, 15% for portfolio investors, with, among other countries, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Japan’s income tax treaties with the United Kingdom and France set the maximum withholding rate at 10%. Under the U.S.-Japan tax treaty (the “Treaty”), the maximum withholding rate on dividends for portfolio investors is 10%, if (i) they do not have a permanent establishment in Japan, and (ii) the shares on ADSs with respect to which such dividends are paid are not effectively connected with such permanent establishment, and (iii) they are qualified U.S. residents eligible for benefits under the Treaty. Under the Treaty, pension funds which are qualified U.S. residents eligible for benefits under the Treaty are exempt from Japanese taxation on

 

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dividends by way of withholding or otherwise, unless such dividends are derived from the carrying on of a business, directly or indirectly, by such pension funds. Japanese tax law provides in general that if the Japanese statutory rate is lower than the maximum rate applicable under tax treaties, conventions or agreements, the Japanese statutory rate shall be applicable.

Stock splits are not subject to Japanese income or corporate tax. A capitalization of capital surplus is not subject to Japanese income or corporate tax.

Non-resident holders who are entitled to a reduced rate of Japanese withholding tax on payments of dividends on the shares by us are required to submit an Application Form for the Income Tax Convention regarding Relief from Japanese Income Tax on Dividends in advance through us to the relevant tax authority before the payment of dividends. A standing proxy for non-resident holders may provide the application. With respect to ADSs, this reduced rate is applicable if the depositary or its agent submits two Application Forms for Income Tax Convention (one prior to payment of dividends, the other within eight months after our fiscal year-end). To claim this reduced rate, a non-resident holder of ADSs will be required to file proof of taxpayer status, required by the depositary. Non-resident holders who do not submit an application in advance will generally be entitled to claim a refund from the relevant Japanese tax authority of withholding taxes withheld in excess of the rate of an applicable tax treaty.

Gains derived from the sale outside Japan of Mitsui’s shares or the ADSs by non-residents of Japan, including non-Japanese corporations, will not be subject to Japanese taxes on income. Gains derived from the sale in Japan of Mitsui’s shares or the ADSs by a non-resident of Japan or a non-Japanese corporation not having a permanent establishment in Japan to which such income is attributable are, in general, not subject to Japanese income or corporate tax.

Japanese inheritance and gift taxes, at progressive rates, may be payable by an individual who acquires the shares or the ADSs as a legatee, heir or donee.

United States Taxation

General

This discussion of certain U.S. federal tax consequences only applies to U.S. holders (as defined below) who hold our ADSs or common shares as capital assets for tax purposes and are not members of a special class of holders subject to special rules, including: dealers in securities; traders in securities who elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities holdings; tax-exempt organizations; insurance companies; persons liable for alternative minimum tax; persons who actually or constructively own 10% or more of Mitsui voting stock; persons who hold shares or ADSs as part of a hedging or straddle or conversion transaction; or persons whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar. A U.S. holder is a beneficial owner of shares or ADSs that is: a citizen or resident of the United States; a domestic corporation; an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or a trust, if a U.S. court can exercise primary supervision over the trust’s administration and one or more U.S. persons are authorized to control all substantial decisions of the trust.

This section is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, its legislative history, existing and proposed regulations, published rulings and court decisions. These laws are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. In addition, this section is based in part upon the representations of the depositary and the assumption that each obligation in the deposit agreement and any related agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms.

Moreover, the effect of any applicable U.S. state or local tax laws is not discussed in this annual report.

 

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In general, and taking into account earlier assumptions, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, if a person holds ADRs evidencing ADSs, that person will be treated as the owner of the underlying shares represented by those ADSs. Exchanges of common shares for ADRs, and ADRs for shares, will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income tax.

Each holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal, state and local, and other tax consequences of owning and disposing of common shares and ADSs in its particular circumstances. In particular, each holder should confirm its status as a person eligible for benefits under the Treaty with its advisor and should discuss any possible consequences of failing to qualify as a person eligible for benefits under the Treaty.

If a partnership holds the common shares or ADSs, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and the tax treatment of the partnership. A partner in a partnership holding the common shares or ADSs should consult its tax advisor with regard to the U.S. federal income tax treatment of an investment in the common shares or ADSs.

Taxation of Dividends

Subject to the passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) rules discussed below, the gross amount of any dividend paid to a U.S. holder by Mitsui out of its current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is subject to U.S. federal income taxation. For noncorporate U.S. holders, dividends paid in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011 that constitute qualified dividend income will be taxable at a maximum tax rate of 15% provided that shares or ADSs were held for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date and other holding period requirements are met. Dividends Mitsui pays with respect to its shares or ADSs generally will be qualified dividend income. Dividends are taxable to U.S. holders when they, in the case of shares, or the depositary, in the case of ADSs, receive them, either actually or constructively. The dividend will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally allowed to U.S. corporations in respect of dividends received from other U.S. corporations. Any distribution in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of a holder’s basis in the ADSs or common shares and thereafter as capital gain.

A U.S. holder must include any foreign tax withheld from the dividend payment in his or her gross amount even though the U.S. holder did not in fact receive it. The amount of the dividend distribution that a U.S. holder must include in his or her income will be the U.S. dollar value of the Japanese yen payments made, determined at the spot Japanese yen/ U.S. dollar rate on the date such dividend distribution is includible in such holder’s income, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars. Generally, any gain or loss resulting from currency exchange fluctuations during the period from the date a holder includes the dividend payment in income to the date such payment is converted into U.S. dollars will be treated as ordinary income or loss and will not be eligible for the special tax rate applicable to qualified dividend income. Such gain or loss will generally be income or loss from sources within the United States for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.

Dividends will be income from sources outside the United States and, depending on the U.S. holder’s circumstances, will generally be either “passive category income” or “general category income” for purposes of computing the foreign tax credit allowable to the U.S. holder. No U.S. foreign tax credit will be allowed to U.S. holders of common shares or ADSs in respect of any personal property or similar tax imposed by Japan (or any taxing authority thereof or therein). Subject to certain limitations, the Japanese tax withheld in accordance with the Treaty and paid over to Japan will be creditable or deductible against your U.S. federal income tax liability. Special rules apply in determining the foreign tax credit limitation with respect to dividends that are subject to the maximum 15% tax rate. U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors concerning the implications of U.S. foreign tax credit rules in light of their particular circumstances.

 

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Taxation of Capital Gains

Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, a U.S. holder who sells or otherwise disposes of common shares or ADSs will recognize capital gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference between the U.S. dollar value of the amount realized and his or her tax basis (determined in U.S. dollars) in such shares or ADSs. Capital gain of a noncorporate U.S. holder that is recognized in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011 is generally taxed at a maximum rate of 15% where the holder has a holding period greater than one year. The gain or loss will generally be income or loss from sources within the United States for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.

PFIC Rules

Mitsui believes that the shares and ADSs should not be treated as stock of a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but this conclusion is a factual determination that is made annually and thus may be subject to change.

In general, if you are a U.S. holder, we will be a PFIC with respect to you if for any taxable year in which you held our shares or ADSs:

 

   

at least 75% of our gross income for the taxable year is passive income or

 

   

at least 50% of the value, determined on the basis of a quarterly average, of our assets is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income.

Passive income generally includes dividends, interest, royalties, rents (other than certain rents and royalties derived in the active conduct of a trade or business), annuities and gains from assets that produce passive income. If a foreign corporation owns at least 25% by value of the stock of another corporation, the foreign corporation is treated for purposes of the PFIC tests as owning its proportionate share of the assets of the other corporation, and as receiving directly its proportionate share of the other corporation’s income.

If we are treated as a PFIC, and you are a U.S. holder that did not make a mark-to-market election, as described below, you will be subject to special rules with respect to:

 

   

any gain you realize on the sale or other disposition of your shares or ADSs and

 

   

any excess distribution that we make to you (generally, any distributions to you during a single taxable year that are greater than 125% of the average annual distributions received by you in respect of the shares or ADSs during the three preceding taxable years or, if shorter, your holding period for the shares or ADSs).

Under these rules:

 

   

the gain or excess distribution will be allocated ratably over your holding period for the shares or ADSs,

 

   

the amount allocated to the taxable year in which you realized the gain or excess distribution will be taxed as ordinary income,

 

   

the amount allocated to each prior year, with certain exceptions, will be taxed at the highest tax rate in effect for that year, and

 

   

the interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax will be imposed in respect of any such tax attributable to the prior years.

Special rules apply for calculating the amount of the foreign tax credit with respect to excess distributions by a PFIC.

 

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If you own shares or ADSs in a PFIC that are treated as marketable stock, you may make a mark-to-market election. If you make this election, you will not be subject to the PFIC rules described above. Instead, in general, you will include as ordinary income each year the excess, if any, of the fair market value of your shares or ADSs at the end of the taxable year over your adjusted basis in your shares or ADSs. These amounts of ordinary income will not be eligible for the favorable tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income or long-term capital gains. You will also be allowed to take an ordinary loss in respect of the excess, if any, of the adjusted basis of your shares or ADSs over their fair market value at the end of the taxable year (but only to the extent of the net amount of previously included income as a result of the mark-to-market election). Your basis in the shares or ADSs will be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss amounts.

In addition, notwithstanding any election you make with regard to the shares or ADSs, dividends that you receive from us will not constitute qualified dividend income to you if we are a PFIC either in the taxable year of the distribution or the preceding taxable year. Moreover, your shares or ADSs will be treated as stock in a PFIC if we were a PFIC at any time during your holding period in your shares or ADSs, even if we are not currently a PFIC. For purposes of this rule, if you make a mark-to-market election with respect to your shares or ADSs, you will be treated as having a new holding period in your shares or ADSs beginning on the first day of the first taxable year beginning after the last taxable year for which the mark-to-market election applies. Dividends that you receive that do not constitute qualified dividend income are not eligible for taxation at the 15% maximum rate applicable to qualified dividend income. Instead, you must include the gross amount of any such dividend paid by us out of our accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) in your gross income, and it will be subject to tax at rates applicable to ordinary income.

If you own shares or ADSs during any year that we are a PFIC with respect to you, you must file Internal Revenue Service Form 8621.

 

F. Dividends and Paying Agents.

Not applicable.

 

G. Statement by Experts.

Not applicable.

 

H. Documents on Display.

We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and, in accordance therewith, we file annual reports on Form 20-F within six months of our fiscal year-end and furnish other reports and information on Form 6-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These reports and other information can be inspected at the public reference room at the Securities and Exchange Commission at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can also obtain copies of such material by mail from the public reference room of the Securities and Exchange Commission at prescribed fees. You may obtain information on the operation of the Securities and Exchange Commission public reference room by calling the Securities and Exchange Commission in the United States at 1-800-SEC-0330. You can also access to the documents on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission (http://www.sec.gov).

 

I. Subsidiary Information.

Not applicable.

 

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Item 11.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

Our business transactions are exposed to various aspects of market risks in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, equity prices and others. Particularly, Mitsui and certain subsidiaries are engaged in trading activities which include mainly active and repeated selling and buying transactions of derivative financial and commodity instruments. In order to control exposures to those risks, we set position limits and loss limits (trading limits) both for trading activities and non-trading activities.

Monitoring Market Risks at Our Organization

We have market risk management policies and procedures at several levels throughout our organization. Chief Operating Officer of each operating segment has the primary responsibility for setting the trading limits, controlling and managing market risk within the trading limits. Each operating segment must maintain a framework which also covers its major subsidiaries for measuring portfolio risk within its risk limits. The transactions are recorded by independent monitoring sections.

The Market Risk Management Division within our headquarters monitors the company-wide process of risk management and compliance with the trading limits set for operating segments. The Market Risk Management Division also provides general supervision over the market risk management process for operating segments.

The Market Risk Management Division periodically reports the market risk positions to Chief Financial Officer which includes analyses on Value-at-Risk (“VaR”) amounts for specified market risk positions. For derivative financial and commodity instruments entered into as trading activities including swap transactions, forward contracts, futures, options, and other instruments, it measures VaR amounts on a daily basis and conducts back-testing to verify effectiveness of its VaR calculation models by comparing assumptions and estimations with actual results periodically.

VaR Analysis at Mitsui

VaR is a statistical measure of the potential change in market value of portfolios resulting from adverse market movements in underlying risk factors, over a defined period, within a certain confidence level. At March 31, 2009 and 2008, we calculated VaR using the following assumption and parameters:

 

   

holding period of one day with respect to the interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate and commodity price risks and

 

   

a variance-covariance method, a historical simulation approach and/or Monte Carlo simulation with a confidence level of 95% or higher.

As VaR is an estimation based on past market data regarding changes in market risk factors, our actual results may differ materially from the calculations. Moreover, the sum of the VaRs of each risk category does not represent VaR of our combined portfolio, since market risk factors are partially correlated and a change in market value affected by certain risk factor may offset effects of other risk factors.

VaRs for Trading Activities

The following table sets forth the year end, high, low, and average VaR figures of trading portfolios which are mainly corresponding to interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange rate risk and commodity price risk for the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008. Each category represents principally the following transactions:

 

   

interest rate sensitive financial (derivative and non-derivative) instrument trading conducted by the Finance Division;

 

   

foreign exchange trading (forwards, swaps, options and non-deliverable forwards) conducted by the Finance Division; and

 

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commodity derivative trading, such as futures, forwards, swaps and options related to energy products including crude oil, oil products, and natural gas; precious metals and base metals including gold, silver, platinum, palladium, copper, lead, nickel and aluminum; and agricultural products including wheat, coffee and soy beans; and weather derivative trading conducted by the Financial Markets Business Unit and other business units(i).

 

     Millions of Yen
     Years Ended March 31,
     2009    2008
     VaR as of
Year End
   High    Low    Average    VaR as of
Year End
   High    Low    Average

Interest rate risk

   0    0    0    0    0    25    0    8

Foreign currency exchange rate risk

   8    24    4    13    77    77    6    37

Commodity price risk

   2,387    3,762    1,722    2,620    1,914    2,762    1,914    2,505

Market Risk Positions from Non-Trading Activities

“Non-Trading” represents business transactions other than “trading activities” as discussed above. The following tables set forth the positions of interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange rate risk and commodity price risk for non-trading purposes, for the year ended March 31, 2009 and 2008.

Interest rate risk

We are exposed to interest rate risk on our interest bearing debt, which primarily consist of borrowings and bonds denominated in Japanese yen and U.S. dollars. We have entered into interest rate derivative transactions primarily to hedge the exposure we hold on these financial instruments. Our interest rate derivatives transactions mainly consist of interest rate swaps and currency swaps to convert fixed rate exposures to floating rate exposures. The table below illustrates a structure of interest types (floating/fixed) of our interest bearing debt as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 that was derived from fund raising activities, taking into consideration the effect of hedging transactions by these financial derivatives. See also “Item 5. B. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES”—“Finance and Liquidity Management.”

 

     Billions of Yen
     Years Ended March 31,
     2009    2008
     Exposure of
Floating Rate
   Exposure of
Fixed Rate
   Exposure of
Floating Rate
   Exposure of
Fixed Rate

Japanese Yen

   1,838.7    963.8    1,632.2    844.8

U.S. Dollars

   501.6    110.2    779.2    221.3

Others

   97.4    91.8    82.7    62.1
                   

Total

   2,437.7    1,165.8    2,494.1    1,128.2
                   

 

 

(i) In the Americas Segment, Westport Petroleum, Inc. (United States) has considerable limits and positions in oil products.

 

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Foreign currency exchange rate risk

We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk on the net risk position of transactions denominated in foreign currencies, mainly in U.S. dollars and Australian dollars, which include paying and receiving transactions in commercial contracts, long-term financing transactions, identifiable commitments and forecasted transactions, taking into consideration the effect of hedging transactions such as forward contracts and currency options. The table below sets forth information on our foreign exchange positions as mentioned above against Japanese Yen as of March 31, 2009 and 2008.

 

     Billions of Yen  
     Years Ended March 31,  
     2009     2008  
     Long
Position
   Short
Position
   Net
Exposure(1)
    Long
Position
   Short
Position
   Net
Exposure(1)
 

U.S. Dollars

   72.8    114.8    (42.0   85.8    234.0    (148.2

Australian Dollars

   76.7    2.3    74.4      201.7    38.1    163.6   

Others

   18.4    20.4    (2.0   26.6    16.2    10.4   
                                

Total

   167.9    137.5    30.4      314.1    288.3    25.8   
                                

 

(1) Figures in parentheses of Net Exposure indicate short position.

Commodity price risk

The table below sets forth information on our commodity forward, futures and option positions as of March 31, 2009 and 2008, classified by products of precious metals and base metals; energy products; and agricultural products. Each figure represents the magnitude of outstanding balances of commodity forward contracts, futures and options (utilized to hedge or mitigate the commodity price risk associated with non-derivative commodity positions such as physical inventories and firm commitments). Those figures, therefore, do not include those non-derivative commodity positions.

 

     Billions of Yen  
     Years Ended March 31,  
     2009     2008  
     Long
Position
   Short
Position
   Net
Exposure(1)
    Long
Position
   Short
Position
   Net
Exposure(1)
 

Non-ferrous metals(2)

   202.9    211.3    (8.4   246.0    264.8    (18.8

Petroleum (Energy)(3)

   110.3    148.3    (38.0   152.5    170.3    (17.8

Foodstuff

   15.7    30.9    (15.2   12.0    20.6    (8.6
                                

Total

   328.9    390.5    (61.6   410.5    455.7    (45.2
                                

 

(1) Figures in parentheses of Net Exposure indicate short position.
(2) Non-ferrous metals include precious metals (gold, silver, platinum, etc.) and base metals (copper, aluminium, nickel, etc.).
(3) Petroleum (Energy) includes crude oil, oil products, LPG, etc.

 

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Equity price risk

We hold stocks issued by, among others, our customers and suppliers as marketable securities, intending to strengthen ties with them. The fair value and unrealized holding net gains (losses) on marketable equity securities by industry at March 31, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

 

     Billions of Yen  
     March 31, 2009     March 31, 2008  
     Fair Value    Unrealized
Holding
Net Gains
(Losses)
    Fair Value    Unrealized
Holding
Net Gains

(Losses)
 

Manufacturing

   222.7    78.3      425.7    179.3   

Commercial, finance and real estate

   99.5    (18.6   70.9    (15.7

Transport and telecommunication

   26.4    9.5      36.7    16.9   

Energy, service and others

   50.1    22.4      118.7    49.6   
                      

Total

   398.7    91.6      652.0    230.1   
                      

For the year ended March 31, 2009, the general decrease in unrealized holding gains and fair value compared to the year ended March 31, 2008 was mainly due to the overall decline of Japanese stock prices. Unrealized holding net “loss” of Commercial, finance and real estate was due to the sharp decline of the commercial sector in particular. For the details, see “Item 5. B. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES”—“Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity.” The amounts of “Unrealized Holdings Net Gains (Losses)” of Energy, service and others at March 31, 2008 have been corrected from ¥83.8 billion to ¥49.6 billion, resulting in correction of Total from ¥264.3 billion to ¥230.1 billion.

Item 12.    Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities.

Not applicable.

 

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PART II

Item 13.    Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies.

None.

Item 14.    Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds.

For our recent change in the number of shares constituting one unit under Japan’s unit share system, see our report on Form 6-K (File No. 000-09929) furnished on February 25, 2009.

Item 15.    Controls and Procedures.

(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Mitsui’s management, with the participation of its principal executive and principal financial officers, has performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined by Rule 13a-15(e) under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, Mitsui’s principal executive and principal financial officers concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

(b) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Mitsui’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined by Rule 13a-15(f) under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Mitsui’s internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance to Mitsui’s management and board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

Mitsui’s management assessed the effectiveness of Mitsui’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2009. In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework. Based on Mitsui’s assessment, Mitsui’s management concluded that, as of March 31, 2009, Mitsui’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.

Mitsui’s management excluded from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2009 the following unincorporated joint ventures (J/V), which were accounted for via proportionate consolidation in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No.00-1 in Mitsui’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009. Mitsui has been unable to assess the effectiveness of internal controls at these entities due to the fact that Mitsui does not have the ability to dictate or modify the controls of these entities and does not have the ability, in practice, to assess, those controls.

 

J/V

   Mitsui’s Ownership  

Block 9 J/V

   35

Block 10, 11, 12, 13, 10A/11A J/V

   20-40

Capricorn Coal Development J/V

   30

Dawson J/V

   49

Kestrel J/V

   20

Main Pass Block 61 J/V

   50

Mt. Newman J/V

   7

Robe River Iron Associates J/V

   33

WA-28-L J/V

   40

 

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The above unincorporated joint ventures in the aggregate represented approximately 4.8 percent of Mitsui’s consolidated total assets as of March 31, 2009, and approximately 7.1 percent of Mitsui’s consolidated revenue for the year ended March 31, 2009.

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, an independent registered public accounting firm, has issued an attestation report on Mitsui’s internal control over financial reporting. Their report appears on page F-3 of this annual report.

(c) Change in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There was no change in Mitsui’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Mitsui’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 16A.    Audit Committee Financial Expert.

Our Board of Corporate Auditors has determined that Motonori Murakami and Hideharu Kadowaki qualify as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in this Item 16A serving on our Board of Corporate Auditors. Mr. Kadowaki is an external Corporate Auditor, meeting the additional independence requirements under the Companies Act of Japan.

Mr. Murakami joined Mitsui in 1971. Since then he had always worked in the field of accounting and was appointed as General Manager of the General Accounting Division in 2000 and as Executive Managing Officer, Assistant to Senior Executive Managing Officer (Corporate Staff Division) in 2006, before having been elected as one of our Corporate Auditors at the ordinary general meeting of shareholders held in June 2007.

Mr. Kadowaki was elected as one of our Corporate Auditors at the ordinary general meeting of shareholders (first elected in June 2004 and re-elected in June 2008). His main career has been in the field of financial risk management at Mitsui Bank, Sakura Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. His final position in the bank was an executive vice president who, while overseeing the entire operation of the bank, was responsible for risk management and internal auditing.

Item 16B.    Code of Ethics.

Mitsui maintains Business Conduct Guidelines for Employees and Officers, applicable to all employees and officers. The Business Conduct Guidelines set forth provisions relating to compliance with applicable laws and regulations, honest and ethical conduct including the handling of conflicts of interest.

In addition, Mitsui adopted a Code of Ethics as a supplement to the Business Conduct Guidelines. The Code of Ethics applies to Mitsui’s financial professionals including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer and persons performing similar functions.

Both the Business Conduct Guidelines for Employees and Officers and the Code of Ethics are filed as exhibits to this annual report and are also available at the following internet addresses.

Code of Ethics:

http://www.mitsui.co.jp/en/company/governance/05/index.html

Business Conduct Guidelines for Employees and Officers:

http://www.mitsui.co.jp/en/company/governance/04/index.html

Item 16C.    Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, a Japanese member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (a Swiss Verein), has been our principal accountant for SEC reporting purposes.

 

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The table below shows aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered to Mitsui and its subsidiaries by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu and other member firms of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (a Swiss Verein).

 

     Millions of Yen
     Year Ended March 31,
         2009            2008    

Audit fees(1)

   ¥ 3,621    ¥ 3,445

Audit-related fees(2)

     65      118

Tax fees(3)

     359      495

All other fees(4)

     15      44
             

Total

   ¥ 4,060    ¥ 4,102
             

 

(1) Audit fees are fees billed for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of our annual financial statements, the audit of our internal control over financial reporting and services that are provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.
(2) Audit-related fees are fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements, such as due diligence services in connection with potential business acquisitions, that are not reported in audit fees.
(3) Tax fees are fees billed for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance and tax advice.
(4) All other fees are fees billed for services provided by the principal accountant, other than services reported in audit fees, audit-related fees and tax fees, such as advisory services for risk management and regulatory matters.

Beginning with the year ended March 31, 2004, the first fiscal year of application of paragraph (c)(7) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X, our Board of Corporate Auditors has adopted pre-approval policies and procedures requiring pre-approval by the Board of Corporate Auditors for all audit and non-audit services provided by the principal accountant.

We have our principal policy that the audit services for Mitsui and its subsidiaries are to be rendered by the principal accountant, namely Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, and other member firms of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (a Swiss Verein) while all non-audit services are to be rendered by the accounting firms not belonging to the group of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (a Swiss Verein) with some specific exceptions. Among those exceptions are certain tax services, certain due diligence services for acquisition, etc. which would not be considered to impair the independence of our principal accountant.

The pre-approval procedures are as follows: (i) any audit or non-audit services, for which estimated total fee shall exceed 10 Million Yen may be pre-approved by the Board of Corporate Auditors; (ii) any audit or non-audit services, for which estimated total fee shall not exceed 10 Million Yen may be pre-approved by two of full-time Corporate Auditors, provided that such pre-approval must be reported at the next proceeding full Board of the Corporate Auditors; and (iii) certain categories of non-audit services prescribed in the pre-approval policies and procedures may be pre-approved comprehensively on an annual basis provided that the estimated total fees should be specified in the relevant application and that the actual services provided shall be periodically reported to the Board of Corporate Auditors.

All of the services provided by the principal accountant for the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 were approved by two of the full-time Corporate Auditors or the Board of Corporate Auditors pursuant to the pre-approval policies and procedures described above, and none of such services were approved pursuant to the procedures described in Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X, which waives the general requirement for pre-approval in certain circumstances.

 

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Item 16D.    Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees.

With respect to the requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 relating to listed company audit committees, which apply to us through Nasdaq Listing Rules 5605(c)(3) and 5605(c)(2)(A)(ii), we rely on an exemption provided by paragraph (c)(3) of Rule 10A-3 available to foreign private issuers with boards of corporate auditors meeting certain requirements. For a Nasdaq-listed Japanese company with a board of corporate auditors, the requirements for relying on paragraph (c)(3) of Rule 10A-3 are as follows:

 

   

The board of corporate auditors must be established, and its members must be selected, pursuant to Japanese law expressly requiring such a board for Japanese companies that elect to have a corporate governance system with corporate auditors,

 

   

Japanese law must and does require the board of corporate auditors to be separate from the board of directors,

 

   

None of the members of the board of corporate auditors may be elected by management, and none of the listed company’s executive officers may be a member of the board of corporate auditors,

 

   

Japanese law must and does set forth standards for the independence of the members of the board of corporate auditors from the listed company or its management, and

 

   

The board of corporate auditors, in accordance with Japanese law or the registrant’s governing documents, must be responsible, to the extent permitted by Japanese law, for the appointment, retention and oversight of the work of any registered public accounting firm engaged (including, to the extent permitted by Japanese law, the resolution of disagreements between management and the auditor regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest services for the listed company, including its principal accountant which audits its consolidated financial statements included in its annual reports on Form 20-F.

To the extent permitted by Japanese law:

 

   

The board of corporate auditors must establish procedures for (i) the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by us regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters, and (ii) the confidential, anonymous submission by our employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters,

 

   

The board of corporate auditors must have the authority to engage independent counsel and other advisers, as it determines necessary to carry out its duties, and

 

   

The listed company must provide for appropriate funding, as determined by its board of corporate auditors, for payment of (i) compensation to any registered public accounting firm engaged for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest services for us, (ii) compensation to any advisers employed by the board of corporate auditors, and (iii) ordinary administrative expenses of the board of corporate auditors that are necessary or appropriate in carrying out its duties.

In our assessment, our Board of Corporate Auditors, which meets the requirements for reliance on the exemption in paragraph (c)(3) of Rule 10A-3 described above, is not materially less effective than an audit committee meeting all the requirements of paragraph (b) of Rule 10A-3 (without relying on any exemption provided by that Rule) at acting independently of management and performing the functions of an audit committee as contemplated therein.

 

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Item 16E.    Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers.

The following table sets forth Mitsui’s purchases of its common stock during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009:

 

Period

   (a)
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased*
   (b)
Average
Price Paid
per Share
(Yen)
   (c)
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased as
Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
   (d)
Maximum
Number of
Shares
that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under
the Plans or
Programs

April 1, 2008—April 30, 2008

   186,042    ¥ 2,341.56    N/A    N/A

May 1, 2008 —May 31, 2008

   90,159      2,575.25    N/A    N/A

June 1, 2008—June 30, 2008

   62,962      2,492.19    N/A    N/A

July 1, 2008—July 31, 2008

   100.490      2,223.65    N/A    N/A

August 1, 2008—August 31, 2008

   63,739      1,921.46    N/A    N/A

September 1, 2008—September 30, 2008

   55,995      1,639.39            N/A            N/A

October 1, 2008—October 31, 2008

   41,250      1,115.82    N/A    N/A

November 1, 2008—November 30, 2008

   38,166      837.75    N/A    N/A

December 1, 2008—December 31, 2008

   119,191      805.02    N/A    N/A

January 1, 2009—January 31, 2009

   11,158      855.92    N/A    N/A

February 1, 2009—February 28, 2009

   20,237      959.55    N/A    N/A

March 1, 2009—March 31, 2009

   59,599      893.42    N/A    N/A
                     

Total

   848,988      1,788.74    N/A    N/A
                     

 

* Under the Companies Act of Japan, a holder of shares constituting less than one full unit may require Mitsui to purchase such shares at their market value (See “Memorandum and Articles of Association—‘Unit’ share system—Repurchase by Mitsui of shares constituting less than a full unit” in “Item 10. Additional Information”). During the year ended March 31, 2009, Mitsui purchased 848,988 shares for a total purchase price of 1,518,617,139 yen upon such requests from holders of shares constituting less than one full unit.

Item 16F.    Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant.

Not applicable.

 

Item 16G.    Corporate Governance.

Nasdaq Listing Rule 5615(a)(3) provides that a foreign private issuer may follow its home country practice in lieu of the requirements of Rule 5600, provided that such foreign private issuer discloses in its annual reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or on its website each requirement of Rule 5600 that it does not follow and describes the home country practice followed by the issuer in lieu of such requirements. Such requirements of Rule 5600 and the relevant home country practices we follow are described below:

 

   

Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(d)(1) requires that we make available to shareholders copies of our annual report containing our audited financial statements by mail or by posting on or through our website. In accordance with the Companies Act of Japan, we hold an annual meeting of shareholders within three months after the end of each fiscal year. Also, in accordance with the Companies Act of Japan, we distribute to shareholders, prior to the annual meeting of shareholders, copies of a report of business operations, together with our audited consolidated and unconsolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and Japanese GAAP, respectively, in Japanese. Concurrently with such distribution, we distribute our audited consolidated and unconsolidated financial statements prepared in

 

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accordance with U.S. GAAP and Japanese GAAP, respectively, in English to the depositary for the ADSs, and instruct the depositary to distribute the same to the registered ADS holders in a timely manner. The English version contains a statement that, upon request by an interested party, we will provide the party with a copy of our annual report on Form 20-F free of charge. As a reporting company under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, we are required to prepare financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP for inclusion in our annual report on Form 20-F, which must be filed within six months after the end of each fiscal year.

 

   

Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(b)(1) requires that a majority of the board of directors of each company be independent directors as defined in Rule 5605(a)(2), and Rule 5605(b)(2) requires that independent directors of each company have regularly scheduled meetings at which only independent directors are present. For Japanese companies, including us, which employ a corporate governance system based on a board of corporate auditors, the Companies Act of Japan has no independence requirement with respect to directors. The task of overseeing management and accounting firms is assigned to the corporate auditors, who are separate from the company’s management. Japanese companies, including us, which employ a corporate governance system based on a board of corporate auditors, are required to have at least 50% “external” corporate auditor who must meet additional independence requirements under the Companies Act of Japan. An external corporate auditor is defined in the Companies Act of Japan as a corporate auditor who has not served as a director, executive officer, manager or any other employee of the company or any of its subsidiaries at any time prior to the appointment. Currently, we have four external Corporate Auditors. Our Board of Corporate Auditors, which, as explained below, performs functions similar to those of an audit committee, has regularly scheduled meetings at which only Corporate Auditors are present.

 

   

Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(c)(2)(A) requires that each company have and will continue to have an audit committee of at least three members, each of whom (1) is independent as defined under Rule 5605(a)(2), (2) meets the requirements of Rule 10A-3(b)(1) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, (3) has not participated in the preparation of the financial statements of the company or any current subsidiary thereof at any time during the past three years, and (4) is able to read and understand fundamental financial statements, including a company’s balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement. Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(c)(1) requires that each company have adopted a formal written audit committee charter specifying the items enumerated in that rule and that its audit committee have reviewed and reassessed the adequacy of the charter on an annual basis. Under the Companies Act of Japan, we are not required to establish or maintain such an audit committee. The Companies Act of Japan has no independence requirement with respect to directors of “large” companies (defined under the Companies Act of Japan with stated capital of ¥500 million or more or with total liabilities equal to or exceeding ¥20 billion), including Mitsui, that employ a corporate governance system based on a board of corporate auditors. In many such “large” companies, functions similar to those of such an audit committee are performed by its board of corporate auditors. We have established such a Board of Corporate Auditors, each of whom does not concurrently serve as a director, manager or any other employee of the company or any of its subsidiaries. Under the Companies Act of Japan, corporate auditors are elected at a general meeting of shareholders and are under a statutory duty to review the administration of the affairs of Mitsui by its Directors and to examine financial statements and other documents and reports of Mitsui. Japanese companies, including us, which employ a corporate governance system based on a board of corporate auditors, are required to have at least 50% “external” corporate auditors, who must meet additional independence requirements under the Companies Act of Japan. An external corporate auditor is defined in the Companies Act of Japan as a corporate auditor who had not served as a director, executive officer, manager or any other employee of the company or any of its subsidiaries at any time prior to the appointment. Currently, we have six Corporate Auditors, four of whom are external Corporate Auditors who meet these additional requirements. Mitsui’s Board of Corporate Auditors has adopted its own code of auditing standards setting forth the scope of its responsibilities and the manner in which it carries out such responsibilities, and certain other matters.

 

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Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(d) requires that compensation of the chief executive officer of each company be determined, or recommended to its board of directors for determination, either by (i) a majority of its independent directors or (ii) a compensation committee comprised solely of independent directors, and that compensation of all other executive officers be determined, or recommended to the board of directors for determination, either by (i) a majority of the independent directors or (ii) a compensation committee comprised solely of independent directors. As explained above, we are not required to have independent directors. With regard to director compensation (excluding bonuses, etc.), the Companies Act of Japan requires the board of directors to pass a board resolution proposing director compensation to be submitted for approval at a general meeting of shareholders. Within the upper limit approved at the general meeting of shareholders, the board of directors may determine the amount of compensation for each director. The board of directors, by resolution of the board of directors, may delegate such decision to the chief executive officer or other persons authorized by the board of directors. As for Mitsui, the upper limit of compensation for its Directors approved by the general meeting of shareholders is 70 million yen per month and the Board of Directors has determined to delegate to the Chief Executive Officer the decision-making authority as to the amount of compensation for each Director within such limit. In addition to regular compensation, the aggregate amount of bonuses and other financial benefits payable to Directors as consideration for the performance of their duties is also subject to approval by shareholders at a general meeting of shareholders under the Companies Act of Japan. With regard to employee (including officer) compensation, an approval at the general meeting of shareholders is not required under the Companies Act of Japan. Therefore, the board of directors has the authority to determine matters relating to employee compensation. The board of directors, by resolution of the board of directors, may delegate employee compensation matters to the chief executive officer or other persons authorized by the board of directors. As for Mitsui, its Board of Directors has duly resolved Regulations for Executive Officers, which provide that Executive Officers who are also Directors of the Company shall not be paid any compensation in their capacities as Executive Officers and that the compensation of the Executive Officers who are not Directors of the Company shall be decided by the Board of Directors, or decided by the Chief Executive Officer or other Officers authorized by the Board of Directors. Mitsui determines compensation of its Chief Executive Officer and other Officers in accordance with the aforementioned procedures. Corporate auditors do not have any specific duties with respect to compensation of the chief executive officer and other executive officers under the Companies Act of Japan. However, the duties of corporate auditors include a general duty to audit the affairs of the company to ensure that the business is being operated in accordance with applicable law and its charter. If the corporate auditors conclude, in connection with the performance of those duties, that the compensation of directors violated applicable law or the company’s charter, the corporate auditors are required to report their conclusion to the general meeting of shareholders and may bring a lawsuit against the responsible directors.

 

   

Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(e)(1) requires that director nominees be selected or recommended for the board of directors’ selection either by (i) a majority of the independent directors or (ii) a nomination committee comprised solely of independent directors. Also, Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(e)(2) requires that each company have adopted a formal written charter or board resolution, as applicable, addressing the nominations process and such related matters as may be required under the U.S. federal securities laws. As explained above, we are not required to have independent directors. Under the Companies Act of Japan, a director may be nominated by (i) a resolution of the board of directors or (ii) a shareholder owning one percent or more of the outstanding shares of a company or 300 or more unit shares of the company for at least 6 months. Approval by a majority of the shareholders in attendance at a general meeting of shareholders is required to elect a director. There is no specific requirement that a company adopt a written charter or board resolution addressing the nominations process, nor is it customary to do so. As for Mitsui, nominations of Directors of Mitsui are approved at a meeting of the Nomination Committee, a non-statutory committee established as an advisory board to the Board of Directors, prior to being submitted to a general meeting of shareholders. Corporate auditors do not have any specific duties with respect to nomination of directors under the Companies Act of Japan. However, the duties of

 

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corporate auditors include a general duty to audit the affairs of the company to ensure that the business is being operated in accordance with applicable law and its charter. If the corporate auditors conclude, in connection with the performance of those duties, that the nomination of directors violated applicable law or the company’s charter, the corporate auditors are required to report their conclusion to the general meeting of shareholders and may bring a lawsuit against the responsible directors.

 

   

Nasdaq Listing Rule 5620(c) requires that there be a provision in the by-laws for a quorum for any meeting of the holders of common stock and that such quorum be not less than 33 1/3% of the outstanding shares of the common voting stock. In accordance with the Companies Act of Japan, however, under our Articles of Incorporation no quorum is required for the adoption of resolutions at a general meeting of shareholders, except for (i) the election of Directors and Corporate Auditors for which the quorum shall not be less than one-third of the total voting rights and (ii) resolutions for other specified issues required by the Companies Act of Japan (the “special shareholders’ resolutions”), which include an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, a reduction of stated capital, the removal of a Corporate Auditor, dissolution, merger or consolidation requiring shareholders resolution, the transfer of the whole or an important part of the business, the taking over of the whole of the business of any other corporation requiring shareholders’ resolutions, share exchange or share transfer requiring shareholders resolution for the purpose of establishing 100% parent-subsidiary relationships, splitting of the corporation into two or more corporations requiring shareholders’ resolution, any offering of new shares at a “specially favorable” price (or any offering of the rights to subscribe for, or acquire its shares at a “specially favorable” conditions) to any persons other than shareholders, for which the quorum shall be at least one-third of the total voting rights and the approval of the holders of at least two-thirds of the voting rights represented at the meeting is required. This approach is consistent with generally accepted business practices of publicly-held companies in Japan.

 

   

Nasdaq Listing Rule 5620(b) provides that each company solicit proxies and provide proxy statements for all meetings of shareholders and provide copies of such proxy solicitation to Nasdaq. Currently a Japanese company whose shares are listed on the securities exchanges defined in the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law, including us, may, but is not required to, solicit proxies for meetings of shareholders. If such a Japanese company solicits proxies for a meeting of shareholders, it is required to provide proxy statements and documents for reference as provided for in the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law and provide copies of such proxy statements and documents for reference to the Kanto Local Finance Bureau.

 

   

Nasdaq Listing Rule 5630(a) provides that each company conduct appropriate review and oversight of all related party transactions for potential conflict of interest situations on an ongoing basis by the company’s audit committee or another independent body of the board of directors. Following the requirements of the Companies Act of Japan, we require a Director to obtain the approval of our Board of Directors in order for such Director to enter into such transactions.

 

   

Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c) requires that shareholder approval be obtained for the issuance of the company’s stock in certain conditions or certain specified transactions described therein. The Companies Act of Japan requires us to seek shareholder approval of various matters, and in certain instances the special shareholders’ resolutions as described above are required for approval. In addition, while the Companies Act of Japan permits, in certain instances, the issuance of equity securities without shareholder approval, the Companies Act of Japan also contains provisions requiring the timely dissemination of information relating to such issuance, allowing for opportunities for shareholders to voice their concern with such issuance, and mandating the election of corporate auditors whose fiduciary duty is to, among other things, oversee on behalf of the shareholders actions by the board of directors relating to such issuance.

 

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PART III

Item 17.    Financial Statements.

Not applicable.

Item 18.    Financial Statements.

The information required by this item has been provided elsewhere in this annual report.

Item 19.    Exhibits.

Exhibits

 

Exhibit

Number

    

Document

1.1       The Articles of Incorporation of Mitsui & Co., Ltd., as of June 23, 2009 (English-language translation).
1.2       The Share Handling Regulation of Mitsui & Co., Ltd., as amended on January 5, 2009 (English-language translation).
1.3       The Rules of the Board of Directors of Mitsui & Co., Ltd., as amended on September 17, 2008 (English-language translation).
1.4    The Rules of the Board of Corporate Auditors of Mitsui & Co., Ltd., as amended on July 31, 2006 (English-language translation).
2.1       Deposit Agreement, dated as of October 1, 1982 among Mitsui & Co., Ltd., Citibank, N.A., and holders of ADRs and European Depositary Receipts, as amended by Amendment No.1 dated as of January 4, 2006.
8.1       List of Subsidiaries of Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
11.1       Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers and Professionals.
11.2       Business Conduct Guidelines for Employees and Officers of Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
12.1       Certification of the principal executive officer of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. required by Rule 13a-14(a).
12.2       Certification of the principal financial officer of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. required by Rule 13a-14(a).
13.1       Certification required by Rule 13a-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code.

 

* Incorporated by reference to the corresponding exhibit to our annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 0-9929) filed on September 27, 2006.

We have not included as exhibits certain instruments with respect to our long-term debt, the amount of debt authorized under each of which does not exceed 10% of our total assets, and we agree to furnish a copy of any such instruments to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

 

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MITSUI & CO., LTD. (MITSUI BUSSAN KABUSHIKI KAISHA) AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES

The audited consolidated financial statements of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (Mitsui Bussan Kabushiki Kaisha) and subsidiaries, together with the report of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu as of March 31, 2009 and 2008, and for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, filed as part of this annual reports are as follows:

 

     Page

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   F-2

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2009 and 2008

   F-5

Statements of Consolidated Income for the Years Ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

   F-7

Statements of Consolidated Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

   F-8

Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows for the Years Ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

   F-9

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-10

Supplemental Information on Oil and Gas Producing Activities (Unaudited)

   F-90

Supplemental Information:

Schedules for the Years Ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007:

(Schedules are omitted because of the absence of the conditions under which they are required or because the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.)

Financial statements of majority-owned subsidiaries of the registrant not consolidated and of 50% or less owned persons accounted for by the equity method have been omitted because Mitsui & Co., Ltd.’s proportionate share of the income from continuing operations before income taxes, and total assets of each such company is less than 20% of the respective consolidated amounts, and the investment in and advances to each company is less than 20% of consolidated total assets.

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (Mitsui Bussan Kabushiki Kaisha)

Tokyo, Japan:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (Mitsui Bussan Kabushiki Kaisha) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related statements of consolidated income, consolidated shareholders’ equity, and consolidated cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2009 (all expressed in Japanese yen). These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2009, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2009, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated June 23, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Our audits also comprehended the translation of Japanese yen amounts into U.S. dollar amounts and, in our opinion, such translation has been made in conformity with the basis stated in Note 2. Such U.S. dollar amounts are presented solely for the convenience of readers outside Japan.

/s/    DELOITTE TOUCHE TOHMATSU

Tokyo, Japan

June 23, 2009

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (Mitsui Bussan Kabushiki Kaisha)

Tokyo, Japan:

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (Mitsui Bussan Kabushiki Kaisha) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. As described in “Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting” appearing under Item 15(b), management excluded from its assessment the internal control over financial reporting at the unincorporated joint ventures (J/V), which were accounted for via proportionate consolidation in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 00-1 because the Company does not have the ability to dictate or modify the controls at these entities and does not have the ability to assess, in practice, the controls at these entities. Block 9 J/V (35%), Block 10, 11, 12, 13, 10A/11A J/V (20–40%), Capricorn Coal Development J/V (30%), Dawson J/V (49%), Kestrel J/V(20%), Main Pass Block 61 J/V (50%), Mt. Newman J/V(7%) , Robe River Iron Associates J/V (33%), and WA-28-L J/V (40%) (collectively the “Unincorporated J/Vs”), constitute approximately 4.8% of total assets and approximately 7.1 % of revenues of the consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended March 31, 2009. Accordingly, our audit did not include the internal control over financial reporting at the Unincorporated J/Vs. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying “Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting” appearing under Item 15(b). Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

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In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2009, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended March 31, 2009 of the Company and our report dated June 23, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

/s/    DELOITTE TOUCHE TOHMATSU

Tokyo, Japan

June 23, 2009

 

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Consolidated Balance Sheets

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

     Millions of Yen     Millions of
U.S. Dollars
(Note 2)
 
     2009     2008     2009  

ASSETS

      

Current Assets:

      

Cash and cash equivalents (Notes 2, 5 and 23)

   ¥ 1,147,809      ¥ 899,264      $ 11,594   

Time deposits

     5,645        12,302        57   

Marketable securities (Notes 2 and 5)

     18,097        7,114        183   

Trade receivables (Note 9):

      

Notes and loans, less unearned interest

     298,677        424,406        3,017   

Accounts (Note 8)

     1,412,022        2,125,640        14,263   

Associated companies

     169,115        228,831        1,708   

Allowance for doubtful receivables (Notes 2 and 7)

     (18,165     (23,289     (183

Inventories (Notes 2, 9 and 23)

     592,530        739,721        5,985   

Advance payments to suppliers

     98,772        95,188        998   

Deferred tax assets—current (Notes 2 and 20)

     29,969        37,766        303   

Derivative assets (Notes 2, 25 and 27)

     329,897        279,295        3,332   

Other current assets

     334,769        231,826        3,381   
                        

Total current assets

     4,419,137        5,058,064        44,638   
                        

Investments and Non-current Receivables (Notes 2, 9 and 23):

      

Investments in and advances to associated companies
(Notes 5, 6 and 17)

     1,275,490        1,333,042        12,884   

Other investments (Note 5)

     957,219        1,281,476        9,669   

Non-current receivables, less unearned interest (Note 8)

     486,412        497,265        4,913   

Allowance for doubtful receivables (Note 7)

     (51,883     (58,957     (524

Property leased to others—at cost, less accumulated depreciation (Notes 8 and 9)

     199,204        184,447        2,012   
                        

Total investments and non-current receivables

     2,866,442        3,237,273        28,954   
                        

Property and Equipment—at Cost (Notes 2, 8, 9,10 and 23):

      

Land, land improvements and timberlands

     165,249        188,848        1,669   

Buildings, including leasehold improvements

     344,392        385,104        3,479   

Equipment and fixtures

     867,323        815,202        8,761   

Mineral rights

     154,246        146,120        1,558   

Vessels

     35,754        33,789        361   

Projects in progress

     153,923        176,987        1,555   
                        

Total

     1,720,887        1,746,050        17,383   

Accumulated depreciation

     (774,597     (729,715     (7,825
                        

Net property and equipment

     946,290        1,016,335        9,558   
                        

Intangible Assets, less Accumulated Amortization (Notes 2, 3, 12 and 14)

     96,505        128,504        975   
                        

Deferred Tax Assets—Non-current (Notes 2 and 20)

     21,011        20,574        212   
                        

Other Assets (Notes 14, 25 and 27)

     14,858        77,079        150   
                        

Total

   ¥ 8,364,243      ¥ 9,537,829      $ 84,487   
                        

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Consolidated Balance Sheets—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

March 31, 2009 and 2008

 

     Millions of Yen     Millions of
U.S. Dollars
(Note 2)
 
     2009     2008     2009  

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

      

Current Liabilities:

      

Short-term debt (Notes 9,13 and 23)

   ¥ 454,059      ¥ 464,547      $ 4,586   

Current maturities of long-term debt (Notes 8, 9 and 13)

     373,197        276,620        3,770   

Trade payables (Note 23):

      

Notes and acceptances

     51,048        79,414        516   

Accounts

     1,292,520        1,888,911        13,056   

Associated companies

     39,243        69,476        396   

Accrued expenses:

      

Income taxes (Notes 2 and 20)

     46,576        127,411        470   

Interest

     20,504        21,924        207   

Other (Note 14)

     89,704        85,526        906   

Advances from customers (Note 23)

     132,116        113,939        1,335   

Derivative liabilities (Notes 2, 25 and 27)

     180,533        238,684        1,824   

Other current liabilities (Notes 2, 20 and 22)

     112,990        75,111        1,141   
                        

Total current liabilities

     2,792,490        3,441,563        28,207   
                        

Long-term Debt, less Current Maturities (Notes 8, 9, 11, 13 and 23)

     2,841,301        2,944,383        28,700   
                        

Accrued Pension Costs and Liability for Severance Indemnities (Notes 2 and 14)

     33,814        32,754        341   
                        

Deferred Tax Liabilities—Non-current (Notes 2, 20 and 23)

     256,085        387,337        2,587   

Other Long-term Liabilities (Notes 2, 22, 25 and 27)

     329,107        304,156        3,324   
                        

Contingent Liabilities (Notes 9 and 22)

      

Minority Interests

     229,783        243,976        2,321   
                        

Shareholders’ Equity (Note 15):

      

Common stock—no par value

      

Authorized, 2,500,000,000 shares;

      

Issued, 1,824,928,240 shares in 2009
and 1,820,183,809 shares in 2008

     339,627        337,544        3,431   

Capital surplus

     434,188        432,245        4,386   

Retained earnings:

      

Appropriated for legal reserve

     48,806        47,463        493   

Unappropriated (Notes 6, 13, and 20)

     1,486,201        1,397,313        15,012   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 2):

      

Unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale securities (Note 5)

     44,263        140,446        447   

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (384,618     (135,196     (3,885

Defined benefit pension plans (Note 14)

     (68,683     (32,160     (694

Net unrealized gains and losses on derivatives (Note 25)

     (12,459     1,135        (126
                        

Total accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (421,497     (25,775     (4,258
                        

Treasury stock, at cost: 3,770,220 shares in 2009
and 3,543,891 shares in 2008

     (5,662     (5,130     (57
                        

Total shareholders’ equity

     1,881,663        2,183,660        19,007   
                        

Total

   ¥ 8,364,243      ¥ 9,537,829      $ 84,487   
                        

 

F-6


Table of Contents

Statements of Consolidated Income

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

Years Ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

 

    Millions of Yen     Millions of
U.S. Dollars
(Note 2)
 
    2009     2008     2007     2009  

Revenues (Notes 2, 6, 17, 18, 25 and 27):

       

Sales of products

  ¥ 4,881,202      ¥ 5,009,773      ¥ 4,090,447      $ 49,305   

Sales of services

    479,491        553,742        556,014        4,843   

Other sales (Note 8)

    174,532        175,363        147,136        1,763   
                               

Total revenues

    5,535,225        5,738,878        4,793,597        55,911   

Total Trading Transactions (Notes 2 and 17):

2009, ¥15,347,925 million—$155,030 million;

2008, ¥17,009,056 million;

2007, ¥15,271,649 million

       

Cost of Revenues (Notes 2, 6, 18, 25 and 27):

       

Cost of products sold

    4,283,487        4,512,491        3,696,859        43,267   

Cost of services sold

    164,018        156,187        158,543        1,657   

Cost of other sales (Note 8)

    71,414        82,123        71,904        721   
                               

Total cost of revenues

    4,518,919        4,750,801        3,927,306        45,645   
                               

Gross Profit

    1,016,306        988,077        866,291        10,266   
                               

Other Expenses (Income):

       

Selling, general and administrative (Notes 2, 8, 12, 14, 18 and 24)

    602,120        605,176        571,617        6,082   

Provision for doubtful receivables (Notes 2 and 7)

    19,515        8,073        11,873        197   

Interest income (Notes 2 and 25)

    (39,960     (57,268     (49,847     (404

Interest expense (Notes 2 and 25)

    75,034        106,213        92,501        758   

Dividend income

    (71,946     (50,115     (49,188     (727

Gain on sales of securities—net (Notes 2, 5 and 25)

    (33,228     (92,307     (58,800     (336

Loss on write-down of securities (Notes 2, 5 and 27)

    117,401        36,715        11,687        1,186   

(Gain) loss on disposal or sales of property and equipment—net (Note 24)

    (2,822     228        (5,283     (28

Impairment loss of long-lived assets (Notes 2, 10, 12 and 24)

    37,842        24,393        19,427        382   

Impairment loss of goodwill (Notes 2 and 12)

    18,568        2,004        16,528        188   

Reversal of provision for compensation and other charges related to DPF incident (Note 21)

    —          —          (3,864     —     

Other expense—net (Notes 18, 19, 22, 24 and 25)

    46,475        2,961        466        470   
                               

Total other expenses

    768,999        586,073        557,117        7,768   
                               

Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Minority Interests and Equity in Earnings (Note 20)

    247,307        402,004        309,174        2,498   
                               

Income Taxes (Notes 2 and 20):

       

Current

    138,421        173,275        134,340        1,398   

Deferred

    (19,006     (2,038     10,928        (192
                               

Total

    119,415        171,237        145,268        1,206   
                               

Income from Continuing Operations before Minority Interests and Equity in Earnings

    127,892        230,767        163,906        1,292   

Minority Interests in Earnings of Subsidiaries

    (35,092     (45,958     (17,874     (355

Equity in Earnings of Associated Companies—Net
(After Income Tax Effect)
(Notes 2, 6, 20 and 27)

    84,807        154,268        153,094        857   
                               

Income from Continuing Operations

    177,607        339,077        299,126        1,794   

Income from Discontinued Operations—Net
(After Income Tax Effect)
(Notes 4, 20 and 24)

    —          70,984        2,376        —     
                               

Net Income

  ¥ 177,607      ¥ 410,061      ¥ 301,502      $ 1,794   
                               
    Yen     U.S. Dollars
(Note 2)
 

Net Income per Share (Notes 2 and 16):

       

Basic:

       

Continuing operations

  ¥ 97.59      ¥ 187.87      ¥ 172.88      $ 0.99   

Discontinued operations

    —          39.33        1.38        —     
                               

Total

  ¥ 97.59      ¥ 227.20      ¥ 174.26      $ 0.99   
                               

Diluted:

       

Continuing operations

  ¥ 97.32      ¥ 185.91      ¥ 164.02      $ 0.98   

Discontinued operations

    —          38.91        1.30        —     
                               

Total

  ¥ 97.32      ¥ 224.82      ¥ 165.32      $ 0.98   
                               

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-7


Table of Contents

Statements of Consolidated Shareholders’ Equity

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

Years Ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

 

    Millions of Yen     Millions of
U.S. Dollars
(Note 2)
 
    2009     2008     2007     2009  

Common Stock (Note 15):

       

Balance at beginning of year

       

Shares issued: 2009—1,820,183,809 shares; 2008—1,787,538,428 shares; 2007—1,725,018,515 shares

  ¥ 337,544      ¥ 323,213      ¥ 295,766      $ 3,410   

Common stock issued upon conversion of bonds

       

Shares issued: 2009—4,744,431 shares; 2008—32,645,381 shares; 2007—62,519,913 shares

    2,083        14,331        27,447        21   
                               

Balance at end of year

       

Shares issued: 2009—1,824,928,240 shares; 2008—1,820,183,809 shares; 2007—1,787,538,428 shares

  ¥ 339,627      ¥ 337,544      ¥ 323,213      $ 3,431   
                               

Capital Surplus (Note 15):

       

Balance at beginning of year

  ¥ 432,245      ¥ 417,900      ¥ 390,488      $ 4,366   

Conversion of bonds

    2,076        14,285        27,359        21   

(Loss) gain on sales of treasury stock

    (133     60        53        (1
                               

Balance at end of year

  ¥ 434,188      ¥ 432,245      ¥ 417,900      $ 4,386   
                               

Retained Earnings (Note 15):

       

Appropriated for Legal Reserve :

       

Balance at beginning of year

  ¥ 47,463      ¥ 39,670      ¥ 38,508      $ 479   

Transfer from unappropriated retained earnings

    1,343        7,793        1,162        14   
                               

Balance at end of year

  ¥ 48,806      ¥ 47,463      ¥ 39,670      $ 493   
                               

Unappropriated (Notes 6, 13 and 20):

       

Balance at beginning of year

  ¥ 1,397,313      ¥ 1,072,234      ¥ 825,306      $ 14,115   

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle—initial application of FIN No. 48 (Note 2)

    —          (5,113     —          —     

Net income

    177,607        410,061        301,502        1,794   

Cash dividends paid (annual rate per share: 2009, ¥48.0—48.9 ¢; 2008, ¥40.0; 2007, ¥31.0)

    (87,318     (72,076     (53,412     (882

Transfer to retained earnings appropriated for legal reserve

    (1,343     (7,793     (1,162     (14

Loss on sales of treasury stock

    (58     —          —          (1
                               

Balance at end of year

  ¥ 1,486,201      ¥ 1,397,313      ¥ 1,072,234      $ 15,012   
                               

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (After Income Tax Effect) (Notes 2, 15 and 20):

       

Balance at beginning of year

  ¥ (25,775   ¥ 260,730      ¥ 129,842      $ (261

Unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale securities (Note 5)

    (96,183     (118,476     42,823        (972

Foreign currency translation adjustments

    (249,422     (125,787     73,870        (2,519

Minimum pension liability adjustment

    —          —          1,058        —     

Defined benefit pension plans (Note 14):

       

Net prior service credit

    240        474        —          2   

Net actuarial loss

    (36,763     (34,921     —          (371

Adjustment to initially apply SFAS No. 158 (Note 14)

    —          —          6,646        —     

Net unrealized gains and losses on derivatives (Note 25)

    (13,594     (7,795     6,491        (137
                               

Balance at end of year

  ¥ (421,497   ¥ (25,775   ¥ 260,730      $ (4,258
                               

Treasury Stock, at Cost (Note 15):

       

Balance at beginning of year

       

Shares in treasury: 2009—3,543,891 shares; 2008—2,911,367 shares; 2007—2,064,447 shares

  ¥ (5,130   ¥ (3,468   ¥ (2,003   $ (52

Purchase of treasury stock

       

Shares purchased: 2009—849,244 shares; 2008—699,909 shares; 2007—1,045,979 shares

    (1,518     (1,757     (1,633     (15

Sales of treasury stock

       

Shares sold: 2009—622,915 shares; 2008—67,385 shares; 2007—199,059 shares

    986        95        168        10   
                               

Balance at end of year

       

Shares in treasury: 2009—3,770,220 shares; 2008—3,543,891 shares; 2007—2,911,367 shares

  ¥ (5,662   ¥ (5,130   ¥ (3,468   $ (57
                               

Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Notes 2, 15 and 20):

       

Net income

  ¥ 177,607      ¥ 410,061      ¥ 301,502      $ 1,794   
                               

Other comprehensive income (loss) (after income tax effect):

       

Unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale securities (Note 5)

    (96,183     (118,476     42,823        (972

Foreign currency translation adjustments

    (249,422     (125,787     73,870        (2,519

Minimum pension liability adjustment

    —          —          1,058        —     

Defined benefit pension plans (Note 14):

       

Net prior service credit

    240        474        —          2   

Net actuarial loss

    (36,763     (34,921     —          (371

Net unrealized gains and losses on derivatives (Note 25)

    (13,594     (7,795     6,491        (137
                               

Comprehensive (Loss) Income

  ¥ (218,115   ¥ 123,556      ¥ 425,744      $ (2,203
                               

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-8


Table of Contents

Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

Years Ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

 

    Millions of Yen     Millions of
U.S. Dollars
(Note 2)
 
    2009     2008     2007     2009  

Operating Activities (Note 28):

       

Net income

  ¥ 177,607      ¥ 410,061      ¥ 301,502      $ 1,794   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

       

Income from discontinued operations—net (after income tax effect)

    —          (70,984     (2,376     —     

Depreciation and amortization

    147,126        139,328        87,945        1,486   

Pension and severance costs, less payments

    2,895        (2,422     (8,091     29   

Provision for doubtful receivables

    19,515        8,073        11,873        197   

Gain on sales of securities—net

    (33,228     (92,307     (58,800     (336

Loss on write-down of securities

    117,401        36,715        11,687        1,186   

(Gain) loss on disposal or sales of property and equipment—net

    (2,822     228        (5,283     (29

Impairment loss of long-lived assets

    37,842        24,393        19,427        382   

Impairment loss of goodwill

    18,568        2,004        16,528        188   

Deferred income taxes

    (19,006     (2,038     10,928        (192

Minority interests in earnings of subsidiaries

    35,092        45,958        17,874        354   

Equity in earnings of associated companies, less dividends received

    11,787        (55,016     (43,022     119   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

       

Decrease (increase) in trade receivables

    836,226        77,800        (315,964     8,448   

Decrease (increase) in inventories

    58,943        (75,375     8,164        595   

(Decrease) increase in trade payables

    (570,523     (41,009     124,505        (5,762

(Decrease) increase in accrued expenses

    (55,649     3,862        29,353        (562

Increase in advance payments to suppliers

    (20,377     (35,730     (37,842     (206

Increase in advances from customers

    20,420        51,717        43,538        206   

(Increase) decrease in derivative assets (Note 2)

    (60,576     (167,166     48,118        (612

(Decrease) increase in derivative liabilities (Note 2)

    (64,833     106,451        (32,246     (655

Increase in other current assets—income tax receivables

    (66,280     (18,263     (5,641     (669

Other—net (Note 2)

    (7,462     73,242        4,745        (75

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities of discontinued operations

    —          (3,731     12,353        —     
                               

Net cash provided by operating activities

    582,666        415,791        239,275        5,886   
                               

Investing Activities (Note 28):

       

Net decrease (increase) in time deposits

    3,344        (6,609     29,367        34   

Investments in and advances to associated companies

    (192,893     (206,866     (222,438     (1,949

Sales of investments in and collection of advances to associated companies

    61,247        309,625        34,314        619   

Acquisitions of available-for-sale securities

    (6,035     (62,641     (135,117     (61

Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities

    16,110        45,650        60,651        163   

Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale securities

    5,907        4,509        106,687        60   

Proceeds from maturities of held-to-maturity debt securities

    69        6,196        1,509        1   

Acquisitions of other investments

    (70,188     (131,539     (101,696     (709

Proceeds from sales of other investments

    97,867        51,042        53,329        988   

Increase in long-term loan receivables

    (76,427     (88,040     (75,230     (772

Collection of long-term loan receivables

    85,695        86,020        111,251        866   

Additions to property leased to others and property and equipment

    (253,638     (282,061     (327,356     (2,562

Proceeds from sales of property leased to others and property and equipment

    34,570        115,833        52,741        349   

Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired

    (1,208     (52,216     (11,474     (12

Proceeds from sales of subsidiaries, net of cash held by subsidiaries

    4,688        106,319        5,434        47   
                               

Net cash used in investing activities

    (290,892     (104,778     (418,028     (2,938
                               

Financing Activities (Note 28):

       

Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt

    41,020        (148,848     70,820        414   

Proceeds from long-term debt

    365,743        551,247        673,730        3,694   

Repayments of long-term debt

    (314,094     (513,851     (434,600     (3,173

Capital contribution from minority interests

    —          —          17,095        —     

Purchases of treasury stock—net

    (724     (1,601     (1,344     (7

Payments of cash dividends and others

    (101,719     (72,076     (53,412     (1,027
                               

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

    (9,774     (185,129     272,289        (99
                               

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents

    (33,455     (26,652     9,431        (338
                               

Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents

    248,545        99,232        102,967        2,511   

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year

    899,264        800,032        697,065        9,083   
                               

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year

  ¥ 1,147,809      ¥ 899,264      ¥ 800,032      $ 11,594   
                               

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-9


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (Mitsui Bussan Kabushiki Kaisha) and subsidiaries (collectively, the “companies”), as sogo shosha or general trading companies, are engaged in business activities, such as trading in various commodities, financing for customers and suppliers relating to such trading activities worldwide, and organizing and coordinating industrial projects through their worldwide business networks.

The companies conduct sales, export, import, offshore trades and manufacture of products in the areas of “Iron & Steel Products,” “Mineral & Metal Resources,” “Machinery & Infrastructure Projects,” “Chemical,” “Energy,” “Foods & Retail,” and “Consumer Service & IT,” while providing general services for retailing, information and communications, technical support, transportation and logistics and financing.

Further, the companies are also engaged in development of natural resources such as oil and gas, and iron and steel raw materials.

In addition to the above, the companies are engaged in strategic business investments in new areas such as information technology, biotechnology and nanotechnology.

 

2. BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

I. BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The accompanying consolidated financial statements are stated in Japanese yen, the currency of the country in which Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (the “Company”) is incorporated and principally operates. The translation of Japanese yen amounts into U.S. dollar amounts for the year ended March 31, 2009 is included solely for the convenience of readers outside Japan and has been made at the rate of ¥99=U.S. $1, the approximate rate of exchange at March 31, 2009. The translation should not be construed as a representation that the Japanese yen amounts could be converted into U.S. dollars at the above or any other rate.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Effect has been given in the consolidated financial statements to adjustments which have not been entered in the companies’ general books of account maintained principally in accordance with accounting practices prevailing in the countries of incorporation. Major adjustments include those relating to accounting for derivative instruments and hedging activities, recognition of expected losses on purchase and sale commitments, accounting for certain investments including non-monetary exchange of investments and effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on foreign-currency-denominated available-for-sale debt securities, accounting for warrants, accounting for pension costs and severance indemnities, recognition of installment sales on the accrual basis of accounting, accounting for business combinations, accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets, accounting for asset retirement obligations, accounting for consolidation of variable interest entities, accounting for leasing, accounting for stock issuance costs, and accounting for uncertainty in income taxes.

Total trading transactions, as presented in the accompanying Statements of Consolidated Income, are voluntary disclosures as permitted by Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Emerging Issues Task Force Issue (“EITF”) No. 99-19, “Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent,” and represent the gross transaction volume or the aggregate nominal value of the sales contracts in which the companies act as principal and transactions in which the companies serve as agent. Total trading transactions should not be construed as equivalent to, or a substitute or a proxy for, revenues, or as an indicator of the companies’ operating

 

F-10


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

performance, liquidity or cash flows generated by operating, investing or financing activities. The companies have included the gross transaction volume information because similar Japanese trading companies have generally used it as an industry benchmark. As such, management believes that total trading transactions are a useful supplement to the results of operations information for users of the consolidated financial statements.

 

II. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its majority-owned domestic and foreign subsidiaries, the variable interest entities (“VIEs”) where the Company or one of its subsidiaries is a primary beneficiary, and its proportionate share of the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of certain of its oil and gas producing, and mining unincorporated joint ventures in which the companies own an undivided interest in the assets, and pursuant to the joint venture agreements, are severally liable for their share of each liability. The VIEs are defined by FASB Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (revised December 2003)—an interpretation of ARB No. 51” (“FIN No. 46R”). The unincorporated joint ventures proportionately consolidated in accordance with EITF No. 00-1, “Investor Balance Sheet and Income Statement Display under the Equity Method for Investments in Certain Partnerships and Other Ventures,” by the companies include but are not limited to Block 9 J/V (35%), Block 10,11,12,13,10A/11A J/V (20%-40%), Capricorn Coal Development J/V (30%), Dawson J/V (49%), Kestrel J/V (20%), Main Pass Block 61 J/V (50%), Mt. Newman J/V (7%), Robe River Iron Associates J/V (33%), and WA-28-L J/V (40%).

The difference between the cost of investments in VIEs which are not a business and the equity in the fair value of the net assets at the dates of acquisition is accounted for as an extraordinary gain or loss while the excess of the cost of investments in other subsidiaries that meet the definition of a business over the equity in the fair value of the net assets at the dates of acquisition is accounted for as goodwill.

Certain subsidiaries with a fiscal year-end on or after December 31, but prior to the parent company’s fiscal year-end of March 31, are included on the basis of the subsidiaries’ respective fiscal year-ends.

Foreign currency translation

Foreign currency financial statements have been translated in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 52, “Foreign Currency Translation.” Pursuant to this statement, the assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries and associated companies are translated into Japanese yen at the respective year-end exchange rates. All income and expense accounts are translated at average rates of exchange. The resulting translation adjustments are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Japanese yen at year-end exchange rates with the resulting gains and losses recognized in earnings.

Cash equivalents

Cash equivalents are defined as short-term (original maturities of three months or less), highly liquid investments which are readily convertible into cash and have no significant risk of change in value including certificates of deposit, time deposits, financing bills and commercial papers with original maturities of three months or less.

 

F-11


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

Allowance for doubtful receivables

In accordance with SFAS No. 114, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan—an amendment of FASB Statements No. 5 and 15,” as amended by SFAS No. 118, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan—Income Recognition and Disclosures—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 114,” an impairment loss for a specific loan deemed to be impaired is measured based on the present value of expected cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

An allowance for doubtful receivables is recorded for all receivables not subject to the accounting requirement of SFAS No. 114 based primarily upon the companies’ credit loss experiences and an evaluation of potential losses in the receivables.

Inventories

Inventories, consisting mainly of commodities and materials for resale, are stated at the lower of cost, principally on a specific-identification basis, or market.

Derivative instruments and hedging activities

In accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended by SFAS No. 138, “Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133,” and SFAS No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” all derivative instruments are recognized and measured at fair value as either assets or liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The accounting for changes in the fair value depends on the intended use of the derivative instruments and their resulting hedge designation.

The companies enter into derivative commodity instruments, such as future, forward, option and swap contracts, as a means of hedging the exposure to changes in the fair value of inventories and unrecognized firm commitments and the exposure to variability in the expected future cash flows from forecasted transactions, principally for non-ferrous metals, crude oil and agricultural products.

Changes in the fair value of derivative commodity instruments, designated and effective as fair value hedges, are recognized in sales of products or cost of products sold as offsets to changes in the fair value of the hedged items. Changes in the fair value of derivative commodity instruments, designated and effective as cash flow hedges, are initially recorded as other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings as sales of products or cost of products sold when the hedged transactions affect earnings. Changes in the fair value of the ineffective portion are recognized in sales of products or cost of products sold immediately.

Changes in the fair value of derivative commodity instruments, for which hedge requirements are not met under SFAS No. 133, are currently recognized in sales of products or cost of products sold without any offsetting changes in the fair value of the hedged items.

The Company and certain subsidiaries also enter into agreements for derivative commodity instruments as a part of their trading activities. These derivative instruments are marked to market and gains or losses resulting from these contracts are reported in other sales.

Changes in the fair value of all open positions of precious metals traded in terminal (future) markets are recognized in other sales in order to reflect the fair value of commodity trading transactions consisting of inventories, unrecognized firm commitments and derivative commodity instruments as a whole.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

The companies enter into derivative financial instruments such as interest rate swap agreements, foreign exchange forward contracts, currency swap agreements, and interest rate and currency swap agreements as a means of hedging their interest rate and foreign exchange exposure.

Changes in the fair value of interest rate swap agreements, designated and effective as fair value hedges for changes in the fair value of fixed-rate financial assets or liabilities attributable to changes in the designated benchmark interest rate, are recognized in interest income and expense as offsets to changes in the fair value of hedged items. Changes in the fair value of interest rate swap agreements, designated and effective as cash flow hedges for changes in the cash flows of floating-rate financial assets or liabilities attributable to changes in the designated benchmark interest rate, are initially recorded in other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings as interest income and expense when the hedged transactions affect earnings. Changes in the fair value of the ineffective portion are recognized in interest income and expense immediately.

Changes in the fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts and currency swap agreements, designated and effective as cash flow hedges for changes in the cash flows of foreign-currency-denominated assets or liabilities, unrecognized firm commitments and forecasted transactions attributable to changes in the related foreign currency exchange rate, are initially recorded in other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings as foreign exchange gains or losses when the hedged transactions affect earnings. Changes in the fair value of the ineffective portion are recognized in foreign exchange gains or losses immediately.

Changes in the fair value of interest rate and currency swap agreements, designated and effective as fair value hedges or cash flow hedges for changes in the fair values or cash flows of foreign-currency-denominated assets or liabilities attributable to changes in the designated benchmark interest rate or the related foreign currency exchange rate are recorded as either earnings or other comprehensive income depending on the treatment of foreign currency hedges as fair value hedges or cash flow hedges.

Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments, for which hedge requirements are not met under SFAS No. 133, are currently recognized in interest income and expense for interest rate swap agreements and in foreign exchange gains or losses for foreign exchange forward contracts, currency swap agreements and interest rate and currency swap agreements.

The Company and certain subsidiaries also enter into agreements for certain derivative financial instruments as a part of their trading activities. These derivative instruments are marked to market and the related gains or losses are reported in other sales.

The companies use derivative instruments and non-derivative financial instruments in order to reduce the foreign currency exposure in the net investment in a foreign operation. The foreign currency transaction gains or losses on these instruments, designated as and effective as hedging instruments, are deferred and recorded as foreign currency translation adjustments within other comprehensive income to the extent they are effective as hedge. These amounts are only recognized in income upon the complete or partial sale of the related investment or the complete liquidation of the investment.

For the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows, cash flows from derivative commodity instruments and derivative financial instruments that qualify for hedge accounting are included in the same category as the items being hedged.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

Debt and marketable equity securities

The companies classify debt and marketable equity securities, at acquisition, into one of three categories: held-to-maturity, available-for-sale or trading under provisions of SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.”

Trading securities are carried at fair value and unrealized holding gains and losses are included in earnings.

Debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity and measured at amortized cost in the Consolidated Balance Sheets only if the companies have the positive intent and ability to hold those securities to maturity. Premiums and discounts amortized in the period are included in interest income.

Debt and marketable equity securities other than those classified as trading or held-to-maturity securities are classified as available-for-sale securities and carried at fair value with related unrealized holding gains and losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity on a net-of-tax basis.

For other than a temporary decline in the value of debt and marketable equity securities below their cost or amortized cost, the investment is reduced to its fair value, which becomes the new cost basis of the investment. The amount of the reduction is reported as a loss for the year in which such determination is made. Various factors, such as the extent which the cost exceeds the market value, the duration of the market decline, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value, are reviewed to judge whether the decline is other than temporary.

The cost of debt and marketable securities sold is determined based on the moving-average cost method.

Non-marketable equity securities

Non-marketable equity securities are carried at cost. When other than a temporary decline in the value of such securities below their cost occurs, the investment is reduced to its fair value and an impairment loss is recognized. Various factors, such as the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, are reviewed to judge whether it is other than temporary.

The cost of non-marketable equity securities sold is determined based on the moving-average cost method.

Investments in associated companies

Investments in associated companies (20% to 50%-owned corporate investees, corporate joint ventures, and less than 20%-owned corporate investees over which the companies have the ability to exercise significant influence) and noncontrolling investments in general partnerships, limited partnerships and limited liability companies are accounted for under the equity method, after appropriate adjustments for intercompany profits and dividends. The differences between the cost of such investments and the companies’ equity in the underlying fair value of the net assets of associated companies at the dates of acquisition are recognized as equity method goodwill.

For other than a temporary decline in the value of investments in associated companies below the carrying amount, the investment is reduced to its fair value and an impairment loss is recognized.

Leasing

The companies are engaged in lease financing consisting of direct financing leases and leveraged leases, and in operating leases of properties. For direct financing leases, unearned income is amortized to income over the

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

lease term at a constant periodic rate of return on the net investment. Income on leveraged leases is recognized over the life of the lease at a constant rate of return on the positive net investment. Initial direct costs are deferred and amortized using the interest method over the lease period. Operating lease income is recognized as other sales over the term of underlying leases on a straight-line basis.

The companies are also lessees of various assets. Rental expenses on operating leases are recognized over the respective lease terms using the straight-line method.

Property and equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost.

Depreciation of property and equipment (including property leased to others) is computed principally under the declining-balance method for assets located in Japan and under the straight-line method for assets located outside Japan, using rates based upon the estimated useful lives of the related property and equipment. The estimated useful lives for buildings, equipment and fixtures, and vessels are primarily 7 to 50 years, 2 to 50 years, and 3 to 15 years, respectively. Mineral rights are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives, which are 7 to 47 years, using the straight-line method or the unit-of-production method.

Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the useful life of the improvement or the term of the underlying lease.

Significant renewals and additions are capitalized at cost. Maintenance and repairs, and minor renewals and betterments are charged to expense as incurred.

Impairment of long-lived assets

In accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” long-lived assets to be held and used or to be disposed of other than by sale are reviewed, by using undiscounted future cash flows, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized. Such impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value. Long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.

Business combinations

In accordance with SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations,” the purchase method of accounting is used for all business combinations. The companies separately recognize and report acquired intangible assets as goodwill or other intangible assets. Any excess of fair value of acquired net assets over cost arising from a business combination is allocated as a pro rata reduction of the amounts that otherwise would have been assigned to certain acquired assets and the remaining excess is immediately recognized as an extraordinary gain.

Goodwill and other intangible assets

In accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” goodwill is not amortized but tested for impairment annually or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. Identifiable intangible assets with a finite useful life are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives and reviewed for impairment in

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

accordance with SFAS No. 144. Any identifiable intangible asset determined to have an indefinite useful life is not amortized, but instead tested for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 142 until its useful life is determined to be no longer indefinite.

Equity method goodwill is reviewed for impairment as a part of other than a temporary decline in the value of investments in associated companies below the carrying amount in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 18, “The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock.”

Intangible assets subject to amortization consist primarily of software, trademarks, customer relationships and patents which are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives for software, trademarks, customer relationships and patents are 3 to 5 years, 10 to 30 years, 10 to 24 years and 8 to 20 years, respectively. Intangible assets not subject to amortization mainly consist of land rights and trademarks.

Oil and gas producing activities

Oil and gas exploration and development costs are accounted for using the successful efforts method of accounting. The costs of acquiring properties, costs of drilling and equipping exploratory wells, and costs of development wells and related plant and equipment are capitalized, and amortized using the unit-of-production method. Exploratory well costs are expensed, if economically recoverable reserves are not found. Other exploration costs, such as geological and geophysical costs, are expensed as incurred.

In accordance with SFAS No. 144, proved properties are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If the proved properties are determined to be impaired, an impairment loss is recognized based on the fair value. Unproved properties are assessed annually for impairment in accordance with the guidance in SFAS No. 19, “Financial Accounting and Reporting by Oil and Gas Producing Companies,” with any impairment charged to expense. The companies make a comprehensive evaluation and record impairment of unproved property based on undiscounted future net cash flow approach, as well as taking into consideration various factors, such as remaining mining rights periods, examples of sales and purchase in neighboring areas, drilling results and seismic interpretations.

Mining operations

Mining exploration costs are expensed as incurred until the mining project has been established as commercially viable by a final feasibility study. Once established as commercially viable, costs are capitalized as development costs and are amortized using either the unit-of-production method or straight-line method based on the proven and probable reserves.

In open pit mining operations, it is necessary to remove overburden and other waste materials to access mineral deposits. The costs of removing waste materials are referred to as “stripping costs.” During the development of a mine, before production commences, such costs are generally capitalized as part of the development costs. Removal of waste materials continues during the production stage of the mine. Such post-production stripping costs are variable production costs to be considered a component of mineral inventory costs and are recognized as a component of costs of products sold in the same period as the related revenues from the sales of the minerals. Depending on the configuration of the mineral deposits, the post-production stripping costs could lead to a lower of cost or market inventory adjustment.

Asset retirement obligations

In accordance with SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,” the companies record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred. When the

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

liability is initially recorded, the companies capitalize the related cost by increasing the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. Over time, the liability is accreted to its present value each period, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset.

Pension and severance indemnities plans

The companies have pension plans and/or severance indemnities plans covering substantially all employees other than directors. The costs of the pension plans and severance indemnities plans are accrued based on amounts determined using actuarial methods, in accordance with SFAS No. 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions,” and SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—an amendment of FASB statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R).”

Guarantees

In accordance with FIN No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others—an interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57 and 107 and rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34,” the companies recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken for the guarantee.

Revenue recognition

The companies recognize revenues when they are realized or realizable and earned. Revenues are realized or realizable and earned when the companies have persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the goods have been delivered or the services have been rendered to the customer, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. In addition to this general policy, the following are specific revenue recognition policies:

Sales of products

Sales of products include the sales of various products as a principal in the transactions, the manufacture and sale of a wide variety of products such as metals, chemicals, foods and general consumer merchandise, the development of natural resources such as coal, iron ore, oil and gas, and the development and sale of real estate. The companies recognize those revenues at the time the delivery conditions agreed with customers are met. These conditions are usually considered to have been met when the goods are received by the customer, the title to the warehouse receipts is transferred, or the implementation testing is duly completed.

For long-term construction contracts such as railroad projects, depending on the nature of the contract, revenues are accounted for by the percentage-of-completion method if estimates of costs to complete and extent of progress toward completion of long-term contracts are reasonably dependable, otherwise the companies use the completed contract method.

The Company and certain subsidiaries enter into buy/sell arrangements, mainly relating to transactions of crude oil and petroleum products. Under buy/sell arrangements, which are entered into primarily to optimize supply or demand requirements, the Company and certain subsidiaries agree to buy (sell) a specific quality and quantity of commodities to be delivered at a specific location and/or time while agreeing to sell (buy) the same quality and quantity of the commodities at a different location and/or time to the same counterparty. The buy/sell arrangements are reported on a net basis in the Statements of Consolidated Income.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

Sales of services

Sales of services include the revenues from trading margins and commissions related to various trading transactions in which the companies act as a principal or an agent. Specifically, the companies charge a commission for the performance of various services such as logistic and warehouse services, information and communication services, and technical support. For some back-to-back sales and purchase transactions of products, the companies act as a principal and record the net amount of sales and purchase prices as revenues. The companies also facilitate conclusion of the contracts between manufacturers and customers and deliveries for the products between suppliers and customers. Revenues from service related businesses are recorded as revenues when the contracted services are rendered to third-party customers pursuant to the agreements.

Other sales

Other sales principally include the revenues from leasing activities of real estate, rolling stock, ocean transport vessels, equipment and others, the revenues from derivative commodity instruments and derivative financial instruments held for trading purposes, and the revenues from external consumer financing. See accounting policies for leasing and derivative instruments and hedging activities for the revenue recognition policies regarding leasing and derivative transactions, respectively.

Research and development expenses

Research and development costs are charged to expenses when incurred.

Advertising expenses

Advertising costs are charged to expenses when incurred.

Issuance of stock by subsidiaries and associated companies

A subsidiary or an associated company may issue its shares to third parties at amounts per share in excess of or less than the Company’s average per share carrying value. With respect to such transactions, the resulting gains or losses arising from the change in equity interest are recorded in income for the year in which such shares are issued.

Income taxes

Income tax expense is based on reported earnings before income taxes. Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences between assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting purposes and such amounts recognized for tax purposes and tax loss carryforwards. These deferred taxes are measured using the currently enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the temporary differences or tax loss carryforwards are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are established when it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

In accordance with FIN No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109,” the companies recognize and measure uncertainty in income taxes. Interests and penalties incurred in relation to income taxes are reported in current income taxes in the Statements of Consolidated Income.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

Net income per share

Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per share reflects the potential dilution as a result of issuance of shares upon conversion of the companies’ convertible bonds.

 

III. RECLASSIFICATION

Certain reclassifications and format changes have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation.

 

IV. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Employers’ accounting for defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans

Effective April 1, 2008, the companies adopted the measurement date provisions of SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R).”

SFAS No. 158 requires the recognition of the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit pension plan as an asset or a liability in the statement of financial position and the recognition of changes in that funded status in comprehensive income in the year in which the changes occur. SFAS No. 158 also requires an entity to measure the funded status of a plan as of the date of an entity’s year-end statement of financial position, with limited exceptions.

The effect of the adoption of these provisions on the companies’ financial position and results of operations was immaterial.

Fair value measurements

Effective April 1, 2008, the companies adopted SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” for financial assets, financial liabilities, and nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis.

SFAS No.157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.

The effect of the adoption of this statement on the companies’ financial position and results of operations was immaterial. For nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are not recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis, this statement will be adopted in fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The effect of the adoption of this statement on the companies’ financial position and results of operations will be immaterial.

Effective July 1, 2008, the companies also adopted FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. FAS 157-3, “Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active,” which clarifies the application of SFAS No. 157 in a market that is not active. The effect of the adoption of this FSP on the companies’ financial position and results of operations was immaterial.

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 157-4, “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

Orderly.” This FSP provides guidance for determining whether a market that was formerly active has become inactive and a transaction is not orderly in order to apply the fair value measurement provisions of SFAS No. 157. This FSP is applied prospectively for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. The effect of the adoption of this FSP on the companies’ financial position and results of operations will be immaterial.

Fair value option

Effective April 1, 2008, the companies adopted SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115.”

SFAS No. 159 permits an entity to choose, at specified election dates, to measure eligible financial assets and liabilities at fair value. An entity will report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings.

The effect of the adoption of this statement on the companies’ financial position and results of operations was immaterial.

Disclosures about derivative instruments and hedging activities

Effective January 1, 2009, the companies adopted SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133.”

SFAS No. 161 amends and expands the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 133 to provide users of financial statements with an enhanced understanding of how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 and its related interpretations, and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows.

The adoption of this statement had no impact on the companies’ financial position and results of operations.

Offsetting of amounts related to certain contracts

Effective April 1, 2008, the companies adopted FSP No. FIN 39-1, “Amendment of FASB Interpretation No. 39.”

FSP No. FIN 39-1 amends FIN No. 39, “Offsetting of Amounts Related to Certain Contracts—an interpretation of APB Opinion No. 10 and FASB Statement No. 105,” to permit a reporting entity to offset fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable) against fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting arrangement.

As a result of the adoption of this FSP, the companies elected to offset ¥132,511 million in other current liabilities against derivative assets and ¥260,366 million in other current assets against derivative liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2009. The companies have also offset ¥112,038 million in other current liabilities against derivative assets and ¥41,012 million in other current assets against derivative liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2008 through retrospective application. As the retrospective application of this FSP for the fiscal years prior to March 31, 2008 was determined to be impracticable, the companies did not reflect the effects of applying this FSP in increase in derivative assets, increase (decrease) in derivative liabilities, and other—net in the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows for the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

Disclosures about credit derivatives and certain guarantees

Effective October 1, 2008, the companies adopted FSP No. FAS 133-1 and FIN 45-4, “Disclosures about Credit Derivatives and Certain Guarantees: An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 and FASB Interpretation No. 45; and Clarification of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 161.”

FSP No. FAS 133-1 and FIN 45-4 amends SFAS No. 133 to require a seller of credit derivatives to disclose information about its credit derivatives and hybrid instruments that have embedded credit derivatives to enable users of financial statements to assess their potential effect on its financial positions, financial performance, and cash flows. This FSP also amends FIN No. 45 to require an additional disclosure about the current status of the payment/performance risk of a guarantee. Further, this FSP clarifies that the disclosures required by SFAS No. 161 should be provided for any reporting period beginning after November 15, 2008.

The adoption of this FSP had no impact on the companies’ financial position and results of operations.

Disclosures about transfers of financial assets and interests in variable interest entities

Effective January 1, 2009, the companies adopted FSP No. FAS 140-4 and FIN 46(R)-8, “Disclosures by Public Entities (Enterprises) about Transfers of Financial Assets and Interests in Variable Interest Entities,” which expands disclosure requirements for transfers of financial assets and interests in VIEs to provide greater transparency about a transferor’s continuing involvement with transferred financial assets and an enterprise’s involvement with VIEs.

The adoption of this FSP had no impact on the companies’ financial position and results of operations.

Business combinations

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141R”).

SFAS No. 141R establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase. SFAS No. 141R also requires disclosures to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination.

In April 2009, the FASB also issued FSP No. FAS 141(R)-1, “Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies,” which requires an asset or liability arising from a contingency in a business combination to be recognized at fair value if fair value can be reasonably determined.

Both SFAS No. 141R and FSP No. FAS 141(R)-1 are applied prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The effects of the adoption of these standards on the companies’ financial position and results of operations are not currently known and cannot be reasonably estimated until further analysis is completed.

Noncontrolling interests in consolidated financial statements

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB No. 51.”

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

SFAS No. 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary.

SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The effect of the adoption of this statement on the companies’ financial position and results of operations is not currently known and cannot be reasonably estimated until further analysis is completed.

Recognition and presentation of other-than-temporary impairments

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments.”

FSP No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 amends SFAS No. 115 and SFAS No. 124, “Accounting for Certain Investments Held by Not-for-Profit Organizations.” This FSP requires an entity to recognize the credit component of an other-than-temporary impairment of a debt security in earnings and the noncredit component in other comprehensive income when the entity does not intend to sell the security and it is more likely than not that the entity will not be required to sell the security prior to recovery. This FSP also expands the disclosure requirements for other-than-temporary impairments on debt and equity securities.

FSP No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. The effect of adoption of this FSP on the companies’ financial position and results of operations is not currently known and cannot be reasonably estimated until further analysis is completed.

 

V. USE OF ESTIMATES IN THE PREPARATION OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

3. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

For the year ended March 31, 2009

The following are the primary business combinations, which were completed during the year ended March 31, 2009.

Moeco Thai Oil Development Co., Ltd.

Mitsui Oil & Exploration Co., Ltd. (“MOECO”), a 53% owned subsidiary of the Company, agreed with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan to acquire additional 50% of ownership interests in Moeco Thai Oil Development Co., Ltd. (“MOT”) for ¥9,000 million on June 30, 2008 as a result of the successful bid at general public bidding on June 13, 2008. The carrying value of MOECO’s equity investment in MOT immediately before the acquisition was ¥3,026 million. After satisfying the closing conditions, MOECO completed the acquisition process on July 15, 2008. Since the MOECO’s ownership of voting shares of MOT increased to 80%, MOT became a subsidiary of MOECO, which had been previously accounted for under the equity method. Subsequently, MOECO agreed with Toyo Engineering Corporation, a 22.8% owned associated

 

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Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

company of the Company accounted for under the equity method, to sell 10% of ownership interests in MOT on August 11, 2008. MOECO completed the sale of the interests on September 25, 2008 and the MOECO’s ownership of voting shares of MOT decreased to 70%. MOECO previously owned 30% of ownership interest in MOT, the acquisition was accounted for as a step-acquisition. The purchase price was allocated based on 50% of the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired, including intangible assets acquired.

MOT is engaged in natural gas and condensate exploration, development and production projects in Thailand. MOT has 5% interest in the Block B12/27 in the Gulf of Thailand and is carrying out the stable production in the Pailin Field within the concession area. The Company positions its energy businesses as a significant strategic business sector and continues to strengthen its revenue base by acquiring new oil and natural gas assets and replacing its reserves in wider areas including Southeast Asia in addition to the Middle East, Sakhalin and Oceania areas. This acquisition of MOT is consistent with the Company’s core strategy.

The purchase price was determined based on the expected future cash flows MOT will generate. The consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2009 include the operating results of MOT as a subsidiary from the date of acquisition.

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:

 

     Millions of Yen  

Current assets

   ¥ 8,544   

Property and equipment

     10,379   

Intangible assets

     486   
        

Total assets acquired

     19,409   
        

Current liabilities

     (2,292

Long-term liabilities

     (3,083

Minority interest

     (2,008
        

Total liabilities assumed and minority interest

     (7,383
        

Net assets acquired

   ¥ 12,026   
        

Pro forma results of operations for the above business combination have not been presented because the effects were not material to the consolidated financial statements.

For the year ended March 31, 2008

The following are the primary business combinations, which were completed during the year ended March 31, 2008.

Steel Technologies Inc.

On February 28, 2007, Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A), Inc. (“Mitsui USA”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, agreed with Steel Technologies Inc. (“Steel Tech”) to acquire all the outstanding shares of Steel Tech. After obtaining the approval of its shareholders in a special shareholders meeting on May 30, 2007 and all the necessary regulatory approvals, Mitsui USA closed the acquisition process on June 1, 2007. The total amount paid for the acquisition was ¥47,946 million (U.S. $394 million). The carrying value of the companies’ equity investment in Mi-Tech Steel Inc. (a J/V with Steel Tech, which later merged into Steel Tech in March 2008)

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

immediately before the acquisition was ¥3,316 million (U.S. $27 million). Steel Tech operates 25 steel processing facilities, including its joint venture operations, throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, delivering processing capabilities and value-added services to customers in a variety of industries by leveraging its broad geographic network facilities.

Creation of higher value-added marketing and logistics services in the steel business is one of the companies’ core strategies and the companies are actively investing resources in this area. Through this acquisition, the companies obtain an important business platform in North America. Using it as the base for steel product value chain management in the United States, the companies aim to strengthen the business foundation in the steel product industries in the Americas segment. This acquisition is consistent with the companies’ core strategy.

The consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2008 include the operating results of Steel Tech as a subsidiary from the closing date of the acquisition.

The purchase price was determined based on the expected future cash flows Steel Tech will generate. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets of Steel Tech was recorded as goodwill. The primary factors that contributed to the determination of the purchase price that caused the recognition of goodwill include the following: (1) the Steel Tech's broad geographic network facilities in North America and ability to provide value-added services, (2) the synergies that might be achieved with the companies’ marketing and logistics services in the steel business.

In connection with this acquisition, ¥4,236 million, ¥1,379 million and ¥8,289 million were assigned to intangible assets subject to amortization, intangible assets not subject to amortization, and goodwill, respectively. The intangible assets subject to amortization consist primarily of customer relationship of ¥3,516 million with an amortization period of 24 years. The goodwill is non-deductible for tax purpose and has been assigned to the Americas Segment.

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:

 

     Millions of Yen  

Current assets

   ¥ 52,749   

Property and equipment

     26,239   

Intangible assets

     13,904   

Investments and other assets

     7,960   
        

Total assets acquired

     100,852   
        

Current liabilities

     (39,766

Long-term liabilities

     (9,357

Minority interest

     (467
        

Total liabilities assumed and minority interest

     (49,590
        

Net assets acquired

   ¥ 51,262   
        

Pro forma results of operations for the above business combination have not been presented because the effects were not material to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

Affiliated Financial Corporation and BayQuest Capital Corporation

On April 27, 2007, Mitsui USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, agreed with the owner group of Affiliated Financial Corporation and BayQuest Capital Corporation (collectively “AFC”) to acquire 87.5% of the outstanding shares of AFC for ¥7,221 million (U.S. $63 million). After the closing conditions were met, Mitsui USA completed the acquisition on September 21, 2007. In the acquisition process, the owner group had Affiliated Financial Corporation and BayQuest Capital Corporation merge into newly formed LLCs, AFC LLC and BCC LLC, respectively; then Mitsui USA, through AFC HoldCo, LLC, a newly formed holding entity owned by Mitsui USA, acquired both AFC LLC and BCC LLC in exchange for cash and 12.5% of the LLC interest in AFC HoldCo, LLC on September 21, 2007. On the same day, BCC LLC was merged into AFC LLC, the surviving entity. After the series of transactions, Mitsui USA holds an 87.5% interest in AFC HoldCo, LLC.

AFC purchases, sells, securitizes and services retail automobile installment contracts originated by franchised and selected independent dealers in approximately 40 states in the United States. Through its loan purchases, AFC serves as a source of financing for more than 4,000 dealerships, providing financing to consumers indirectly.

The companies have considerable experience in automobile-related businesses worldwide, including logistics, assembly, distribution, dealerships, automotive parts and retail financing. This acquisition is intended to enhance the companies’ automobile value chain in the United States and is consistent with the companies’ core strategy.

The consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2008 include the operating results of AFC as a subsidiary from the closing date of the acquisition.

The purchase price was determined based on the expected future cash flows AFC will generate. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets of AFC was recorded as goodwill. The primary factors that contributed to the determination of the purchase price that caused the recognition of goodwill were following: (1) the AFC’s network and experience in the automobile financing business in the United States, (2) the synergies that might be achieved with the companies’ automobile value chain in the United States.

In connection with this acquisition, ¥277 million and ¥6,695 million were assigned to intangible assets subject to amortization and goodwill, respectively. The intangible assets subject to amortization consist of a non-compete agreement with an amortization period of 8 years. The goodwill is deductible for tax purpose and has been assigned to the Americas Segment.

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:

 

     Millions of Yen  

Current assets

   ¥ 3,105   

Property and equipment

     151   

Intangible assets

     6,972   

Investments and other assets

     6,403   
        

Total assets acquired

     16,631   
        

Current liabilities

     (2,064

Long-term liabilities

     (6,338

Minority interest

     (1,008
        

Total liabilities assumed and minority interest

     (9,410
        

Net assets acquired

   ¥ 7,221   
        

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

Pro forma results of operations for the above business combination have not been presented because the effects were not material to the consolidated financial statements.

For the year ended March 31, 2007

The following are the primary business combinations, which were completed during the year ended March 31, 2007.

Gas Participacoes Ltda.

On October 31, 2005, the Company entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with Global Petroleum & Gas Industry, LLC to acquire all the outstanding shares of Gas Participacoes Ltda. (“Gaspart”) for about ¥18,648 million (U.S. $159 million). After satisfying the closing conditions, the Company closed the acquisition process on April 20, 2006. Gaspart was renamed to Mitsui Gas e Energia do Brasil on October 16, 2006. Gaspart is a holding company of six local distribution companies (“LDC”), four in northeast and two in southeast in Brazil, which have had a concession agreement with each state government to provide natural gas distribution on an exclusive basis in each state for 30 to 50 years. Gaspart’s share in each LDC is from 23.0% to 24.5% in voting share base. Each LDC begun operations between 1992 and 1994 and mainly distributes to general industry and natural gas stations.

In Brazil, the gas industry and civilian gas use are still immature. Therefore, growth in demand is expected in the future. Coherent effort into gas businesses from upstream to downstream, such as entry into gas field development projects, liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) terminal projects, pipeline projects and electricity generation projects, is one of the main pillars of the infrastructure area, in which the Company intends to invest with emphasis. This acquisition is consistent with the companies’ core strategy.

The consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2007 include the operating results of Gaspart as a subsidiary from the closing date of the acquisition.

The purchase price was determined based on the expected future cash flows Gaspart will generate.

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:

 

     Millions of Yen  

Current assets

   ¥ 1,983   

Investments and other assets

     19,638   
        

Total assets acquired

     21,621   
        

Current liabilities

     (500

Long-term liabilities

     (2,473
        

Total liabilities assumed

     (2,973
        

Net assets acquired

   ¥ 18,648   
        

Pro forma results of operations for the above business combination have not been presented because the effects were not material to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

Salt Asia Holding Pty. Ltd.

On May 31, 2006, the Company entered into an agreement with Akzo Nobel Chemicals International BV (“Akzo Nobel”) to purchase Akzo Nobel’s investment in Salt Asia Holding Pty, Ltd. (“Salt Asia,” a 94.2% owned subsidiary of Akzo Nobel). After satisfying the closing conditions, the Company completed the acquisition process on July 31, 2006. The total amount paid for the acquisition was approximately ¥8,044 million (A$ 91 million). Salt Asia is the holding company which has 92.7% ownership of voting shares of Onslow Salt Pty, Ltd. (“Onslow”), which operates a solar marine salt field in western Australia. Onslow started delivery in May 2001 and supplies solar marine salt to the chlor-alkali industry.

The biggest application for salt from Onslow is as a raw material in the chlor-alkali industry. With rapidly rising demand from China putting pressure on supply—demand balance, the Company intends to supply salt for use by this industry in Asian countries including Japan. In February, 2005, the Company also acquired the parent of Shark Bay Salt Joint Venture, operating Shark Bay solar marine salt field in western Australia. On completion of the Onslow acquisition, the Company will therefore have management control of a total annual salt production capacity of 3.8 million tons. The Company intends to take an efficient, unified management approach to the two salt fields, strengthening its position as a stable, comprehensive supplier of salt to the chlor-alkali industry and food manufacturing industry and actively developing its salt business operations.

The purchase price was determined based on the expected future cash flows Salt Asia will generate. The consolidated financial statements include the operating results of Salt Asia as a subsidiary from the date of acquisition.

In connection with this acquisition, ¥1,143 million was assigned to goodwill. The goodwill is non-deductible for tax purposes and has been assigned to the Chemical Segment.

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:

 

     Millions of Yen  

Current assets

   ¥ 3,183   

Property and equipment

     10,519   

Intangible assets

     1,143   

Investments and other assets

     654   
        

Total assets acquired

     15,499   
        

Current liabilities

     (655

Long-term liabilities

     (6,001

Minority interest

     (799
        

Total liabilities assumed and minority interest

     (7,455
        

Net assets acquired

   ¥ 8,044   
        

Pro forma results of operations for the above business combination have not been presented because the effects were not material to the consolidated financial statements.

MRCE Dispolok GmbH (former Dispolok GmbH)

On September 29, 2006, the Company and Mitsui & Co. Europe Holdings Plc. (former Mitsui & Co. Europe Plc.), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, agreed with Siemens AG (“Siemens”) to purchase

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

100% of the ownership interests of Siemens Dispolok GmbH (“Dispolok,” which was renamed Dispolok GmbH after the acquisition and later renamed to MRCE Dispolok GmbH in February 2008) for ¥15,630 million. The acquisition was completed on October 4, 2006, after obtaining the approvals of the German Federal Cartel Office. Dispolok engaged in the leasing of locomotives manufactured by Siemens and provided the maintenance services in Europe.

In Europe, the locomotive leasing market is growing rapidly under the influence of the railway liberalization policy executed by the EU; and, to enter the market, the companies established Mitsui Rail Capital Europe B.V. in October 2004, and have been expanding the companies’ market share in stages. By acquiring Dispolok, the companies are able to expand the number of locomotive fleets owned, and complement the current portfolio of locomotives leasing business in the functions, models and areas. The acquisition is expected to contribute to the companies’ business performance by maintaining the superiority as a leasing company which also provides maintenance service for lessees. The companies positioned the infrastructure business as one of core business fields and this acquisition is consistent with the companies’ strategy.

The consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2007 included the operating results of Dispolok from the date of acquisition.

The purchase price was determined based on the expected future cash flows Dispolok will generate. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets of Dispolok was recorded as goodwill. The primary factors that contributed to the determination of the purchase price that caused the recognition of goodwill include the following: (1) the superiority of Dispolok’s economic scale and the facility to offer locomotives for rental with maintenance service, (2) the expansion of the companies’ market share, and (3) the synergies that might be achieved from regional complementation of the companies’ present locomotives and Dispolok’s ones.

In connection with this acquisition, ¥5,041 million, ¥270 million and ¥8,232 million were assigned to intangible assets subject to amortization, intangible assets not subject to amortization, and goodwill, respectively. The intangible assets subject to amortization consist primarily of customer relationship of ¥4,966 million with an amortization period of 12 years. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purpose and has been assigned to the Machinery & Infrastructure Projects Segment.

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:

 

     Millions of Yen  

Current assets

   ¥ 4,266   

Property and equipment

     2,408   

Intangible assets

     13,556   
        

Total assets acquired

     20,230   
        

Current liabilities

     (4,600
        

Total liabilities assumed

     (4,600
        

Net assets acquired

   ¥ 15,630   
        

Pro forma results of operations for the above business combination have not been presented because the effects were not material to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

SunWize Technologies, Inc.

On October 26, 2006, SunWize Technologies, Inc., owned 20% by the Company and 80% by Mitsui USA, agreed with SunWize Technologies, LLC (“SunWize”) to take over its solar power business by acquiring substantially all of the assets used in the business for ¥9,887 million (U.S. $84 million). After the regulatory review, the acquisition was completed on November 30, 2006. SunWize is a solar technology company which specializes in the design and manufacture of integrated solar power systems, the development of related projects and product distribution for the systems. SunWize offers a wide range of photovoltaic power solutions, such as a supply of preassembled parts and custom-engineered systems and manufacturing of special solar modules for battery-operated products. SunWize provides the goods and services to manufacturing, commercial, government and residential customers.

The market for solar power energy in the United States is expected to increase into the foreseeable future. By acquiring SunWize’s business, the companies, which had been selling solar electric modules to customers through SunWize, have established a vertically integrated business structure reaching from procurement of the products to distribution through SunWize’s dealer network. The companies believe that the acquisition will contribute to the companies’ performance in this developing market. This acquisition, with an established client base throughout the United States, is consistent with the companies’ core strategy of making strategic investments in consumer businesses.

The consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2007 include the operating results of SunWize from the date of acquisition.

The purchase price was determined based on the expected future cash flows SunWize will generate. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired was recorded as goodwill. The significant factors that contributed to the determination of the purchase price that resulted in the recognition of goodwill are mainly due to the synergies that might be achieved from cooperation with the companies, such as product procurement.

In connection with this acquisition, ¥1,974 million and ¥6,249 million were assigned to intangible assets subject to amortization and goodwill, respectively. The intangible assets subject to amortization consist primarily of customer relationship of ¥1,621 million with an amortization period of 15 years. The goodwill is deductible for tax purpose and has been assigned to the Americas Segment.

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:

 

     Millions of Yen  

Current assets

   ¥ 2,453   

Property and equipment

     308   

Intangible assets

     8,223   
        

Total assets acquired

     10,984   
        

Current liabilities

     (1,097
        

Total liabilities assumed

     (1,097
        

Net assets acquired

   ¥ 9,887   
        

Pro forma results of operations for the above business combination have not been presented because the effects were not material to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

Mitsui Oil & Exploration Co., Ltd.

The Company acquired an additional 3.0% interest in Mitsui Oil & Exploration Co., Ltd. (“MOECO”) for ¥6,240 million from Mitsui Engineering & Shipping Co., Ltd. (an unrelated party) on March 28, 2007. The carrying value of the Company’s equity investment in MOECO immediately before the acquisition was ¥107,892 million. As a result of the Company increasing its ownership of voting shares of MOECO to 50.3%, MOECO became a subsidiary of the Company.

MOECO is actively engaged in several oil and natural gas exploration, development and production projects in Thailand and its neighboring Southeast Asian countries as well as the Middle East. At the end of March 2007, MOECO’s share of daily production amounts to an equivalent of approximately 93,000 barrels of oil. The Company positions its energy business as a significant strategic business sector and continues to strengthen its revenue base by acquiring new oil and natural gas assets and replacing its reserves. The Company’s acquisition of the MOECO shares is part of the Company’s corporate strategy, which enables the companies to position MOECO as one of the core units of its energy upstream business, and to sustain its competitiveness under the current fierce global competition for acquiring oil and gas upstream assets. A closer relationship with MOECO allows the Company to obtain wider variety of options for expanding its upstream business by adding the Southeast Asia region to its current portfolio of the upstream assets in addition to Middle East, Sakhalin and Oceania areas, as well as strengthening companies’ oil and gas exploration activities. This acquisition of MOECO is consistent with the companies’ core strategy.

The purchase price was determined based on the net assets of MOECO. The consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2007 include the operating results of MOECO as a subsidiary from the date of acquisition.

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:

 

     Millions of Yen  

Current assets

   ¥ 72,677   

Property and equipment

     50,132   

Intangible assets

     2,587   

Investments and other assets

     250,302   
        

Total assets acquired

     375,698   
        

Current liabilities

     (53,397

Long-term liabilities

     (92,834

Minority interest

     (115,335
        

Total liabilities assumed and minority interest

     (261,566
        

Net assets acquired

   ¥ 114,132   
        

Pro forma results of operations for the above business combination have not been presented because the effects were not material to the consolidated financial statements.

 

4. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

In accordance with SFAS No. 144, the companies present the results of discontinued operations (including operations of a subsidiary that either has been disposed of or is classified as held for sale) as a separate line item

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

in the Statements of Consolidated Income under income from discontinued operations—net (after income tax effect). The results of discontinued operations are not reclassified in the Statements of Consolidated Income and the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows for the year ended March 31, 2009 due to immateriality to the results of operations and cash flows of the companies.

The carrying amounts of assets and liabilities of a disposal group classified as held for sale were immaterial for the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008.

Summarized selected financial information for the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 for the discontinued operations reclassified during the year ended March 31, 2008 was as follows:

 

     Millions of Yen  
     Sesa Goa     Oil and gas
producing interests
held by Wandoo
Petroleum
    Other
subsidiaries
    Total  

Year ended March 31, 2008:

        

Revenues

     —        ¥ 2,358      ¥ 4,407      ¥ 6,765   
                                

(Loss) income from discontinued operations before income taxes

   ¥ (387   ¥ 1,421      ¥ 5,867      ¥ 6,901   

Gain on disposal—net

     93,949        20,205        2,511        116,665   

Income tax expense

     (38,355     (8,286     (2,172     (48,813

Minority interests in earnings of subsidiaries

     —          (3,769     —          (3,769
                                

Income from discontinued operations—net

   ¥ 55,207      ¥ 9,571      ¥ 6,206      ¥ 70,984   
                                

Year ended March 31, 2007:

        

Revenues

   ¥ 57,104      ¥ 4,298      ¥ 25,742      ¥ 87,144   
                                

Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes

   ¥ 25,279      ¥ 4,097      ¥ (6,998   ¥ 22,378   

Loss on disposal—net

     —          —          (1,401     (1,401

Income tax (expense) benefit

     (15,728     (3,916     5,920        (13,724

Minority interests in (earnings) losses of subsidiaries

     (8,186     (17     55        (8,148
                                

Income (loss) from discontinued operations—net

   ¥ 1,365      ¥ 164      ¥ (2,424   ¥ (895
                                

The primary discontinued operations for the year ended March 31, 2008 were as follows:

Sesa Goa

Sesa Goa Limited, a subsidiary reported in the Mineral & Metal Resources Segment, had been engaged in the iron ore production business in India. In optimizing its business portfolio, the Company decided it best to sell this business during the year ended March 31, 2008, and Earlyguard Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, sold all shares in Finsider International Company Limited, which owned 51% of the issued shares of Sesa Goa Limited.

Oil and gas producing interests held by Wandoo Petroleum

Wandoo Petroleum Pty Ltd. (“Wandoo”), a subsidiary partially reported in both the Energy and Asia Pacific Segments, had been engaged in the oil and gas development and production business in Australia. After the

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

careful scrutiny of the booming oil and gas prices and the production situation by the operator, the Company decided it best to sell this business, and disposed of by sale all interests of producing assets of Wandoo during the year ended March 31, 2008.

Other subsidiaries

This category consists of some individually immaterial subsidiaries engaged in operations such as custom home sale, aircraft leasing, and lease related to Chinese trading business.

Summarized selected financial information for the year ended March 31, 2007 for the discontinued operations reclassified during the year ended March 31, 2007 was as follows:

 

     Millions of Yen  
     Mitalco Inc.     Other
subsidiaries
    Total  

Year ended March 31, 2007:

      

Revenues

     —        ¥ 15      ¥ 15   
                        

Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes

   ¥ 5,337      ¥ (260   ¥ 5,077   

(Loss) gain on disposal—net

     (77     128        51   

Income tax (expense) benefit

     (2,188     331        (1,857
                        

Income from discontinued operations—net

   ¥ 3,072      ¥ 199      ¥ 3,271   
                        

The primary discontinued operations for the year ended March 31, 2007 were as follows:

Mitalco Inc.

Mitalco Inc., a subsidiary partially reported in both the Mineral & Metal Resources and Americas Segments, held a 32% stake in two aluminum smelting facilities in the United States and had mainly been engaged in manufacture and sale of aluminium. Because of the declining profitability resulting from deterioration in the terms of the power purchase contract during the course of renewal negotiations, the companies disposed of by sale all stakes of both facilities during the year ended March 31, 2007.

Other subsidiaries

This category consists of some individually immaterial subsidiaries engaged in operations such as manufacture of zinc-plate and supply chain management.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

5. MARKETABLE SECURITIES AND OTHER INVESTMENTS

Debt and marketable equity securities

At March 31, 2009 and 2008, the fair value and gross unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale securities and the amortized cost, fair value and gross unrealized holding gains and losses on held-to-maturity debt securities were as follows:

 

     Millions of Yen  
          Unrealized holding gains (losses)  
     Fair value    Gains    Losses     Net  

March 31, 2009:

          

Available-for-sale:

          

Marketable equity securities

   ¥ 398,676    ¥ 112,381    ¥ (20,780   ¥ 91,601   

Debt securities, consisting principally of preferred stock that must be redeemed and convertible debt

     86,788      19      (16,001     (15,982

March 31, 2008:

          

Available-for-sale:

          

Marketable equity securities

   ¥ 652,001    ¥ 249,675    ¥ (19,528   ¥ 230,147   

Debt securities, consisting principally of preferred stock that must be redeemed and convertible debt

     58,111      20      (42     (22

 

Note: The amounts of “Gains” and “Net” related to unrealized holding gains (losses) on marketable equity securities at March 31, 2008 have been corrected due to an immaterial error from ¥283,787 million and ¥264,259 million to ¥249,675 million and ¥230,147 million, respectively.

 

     Millions of Yen
               Unrealized holding gains (losses)
     Amortized cost    Fair value      Gains        Losses        Net  

March 31, 2009:

              

Held-to-maturity debt securities, consisting principally of preferred stock that must be redeemed

   ¥ 2,656    ¥ 2,656    ¥ 0    —      ¥ 0

March 31, 2008:

              

Held-to-maturity debt securities, consisting principally of preferred stock that must be redeemed

   ¥ 2,689    ¥ 2,689    ¥ 0    —      ¥ 0

The carrying amounts of available-for-sale securities, with original maturities of three months or less, and included in cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were ¥1,498 million and ¥2,017 million at March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

At March 31, 2009 and 2008, the fair value and gross unrealized holding losses on available-for-sale securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in continuous unrealized loss positions, were as follows:

 

     Millions of Yen
     Less than 12 months     12 months or more
     Fair value    Unrealized
holding losses
    Fair value    Unrealized
holding losses

March 31, 2009:

          

Available-for-sale:

          

Marketable equity securities

   ¥ 71,166    ¥ (20,780       —          —  

Debt securities, consisting principally of preferred stock that must be redeemed

     63,033      (16,001   —      —  
                        

Total

   ¥ 134,199    ¥ (36,781   —      —  
                        

March 31, 2008:

          

Available-for-sale:

          

Marketable equity securities

   ¥ 105,851    ¥ (19,528   —      —  

Debt securities, consisting principally of preferred stock that must be redeemed and convertible debt

     2,789      (42   —      —  
                        

Total

   ¥ 108,640    ¥ (19,570   —      —  
                        

The companies’ investments in available-for-sale securities in an unrealized holding loss position consisted primarily of marketable equity securities and preferred stock that must be redeemed (approximately 105 issuers) of customers in various industries. The unrealized losses on these securities were due principally to a temporary decline in the stock market and devaluation of foreign currencies against yen in foreign exchange market. The severity of decline in fair value less than cost was 10% to 29% and the duration of the impairment was less than nine months. The companies evaluated the near-term prospects of the issuer in relation to the severity and duration of impairment. Based on that evaluation and the companies’ ability and intent to hold these investments for a reasonable period of time sufficient for a forecasted recovery of fair value, the companies did not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2009.

For the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, losses of ¥79,264 million, ¥28,100 million and ¥3,062 million, respectively, were recognized on write-downs of available-for-sale securities to reflect the decline in market value considered to be other than temporary.

The portion of net trading gains and losses for the year that relates to trading securities still held at March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:

 

     Millions of Yen
         2009             2008             2007    

Net trading (losses) gains

   ¥ (41   ¥ (18   ¥   0

 

F-34


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

The proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities and the gross realized gains and losses on those sales for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 are shown below:

 

     Millions of Yen  
     2009     2008     2007  

Proceeds from sales

   ¥ 15,880      ¥ 42,914      ¥ 63,617   
                        

Gross realized gains

   ¥ 5,174      ¥ 28,776      ¥ 26,328   

Gross realized losses

     (390     (276     (167
                        

Net realized gains

   ¥ 4,784      ¥ 28,500      ¥ 26,161   
                        

Debt securities classified as available-for-sale and held-to-maturity at March 31, 2009 mature as follows:

 

     Millions of Yen
     Available-for-sale    Held-to-maturity
     Amortized
cost
   Aggregate
fair value
   Amortized
cost
   Aggregate
fair value

Contractual maturities:

           

Within 1 year

   ¥ 17,800    ¥ 17,713    ¥ 2,479    ¥ 2,479

After 1 year through 5 years

     37,150      30,220      177      177

After 5 years through 10 years

     47,807      38,851      —        —  

After 10 years

     4      4      —        —  
                           

Total

   ¥ 102,761    ¥ 86,788    ¥ 2,656    ¥ 2,656
                           

The actual maturities may differ from the contractual maturities shown above because certain issuers may have the right to redeem debt securities before their maturity.

Investments other than debt and marketable equity securities

Investments other than investments in debt and marketable equity securities consisted primarily of non-marketable equity securities and non-current time deposits and amounted to ¥550,809 million and ¥607,813 million at March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The estimation of the corresponding fair values at those dates was not practicable, as the fair value for all the individual non-marketable securities held by the companies was not readily determinable at each balance sheet date.

Investments in non-marketable equity securities are carried at cost; however, if the fair value of an investment has declined and such decline is judged to be other than temporary, the investment is written down to its estimated fair value. Losses on write-downs of these investment securities recognized to reflect the declines in fair value considered to be other than temporary were ¥37,824 million, ¥8,719 million and ¥8,642 million for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The aggregate carrying amount of the companies’ non-marketable equity securities accounted for under the cost method totaled ¥499,924 million and ¥557,596 million at March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Investments with an aggregate carrying amount of ¥444,738 million at March 31, 2009 and ¥521,055 million at March 31, 2008, were not evaluated for impairment because the companies did not identify any events or changes in circumstances that may have had a significant adverse effect on the fair value of those investments and the companies determined that it is not practicable to estimate the fair value of those investments in accordance with SFAS No. 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments.”

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

6. INVESTMENTS IN AND ADVANCES TO ASSOCIATED COMPANIES

Investments in associated companies (investees owned 20% to 50%, corporate joint ventures and other investees over which the companies have the ability to exercise significant influence) are accounted for under the equity method. In addition, noncontrolling investments in general partnerships, limited partnerships and limited liability companies are also accounted for under the equity method. Such investments include, but are not limited to, the companies’ investments in Valepar S.A. (18.24%), Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty. Ltd. (50.00%), Sims Metal Management Limited (former Sims Group Limited) (19.88%), P.T. Paiton Energy (36.32%), IPM(UK)Power Holdings (26.32%), and Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (17.00%).

The investment in Valepar S.A. is accounted for under the equity method because of the Company’s ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies primarily through the board representation and power of veto over significant operating and financial decisions through the board of directors. As the sole operating company among the shareholders, which consist primarily of pension funds and financial institutions, the Company utilizes its experience and expertise in operating businesses and substantively participates in the decision-making processes.

The investment in Sims Metal Management Limited is accounted for under the equity method because the companies are the largest and sole shareholder to have board designation right and the top up right, which enable the companies to increase their share in the event of dilution so that the companies are able to retain proportionate share after the dilutive event, and the companies have ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies primarily through the board representation and the membership in various advisory committees to the board, such as the Finance and Investment Committee and the Nomination Committee.

The companies are the second largest shareholder group of Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (“PAG”) and entered into a shareholders agreement with the largest shareholder group owning approximately 40% of its voting shares. Based on a reciprocal voting provision set forth in the agreement for any shareholder election of the directors of PAG, the companies and the largest shareholder group constitute a "group" within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and jointly participate in the management of PAG. The investment in PAG is accounted for under the equity method because of the companies' ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies primarily through the board representation by a director and executive vice president dispatched from the companies. PAG is utilizing the companies' global network to develop its business activities outside the United States and, as part of the process, the companies substantively participate in the decision-making processes.

Associated companies are engaged primarily in the development of natural resources, power generation businesses outside Japan and the distribution of various products. The major geographic areas of such entities are the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania.

Investments in and advances to associated companies at March 31, 2009 and 2008 consisted of the following:

 

     Millions of Yen
     2009    2008

Investments in capital stock

   ¥ 1,115,804    ¥ 1,195,271

Advances

     159,686      137,771
             

Total

   ¥ 1,275,490    ¥ 1,333,042
             

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

The carrying value of the investments in associated companies exceeded the companies’ equity in the underlying net assets of such associated companies by ¥134,170 million and ¥221,187 million at March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The excess is attributed first to certain fair value adjustments on a net-of-tax basis at the time of the initial and subsequent investments in those companies with the remaining portion considered as equity method goodwill. The fair value adjustments are generally attributed to property and equipment which consist primarily of mineral rights amortized over their respective estimated useful lives, principally 8 to 42 years, using either the straight-line or the unit-of-production method.

Investments in common stock of publicly traded associated companies include marketable equity securities carried at ¥189,588 million and ¥236,506 million at March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Corresponding aggregate quoted market values were ¥179,217 million and ¥265,639 million, respectively.

 

Note: The carrying value and corresponding aggregate quoted market values of investments in common stock of publicly traded associated companies at March 31, 2008 have been corrected due to an immaterial error from ¥170,212 million and ¥187,164 million to ¥236,506 million and ¥265,639 million, respectively.

Summarized financial information for associated companies at March 31, 2009 and 2008 and for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:

 

     Millions of Yen
     2009    2008

Current assets

   ¥ 7,011,843    ¥ 5,282,249

Property and equipment—net of accumulated depreciation

     7,747,955      9,016,080

Other assets

     2,376,812      2,822,361
             

Total assets

   ¥ 17,136,610    ¥ 17,120,690
             

Current liabilities

   ¥ 4,054,649    ¥ 4,142,275

Long-term liabilities

     6,123,570      6,423,631

Minority interests

     3,035,523      2,557,145

Shareholders’ equity

     3,922,868      3,997,639
             

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   ¥ 17,136,610    ¥ 17,120,690
             

The companies’ equity in the net assets of associated companies

   ¥ 981,634    ¥ 974,084
             

 

     Millions of Yen
     2009    2008    2007

Revenues

   ¥ 11,969,061    ¥ 13,127,701    ¥ 9,332,451

Gross profit

     3,656,921      3,758,668      2,856,639

Net income

     621,013      1,065,978      958,522

The companies’ revenues and purchases from associated companies included in cost of revenues during the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:

 

     Millions of Yen
     2009    2008    2007

Revenues

   ¥ 85,506    ¥ 77,936    ¥ 108,706

Purchases

        327,417         323,664         279,215

Dividends received from associated companies for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 amounted to ¥96,594 million, ¥99,252 million and ¥110,072 million, respectively.

 

F-37


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

Consolidated unappropriated retained earnings at March 31, 2009 and 2008 included the companies’ equity in net undistributed earnings of associated companies in the amount of ¥352,703 million and ¥351,023 million, respectively.

 

7. ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL RECEIVABLES

An analysis of the change in the allowance for doubtful receivables is as follows:

 

      Millions of Yen  
     Current     Non-current     Total  

Year ended March 31, 2009:

      

Balance at beginning of year

   ¥ 23,289      ¥ 58,957      ¥ 82,246   

Credits charged off

     (5,658     (16,220     (21,878

Provision for doubtful receivables

     4,695        14,820        19,515   

Others

     (4,161     (5,674     (9,835
                        

Balance at end of year

   ¥ 18,165      ¥ 51,883      ¥ 70,048   
                        

Year ended March 31, 2008:

      

Balance at beginning of year

   ¥ 29,824      ¥ 69,775      ¥ 99,599   

Credits charged off

     (10,676     (13,010     (23,686

Provision for doubtful receivables

     4,041        4,032        8,073   

Others

     100        (1,840     (1,740
                        

Balance at end of year

   ¥ 23,289      ¥ 58,957      ¥ 82,246   
                        

Year ended March 31, 2007:

      

Balance at beginning of year

   ¥ 26,703      ¥ 84,513      ¥ 111,216   

Credits charged off

     (5,550     (19,546     (25,096

Provision for doubtful receivables

     7,879        3,994        11,873   

Others

     792        814        1,606   
                        

Balance at end of year

   ¥ 29,824      ¥ 69,775      ¥ 99,599   
                        

 

Note: “Others” principally includes the effect of deconsolidation of subsidiaries, reclassification to discontinued operations and the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates.

The recorded investment in impaired loans, as defined in SFAS No. 114 and amended by SFAS No. 118, and the allowance for doubtful receivables related to such loans at March 31, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

 

    Millions of Yen
    2009   2008
    Impaired
loans
  Allowance for
doubtful
receivables
  Impaired
loans
  Allowance for
doubtful
receivables

Impaired loans with an allowance for doubtful receivables

  ¥ 76,021   ¥ 57,468   ¥ 100,290   ¥ 55,197

Impaired loans without an allowance for doubtful receivables

    7,040     —       9,291     —  
                       

Total

  ¥ 83,061   ¥ 57,468   ¥ 109,581   ¥ 55,197
                       

 

F-38


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

The average investment in impaired loans and interest income on impaired loans for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:

 

      Millions of Yen
     2009    2008    2007

Average investment in impaired loans

   ¥ 96,321    ¥ 105,619    ¥ 108,761

Interest income recognized on impaired loans

     372      1,040      1,255

Interest income on impaired loans has been recognized mainly using the cash-basis method of accounting during the period that the loans were impaired.

 

8. LEASES

Lessor

The companies lease real estate, rolling stock, ocean transport vessels, aircraft, equipment and others.

Certain leases of rolling stock, aircraft, ocean transport vessels, equipment and others are classified as direct financing leases or leveraged leases, and the net investments are included as part of trade receivables—accounts and non-current receivables, less unearned interest in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The companies have no general obligation for principal and interest on notes and other instruments related to third-party participation in leveraged leases. Such notes and other instruments have not been included in liabilities but have been offset against the related lease receivables. The residual values represent the estimate of the values of the leased assets at the end of the lease contracts and are initially recorded based on appraisals and estimates. Realization of the residual values is dependent on the companies’ future ability to sell the related assets under then prevailing market conditions.

Other leases are classified as operating leases and the related assets are presented as property leased to others—at cost, less accumulated depreciation in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The following comprise the components of the net investment in direct financing leases as of March 31, 2009 and 2008:

 

     Millions of Yen  
     2009     2008  

Total minimum lease payments to be received

   ¥ 103,074      ¥ 116,864   

Estimated unguaranteed residual value of leased assets

     12,487        12,744   

Less unearned income

     (38,317     (47,357
                

Net investment in direct financing leases

   ¥ 77,244      ¥ 82,251   
                

 

F-39


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

The following is a schedule by years of future minimum lease payments to be received from direct financing leases as of March 31, 2009:

 

     Millions of Yen

Year ending March 31:

  

2010

   ¥ 13,192

2011

     12,704

2012

     12,446

2013

     12,447

2014

     12,413

Thereafter

     39,872
      

Total

   ¥ 103,074
      

The following represents the components of the net investment in leveraged leases as of March 31, 2009 and 2008:

 

     Millions of Yen  
     2009     2008  

Total minimum lease payments to be received (net of principal and interest on third-party nonrecourse debt)

   ¥ 3,912      ¥ 3,990   

Estimated unguaranteed residual value of leased assets

     4,637        4,728   

Less unearned income

     (2,024     (2,076
                

Investment in leveraged leases

     6,525        6,642   

Less deferred tax liabilities arising from leveraged leases

     (6,808     (6,979
                

Net investment in leveraged leases

   ¥ (283   ¥ (337
                

The following provides an analysis of the companies’ investment in property leased to others on operating leases by classes as of March 31, 2009 and 2008:

 

     Millions of Yen
     2009    2008
     Cost    Accumulated
depreciation
    Net    Cost    Accumulated
depreciation
    Net

Real estate

   ¥ 175,678    ¥ (71,999   ¥ 103,679    ¥ 152,437    ¥ (65,140   ¥ 87,297

Rolling stock

     57,239      (4,133     53,106      53,473      (3,375     50,098

Ocean transport vessels

     42,626      (10,479     32,147      40,806      (8,080     32,726

Equipment and others

     22,019      (11,747     10,272      24,917      (10,591     14,326
                                           

Total

   ¥ 297,562    ¥ (98,358   ¥ 199,204    ¥ 271,633    ¥ (87,186   ¥ 184,447
                                           

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

The following is a schedule by years of minimum future rentals on noncancelable operating leases as of March 31, 2009:

 

     Millions of Yen

Year ending March 31:

  

2010

   ¥ 9,788

2011

     7,505

2012

     5,540

2013

     4,619

2014

     3,901

Thereafter

     12,548
      

Total

   ¥ 43,901
      

Lessee

The companies lease equipment, real estate and others under capital leases. At March 31, 2009, approximately 50% of the capital leases are with the Company’s associated company, JA Mitsui Leasing, Ltd (former Mitsui Leasing & Development, Ltd.).

The following provides an analysis of the companies’ leased assets recorded under capital leases by classes as of March 31, 2009 and 2008:

 

     Millions of Yen
     2009    2008
     Cost    Accumulated
depreciation
    Net    Cost    Accumulated
depreciation
    Net

Equipment

   ¥ 26,421    ¥ (12,595   ¥ 13,826    ¥ 25,742    ¥ (11,438   ¥ 14,304

Real estate

     10,847      (3,272     7,575      12,651      (2,532     10,119

Others

     1,819      (1,009     810      2,643      (1,565     1,078
                                           

Total

   ¥ 39,087    ¥ (16,876   ¥ 22,211    ¥ 41,036    ¥ (15,535   ¥ 25,501
                                           

The following is a schedule by years of future minimum lease payments under capital leases together with components of the present value of the net minimum lease payments as of March 31, 2009. Minimum payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of ¥2,458 million due in the future under subleases:

 

     Millions of Yen  

Year ending March 31:

  

2010

   ¥ 8,089   

2011

     5,809   

2012

     6,068   

2013

     2,663   

2014

     2,161   

Thereafter

     5,635   
        

Total minimum lease payments

     30,425   
        

Less amount representing interest

     (3,597
        

Present value of net minimum lease payments

     26,828   

Less current capital lease obligations

     7,575   
        

Long-term capital lease obligations

   ¥ 19,253   
        

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

The companies lease real estate, rolling stock, ocean transport vessels, aircraft, equipment and others under operating leases. Most of the ocean transport vessels, aircraft and rolling stock under operating leases are subleased to third parties.

The Company and certain subsidiaries sold real estate to third parties for ¥393 million and ¥6,006 million in total during the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2007, respectively, and leased them back with terms ranging up to 10 years. The resulting leases were classified as operating leases. There were no such transactions during the year ended March 31, 2008.

The following is a schedule by years of future minimum rental payments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of March 31, 2009. Minimum payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of ¥40,404 million due in the future under noncancelable subleases:

 

     Millions of Yen

Year ending March 31:

  

2010

   ¥ 35,841

2011

     25,170

2012

     19,620

2013

     14,099

2014

     14,845

Thereafter

     32,875
      

Total

   ¥ 142,450
      

Rental expenses incurred for operating leases for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were ¥54,383 million, ¥53,179 million and ¥55,769 million, respectively. Sublease rental income for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were ¥23,447 million, ¥23,996 million and ¥25,716 million, respectively.

 

9. PLEDGED ASSETS AND FINANCIAL ASSETS ACCEPTED AS COLLATERAL

Pledged assets

At March 31, 2009 and 2008, the following assets (exclusive of assets covered by trust receipts discussed below) were pledged as collateral for certain liabilities of the companies:

 

     Millions of Yen
     2009    2008

Trade receivables (current and non-current)

   ¥ 102,634    ¥ 115,177

Inventories

     25,684      39,274

Investments

     281,554      71,770

Property leased to others (net book value)

     50,287      51,840

Property and equipment (net book value)

     63,044      33,639

Other

     14,621      1,561
             

Total

   ¥ 537,824    ¥ 313,261
             

 

F-42


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

The distribution of such collateral among short-term debt, long-term debt, and financial guarantees and other was as follows:

 

     Millions of Yen
     2009    2008

Short-term debt

   ¥ 33,293    ¥ 40,003

Long-term debt

     214,847      180,951

Financial guarantees and other

     289,684      92,307
             

Total

   ¥ 537,824    ¥ 313,261
             

Trust receipts issued under customary import financing arrangements (short-term bank loans and bank acceptances) give banks a security interest in the merchandise imported and/or the accounts receivable resulting from the sale of such merchandise. Because of the companies’ large volume of import transactions, it is not practicable to determine the total amount of assets covered by outstanding trust receipts.

In addition to the above, the Company has bank borrowings under certain provisions of loan agreements which require the Company, upon the request of the bank, immediately to provide collateral, which is not specified in the loan agreements. See Note 13, “SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT,” for certain bank loan agreements in which default provisions grant sale or possession rights of the pledged asset to lenders.

Financial assets accepted as collateral

At March 31, 2009 and 2008, the fair values of financial assets that the companies accepted as security for trade receivables and that they are permitted to sell or repledge consisted of the following:

 

     Millions of Yen
     2009    2008

Bank deposits

   ¥ 1,261    ¥ 1,648

Trade receivables—accounts

     1,492      2,209

Stocks and bonds

     3,654      5,798

There were no financial assets repledged or accepted as collateral under security repurchase agreements at March 31, 2009 and 2008.

 

10. IMPAIRMENT LOSS OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS

The companies have recognized an impairment loss of long-lived assets in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 144 during the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007. See Note 4, “DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS,” for the impairment loss of long-lived assets reported in discontinued operations.

The impairment loss of long-lived assets for the year ended March 31, 2009 consisted principally of equipment and fixtures and mineral rights of the Vincent oil fields owned by a subsidiary in Australia for exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas, Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Limited; office buildings owned by a real estate-related subsidiary in the United Kingdom, MBK Real Estate Europe Limited; and intangible assets such as customer relationships owned by a steel processing subsidiary in the United States, Steel Technologies Inc. The impairments for the year ended March 31, 2009 mainly related to revaluation of the assets due to a decline in oil prices, a decrease in profitability resulting from severe real estate market conditions in the United Kingdom, and steel demand contraction in the automotive and housing-related industries in the United States.

 

F-43


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

The impairment loss of long-lived assets for the year ended March 31, 2008 consisted principally of land held for development, and corporate residents and dormitories owned by the Company; power producing equipment owned by a domestic power producing subsidiary, GTF Green Power Co., Ltd. (Japan). The impairments for the year ended March 31, 2008 mainly related to the drastic change in the development plan, continuous fall of land prices in Japan, and declining profitability due to deterioration of operating environment of the domestic power producing industry.

The impairment loss of long-lived assets for the year ended March 31, 2007 consisted principally of intangible assets, such as know-how, owned by a domestic subsidiary, Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd. (Japan), which is one of the manufacturers of tea leaves in Japan; and land and buildings for certain businesses owned by a domestic subsidiary, Mitsui Foods Co., Ltd. (Japan). The impairments for the year ended March 31, 2007 mainly related to declining profitability due to deterioration of operating environment such as intensifying competition in both beverage and beverage materials, and the reorganization of business structure and distribution bases.

See Note 24, “EXIT OR DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES,” for the exit or disposal activities which resulted in recognition of an impairment loss of long-lived assets.

Impairment loss of long-lived assets recognized by operating segment for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:

 

     Millions of Yen  
     2009    2008    2007  

Iron & Steel Products

   ¥ 633    ¥ 192    ¥ 70   

Mineral & Metal Resources

     —        127      —     

Machinery & Infrastructure Projects

     2,595      4      602   

Chemical

     806      273      323   

Energy

     16,994      5,910      1,600   

Foods & Retail

     1,207      532      13,736   

Consumer Service & IT

     2,701      57      335   

Logistics & Financial Markets

     18      1,381      92   

Americas

     2,883      —        12   

Europe, the Middle East and Africa

     9,752      145      —     

Asia Pacific

     —        —        6   

All Other

     —        13,929      1,046   

Adjustments and Eliminations

     —        1,822      (249
                      

Consolidated Total

   ¥ 37,589    ¥ 24,372    ¥ 17,573   
                      

 

Note: “Adjustments and Eliminations” represents impairment losses related to assets not allocated to specific operating segments. The reclassifications to income from discontinued operations-net (after income tax effect) for the year ended March 31, 2007 are also included in “Adjustments and Eliminations.”

The fair value of the assets is calculated based on independent appraisals, market value or discounted future cash flows whichever management considers most appropriate.

In addition to the impairment loss of long-lived assets based on SFAS No. 144 shown in the above table, the impairment loss of intangible assets not subject to amortization based on SFAS No. 142 was included in impairment loss of long-lived assets in the Statements of Consolidated Income for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 as discussed in Note 12, “GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS.”

 

F-44


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

11. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

The companies recognized asset retirement obligations in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 143.

The asset retirement obligations are principally related to the costs of dismantling and removing mining, and oil and gas production facilities owned by subsidiaries in Australia and a domestic subsidiary which has interests in oil and gas in South East Asia, which are engaged in mining operations or oil and gas producing activities.

The changes in asset retirement obligations for the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

 

     Millions of Yen  
     2009     2008  

Balance at beginning of year

   ¥ 38,972      ¥ 42,052   

Liabilities incurred

     8,751        4,450   

Liabilities settled

     (238     (334

Disposition of assets

     —          (4,985

Accretion expense

     4,568        2,397   

Revisions in estimated cash flows

     7,077        —     

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (4,845     (4,608
                

Balance at end of year

   ¥ 54,285      ¥ 38,972   
                

 

12. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets subject to amortization at March 31, 2009 and 2008 consisted of the following:

 

     Millions of Yen
     2009    2008
     Gross carrying
amount
   Accumulated
amortization
   Gross carrying
amount
   Accumulated
amortization

Software

   ¥ 64,748    ¥ 35,804    ¥ 57,128    ¥ 29,518

Trademarks

     12,574      10,019      11,819      8,942

Customer relationships

     12,322      4,114      16,882      3,687

Patents

     8,487      8,324      8,284      8,089

Unpatented technologies

     6,286      6,141      5,485      5,412

Other

     27,604      16,487      38,891      18,726
                           

Total

   ¥ 132,021    ¥ 80,889    ¥ 138,489    ¥ 74,374
                           

The aggregate amortization expense of intangible assets for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was ¥13,777 million, ¥14,474 million and ¥14,995 million, respectively. The estimated aggregate amortization expense of intangible assets at March 31, 2009 for each of the next five years is as follows:

 

     Millions of Yen

Year ending March 31:

  

2010

   ¥ 14,420

2011

     10,627

2012

     8,014

2013

     5,526

2014

     3,023

 

F-45


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

Total carrying amount of intangible assets not subject to amortization (excluding goodwill) at March 31, 2009 and 2008 consisted of:

 

     Millions of Yen
     2009    2008

Land rights

   ¥ 7,689    ¥ 7,707

Trademarks

     762      838

Other

     3,282      3,356
             

Total

   ¥ 11,733    ¥ 11,901
             

Intangible assets subject to amortization acquired during the year ended March 31, 2009 totaled ¥17,668 million, and consisted primarily of software of ¥11,857 million. The weighted average amortization period for software is 5 years. Acquisition of intangible assets not subject to amortization during the year ended March 31, 2009 totaled ¥1,566 million.

Intangible assets subject to amortization acquired during the year ended March 31, 2008 totaled ¥22,668 million, and consisted primarily of software of ¥13,449 million and customer relationships of ¥3,646 million. The weighted average amortization periods for software and customer relationships are 5 years and 21 years, respectively. Acquisition of intangible assets not subject to amortization during the year ended March 31, 2008 totaled ¥1,704 million.

During the year ended March 31, 2009, the companies recognized impairment losses of ¥3,192 million on intangible assets subject to amortization and not subject to amortization (excluding goodwill) which are included in impairment loss of long-lived assets in the Statements of Consolidated Income. The impairment losses included in the Americas Segment consisted primarily of ¥2,561 million on the write-down of customer relationships (intangible assets subject to amortization) which were held by Steel Technologies Inc., a steel processing subsidiary in the United States. The impairments of customer relationships were due to the decrease in the fair value resulting from steel demand contraction in the automotive and housing-related industries in the United States. The fair value for the basis of determining the impairment loss was calculated based on the Excess Earnings Method.

The impairment losses recognized for intangible assets subject to amortization and not subject to amortization (excluding goodwill) for the year ended March 31, 2008 were immaterial.

During the year ended March 31, 2007, the companies recognized impairment losses of ¥12,247 million on intangible assets subject to amortization and not subject to amortization (excluding goodwill) which are included in impairment loss of long-lived assets in the Statements of Consolidated Income. The impairment losses included in the Foods & Retail Segment consisted primarily of ¥10,301 million and ¥1,848 million on the write-down of unpatented technologies (intangibles assets subject to amortization) and trademarks, (intangible assets not subject to amortization) which were held by Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd., a domestic subsidiary which is engaged in manufacturing tea-related beverage materials. The impairments of unpatented technologies and trademarks were mainly due to the decrease in the fair value resulting from the downturn in profitability according to the intensifying competition in the tea related materials industry. The fair value for the basis of determining the impairment loss was calculated based on discounted future cash flows.

 

F-46


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by operating segment for the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

 

     Millions of Yen  
    Iron &
Steel
Products
  Mineral &
Metal
Resources
    Machinery &
Infrastructure
Projects
    Chemical     Foods &
Retail
    Consumer
Service &
IT
    Americas     Consolidated
Total
 

Balance at April 1, 2007

  ¥ 872   ¥ 224      ¥ 11,491      ¥ 1,874      ¥ 1,142      ¥ 6,390      ¥ 15,254      ¥ 37,247   

Acquisition

    —       —          164        956        768        6,755        17,355        25,998   

Impairment losses

    —       —          —          —          —          (2,004     —          (2,004

Others

    —       (34     (197     (122     (19     (2,427     (5,954     (8,753
                                                             

Balance at March 31, 2008

    872     190        11,458        2,708        1,891        8,714        26,655        52,488   

Acquisition

    —       —          —          244        1,353        4,158        1,474        7,229   

Impairment losses

    —       —          (769     —          —          (4,199     (13,600     (18,568

Others

    —       (190     (1,964     (818     341        (4,515     (363     (7,509
                                                             

Balance at March 31, 2009

  ¥ 872     —        ¥ 8,725      ¥ 2,134      ¥ 3,585      ¥ 4,158      ¥ 14,166      ¥ 33,640   
                                                             

 

Notes:    (1)    “Others” principally includes the effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes, decrease as the result of deconsolidation of subsidiaries and purchase accounting adjustments.
   (2)    The figures for the year ended March 31, 2008 have been reclassified to conform to the current year segment presentation of the operating segment information as the composition of the reportable segment of the companies was changed.

The impairment losses included in the Consumer Service & IT Segment for the year ended March 31, 2009 consisted primarily of an impairment loss of ¥4,083 million for goodwill related to MITSUI KNOWLEDGE INDUSTRY CO., LTD. (“MKI”) which is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Because a decline in the MKI’s stock price was determined to represent an indicator of impairment, its goodwill was tested for impairment. As a result, the carrying amount of MKI exceeded its fair value and the impairment loss was recognized in the amount equal to the excess of the carrying amount of goodwill over the implied fair value of goodwill.

The impairment losses included in the Americas Segment for the year ended March 31, 2009 consisted primarily of an impairment loss of ¥6,353 million for goodwill related to Steel Technologies Inc., a steel processing subsidiary in the United States. Because of steel demand contraction in the automotive and housing-related industries in the United States, the carrying amount of the subsidiary exceeded its fair value and the impairment loss was recognized in the amount equal to the excess of the carrying amount of goodwill over the implied fair value of goodwill. The fair value of the subsidiary for the basis of determining the impairment loss of goodwill was calculated with a combination of the Discounted Cash Flow Method and the EBITDA Multiple Method.

The impairment losses included in the Consumer Service & IT Segment for the year ended March 31, 2008 consisted of an impairment loss of ¥2,004 million for goodwill related to MKI. Because a decline in the MKI’s stock price was determined to represent an indicator of impairment, its goodwill was tested for impairment. As a result, the carrying amount of MKI exceeded its fair value and the impairment loss was recognized in the amount equal to the excess of the carrying amount of goodwill over the implied fair value of goodwill.

The impairment losses included in the Foods & Retail Segment for the year ended March 31, 2007 consisted of an impairment loss of ¥16,528 million for goodwill related to Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd., a domestic subsidiary which is engaged in manufacturing tea-related beverage materials. Because the subsidiary experienced a downturn in profitability due to the intensifying competition in the tea-related materials industry, the carrying amount of the subsidiary exceeded its fair value and the impairment loss was recognized in the amount equal to the excess of the carrying amount of goodwill over the implied fair value of goodwill. The fair value of the subsidiary for the basis of determining the impairment loss of goodwill was calculated based on discounted future cash flows.

 

F-47


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

13. SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT

Short-term debt at March 31, 2009 and 2008 were comprised of the following:

 

     Millions of Yen  
     2009     2008  
          Interest
rate *1
         Interest
rate *1
 

Short-term bank loans and others

   ¥ 364,793      3.4   ¥ 367,329      4.0

Commercial paper

     78,391    0.7        86,740    2.0   

Notes under medium-term note programme

     10,545    0.9        9,512    0.9   
                          

Total

     453,729        463,581   

SFAS No. 133 fair value adjustment *2

     330        966   
                  

Total

   ¥ 454,059      ¥ 464,547   
                  

 

*1 The interest rates represent weighted average rates in effect at March 31, 2009 and 2008 regardless of borrowing currencies, though the range of the interest rates varies by borrowing currency.

 

*2 In accordance with the requirements of SFAS No. 133, the portion of the companies’ fixed-rate debt obligations that is designated and effective as a fair value hedge is reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as an amount equal to the sum of the debt’s carrying value plus an SFAS No. 133 fair value adjustment representing changes recorded in the fair value of the hedged debt obligations attributable to movements in the designated benchmark interest rates and applicable foreign currency exchange rates during the term of the hedge.

Unused lines of credit, for short-term financing outside Japan, aggregated ¥627,359 million at March 31, 2009. Certain foreign subsidiaries compensate banks for these facilities in the form of commitment fees, which were not material during the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008.

 

F-48


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

Long-term debt at March 31, 2009 and 2008 consisted of the following:

 

     Millions of Yen
     2009    2008

Long-term debt with collateral (Note 9):

     

Banks and insurance companies, maturing serially through 2045—principally 0.8% to 10.1%

   ¥ 66,164    ¥ 73,431

Government-owned banks and government agencies, maturing serially through 2056—principally 0.7% to 12.2%

     78,248      73,525

Other, maturing serially through 2020—principally 1.5% to 5.5%

     78      4,561

Japanese yen bonds (floating rate 1.2% to 1.4%, due 2010)

     3,650      1,750
             

Total

     148,140      153,267
             

Long-term debt without collateral:

     

Banks and others (principally insurance companies):

     

Principally 0.3% to 6.0%, maturing serially through 2028

     1,792,324      1,724,797

Principally 0.2% to 14.8%, maturing serially through 2021 (payable in foreign currencies)

     549,864      559,169

Bonds and notes:

     

Japanese yen convertible bonds (fixed rate 1.05%, due 2009)

     3,801      7,960

U.S. dollar convertible bonds (zero coupon, due 2010)

     981      1,001

Japanese yen bonds with early redemption clause (fixed rate 0.7%, due 2013–2015)

     26,000      26,000

Japanese yen bonds with early redemption clause (fixed and floating rate: floating rate 1.3%, due 2016)

     10,000      10,000

Japanese yen bonds (fixed rate 0.7% to 3.2%, due 2009–2027)

     329,971      320,175

Japanese yen bonds (fixed and floating rate: floating rate 0.9% to 2.5%, due 2013–2024)

     101,500      101,500

Japanese yen bonds (floating rate 0.9% to 2.1%, due 2010–2017)

     102,000      102,000

Reverse dual currency yen/U.S. dollar bonds (fixed rate 3.0%, due 2012)

     10,000      10,000

Notes under global medium-term note programme (fixed rate 2.3% to 4.6%, due 2009–2014)

     4,666      6,722

Notes under euro medium-term note programme (fixed rate 0.4% to 5.2%, due 2008–2019)

     63,808      123,210

Notes under euro medium-term note programme (floating rate 0.2% to 3.3%, due 2009–2017)

     6,567      14,191

Notes under euro medium-term note programme (fixed and floating rate: floating rate 0.2% to 3.7%, due 2012–2024)

     9,518      10,502

Capital lease obligations (principally 0.3% to 7.9%, maturing serially through 2030)

     26,828      30,809
             

Total

     3,037,828      3,048,036
             

Total

     3,185,968      3,201,303

SFAS No. 133 fair value adjustment*

     28,530      19,700
             

Total

     3,214,498      3,221,003

Less current maturities

     373,197      276,620
             

Long-term debt, less current maturities

   ¥ 2,841,301    ¥ 2,944,383
             

 

* In accordance with the requirements of SFAS No. 133, the portion of the companies’ fixed-rate debt obligations that is designated and effective as a fair value hedge is reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as an amount equal to the sum of the debt’s carrying value plus an SFAS No. 133 fair value adjustment representing changes recorded in the fair value of the hedged debt obligations attributable to movements in the designated benchmark interest rates and applicable foreign currency exchange rates during the term of the hedge.

 

F-49


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

The companies have entered into currency swap agreements and interest rate swap agreements in connection with certain bonds, notes and other long-term borrowings. The floating interest rates for interest rate swap agreements are generally based on the three-month or six-month LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate). The three-month and six-month LIBORs for U.S. dollar denominated debt as of March 31, 2009 were 1.19% and 1.74%, respectively. The three-month and six-month LIBORs for U.S. dollar denominated debt as of March 31, 2008 were 2.69% and 2.61%, respectively. (See Note 25, “DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES,” and Note 26, “FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS.”)

The 1.05% Convertible Bonds due 2009 may be converted into common stock at ¥876.60 per share, at the option of the holder and may be redeemed at the option of the Company at specified percentages of the principal.

The indenture, under which the bonds were issued, does not require maintenance of a prescribed amount of net assets, a minimum debt/equity ratio or limits on the payment of cash dividends by the Company.

Substantially all short-term and long-term bank borrowings are made under agreements which, as is customary in Japan, provide that under certain conditions a bank may require the borrower to provide collateral (or additional collateral) or guarantors with respect to the borrowings and that the bank may treat any collateral, whether furnished as security for short-term or long-term loans or otherwise, as collateral for all indebtedness to such bank. Default provisions of certain loan agreements grant sale or possession rights of the pledged assets to the lenders.

Under certain loan agreements with government-owned banks, the creditors may require the companies to submit proposals as to the payment of dividends and other appropriations of earnings for the creditors’ review and approval before presentation to the shareholders. Certain of those agreements require the borrower, upon the request of the lender, to reduce outstanding loans before scheduled maturity dates when the lender considers that the companies are able to reduce such loans as result of increased earnings or from the proceeds from the sale of common stock or bonds and notes. During the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, the companies did not receive any such requests, and there is no expectation that any such requests will be made.

Maturities of long-term debt outstanding at March 31, 2009 were as follows, excluding the effect of the SFAS No. 133 fair value adjustment:

 

     Millions of Yen

Year ending March 31:

  

2010

   ¥ 371,268

2011

     336,720

2012

     309,973

2013

     311,594

2014

     378,079

Thereafter

     1,478,334
      

Total

   ¥ 3,185,968
      

 

14. PENSION COSTS AND SEVERANCE INDEMNITIES

The Company and certain subsidiaries have non-contributory and contributory defined benefit pension plans, covering substantially all employees other than directors.

The primary pension plan is the Company’s contributory Corporate Pension Fund (“CPF”) under the Defined Benefit Corporate Pension Law. The benefits from CPF are based on the length of service.

 

F-50


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

Effective April 1, 2006, the Company converted certain portions of CPF into a defined contribution plan and a cash balance plan. The cash balance plan calculates its benefits using a percentage of employees’ annual salary and an interest crediting rate.

The Company and certain subsidiaries have unfunded severance indemnities plans. Benefits under the plans are based on the level of compensation at retirement, or earlier termination of employment, and the length of service.

The Companies use a measurement date of March 31 for their defined benefit pension plans.

Effective March 31, 2007, the companies adopted the recognition and related disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 158, which require the recognition of the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit plan as an asset or liability in the statement of financial position and the recognition of changes in that funded status in comprehensive income in the year in which the changes occur. The following table sets forth the incremental effect of adoption of these provisions on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2007.

 

     Millions of Yen  
     Before
adoption of
SFAS No.
158
    Adjustments     After
adoption of
SFAS

No. 158
 

Investments in and advances to associated companies

   ¥ 0      ¥ 2,180      ¥ 2,180   

Intangible assets

     553        (553     —     

Other assets (prepaid pension costs)

     108,027        11,138        119,165   

Accrued expenses—others

     —          (624     (624

Accrued pension costs and liability for severance indemnities

     (32,733     (476     (33,209

Deferred tax assets (liabilities)

     3,185        (5,019     (1,834

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)

     4,359        (6,646     (2,287

 

F-51


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

Obligations and funded status

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the companies’ benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status of the plans:

 

     Millions of Yen  
     2009     2008  

Change in benefit obligation:

    

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

   ¥ 278,220      ¥ 283,105   

Service cost

     10,033        10,244   

Interest cost

     6,282        6,244   

Plan participants’ contributions

     430        430   

Plan amendments

     66        (832

Actuarial (gain) loss

     (664     1,218   

Benefits paid from plan assets

     (12,406     (12,106

Direct benefit payments

     (2,056     (2,442

Settlements

     (597     (555

Acquisitions and divestitures

     (897     (4,451

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (3,438     (2,635
                

Benefit obligation at end of year

     274,973        278,220   
                

Change in plan assets:

    

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

     308,266        368,437   

Actual loss on plan assets

     (57,114     (48,054

Employer contribution

     4,572        7,838   

Plan participants’ contributions

     430        430   

Benefits paid from plan assets

     (12,406     (12,106

Settlements

     (155     (93

Acquisitions and divestitures

     912        (6,196

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (2,147     (1,990
                

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

     242,358        308,266   
                

Funded status at end of year

   ¥ (32,615   ¥ 30,046   
                

Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:

    

Other assets (prepaid pension costs)

   ¥ 1,975      ¥ 64,015   

Accrued expenses—others

     (776     (1,215

Accrued pension costs and liability for severance indemnities

     (33,814     (32,754
                
   ¥ (32,615   ¥ 30,046   
                

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss before income tax effect consist of:

    

Prior service cost

   ¥ 1,949      ¥ 2,288   

Net actuarial loss

     116,476        53,182   
                
   ¥ 118,425      ¥ 55,470   
                

 

F-52


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

The prior service cost/credit is amortized over the average remaining service period of employees expected to receive related benefits.

The amortization periods of the net actuarial gain/loss are seven years for CPF and the average remaining service period for other defined benefit pension plans.

The accumulated benefit obligation for the companies’ defined benefit pension plans as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 was ¥271,938 million and ¥275,416 million, respectively.

The aggregate projected benefit obligation and aggregate fair value of plan assets for plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were ¥48,641 million and ¥14,042 million at March 31, 2009 and ¥56,250 million and ¥22,388 million at March 31, 2008. The aggregate accumulated benefit obligation and aggregate fair value of plan assets for plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were ¥45,956 million and ¥14,042 million at March 31, 2009 and ¥45,689 million and ¥14,018 million at March 31, 2008.

Components of net periodic pension costs and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive loss

Net periodic pension costs of the companies’ defined benefit pension plans for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive loss for the year ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 included the following components:

 

     Millions of Yen  
     2009     2008     2007  

Service cost—benefits earned during the period

   ¥ 10,033      ¥ 10,244      ¥ 10,081   

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation

     6,282        6,244        6,404   

Expected return on plan assets

     (9,470     (10,227     (9,855

Amortization of prior service cost

     (173     (116     (165

Amortization of net actuarial loss

     2,851        679        1,200   

Settlement gain

     —          —          (115
                        

Net periodic pension costs

   ¥ 9,523      ¥ 6,824      ¥ 7,550   
                        

Prior service cost arising during period

Amortization of prior service cost

Net actuarial loss arising during period

Amortization of net actuarial loss

Acquisition and divestitures

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   ¥

 

 

 

 

 

66

173

65,044

(2,851

129

(729

  

  

  

  

  ¥

 

 

 

 

 

(832

116

59,499

(679

(393

(300


  

  

 
                  

Total recognized in other comprehensive loss

     61,832        57,411     
                  

Total recognized in net periodic pension costs and other comprehensive loss

   ¥ 71,355      ¥ 64,235     
                  

The estimated prior service cost and net actuarial loss of the companies that will be amortized for the year ending March 31, 2010 are as follows:

 

     Millions of Yen  
     2010  

Amortization of prior service cost

   ¥ 97   

Amortization of net actuarial loss

     (12,712

 

F-53


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

Assumptions

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine the companies’ benefit obligations as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 are set forth as follows:

 

         2009             2008      

Discount rate

   2.5   2.5

Rate of increase in future compensation levels

   0.8      0.8   

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine the companies’ net periodic pension costs for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 are set forth as follows:

 

         2009             2008             2007      

Discount rate

   2.5   2.5   2.5

Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets

   3.2      2.9      2.7   

Rate of increase in future compensation levels

   0.8      0.8      0.8   

The companies determine the discount rates each year as of the measurement date, based on a review of interest rates associated with long-term Japanese government bonds or high-quality fixed-income corporate bonds. The discount rates determined on each measurement date are used to calculate the benefit obligation as of that date, and are also used to calculate the net periodic pension costs for the upcoming plan year.

The rate of increase in future compensation levels was not applied in determining the projected benefit obligation of CPF other than the cash balance plan, because the benefit formulas of these plans do not contain factors relating to compensation levels.

The Company determines the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets based on the weighted-average rate of return computed by using the expected long-term rate of return on each asset class, which is derived from an extensive study conducted by investment advisors and actuaries on a periodic basis, and the target allocations for each asset class. The study includes a review of anticipated future performance with market analysis of individual asset classes, and also gives appropriate consideration to actual historical returns achieved by the plans. The subsidiaries determine the expected long-term rates of return on plan assets mainly based on the expectations for future returns by investment advisors and actuaries.

Plan assets

The companies’ pension plan weighted-average asset allocations based on the fair value of such assets as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 are set forth as follows:

 

Asset category

       2009             2008      

Equity securities

   41   48

Debt securities

   42      37   

Life insurance company general accounts

   8      6   

Cash and deposits

   3      3   

Other

   6      6   
            

Total

   100   100
            

Equity securities include securities held in the Company’s employee retirement benefit trust. The fair value of those securities as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 are 19% and 25% of total fair value of plan assets, respectively. Life insurance company general accounts are pooled investment portfolios managed by insurance companies and guarantee a minimum rate of return.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

The Company’s investment objective is to build high quality plan assets, and the investment policy is targeted to ensure adequate returns available to provide future payments of pension benefits and severance indemnities. The basic strategy is diversified investment in various asset classes which have different risk return characteristics. The Company sometimes uses derivative instruments to hedge the exposure to changes in the fair value of debt and equity securities, but never uses them for speculation. The subsidiaries’ investment strategies are mainly based on diversified investment, and are targeted to stably ensure adequate returns to provide future payments of pension benefits over the long term.

The companies’ weighted-average target allocation of plan assets as of March 31, 2009 was 44% equity securities (including securities held in the employee retirement benefit trust), 55% debt securities (including life insurance company general accounts) and 1% other assets.

The fair value of equity securities of the companies and associated companies included in plan assets as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 were immaterial.

Cash flows

Contributions

The companies expect to contribute ¥4,240 million to their defined benefit pension plans for the year ending March 31, 2010.

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:

 

     Millions of Yen

Year ending March 31:

  

2010

   ¥ 14,178

2011

     14,417

2012

     14,851

2013

     15,281

2014

     15,215

2015-2019

     77,283

In addition to the above defined benefit pension plans, certain subsidiaries participate in a multiemployer plan (Mitsui Union Pension Fund). The companies recorded ¥2,156 million, ¥ 1,740 million and ¥1,860 million as costs of the multiemployer plan for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The Company and certain subsidiaries have defined contribution plans. For the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, the companies recorded ¥1,895 million, ¥1,037 million and ¥1,085 million as costs of defined contribution plans.

The Company also provides the “Early Retirement Support Plan” to eligible employees, which guarantees, prior to normal retirement age, certain supplemental payments based on preretirement compensation levels. During the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Company recorded ¥2,490 million, ¥3,053 million and ¥3,368 million of periodic payments in excess of previous projections and projected benefits based on factors including the history of benefit payments as selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

15. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Effective May 1, 2006, a new companies act of Japan (the “Companies Act”) reformed and replaced the Commercial Code of Japan (the “Code”).

Common stock

Under the Companies Act, certain issuances of common stock, including conversions of bonds and notes and exercises of warrants issued, are required to be credited to the common stock account for at least 50% of the amount of properties contributed by persons who become shareholders at share issue.

Capital surplus and retained earnings

The Companies Act provides that an amount equal to 10% of distribution must be appropriated as additional paid-in capital or a legal reserve depending on the equity account charged upon the payment of such distribution until the total aggregate amount of capital surplus and legal reserve equals 25% of the common stock. The Companies Act also provides that common stock, capital surplus, legal reserve and unappropriated retained earnings can be transferred among the accounts under certain conditions upon resolution of the shareholders, while it is no longer allowed to transfer a portion of retained earnings to the common stock account. The adjustments included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for U.S. GAAP purposes but not recorded in the general books of account have no effect on the above transfer under the Companies Act. Additional amounts recorded as capital surplus to conform with U.S. GAAP were ¥68,279 million at March 31, 2009 and primarily relate to accounting for warrants, business combinations and expenses for the issuance of common stock. When debt securities were previously issued with detachable stock purchase warrants, the portion of the proceeds which was allocable to the warrants was credited to capital surplus under U.S. GAAP. In addition, the step acquisition of the shares held by minority shareholders of a subsidiary by selling unissued shares of the Company was accounted for by the purchase method under U.S. GAAP rather than by the pooling of interests method which was prevailing in Japan when such business combinations occurred.

Pursuant to the resolution of the Board of Directors, the Company made free distributions of common stock in prior years. Such free distributions did not result in the transfer of retained earnings to common stock or capital surplus. Corporations in the United States issuing shares in similar transactions would be required to account for them as stock dividends as of the shareholders’ record date by reducing retained earnings and increasing appropriate capital accounts by an amount equal to the fair value of the shares issued. If such United States practice had been applied to the above free distributions of shares made on and after September 30, 1986, capital surplus at March 31, 2009 would have been increased by ¥87,860 million with a corresponding decrease in unappropriated retained earnings.

Dividends

Under the Companies Act, the amount available for distribution is calculated as of the effective date which is determined by the resolution of the shareholders at the shareholders’ meeting. Such amount is calculated based on the amount of capital surplus, exclusive of additional paid-in capital, and retained earnings, exclusive of retained earnings appropriated for legal reserve, recorded in the general books of account in accordance with accepted Japanese accounting practices. The adjustments included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for U.S. GAAP purposes but not recorded in the general books of account have no effect on the calculation of the amount available for distribution under the Companies Act. The amount of retained earnings available for dividends would amount to ¥237,913 million, if the amount were to be calculated at March 31, 2009.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

The Companies Act permits to pay dividends at any time during the fiscal year in addition to the year-end dividend upon resolution of shareholders at the shareholders’ meeting. A mid-year interim dividend may be paid by resolution of the Board of Directors, subject to limitations imposed by the Companies Act. See Note 13, “SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT,” for the right of certain creditors to review and approve the companies’ proposal for the payment of dividends.

Purchase by the Company of shares

The Companies Act permits the Company to purchase and hold its own shares. The Company is allowed to decide the number, amount and others of the shares to be acquired, not to exceed the amount available for distribution, subject to the prior approval of the shareholders at the shareholders' meeting. The Companies Act permits the Company to purchase its own shares through market transactions or tender offer upon the approval of the Board of Directors, as far as it is permitted under the Articles of Incorporation, subject to limitations imposed by the Companies Act. At the ordinary general meeting of shareholders held on June 24, 2004, it was approved that the Company amended the Articles of Incorporation to entitle the Board of Directors to purchase outstanding shares of the Company's own common stock by its resolution.

The Company may dispose of them, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, unless otherwise specified in the Companies Act, or as far as the Articles of Incorporation do not require a resolution of the shareholders at the shareholders’ meeting. In addition, the Companies Act enables the Company to retire its own shares by resolution of the Board of Directors.

The Code

Effective May 1, 2006, the Companies Act reformed and replaced the Code, while Japanese companies were subject to the Code until April 30, 2006. Under the Companies Act, it is no longer allowed to transfer a portion of retained earnings to the common stock account, while it was allowed under the Code.

Under the Companies Act, additional paid-in capital is allowed to be transferred to common stock account by the approval of shareholders’ meeting, on the other hand it could be transferred by the resolution of the Board of Directors.

Under the Companies Act, the total amount of additional paid-in capital and legal reserve may be reversed without limitation. Under the Code, the aggregate amount of additional paid-in capital and legal reserve that exceeds 25% of common stock could be made available for dividends by resolution of the shareholders.

The Companies Act permits dividends at any time during the fiscal year upon resolution at the shareholders’ meeting. Under the Code, except for a mid-year interim dividend, it was permitted by approval by the ordinary general meeting of shareholders held subsequent to the fiscal year.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

Changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

 

     Millions of Yen  
     2009     2008     2007  

Unrealized Holding Gains and Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities:

      

Balance at beginning of year

   ¥ 140,446      ¥ 258,922      ¥ 216,099   

Pre-tax amount of unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale securities

     (231,387     (203,919     89,910   

Deferred income taxes

     88,664        85,601        (32,663
                        

Adjustments for year (after income tax effect)

     (142,723     (118,318     57,247   
                        

Pre-tax amount of reclassification adjustments

     74,793        (504     (24,804

Deferred income taxes

     (28,253     346        10,380   
                        

Adjustments for year (after income tax effect)

     46,540        (158     (14,424
                        

Balance at end of year

   ¥ 44,263      ¥ 140,446      ¥ 258,922   
                        

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments:

      

Balance at beginning of year

   ¥ (135,196   ¥ (9,409   ¥ (83,279

Pre-tax amount of translation adjustments

     (277,790     (145,615     81,801   

Deferred income taxes

     29,036        18,439        (9,385
                        

Adjustments for year (after income tax effect)

     (248,754     (127,176     72,416   
                        

Pre-tax amount of reclassification adjustments

     (507     1,267        2,780   

Deferred income taxes

     (161     122        (1,326
                        

Adjustments for year (after income tax effect)

     (668     1,389        1,454   
                        

Balance at end of year

   ¥ (384,618   ¥ (135,196   ¥ (9,409
                        

Minimum Pension Liability Adjustment:

      

Balance at beginning of year

     —          —        ¥ (5,417

Pre-tax amount

     —          —          1,593   

Deferred income taxes

     —          —          (535
                        

Adjustments for year (after income tax effect)

     —          —          1,058   
                        

Pre-tax amount of adjustment to initially apply SFAS No. 158

     —          —          7,544   

Deferred income taxes

     —          —          (3,185
                        

Adjustments for year (after income tax effect)

     —          —          4,359   
                        

Balance at end of year

     —          —          —     
                        

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

     Millions of Yen  
     2009     2008     2007  

Defined Benefit Pension Plans:

      

Balance at beginning of year

   ¥ (32,160   ¥ 2,287        —     

Pre-tax amount of defined benefit pension plan

     (64,556     (58,934     —     

Deferred income taxes

     26,452        24,181        —     
                        

Adjustments for year (after income tax effect)

     (38,104     (34,753     —     
                        

Pre-tax amount of reclassification adjustments

     2,678        519        —     

Deferred income taxes

     (1,097     (213     —     
                        

Adjustments for year (after income tax effect)

     1,581        306        —     
                        

Pre-tax amount of adjustment to initially apply SFAS No. 158

     —          —        ¥ 4,121   

Deferred income taxes

     —          —          (1,834
                        

Adjustments for year (after income tax effect)

     —          —          2,287   
                        

Balance at end of year

   ¥ (68,683   ¥ (32,160   ¥ 2,287   
                        

Net Unrealized Gains and Losses on Derivatives:

      

Balance at beginning of year

   ¥ 1,135      ¥ 8,930      ¥ 2,439   

Pre-tax amount of net unrealized gains and losses on derivatives

     (24,526     (3,403     3,388   

Deferred income taxes

     8,833        13        447   
                        

Adjustments for year (after income tax effect)

     (15,693     (3,390     3,835   
                        

Pre-tax amount of reclassification adjustments

     2,959        (6,139     4,289   

Deferred income taxes

     (860     1,734        (1,633
                        

Adjustments for year (after income tax effect)

     2,099        (4,405     2,656   
                        

Balance at end of year

   ¥ (12,459   ¥ 1,135      ¥ 8,930   
                        

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)—Total:

      

Balance at beginning of year

   ¥ (25,775   ¥ 260,730      ¥ 129,842   

Pre-tax amount

     (518,336     (416,728     158,957   

Deferred income taxes

     122,614        130,223        (34,715
                        

Other comprehensive income (loss) for year (after income tax effect)

     (395,722     (286,505     124,242   
                        

Pre-tax amount of adjustment to initially apply SFAS No. 158

     —          —          11,665   

Deferred income taxes

     —          —          (5,019
                        

Adjustments to initially apply SFAS No. 158 (after income tax effect)

     —          —          6,646   
                        

Balance at end of year

   ¥ (421,497   ¥ (25,775   ¥ 260,730   
                        

 

Note:

   The pre-tax amount and deferred taxes about unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale securities at March 31, 2007 has been corrected due to an immaterial error from ¥123,931 million and ¥(66,684) million to ¥89,910 million and ¥(32,663) million, respectively.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

16. NET INCOME PER SHARE

The following is a reconciliation of basic net income per share to diluted net income per share for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007:

 

    2009   2008   2007
    Net income
(numerator)
  Shares
(denominator)
  Per share
amount
  Net income
(numerator)
  Shares
(denominator)
  Per share
amount
  Net income
(numerator)
  Shares
(denominator)
  Per share
amount
    Millions of
Yen
 

In

Thousands

  Yen   Millions of
Yen
 

In

Thousands

  Yen   Millions of
Yen
 

In

Thousands

  Yen

Basic Net Income per Share:

                 

Income from continuing operations

  ¥ 177,607   1,820,018   ¥ 97.59   ¥ 339,077   1,804,877   ¥ 187.87   ¥ 299,126   1,730,214   ¥ 172.88

Income from discontinued operations—net (after income tax effect)

    —     —       —       70,984   1,804,877     39.33     2,376   1,730,214     1.38

Net income available to common shareholders

    177,607   1,820,018     97.59     410,061   1,804,877     227.20     301,502   1,730,214     174.26
                             

Effect of Dilutive Securities:

                 

Japanese yen convertible bonds

    28   5,193       76   19,379       413   96,004  
                                   

Diluted Net Income per Share:

                 

Income from continuing operations

    177,635   1,825,211     97.32     339,153   1,824,256     185.91     299,539   1,826,218     164.02

Income from discontinued operations—net (after income tax effect)

    —     —       —       70,984   1,824,256     38.91     2,376   1,826,218     1.30

Net income available to common shareholders after effect of dilutive securities

  ¥ 177,635   1,825,211   ¥ 97.32   ¥ 410,137   1,824,256   ¥ 224.82   ¥ 301,915   1,826,218   ¥ 165.32
                                               

 

17. SEGMENT INFORMATION

SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” requires disclosure of financial and descriptive information about operating segments, which are components of an enterprise whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the enterprise’s chief operating decision maker in deciding about resources to be allocated to the segment and assessing its performance.

The business units of the companies’ Head Office, which are organized based on “products and services,” plan overall and worldwide strategies for their products and services and conduct their worldwide operations. The business units also collaborate with the regional business units in planning and executing their strategies for products and regions. The regional business units are delegated the business of their regions as the centers of each particular regional strategy and operate diversified business together with their subsidiaries and associated companies in collaboration with the business units.

Therefore, the companies’ operating segments consist of product-focused operating segments comprised of the business units of the Head Office and region-focused operating segments comprised of the regional business units. The companies’ operating segments have been aggregated based on the nature of the products and other criteria into eight product-focused reportable operating segments and three region-focused reportable operating segments, totaling eleven reportable operating segments.

Effective April 1, 2008, some of the chemical and automobile subsidiaries located in North and South America, which had been included in “Chemical” and “Machinery & Infrastructure Projects” respectively, were transferred to “Americas” to further strengthen the regional strategies of these subsidiaries.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

The operating segment information for the year ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 has been restated to conform to the current year presentation.

A description of reportable operating segments of the Company follows.

Iron & Steel Products manufactures, sells and trades iron & steel products in Japan and abroad.

Mineral & Metal Resources develops raw material resources of iron and non-ferrous metals in foreign countries, and manufactures, sells and trades raw materials and metal products in Japan and abroad.

Machinery & Infrastructure Projects is engaged in the manufacture, sale and trade of machinery products, leasing, financing and promotion of certain projects such as plant constructions and infrastructure buildings in Japan and abroad.

Chemical manufactures, sells and trades chemical products in Japan and abroad.

Energy develops energy resources overseas and manufactures, sells and trades oil, gas and related products in Japan and abroad.

Foods & Retail manufactures, sells and trades foods and provides support service to large retailers in Japan and abroad.

Consumer Service & IT manufactures, sells and trades textiles and IT products for consumer, and is engaged in consumer-related business such as media & information, outsourcing business and real estate business in Japan and abroad.

Logistics & Financial Markets engages in logistics services, insurance and financial businesses in Japan and abroad.

Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific trade in various commodities and conduct related business led by overseas trading subsidiaries or offices located in each region.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

The companies’ operating segment information, product information and geographic area information for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 presented in conformity with SFAS No. 131 are as follows:

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

    Millions of Yen  

Year ended

March 31, 2009:

  Iron &
Steel
Products
    Mineral &
Metal
Resources
  Machinery &
Infrastructure
Projects
  Chemical     Energy   Foods &
Retail
    Consumer
Service &
IT
    Logistics &
Financial
Markets
 

Total trading transactions:

  ¥ 1,522,500      ¥ 1,111,812   ¥ 2,039,785   ¥ 2,103,105      ¥ 3,150,312   ¥ 1,985,652      ¥ 690,933      ¥ 215,222   
                                                         

Gross profit

  ¥ 52,204      ¥ 119,199   ¥ 106,279   ¥ 79,976      ¥ 272,001   ¥ 82,402      ¥ 73,665      ¥ 62,123   
                                                         

Operating income (loss)

  ¥ 17,387      ¥ 104,526   ¥ 15,973   ¥ 24,185      ¥ 214,083   ¥ 18,986      ¥ (12,816   ¥ 23,781   
                                                         

Equity in earnings (losses) of associated companies

  ¥ (1,256   ¥ 39,412   ¥ 13,933   ¥ 1,659      ¥ 44,103   ¥ (3,786   ¥ 2,007      ¥ (10,542
                                                         

Net income (loss)

  ¥ (4,766   ¥ 90,045   ¥ 21,810   ¥ (10,209   ¥ 153,322   ¥ 1,548      ¥ (31,365   ¥ (14,511
                                                         

Total assets at March 31, 2009

  ¥ 523,034      ¥ 782,074   ¥ 1,400,813   ¥ 546,046      ¥ 1,476,420   ¥ 616,569      ¥ 556,367      ¥ 576,509   
                                                         

Investments in and advances to associated companies at March 31, 2009

  ¥ 20,655      ¥ 409,197   ¥ 324,532   ¥ 39,942      ¥ 138,519   ¥ 81,045      ¥ 117,073      ¥ 16,503   
                                                         

Depreciation and amortization

  ¥ 2,436      ¥ 6,392   ¥ 8,815   ¥ 9,103      ¥ 84,108   ¥ 6,492      ¥ 6,150      ¥ 3,635   
                                                         

Additions to property leased to others and property and equipment

  ¥ 6,403      ¥ 43,270   ¥ 47,101   ¥ 8,366      ¥ 96,352   ¥ 5,995      ¥ 6,349      ¥ 2,333   
                                                         

 

    Millions of Yen

Year ended

March 31, 2009:

  Americas     Europe, the
Middle East
and Africa
    Asia
Pacific
    Total   All Other     Adjustments
and
Eliminations
    Consolidated
Total

Total trading transactions:

  ¥ 1,517,443      ¥ 527,323      ¥ 480,678      ¥ 15,344,765   ¥ 2,898      ¥ 262      ¥ 15,347,925
                                                   

Gross profit

  ¥ 115,976      ¥ 22,155      ¥ 26,586      ¥ 1,012,566   ¥ 2,879      ¥ 861      ¥ 1,016,306
                                                   

Operating income (loss)

  ¥ 39,015      ¥ (1,947   ¥ (1,568   ¥ 441,605   ¥ (2,914   ¥ (44,020   ¥ 394,671
                                                   

Equity in earnings (losses) of associated companies

  ¥ (2,231   ¥ 335      ¥ 1,023      ¥ 84,657   ¥ 49      ¥ 101      ¥ 84,807
                                                   

Net income (loss)

  ¥ (7,123   ¥ (11,469   ¥ 30,582      ¥ 217,864   ¥ 6,490      ¥ (46,747   ¥ 177,607
                                                   

Total assets at March 31, 2009

  ¥ 572,972      ¥ 148,490      ¥ 258,757      ¥ 7,458,051   ¥ 2,867,307      ¥ (1,961,115   ¥ 8,364,243
                                                   

Investments in and advances to associated companies at March 31, 2009

  ¥ 31,392      ¥ 15,534      ¥ 55,180      ¥ 1,249,572   ¥ 1,847      ¥ 24,071      ¥ 1,275,490
                                                   

Depreciation and amortization

  ¥ 10,042      ¥ 1,153      ¥ 677      ¥ 139,003   ¥ 636      ¥ 7,487      ¥ 147,126
                                                   

Additions to property leased to others and property and equipment

  ¥ 15,303      ¥ 11,964      ¥ 1,074      ¥ 244,510   ¥ 356      ¥ 8,772      ¥ 253,638
                                                   

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

    Millions of Yen  

Year ended

March 31, 2008

(As restated):

  Iron &
Steel
Products
  Mineral &
Metal
Resources
  Machinery &
Infrastructure
Projects
  Chemical   Energy   Foods &
Retail
  Consumer
Service &

IT
  Logistics &
Financial
Markets
 

Total trading transactions:

  ¥ 1,495,085   ¥ 1,528,024   ¥ 2,459,642   ¥ 2,560,518   ¥ 2,644,288   ¥ 2,009,870   ¥ 1,148,823   ¥ 171,967   
                                                 

Gross profit

  ¥ 61,344   ¥ 95,765   ¥ 119,749   ¥ 100,155   ¥ 219,267   ¥ 81,229   ¥ 116,657   ¥ 55,142   
                                                 

Operating income (loss)

  ¥ 25,600   ¥ 78,970   ¥ 30,110   ¥ 42,776   ¥ 172,455   ¥ 16,584   ¥ 18,967   ¥ 20,879   
                                                 

Equity in earnings (losses) of associated companies

  ¥ 4,901   ¥ 71,216   ¥ 20,261   ¥ 5,819   ¥ 36,838   ¥ 3,092   ¥ 8,197   ¥ (1,858
                                                 

Net income (loss)

  ¥ 20,238   ¥ 177,026   ¥ 34,440   ¥ 18,294   ¥ 124,084   ¥ 10,440   ¥ 12,037   ¥ 7,526   
                                                 

Total assets at March 31, 2008

  ¥ 632,329   ¥ 916,150   ¥ 1,533,937   ¥ 806,412   ¥ 1,668,621   ¥ 674,230   ¥ 760,764   ¥ 645,348   
                                                 

Investments in and advances to associated companies at March 31, 2008

  ¥ 25,557   ¥ 388,762   ¥ 374,730   ¥ 42,944   ¥ 153,974   ¥ 63,098   ¥ 122,976   ¥ 29,113   
                                                 

Depreciation and amortization

  ¥ 2,125   ¥ 8,519   ¥ 9,283   ¥ 8,379   ¥ 72,987   ¥ 6,232   ¥ 6,097   ¥ 3,809   
                                                 

Additions to property leased to others and property and equipment

  ¥ 4,397   ¥ 27,927   ¥ 57,155   ¥ 7,572   ¥ 125,652   ¥ 7,442   ¥ 18,406   ¥ 2,891   
                                                 

 

    Millions of Yen

Year ended

March 31, 2008

(As restated):

  Americas   Europe, the
Middle East
and Africa
  Asia
Pacific
  Total   All Other     Adjustments
and
Eliminations
    Consolidated
Total

Total trading transactions:

  ¥ 1,758,591   ¥ 514,190   ¥ 721,112   ¥ 17,012,110   ¥ 6,758      ¥ (9,812   ¥ 17,009,056
                                             

Gross profit

  ¥ 78,494   ¥ 26,784   ¥ 33,074   ¥ 987,660   ¥ 5,532      ¥ (5,115   ¥ 988,077
                                             

Operating income (loss)

  ¥ 7,272   ¥ 1,768   ¥ 7,616   ¥ 422,997   ¥ (1,375   ¥ (46,794   ¥ 374,828
                                             

Equity in earnings (losses) of associated companies

  ¥ 5,053   ¥ 327   ¥ 1,072   ¥ 154,918   ¥ 71      ¥ (721   ¥ 154,268
                                             

Net income (loss)

  ¥ 4,977   ¥ 5,011   ¥ 22,518   ¥ 436,591   ¥ (7,101   ¥ (19,429   ¥ 410,061
                                             

Total assets at March 31, 2008

  ¥ 677,129   ¥ 205,712   ¥ 360,508   ¥ 8,881,140   ¥ 2,831,483      ¥ (2,174,794   ¥ 9,537,829
                                             

Investments in and advances to associated companies at March 31, 2008

  ¥ 36,929   ¥ 25,509   ¥ 53,520   ¥ 1,317,112   ¥ 3,230      ¥ 12,700      ¥ 1,333,042
                                             

Depreciation and amortization

  ¥ 8,865   ¥ 1,174   ¥ 795   ¥ 128,265   ¥ 786      ¥ 10,277      ¥ 139,328
                                             

Additions to property leased to others and property and equipment

  ¥ 17,669   ¥ 1,417   ¥ 1,063   ¥ 271,591   ¥ 1,378      ¥ 9,092      ¥ 282,061
                                             

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

    Millions of Yen

Year ended

March 31, 2007

(As restated):

  Iron &
Steel
Products
  Mineral &
Metal
Resources
  Machinery &
Infrastructure
Projects
  Chemical   Energy   Foods &
Retail
    Consumer
Service &

IT
  Logistics &
Financial
Markets

Total trading transactions:

  ¥ 1,398,061   ¥ 1,469,063   ¥ 2,187,052   ¥ 2,331,633   ¥ 2,038,054   ¥ 1,917,825      ¥ 1,457,175   ¥ 180,437
                                                 

Gross profit

  ¥ 57,766   ¥ 110,974   ¥ 101,911   ¥ 95,582   ¥ 123,871   ¥ 81,336      ¥ 129,983   ¥ 60,489
                                                 

Operating income (loss)

  ¥ 25,582   ¥ 91,294   ¥ 19,417   ¥ 36,182   ¥ 81,326   ¥ 10,924      ¥ 20,344   ¥ 24,199
                                                 

Equity in earnings of associated companies

  ¥ 3,121   ¥ 60,313   ¥ 21,396   ¥ 4,933   ¥ 44,394   ¥ 3,789      ¥ 8,661   ¥ 1,960
                                                 

Net income (loss)

  ¥ 20,559   ¥ 98,354   ¥ 33,200   ¥ 20,768   ¥ 75,658   ¥ (12,304   ¥ 16,605   ¥ 14,631
                                                 

Total assets at March 31, 2007

  ¥ 663,682   ¥ 912,596   ¥ 1,615,198   ¥ 872,653   ¥ 1,733,630   ¥ 696,062      ¥ 861,501   ¥ 681,294
                                                 

Investments in and advances to associated companies at March 31, 2007

  ¥ 22,014   ¥ 264,364   ¥ 383,405   ¥ 46,754   ¥ 558,650   ¥ 57,013      ¥ 112,686   ¥ 33,898
                                                 

Depreciation and amortization

  ¥ 1,826   ¥ 6,832   ¥ 7,737   ¥ 7,220   ¥ 29,644   ¥ 6,757      ¥ 7,661   ¥ 3,326
                                                 

Additions to property leased to others and property and equipment

  ¥ 3,311   ¥ 21,357   ¥ 101,384   ¥ 11,462   ¥ 142,792   ¥ 5,455      ¥ 19,249   ¥ 6,277
                                                 

 

    Millions of Yen

Year ended

March 31, 2007

(As restated):

  Americas   Europe, the
Middle East
and Africa
  Asia Pacific   Total   All Other     Adjustments
and
Eliminations
    Consolidated
Total

Total trading transactions:

  ¥ 1,265,859   ¥ 478,515   ¥ 623,879   ¥ 15,347,553   ¥ 7,250      ¥ (83,154   ¥ 15,271,649
                                             

Gross profit

  ¥ 78,287   ¥ 25,447   ¥ 30,678   ¥ 896,324   ¥ 4,344      ¥ (34,377   ¥ 866,291
                                             

Operating income (loss)

  ¥ 21,952   ¥ 2,945   ¥ 9,508   ¥ 343,673   ¥ (4,353   ¥ (56,519   ¥ 282,801
                                             

Equity in earnings of associated companies

  ¥ 3,878   ¥ 300   ¥ 695   ¥ 153,440   ¥ 121      ¥ (467   ¥ 153,094
                                             

Net income (loss)

  ¥ 15,833   ¥ 4,136   ¥ 22,001   ¥ 309,441   ¥ 5,845      ¥ (13,784   ¥ 301,502
                                             

Total assets at March 31, 2007

  ¥ 569,240   ¥ 199,122   ¥ 360,117   ¥ 9,165,095   ¥ 2,882,791      ¥ (2,234,574   ¥ 9,813,312
                                             

Investments in and advances to associated companies at March 31, 2007

  ¥ 38,336   ¥ 14,918   ¥ 44,120   ¥ 1,576,158   ¥ 10,456      ¥ 957      ¥ 1,587,571
                                             

Depreciation and amortization

  ¥ 7,074   ¥ 1,023   ¥ 701   ¥ 79,801   ¥ 1,101      ¥ 7,043      ¥ 87,945
                                             

Additions to property leased to others and property and equipment

  ¥ 6,839   ¥ 1,151   ¥ 621   ¥ 319,898   ¥ 1,927      ¥ 5,531      ¥ 327,356
                                             

 

Notes:    (1)    “All Other” includes business activities which primarily provide services, such as financing services and operations services to external customers and/or to the companies and associated companies. Total assets of “All Other” at March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 consisted primarily of cash and cash equivalents and time deposits related to financing activities, and assets of certain subsidiaries related to the above services.
   (2)    Net loss of “Adjustments and Eliminations” includes income and expense items that are not allocated to specific reportable operating segments, such as certain expenses of the corporate departments, and eliminations of intersegment transactions.
      Net loss of “Adjustments and Eliminations” for the year ended March 31, 2009 includes (a) ¥23,327 million in general and administrative expenses of the corporate departments excluding pension costs, (b) a charge of ¥4,663 million for pension related items, and (c) ¥21,962 million related to tax items including adjustments of difference between actual tax rate and intercompany tax rate, and so on. (all amounts are after income tax effects)

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

      Net loss of “Adjustments and Eliminations” for the year ended March 31, 2008 includes (a) ¥23,487 million in general and administrative expenses of the corporate departments excluding pension costs, (b) a charge of ¥2,228 million for pension related items, and (c) ¥4,361 million related to tax items including adjustments of difference between actual tax rate and intercompany tax rate, and so on. (all amounts are after income tax effects)
      Net loss of “Adjustments and Eliminations” for the year ended March 31, 2007 includes (a) ¥19,284 million in general and administrative expenses of the corporate departments excluding pension costs, (b) a charge of ¥1,226 million for pension related items, and (c) ¥3,846 million related to tax items including adjustments of difference between actual tax rate and intercompany tax rate, and so on. (all amounts are after income tax effects)
      The amounts reclassified to income from discontinued operations-net (after income tax effect) in accordance with SFAS No. 144 in the year ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 are included in "Adjustments and Eliminations."
   (3)    Transfers between operating segments are made at cost plus a markup.
   (4)    Operating income (loss) reflects the companies’ (a) gross profit, (b) selling, general and administrative expenses, and (c) provision for doubtful receivables, as presented in the Statements of Consolidated Income.
   (5)    As significant non-cash item, the amount of loss on write-down of securities of the “Consumer Service& IT” and “Chemical” were ¥35,235 and ¥30,000 million.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

 

     Millions of Yen
     Iron and
Steel
   Non-Ferrous
Metals
   Machinery    Electronics &
Information
   Chemicals    Energy

Year ended March 31, 2009:

                 

Revenues

   ¥ 865,582    ¥ 197,481    ¥ 394,179    ¥ 133,788    ¥ 1,414,909    ¥ 1,719,329

Year ended March 31, 2008:

                 

Revenues

   ¥ 801,290    ¥ 79,669    ¥ 478,205    ¥ 182,258    ¥ 1,318,579    ¥ 2,017,729

Year ended March 31, 2007:

                 

Revenues

   ¥ 566,938    ¥ 99,880    ¥ 428,609    ¥ 178,829    ¥ 1,146,619    ¥ 1,633,254

 

     Millions of Yen
     Foods    Textiles    General
Merchandise
   Property
and
Service
Business
   Consolidated
Total

Year ended March 31, 2009:

              

Revenues

   ¥ 611,248    ¥ 28,361    ¥ 19,361    ¥ 150,987    ¥ 5,535,225

Year ended March 31, 2008:

              

Revenues

   ¥ 572,561    ¥ 38,169    ¥ 40,494    ¥ 209,924    ¥ 5,738,878

Year ended March 31, 2007:

              

Revenues

   ¥ 466,968    ¥ 39,839    ¥ 50,320    ¥ 182,341    ¥ 4,793,597

GEOGRAPHIC AREA INFORMATION

 

     Millions of Yen
     Japan    United
States
   China    All Other    Consolidated
Total

Year ended March 31, 2009:

              

Total trading transactions

   ¥ 8,845,103    ¥ 1,122,634    ¥ 897,645    ¥ 4,482,543    ¥ 15,347,925

Year ended March 31, 2008:

              

Total trading transactions

   ¥ 9,285,913    ¥ 1,323,829    ¥ 1,119,083    ¥ 5,280,231    ¥ 17,009,056

Year ended March 31, 2007:

              

Total trading transactions

   ¥ 8,903,099    ¥ 1,159,063    ¥ 885,324    ¥ 4,324,163    ¥ 15,271,649

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

 

Notes:    (1)    Total trading transactions are attributed to countries based on the location of customers.
   (2)    The Company provides total trading transactions instead of revenues, as certain costs related to revenues presented net in accordance with EITF No. 99-19 are not attributed to countries based on the location of customers.

 

     Millions of Yen
     Japan    Australia    United
States
   All Other    Consolidated
Total

At March 31, 2009:

              

Long-lived assets

   ¥ 491,840    ¥ 322,121    ¥ 144,579    ¥ 186,954    ¥ 1,145,494

At March 31, 2008:

              

Long-lived assets

   ¥ 489,269    ¥ 353,521    ¥ 150,517    ¥ 207,475    ¥ 1,200,782

At March 31, 2007:

              

Long-lived assets

   ¥ 481,198    ¥ 339,768    ¥ 162,292    ¥ 264,282    ¥ 1,247,540

There were no individual material customers with respect to revenues for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.

 

18. SUPPLEMENTAL INCOME STATEMENT INFORMATION

Supplemental information related to the Statements of Consolidated Income is as follows:

 

     Millions of Yen  
     2009    2008     2007  

Depreciation of property and equipment

   ¥ 132,912    ¥ 125,668      ¥ 77,617   

Research and development expenses

     3,472      3,983        3,935   

Advertising expenses

     8,125      8,353        9,892   

Foreign exchange losses (gains)—net

     34,726      (2,887     (728

 

19. OTHER EXPENSE (INCOME)—NET

Other expense (income)—net for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 consists of the following:

 

     Millions of Yen  
     2009     2008     2007  

Exploration expenses

   ¥ 16,620      ¥ 10,279      ¥ 1,165   

Foreign exchange losses—net

     34,726        1,288        4,042   

Restructuring-related charges

     —          —          1,939   

Other

     (4,871     (8,606     (6,680
                        

Total

   ¥ 46,475      ¥ 2,961      ¥ 466   
                        

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

20. INCOME TAXES

Income taxes in Japan applicable to the companies, imposed by the national, prefectural and municipal governments, in the aggregate resulted in normal effective statutory tax rates of approximately 41% for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007. Foreign subsidiaries are subject to income taxes of the countries in which they operate.

A reconciliation between the normal statutory tax rate in Japan applied to income from continuing operations and the effective income tax rate on income from continuing operations for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 is summarized as follows:

 

     %  
         2009             2008             2007      

Normal statutory tax rate in Japan applied to income from continuing operations before income taxes, minority interests and equity in earnings

   41.0   41.0   41.0

Increases (decreases) in tax rate resulting from:

      

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes and income not taxable—net

   1.5      0.3      1.4   

Application of lower tax rates to certain taxable income

   (11.0   (8.8   (6.8

Effect of taxation on dividends

   (6.6   1.1      4.0   

Changes in valuation allowance—net

   17.0      3.2      5.0   

Higher tax rates for resource related taxes

   8.9      6.6      1.9   

Other—net

   (2.5   (0.8   0.5   
                  

Effective income tax rate on income from continuing operations

   48.3   42.6   47.0
                  

Amounts provided for income taxes for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 are allocated as follows:

 

     Millions of Yen
     2009     2008     2007

Income taxes on income from continuing operations

   ¥ 119,415      ¥ 171,237      ¥ 145,268

Income from discontinued operations—net

     —          48,813        15,581

Equity in earnings of associated companies

     35,615        60,030        59,553

Other comprehensive (loss) income

     (122,614     (130,223     68,736

Adjustment to initially apply SFAS No. 158

     —          —          5,019
                      

Total

   ¥ 32,416      ¥ 149,857      ¥ 294,157
                      

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

The tax effects of significant temporary differences and carryforwards which result in deferred tax assets and liabilities at March 31, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:

 

     Millions of Yen  
     2009     2008  

Deferred Tax Assets:

    

Accrued pension costs and liability for severance indemnities

   ¥ 40,416      ¥ 13,754   

Allowance for doubtful receivables

     17,152        11,490   

Estimated losses

     63,707        20,073   

Impairment loss of long-lived assets

     35,936        34,990   

Loss carryforwards of subsidiaries and associated companies

     67,126        67,862   

Foreign currency translation

     37,783        15,526   

Tax credit carryforwards

     39,020        30,149   

Other

     20,554        25,075   
                

Total deferred tax assets

     321,694        218,919   

Valuation allowance

     (153,781     (99,049
                

Deferred tax assets—net

     167,913        119,870   
                

Deferred Tax Liabilities:

    

Property

     105,570        113,453   

Investment securities

     72,494        144,966   

Undistributed earnings

     186,771        173,504   

Foreign currency translation

     3,819        13,240   

Other

     9,624        6,973   
                

Deferred tax liabilities

     378,278        452,136   
                

Net deferred tax liabilities

   ¥ (210,365   ¥ (332,266
                

 

Note: The balances of tax effect of Tax credit carryforwards and Valuation allowance at March 31, 2008 have been corrected due to an immaterial error from ¥10,917 million to ¥30,149 million, and from ¥(79,817) million to ¥(99,049) million, respectively.

Net deferred tax liabilities at March 31, 2009 and 2008 are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:

 

     Millions of Yen  
     2009     2008  

Current assets—Deferred tax assets—current

   ¥ 29,969      ¥ 37,766   

Deferred tax assets—Non-current

     21,011        20,574   

Current liabilities—Other current liabilities

     (5,260     (3,269

Deferred tax liabilities—Non-current

     (256,085     (387,337
                

Net deferred tax liabilities

   ¥ (210,365   ¥ (332,266
                

The valuation allowance is provided principally on deferred tax assets for loss carryforwards of certain subsidiaries where it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. During the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, the valuation allowances were increased by ¥54,732 million, increased by ¥18,704 million and increased by ¥5,363 million, respectively (the change of valuation allowance during the year ended March 31, 2008 has been corrected due to an immaterial error from the decrease by ¥528 million to the

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

increase by ¥18,704 million). For the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, adjustments of the beginning-of-the-year balance of the valuation allowances attributable to continuing operations were ¥15,247 million (loss), ¥376 million (loss) and ¥1,297 million (loss), respectively.

The tax benefits of operating loss carryforwards attributable to continuing operations for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were ¥6,790 million, ¥2,886 million and ¥15,669 million, respectively.

The amounts of undistributed earnings, which have been considered to be indefinitely reinvested into foreign subsidiaries and foreign corporate joint ventures, and for which deferred tax liabilities have not been recognized, were ¥794,675 million and ¥623,146 million at March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred income taxes with respect to these foreign earnings is not practicable. At March 31, 2009, certain subsidiaries had aggregate operating loss carryforwards of ¥128,829 million, which are available to reduce taxable income in subsequent periods. If not utilized, such loss carryforwards expire as follows:

 

     Millions of Yen

Within 5 years

   ¥ 46,450

After 5 to 10 years

     22,244

After 10 to 15 years

     1,715

After 15 years

     58,420
      

Total

   ¥ 128,829
      

At March 31, 2009, certain subsidiaries had aggregate tax credit carryforwards of ¥ 39,020 million. If not utilized, such tax credit carryforwards expire within 3 years.

Income from continuing operations before income taxes, minority interests and equity in earnings for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 comprised the following:

 

     Millions of Yen
     The Company
and its domestic
subsidiaries
    Foreign
subsidiaries
   Total

Year ended March 31, 2009

   ¥ (10,469   ¥ 257,776    ¥ 247,307

Year ended March 31, 2008

   ¥ 145,369      ¥ 256,635    ¥ 402,004

Year ended March 31, 2007

   ¥ 105,333      ¥ 203,841    ¥ 309,174

 

F-69


Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

Income taxes on income from continuing operations for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 comprised the following:

 

     Millions of Yen  
     The Company
and its domestic
subsidiaries
    Foreign
subsidiaries
    Total  

Year ended March 31, 2009:

      

Current

   ¥ 31,849      ¥ 106,572      ¥ 138,421   

Deferred

     (2,507     (16,499     (19,006
                        

Total

   ¥ 29,342      ¥ 90,073      ¥ 119,415   
                        

Year ended March 31, 2008:

      

Current

   ¥ 81,902      ¥ 91,373      ¥ 173,275   

Deferred

     2,102        (4,140     (2,038
                        

Total

   ¥ 84,004      ¥ 87,233      ¥ 171,237   
                        

Year ended March 31, 2007:

      

Current

   ¥ 55,044      ¥ 79,296      ¥ 134,340   

Deferred

     23,943        (13,015     10,928   
                        

Total

   ¥ 78,987      ¥ 66,281      ¥ 145,268   
                        

On April 1, 2007, the companies adopted the provisions of FIN No. 48. The cumulative effect of applying the provisions of FIN No. 48 was recorded as a decrease of ¥5,113 million to retained earnings—unappropriated as of April 1, 2007.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

 

     Millions of Yen  
         2009             2008      

Balance at beginning of year

   ¥ 8,343      ¥ 27,425   

Additions for tax positions of prior years

     860        55   

Additions for tax positions of current year

     1,572        1,597   

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

     (194     (20,121

Settlements with tax authorities

     (6,215     —     

Reductions due to lapse of statutes of limitation

     (5     (136

Foreign currency translation adjustments and others

     (61     (477
                

Balance at end of year

   ¥ 4,300      ¥ 8,343   
                

The total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 were approximately ¥4,109 million and ¥8,318 million, respectively.

The companies recognize interest expense and penalties accrued related to uncertain tax positions in income taxes—current. For the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, the companies recognized a net reduction in interest expense and penalties of ¥93 million and ¥1,927 million, respectively. The companies had ¥278 million and ¥386 million for the payment of interest and penalties accrued as of March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

The Company was audited by the Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau with regard to a transfer price taxation in connection with the LNG Project in Western Australia for the six fiscal years from the year ended March 31, 2000 to the year ended March 31, 2005. At the ends of June 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Company received notices of tax assessment from the Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau for the years ended March 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000. Based on the notices of assessment, the taxable incomes were corrected by ¥10,039 million, ¥8,224 million and ¥4,863 million, respectively, and the additional tax liabilities for income taxes were ¥4,653 million, ¥3,686 million and ¥2,375 million, respectively. The Company paid the additional taxes. The Company disagreed with the assessment and registered its protest in August 2006, and in addition, lodged an application in November 2006 for the mutual agreement procedure pursuant to a provision in the tax treaty between Japan and Australia in order to settle the double taxation.

On December 3, 2008, the Company received a notice from the National Tax Agency of Japan that the mutual agreement procedure was settled and received a notice of the reduced tax assessment from the Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau. The Company received a refund of tax on December 4, 2008. Also, an associated company which is an operating company of the LNG Project received a notice from the Australian tax authority that the mutual agreement procedure was settled, and the related income adjustment was settled.

The uncertain tax position regarding this matter was recorded in accordance with FIN No. 48 in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2008. The Company recognized the tax benefit of this tax position based on the receipt of the notices above, and no uncertain tax position was recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2009.

As of March 31, 2009, the earliest tax years that remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions in which the companies operate are the year ended March 31, 2003 for Japan, the year ended March 31, 2007 for the United States of America, and the year ended March 31, 2005 for Australia.

 

21. COMPENSATION AND OTHER CHARGES RELATED TO DPF INCIDENT

The Company discovered in November 2004, that false data of a performance test were produced and submitted to authorities for diesel particulate filters (“DPF”s) manufactured by PUREarth Incorporated, wholly owned by the Company and was dissolved during the year ended March 31, 2007. The DPFs were subsidized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and seven other prefectural and municipal governments, as well as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the Ministry of the Environment, and related industry associations. The Company sold approximately 21,500 units of the product.

The Company has carried out a three-part user response plan, that involves: (1) the free replacement of DPFs, (2) the reimbursement of the amount paid for purchasing the Company’s DPFs upon their redemption following the scrapping or resale of vehicles, and (3) support program for the purchase of alternative vehicles. The Company has completed recall of all DPFs except ones not-listed under the compensation plan and not-needed to recall. In addition, the Company completed the full compensation of relevant subsidies during the year ended March 31, 2006.

The Company recorded ¥36,000 million as compensation and other charges related to DPF incident in the Statements of Consolidated Income for the year ended March 31, 2005. Subsequently, the Company reviewed the expected costs of each user response plan based on the changes of requests from users of the Company’s DPFs, and recorded an additional user response charge of ¥9,000 million for the year ended March 31, 2006. Since the recall of DPFs was completed in the year ended March 31, 2007, the estimated amount to be paid for the compensation and other charges was substantially fixed. Therefore, during the year ended March 31, 2007, the Company has recorded a credit to income of ¥3,864 million as a result of the reversal of the provision made in prior years.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

22. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

 

I. GUARANTEES

The table below summarizes the companies’ guarantees as defined in FIN No. 45 at March 31, 2009 and 2008. The maximum potential amount of future payments represents the amounts without consideration of possible recoveries under recourse provisions or from collateral held or pledged that the companies could be obliged to pay if there were defaults by guaranteed parties or there were changes in an underlying which would cause triggering events under market value guarantees and indemnification contracts. Such amounts bear no relationship to the anticipated losses on these guarantees and indemnifications, and they greatly exceed anticipated losses.

The companies evaluate risks involved for each guarantee in an internal screening procedure before issuing a guaranty and regularly monitor outstanding positions and record adequate allowance to cover losses expected from probable performance under these agreements. The companies believe that any guarantee performance will not materially affect the consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of the companies at March 31, 2009.

 

    Millions of Yen
    Expire
within

1 year
  Expire
after

1 year
  Total
amount
outstanding
  Recourse
provisions/
collateral
  Maximum
potential
amount of
future
payments
  Carrying
amount of
liabilities
  Expire no
later than

March 31, 2009:

             

Type of guarantees:

             

Financial guarantees:

             

Guarantees for third parties

  ¥ 32,091   ¥ 101,428   ¥ 133,519   ¥ 27,854   ¥ 188,036   ¥ 1,322   2040

Guarantees for associated companies

    9,889     64,137     74,026     7,023     127,528     2,998   2045

Guarantees to financial institutions for employees’ housing loans

    —       6,493     6,493     —       6,493     —     2033
                                     

Total

  ¥ 41,980   ¥ 172,058   ¥ 214,038   ¥ 34,877   ¥ 322,057   ¥ 4,320  
                                     

Performance guarantees

  ¥ 1,402   ¥ 9,928   ¥ 11,330   ¥ 3,653   ¥ 11,330   ¥ 22   2013
                                     

Market value guarantees:

             

Obligation to repurchase bills of exchange

  ¥ 35,979   ¥ 612   ¥ 36,591   ¥ 30,660   ¥ 36,591     —     2010

Minimum purchase price guarantees

    —       8,936     8,936     —       8,936   ¥ 357   2014
                                     

Total

  ¥ 35,979   ¥ 9,548   ¥ 45,527   ¥ 30,660   ¥ 45,527   ¥ 357  
                                     

Derivative instruments

  ¥ 28,569   ¥ 5,401   ¥ 33,970     —     ¥ 33,970   ¥ 5,231  
                                     

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

    Millions of Yen
    Expire
within

1 year
  Expire
after

1 year
  Total
amount
outstanding
  Recourse
provisions/
collateral
  Maximum
potential
amount of
future
payments
  Carrying
amount of
liabilities
  Expire no
later than

March 31, 2008:

             

Type of guarantees:

             

Financial guarantees:

             

Guarantees for third parties

  ¥ 11,028   ¥ 65,021   ¥ 76,049   ¥ 17,912   ¥ 130,378   ¥ 470   2040

Guarantees for associated companies

    23,152     49,399     72,551     2,172     77,686     2,494   2045

Guarantees to financial institutions for employees’ housing loans

    —       7,693     7,693     —       7,693     —     2033
                                     

Total

  ¥ 34,180   ¥ 122,113   ¥ 156,293   ¥ 20,084   ¥ 215,757   ¥ 2,964  
                                     

Performance guarantees

  ¥ 6,906   ¥ 12,951   ¥ 19,857   ¥ 5,421   ¥ 19,857   ¥ 459   2013
                                     

Market value guarantees:

             

Obligation to repurchase bills of exchange

  ¥ 56,335   ¥ 101   ¥ 56,436   ¥ 42,938   ¥ 56,436     —     2010

Minimum purchase price guarantees

    —       10,290     10,290     —       10,290     —     2014
                                     

Total

  ¥ 56,335   ¥ 10,391   ¥ 66,726   ¥ 42,938   ¥ 66,726     —    
                                     

Derivative instruments

  ¥ 53,240   ¥ 29,775   ¥ 83,015     —     ¥ 83,015   ¥ 645  
                                     

(1) Financial guarantees

The companies provide various types of guarantees to the benefit of third parties and related parties principally to enhance their credit standings, and would be required to execute payments if a guaranteed party failed to fulfill its obligation with respect to a borrowing or trade payable.

Categories of financial guarantees are as follows:

Guarantees for third parties

The companies guarantee, severally or jointly with others, indebtedness of certain customers and suppliers in the furtherance of their trading activities.

Guarantees for associated companies

The companies, severally or jointly with others, issue guarantees for associated companies for the purpose of furtherance of their trading activities and credit enhancement of associated companies.

Guarantees to financial institutions for employees’ housing loans

As a part of the benefits program for its employees, the Company issues guarantees to financial institutions for employees’ housing loans. The maximum duration of the guarantees is 26 years. The Company obtains a mortgage on the employees’ assets, if necessary.

(2) Performance guarantees

Main items of performance guarantees are contractual guarantees of Toyo Engineering Corporation regarding plant construction contracts executed under the name of the guaranteed party in the Middle East and

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

other regions. The Company has pledged bank guarantees and performance bonds to the project owners, and in case that Toyo Engineering Corporation failed to fulfill the contractual obligation, the project owners would execute bank guarantees and performance bonds to claim compensation for damages.

In the furtherance of its trading activities, a certain subsidiary has issued guarantees for the performance of contracts to a customer. The subsidiary would be required to make payment if a guaranteed party failed to fulfill its obligation, however it is not practicable to determine the maximum potential amount of future payment and the amount is not represented since the amount to be compensated is not specified in those guarantees. No liability is recorded since the companies believe that the likelihood of those guarantees to be performed is considered to be remote at March 31, 2009 and 2008.

(3) Market value guarantees

Obligation to repurchase bills of exchange

In connection with export transactions, the Company issues bills of exchange, some of which are discounted by its negotiating banks. If a customer failed to fulfill its obligation with respect to the bills, the Company would be obligated to repurchase the bills based on the banking transaction agreement. The maximum potential amount of future payments is represented by the aggregate par value of the bills discounted by the banks, and the recourse provisions and collateral are represented by the amount backed by letters of credit from the issuing banks of the customers.

Minimum purchase price guarantees

To support financing activities of a partner of the joint venture which owns interests in oil & gas producing fields, a certain subsidiary have a commitment to bid a certain amount for the sale of the partner’s stock by the bank which provides finance for the partner if the partner defaulted. The Company provides marketing services of aircraft for domestic and overseas airline companies, and as a part of such businesses, the Company issues market value guarantees of the aircraft for certain customers.

(4) Derivative instruments

Certain derivative contracts, including written put options and credit default swaps, meet the accounting definition of guarantees under FIN No. 45 when it is probable that the counterparties have underlying assets or liabilities related to the derivative contracts.

The companies consider the business relationship with counterparties and other circumstances in deciding whether it is probable that the counterparties have underlying assets or liabilities, and did not include the derivative contracts with certain financial institutions and traders.

FIN No. 45 does not require disclosure about derivative contracts if such contracts permit or require net settlement and the companies have no basis for concluding that it is probable that the counterparties have underlying assets or liabilities.

The companies have written put options as a part of their various derivative transactions related to energy, non-ferrous metals, precious metals and grain. The aggregation of notional amounts computed based on the strike prices and quantities of written options are disclosed as the total amount outstanding and the maximum potential amount of future payments. The carrying amount of liabilities is represented by the fair value of such written options recorded in the consolidated financial statements.

 

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Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

The companies manage the market and credit risks on these derivative instruments by monitoring fair values against loss limits and credit lines, and generally the maximum potential amount of future payments as stated above greatly overstates the companies’ exposure to market and credit risks.

(5) Indemnification contracts

Indemnification for cargo delivery

The companies issued Discharging Letter of Indemnification (“DLOI”) to shipping companies for international trading activities. The maximum potential amount of future payments could not be estimated since the amount to be compensated is not specified in DLOI. No liability is recorded since the companies believe that there is little likelihood to incur any loss from DLOI except for a case in which the companies have been required to indemnify.

Joint obligation under membership agreement in commodity exchanges

The companies are members of major commodity exchanges in Japan and overseas. In connection with these memberships, the companies provide guarantees to the exchanges. Under the membership agreements, if a member becomes unable to satisfy its obligations to the exchange, the other members would be required to meet such shortfalls apportioned among the non-defaulting members in the prescribed manner. The companies’ maximum potential amount of future payments related to these joint obligations is not quantifiable, however no liability is recorded since the companies believe that there is little likelihood to be required to make any payments under these obligations is remote.

(6) Product warranties

Certain subsidiaries provide warranties, in relation to their sales of products, including residential houses and automobiles, for the performance of such products during specified warranty periods, and they are responsible for mending or payments of compensation against the claims by the customers regarding defects in performance or function. Estimated warranty costs are accrued at the time the products are sold based on the historical claim experiences.

Mitsui Bussan House-Techno, Inc., a 100% subsidiary engaged in the custom-made house building business, has already exited from the business due to the downturn of the business environment caused by declining demand, however, the companies retained the obligation for the future maintenance service, because Bussan Housing Maintenance Co., Ltd. a 100% subsidiary, inherited the obligation of periodical inspection and maintenance service for a certain period after the completion.

A tabular reconciliation of changes in such liabilities for the product warranties for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 is as follows:

 

     Millions of Yen  
     2009     2008     2007  

Balance at beginning of year

   ¥ 7,639      ¥ 8,089      ¥ 2,450   

Payments made in cash or in kind

     (1,018     (563     (775

Accrual for warranties issued during the year

     941        1,772        6,754   

Changes in accrual related to pre-existing warranties

     (1,028     (1,659     (340
                        

Balance at end of year

   ¥ 6,534      ¥ 7,639      ¥ 8,089   
                        

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

II. LITIGATION

Various claims and legal actions are pending against the companies in respect of contractual obligations and other matters arising out of the conduct of the companies’ business. Appropriate provision has been recorded for the estimated loss on claims and legal actions. In the opinion of management, any additional liability will not materially affect the consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of the Company.

 

23. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

The companies are involved with VIEs which mainly engage in leasing and financing activities within the Machinery & Infrastructure Projects, Energy and Logistics & Financial Markets Segments.

When evaluating whether the companies are the primary beneficiary of a VIE and must therefore consolidate the VIE, we perform a qualitative analysis that considers the design of the VIE, the nature of the companies’ involvement and the variable interests held by other parties. If that evaluation is inconclusive as to which party absorbs a majority of the VIE's expected losses or residual returns, a quantitative analysis is performed to determine who is the primary beneficiary.

Consolidated Variable Interest Entities

The VIEs that have been consolidated by the companies in accordance with FIN No. 46R are described by group aggregated in similar characteristics of risks and rewards of each VIE as follows (excluding consolidated VIEs where the companies also hold a majority of the voting interests in the entity unless the activities of the VIE are primarily related to securitizations, other forms of asset-backed financings, or single-lessee leasing arrangements):

As lessees in lease contracts concluded with a lessor that has been established for those lease contracts in Europe, certain subsidiaries have issued residual value guarantees of the leased vessels. On the date of expiration of lease contracts, such subsidiaries will either purchase the leased assets at a fixed price or be responsible for making up any shortfall between an actual sales price and the guaranteed value. The lessor of the leased vessels is a VIE (“Leasing VIE”), and the companies have consolidated the lessor as the primary beneficiary. The lessor is financed mainly by bank borrowings.

In addition, the companies hold beneficial interest and senior investment securities without voting rights of VIEs whose operations are investment management and real estate development (“Investment management VIEs” and “Real estate development VIEs”, respectively), for the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008. The companies also hold a majority of the voting interest in a VIE whose primary activity is chartering a vessel, which is a single-lessee leasing arrangement (“Vessel chartering VIE”), for the year ended March 31, 2009. These VIEs are financed mainly by issuance of bond, issuance of stock including preferred securities, a combination of these, or borrowings.

The companies’ involvement with the above consolidated VIEs as of March 31, 2009 is as follows:

 

     Millions of Yen
          Amounts in the Consolidated
Balance Sheets

Type of VIEs

   Total Assets
of VIEs
       Assets            Liabilities    

Leasing VIE

   ¥ 11,900    ¥ 112    ¥ 11,896

Investment management VIEs

     6,371      6,344      23

Real estate development VIEs

     4,943      4,943      3,730

Vessel chartering VIE

     3,682      3,662      6

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

 

Notes:    (1)    For Leasing VIE, liabilities are mainly short-term debt and deferred tax liabilities—non-current.
   (2)    For Investment management VIEs, assets are mainly cash and cash equivalents.
   (3)    For Real estate development VIEs, assets are mainly inventories, and liabilities are mainly long-term debt, less current maturities.
   (4)    For Vessel chartering VIE, assets are mainly property and equipment—at cost.

The total assets of Leasing VIE and the total assets of Investment management VIEs and Real estate development VIEs combined as of March 31, 2008 were ¥12,169 million and ¥25,555 million, respectively.

The consolidated Leasing VIE did not pledge any of its assets as collateral as of March 31, 2008. The consolidated real estate which includes land and buildings is collateral for Real estate development VIEs’ long-term debt, and the carrying amounts as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 were ¥4,745 million and ¥7,203 million, respectively, and were classified as real estate for sale, included in inventories in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In addition, the companies have agreements with loan owners of Real estate development VIEs to provide financial support by purchasing additional beneficial interest securities of the VIEs if any breach of loan contracts occurs.

The companies did not provide financial or other support to the VIEs for the year ended March 31, 2009.

The creditors or beneficial interest holders of the consolidated VIEs do not have recourse to the general credit of the companies, except for the aforementioned residual value guarantees of Leasing VIE.

Several VIEs which the companies consolidated as of March 31, 2008 ceased to be consolidated during the year ended March 31, 2009 due to the companies’ withdrawal of interest in the VIE and the liquidation of one of the VIEs. The effect on the companies’ consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2009 was immaterial.

Non-consolidated Variable Interest Entities

The VIEs that are not consolidated because the companies are not the primary beneficiary, but in which the companies have significant variable interests, are described as follows:

The companies are involved with and have significant variable interests in a number of VIEs that have been established to finance crude oil and LNG producing plants and equipment or to finance subordinated debts by providing guarantees or subordinated loans to the VIEs. Those VIEs provide financing for customers located principally in Latin America, Middle East, and Southeast Asia in the form of leases and loans. These entities are financed mainly by bank borrowings and issuance of stock including preferred securities.

The total assets of the non-consolidated VIEs in which the companies have significant variable interests, and the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets that relate to the companies’ variable interests in the VIEs, and the companies’ maximum exposure to loss as a result of the companies’ involvement with the VIEs as of March 31, 2009 were as follows:

 

Millions of Yen
Total Assets
of VIEs
  Assets and liabilities that relate to variable
interests in VIEs
  Maximum
exposure to loss
  Carrying amounts
of assets
  Carrying amounts
of liabilities
 
¥1,728,170   ¥98,964   ¥2,887   ¥123,871

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

 

Notes:

  

(1)

   The assets that relate to the companies’ variable interestes in the VIEs are mainly investments and non-current receivables.
  

(2)

   The liabilities that relate to the companies’ variable interestes in the VIEs are mainly trade payables and advances from customers.

The total assets of the VIEs and the companies’ maximum exposure to loss as of March 31, 2008 were ¥1,503,516 million and ¥125,550 million, respectively. The total assets of the VIEs represent the most current information available to the companies.

The amount of maximum exposure to loss represents a loss that the companies could incur from the variability in value of the leased assets, from financial difficulties of the customers or from other causes without consideration of possible recoveries through insurance and the like. In addition, the amount bears no relation to the loss anticipated to be incurred from the companies’ involvement with the VIEs and is considered to exceed greatly the anticipated loss. The liabilities that relate to the companies’ variable interests in the VIEs represent trade payables, advances from customers, and a liability as a guarantor recognized under FIN No. 45, while the maximum exposure to loss represents the amounts of investments, advances and guarantees provided by the companies to the VIEs at March 31, 2009.

The companies have not provided financial or other support to the VIEs for the year ended March 31, 2009.

 

24. EXIT OR DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES

The Company focuses on the maximization of its consolidated corporate value. To achieve this objective, the Company is trying to strengthen its consolidated capabilities through optimal group management. The Company actively restructures its businesses to make them more efficient by regularly reassessing the business environment and operational objectives of each of its businesses.

In addition to these restructurings, the companies have disposed of certain long-lived assets based on reviews of whether the companies should keep holding those assets from the standpoint of profitability.

For the year ended March 31, 2009, the companies did not record material exit or disposal costs, which are defined by SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.”

For the year ended March 31, 2008, the companies recorded impairment losses of long-lived assets of ¥1,425 million as exit or disposal costs, which are defined by SFAS No. 146. Of the total exit or disposal costs for the year ended March 31, 2008, ¥1,240 million was recorded in the Logistics & Financial Markets Segment. For the year ended March 31, 2007, the companies recorded total exit or disposal costs defined by SFAS No. 146 of ¥7,157 million, which consisted of losses on disposal and impairment of long-lived assets of ¥3,805 million, one-time termination benefits of ¥1,993 million, and other associated costs of ¥1,359 million. These exit or disposal costs were recorded in the Foods & Retail Segment of ¥3,801 million, and the Consumer Service & IT Segment of ¥1,763 million for the year ended March 31, 2007.

Exit or disposal activities for the years ended March 31, 2009 are expected to complete within the year ending March 31, 2010. Exit or disposal activities for the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 were completed in the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. There are no ending balances of liabilities for the exit or disposal costs at March 31, 2009 and 2008, and the ending balances of liabilities for the exit or disposal costs were immaterial at March 31, 2007.

There were no material individual exit or disposal activities for the year ended March 31, 2009 and 2008.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

The primary exit or disposal activities for the year ended March 31, 2007 were as follows:

Mitsui Foods Co., Ltd., a subsidiary reported in the Foods & Retail Segment, is mainly engaged in the wholesale of food products in Japan. It restructured the domestic distribution facilities and the companies recorded ¥1,317 million in impairment loss of long-lived assets and other associated costs of ¥1,217 million in other expense—net in the Statements of Consolidated Income for the year ended March 31, 2007.

Hokushuren Co., Ltd., a former subsidiary reported in the Foods & Retail Segment, had been mainly engaged in the wholesale of food products in Japan. Due to restructurings, the companies recorded ¥598 million in impairment loss of long-lived assets and other associated costs of ¥633 million in other expense—net in the Statements of Consolidated Income for the year ended March 31, 2007.

Mitsui Bussan House-Techno, Inc., a subsidiary reported in the Consumer Service & IT Segment, had been mainly engaged in the detached custom-built house business. Due to demand decline, the Company decided to exit from this business field and recorded an impairment loss of long-lived assets of ¥199 million, a loss on disposal or sales of property and equipment of ¥151 million and other associated costs of ¥1,413 million, all of which are amounts before income tax effect, in income from discontinued operations—net (after income tax effect) in the Statements of Consolidated Income for the year ended March 31, 2007.

 

25. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

The companies are exposed to market risks related to foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices in the ordinary course of business.

In order to offset or reduce these risks, the companies use derivative instruments, such as foreign exchange forward contracts, currency swap agreements, interest rate swap agreements, commodity future, forward, option and swap contracts, to hedge the exposure to changes in the fair value or expected future cash flows of recognized assets and liabilities, unrecognized firm commitments or forecasted transactions. The companies also use non-derivative financial instruments, such as foreign-currency-denominated debt, to hedge the foreign currency exposure in the net investment in a foreign operation.

The notional amounts of the companies' derivative instruments as of March 31, 2009 are as follows:

 

     Billions of Yen

Foreign exchange contracts

   ¥ 3,207

Interest rate contracts

     1,927

Commodity contracts

     57,264

Other contracts

     23
      

Total derivative notional amounts

   ¥ 62,421
      

Foreign currency exchange rate risk hedging activities

The companies use derivative instruments, such as foreign exchange forward contracts, currency swap agreements and interest rate and currency swap agreements, to fix the expected future cash flows from foreign-currency-denominated receivables and payables resulting from selling and purchasing activities in currencies other than the local currency and long-term financing transactions as part of the companies’ global operations in many countries. The companies also use non-derivative financial instruments, such as foreign-currency-denominated debt, in order to hedge the foreign currency exposure in the net investment in a foreign operation.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

Interest rate risk hedging activities

The companies use interest rate swap agreements and interest rate and currency swap agreements to diversify the sources of fund raising, reduce fund-raising costs, fix the expected future cash flows from long-term financial assets and liabilities with floating interest rates and reduce the exposure to changes in the fair value of long-term financial assets and liabilities with fixed interest rates.

Commodity price risk hedging activities

The companies use derivative instruments, such as commodity future, forward, option and swap contracts, to reduce the exposure to changes in the fair value of inventories and unrecognized firm commitments and to fix the expected future cash flows from forecasted transactions in marketable commodities, such as non-ferrous metals, crude oil and agricultural products.

Risk management policy

The companies have strictly separated the trading sections from the sections that record the results and positions of derivative instruments and are responsible for cash settlement and account confirmation with counterparties. Risk management sections classify the derivative transactions into trading transactions and hedging transactions. The distinction between trading and hedging transactions is strictly managed by affirming the correspondence with the hedged items for transactions for hedging purposes. Furthermore, these risk management sections comprehensively monitor, evaluate and analyze the positions of derivative instruments and report the results periodically to the Company’s executive officers in charge of risk management. Based on these reports, the executive officers assess derivative instruments and the market risks surrounding these instruments, and establish the companies’ risk management policy regarding derivative instruments.

Fair value hedges

Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments designated as hedging the exposure to changes in the fair value of recognized assets or liabilities or unrecognized firm commitments are recorded in earnings together with changes in the fair value of the corresponding hedged items attributable to the hedged risks.

The net gain or loss recognized in earnings representing the amount of the hedges’ ineffectiveness and the component of the derivative instruments’ gain or loss excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness were immaterial for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.

The amount of net gain or loss recognized in earnings when a hedged firm commitment no longer qualifies as a fair value hedge was immaterial for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.

The companies include the gain and loss on the hedged items in the same line item as the offsetting loss or gain on the derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

The following table presents the gain/(loss) on hedged items and derivative instruments designated and qualifying in fair value hedge included within the statement of consolidated income for the three month periods ended March 31, 2009:

 

    

Millions of Yen

 

Income statement location

  

Hedged items

   Gain (loss)
on hedged
items
  

Hedging instruments

   Gain (loss)
on hedging
instruments
 

Interest expense

   Long-term debt    ¥ 3,968    Interest rate contracts and foreign exchange contracts    ¥ (4,356

Other expense—net

   Long-term debt      9,848    Foreign exchange contracts      (10,486
                     

Total

      ¥ 13,816       ¥ (14,842
                     

Cash flow hedges

Changes in the fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts, currency swap agreements and interest rate and currency swap agreements designated as hedging instruments to hedge the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows of recognized assets or liabilities, unrecognized firm commitments and forecasted transactions denominated in foreign currencies are initially recorded as other comprehensive income (“OCI”) to the extent they are effective. The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) are reclassified into earnings when earnings are affected by the hedged items.

Changes in the fair value of interest rate swap agreements designated as hedging instruments to reduce the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows of floating-rate financial assets and liabilities are initially recorded as OCI to the extent they are effective. The amounts in AOCI are reclassified into earnings as interest income and expense when earnings are affected by the hedged items.

Changes in the fair value of commodity forward and swap contracts designated as hedging instruments to hedge the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows of the marketable commodities are initially recorded as OCI to the extent they are effective. The amounts in AOCI are reclassified into earnings as sales of products or cost of products sold when earnings are affected by the hedged transactions.

The ineffective portion of the hedging instruments’ gain or loss and the component of the derivative instruments’ gain or loss excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness are reported in earnings immediately. If the hedged forecasted transaction will not occur by the end of the originally specified time period, gain or loss on the hedging instrument reported in AOCI is reclassified into earnings. These amounts were immaterial for the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, and a net loss of ¥10,255 million for the years ended March, 2009.

The estimated net amount of the existing gains or losses in accumulated other comprehensive income at March 31, 2009 that is expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months is a net gain of ¥2,527 million.

The maximum length of time over which the companies are hedging their exposure to the variability in expected future cash flows for forecasted transactions (excluding those forecasted transactions related to the payment of variable interest on existing financial instruments) is 12 months. Foreign exchange forward contracts are used as hedging instruments for the forecasted transactions.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

Hedges of the net investment in a foreign operation

The foreign currency transaction gain or loss on the derivative instrument and the non-derivative financial instrument that is designated as, and is effective as, hedging instruments to hedge the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation is recorded as foreign currency translation adjustments within OCI to the extent it is effective as a hedge. The net amount of gains or losses included in the foreign currency translation adjustments at March 31, 2009 was shown in the following table. The net amount of gains or losses included in the foreign currency translation adjustments at March 31, 2008 was net gain of ¥25,215 million.

Derivative instruments for trading purposes and risk management policy

The Company and certain subsidiaries use derivative instruments such as foreign exchange forward contracts, interest rate swap agreements and commodity future, forward, swap and option contracts for trading purposes. The Company’s executive officers in charge of risk management have set strict position and loss limits for these instruments. Independent back offices and middle offices strictly separated from trading sections (front offices) monitor, evaluate and analyze the position of trading transactions and market risks. Those results are periodically reported to the executive officers. Among others, VaR (Value at Risk: Statistical measure of the potential maximum loss in the fair value of a portfolio resulting from adverse market movements in the underlying risk factors such as foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices, over a defined period, within a certain confidence level) is used to measure the market risks of derivative instruments for trading purposes.

The following table presents the fair value of derivative instruments included within the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2009:

Derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments under SFAS No. 133

 

     Millions of Yen

Derivative instruments

   Balance sheet
location
   Fair value   

Balance sheet

location

   Fair value

Foreign exchange contracts

   Derivative assets    ¥ 8,276    Derivative liabilities    ¥ 2,669
   Other Assets      13,960    Other Long-term Liabilities      1,865

Interest rate contracts

   Derivative assets      537    Derivative liabilities      766
   Other Assets      25,600    Other Long-term Liabilities      7,762

Commodity contracts

   Derivative assets      5,611    Derivative liabilities      1,814
                   

Total

      ¥ 53,984       ¥ 14,876
                   
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments under SFAS No. 133
     Millions of Yen

Derivative instruments

   Balance sheet
location
   Fair value   

Balance sheet

location

   Fair value

Foreign exchange contracts

   Derivative assets    ¥ 32,032    Derivative liabilities    ¥ 43,513
   Other Assets      8,361    Other Long-term Liabilities      12,003

Interest rate contracts

   Derivative assets      246    Derivative liabilities      119
   Other Assets      583    Other Long-term Liabilities      2,700

Commodity contracts

   Derivative assets      4,380,103    Derivative liabilities      4,350,322
   Other Assets      1,381,968    Other Long-term Liabilities      1,374,221

Credit contracts

         Derivative liabilities      221
                   

Total

      ¥ 5,803,293       ¥ 5,783,099
                   

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

Non-derivative designated as hedging instruments under SFAS No. 133

 

    

Millions of Yen

Hedging instruments

  

Balance sheet location

   Fair value

Foreign-currency-denominated debt

   Current maturities of long-term debt    ¥ 12,782
   Long-term Debt, less Current Maturities      77,670
         

Total

      ¥ 90,452
         

The following tables present the amount affecting the Statements of Consolidated Income for the three month periods ended March 31, 2009:

Derivative instruments in SFAS No. 133 fair value hedging relationships

 

    

Millions of Yen

 

Derivative instruments

  

Location of gain (loss) recognized in
income of derivative instruments

   Amount of gain (loss)
recognized in income on
derivative instruments
 

Foreign exchange contracts

   Interest expense    ¥ (260
   Other expense—net      (10,486

Interest rate contracts

   Interest expense      (4,096
           

Total

      ¥ (14,842
           

Derivative instruments in SFAS No. 133 cash flow relationships

 

    Millions of Yen  
    Effective portion     Ineffective portion and amount
excluded from effective testing
 

Derivative instruments

  Amount of
gain (loss)
recognized
in OCI on
derivative

instruments
   

Location of gain (loss)
reclassified from

AOCI into income

  Amount of
gain (loss)
reclassified
from

AOCI into
income
    Location of gain (loss)
recognized in income on
derivative instruments
  Amount of
gain (loss)
recognized in
income on
derivative
instruments
 

Foreign exchange contracts

  ¥ 5,260      Sales of products   ¥ (14,218    
    Sales of services     313       
    Cost of services sold     (232    
    Other expense—net     4,012       

Interest rate contracts

    (1,046   Interest income     (3,418    

Commodity contracts

    4,388      Cost of products sold     (1,380   Cost of products sold   ¥ (353
                           

Total

  ¥ 8,602        ¥ (14,923     ¥ (353
                           

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

Derivative instruments and hedging instruments in SFAS No. 133 net investment hedging relationships

 

    Millions of Yen
    Effective portion    

Ineffective portion and amount
excluded from effective testing

Derivative instruments

  Amount of
gain (loss)
recognized
in OCI on
derivative
instruments
   

Location of gain (loss)
reclassified from
AOCI into income

  Amount of
gain (loss)
reclassified
from
AOCI
into income
   

Location of gain (loss)
recognized in income on
derivative instruments

  Amount of
gain (loss)
recognized in
income on
derivative
instruments

Foreign exchange contracts

  ¥ (9,595       Other expense—net   ¥ 975

Foreign-currency-denominated debt

    (5,024   Other expense—net   ¥ (319    
                         

Total

  ¥ (14,619     ¥ (319     ¥ 975
                         

Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments under SFAS No. 133

 

    

Millions of Yen

 

Derivative instruments

  

Location of gain (loss) recognized in
income of derivative instruments

   Amount of
gain (loss)
recognized in
income on
derivative
instruments
 

Foreign exchange contracts

   Other sales    ¥ 959   
   Cost of services sold      (184
   Interest income      223   
   Interest expense      (132
   Other expense—net      (5,693

Interest rate contracts

   Other sales      (1,103

Commodity contracts

   Sales of products      (3,808
   Other sales      (1,491
   Cost of products sold      (979
   Other expense—net      140   

Credit contracts

   Other expense—net      (117
           

Total

      ¥ (12,185
           

Credit-risk-related contingent features

Certain of the companies’ derivative instruments mainly for commodity future, forward, option and swap contracts contain provisions that require the companies’ debt to maintain a certain credit rating from each of the major credit rating agencies such as Standard & Poor’s Services. If the credit rating of the companies’ debt is to fall below a designated credit rating, it will be in violation of these provisions, and the counterparties to the derivative instruments can request early termination or demand immediate and ongoing overnight collateralization on derivative instruments in net liability positions. The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that were in a liability position on March 31, 2009, was ¥1,602,043 million (¥70,442 million on the net basis of liability position after offsetting derivative assets against derivative liabilities in accordance with the adoption of FIN No. 39). We have posted collateral of ¥33,855 million in the normal course of business associated with these contracts. If the credit-risk-related

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

contingent features underlying these agreements were triggered on March 31, 2009, the aggregate fair value of additional assets that would be required to be posted as collateral and/or the aggregate fair value of assets needed to settle the instrument would be ¥36,934 million.

 

26. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

In accordance with the requirements of SFAS No. 107, the companies have provided the following fair value estimates and information about valuation methodologies.

Quoted market prices, where available, are used to estimate fair values of financial instruments. However, quoted market prices are not available for a substantial portion of the financial instruments. Accordingly, fair values for such financial instruments are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis or other valuation techniques.

Current financial assets other than marketable securities and current financial liabilities

The carrying amount approximates the fair value of the majority of these instruments because of their short maturities.

Marketable securities and other investments

See Note 5, “MARKETABLE SECURITIES AND OTHER INVESTMENTS.” and Note 27, “FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS.”

Non-current receivables and advances to associated companies

The fair values of non-current receivables, including fixed rate, long-term loans receivable, are estimated by discounted cash flow analysis, using interest rates currently being offered for loans or accounts receivable with similar terms to borrowers or customers of similar credit quality and remaining maturities. The carrying amounts of loans with floating rates approximate the fair value.

Long-term debt

The fair values for long-term debt, except for debt with floating rates whose carrying amounts approximate fair value, are estimated by discounted cash flow analysis, using rates currently available for similar types of borrowings with similar terms and remaining maturities.

Financial guarantees and financing commitments

The fair values of financial guarantees are estimated based on the present values of expected future cash flows, considering the remaining terms of the arrangements and the counterparties’ credit standings.

The companies have not estimated the fair values of financing commitments because management does not believe it is practicable to estimate the fair values due to uncertainty involved in attempting to assess the likelihood and timing of commitments being drawn upon, coupled with the lack of an established market. However, management believes the likelihood is remote that material payments will be required under these financing commitments.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

Currency and interest rate swap agreements

The fair values of currency and interest rate swap agreements are estimated by discounted cash flow analysis, using rates currently available for similar types of swap agreements at the reporting date. Currency swap agreements include certain derivatives with both foreign exchange and interest rate exposures. Fair values of those agreements consist of foreign exchange and interest rate factors.

See Note 27, “FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS.”

Foreign exchange forward contracts

The fair values of foreign exchange forward contracts are estimated based on market prices for contracts with similar terms.

See Note 27, “FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS.”

The estimated fair values of certain financial instruments at March 31, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

 

     Millions of Yen  
     2009     2008  
     Carrying
amount
    Fair value     Carrying
amount
    Fair value  

Financial Assets (other than derivative financial instruments):

        

Current financial assets other than marketable securities

   ¥ 3,328,151      ¥ 3,328,151      ¥ 3,927,874      ¥ 3,927,874   

Non-current receivables and advances to associated companies (less allowance for doubtful receivables)

     358,676        360,390        331,741        332,499   

Financial Liabilities (other than derivative financial instruments):

        

Current financial liabilities

     (2,055,416     (2,055,416     (2,887,981     (2,887,981

Long-term debt (including current maturities)

     (3,408,206     (3,476,001     (3,372,915     (3,432,107

Derivative Financial Instruments (Assets):

        

Interest rate swap agreements

         25,346        25,346   

Currency swap agreements

         30,817        30,817   

Foreign exchange forward contracts

         81,257        81,257   

Derivative Financial Instruments (Liabilities):

        

Interest rate swap agreements

         (5,446     (5,446

Currency swap agreements

         (8,603     (8,603

Foreign exchange forward contracts

         (64,727     (64,727

CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

The companies’ global operations include a variety of businesses with diverse customers and suppliers which reduces concentrations of credit risks. The companies deal with selective international financial institutions to minimize the credit risk exposure of derivative financial instruments. Credit risk represents the likelihood that the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the agreements. Management does not expect any losses as a result of counterparty default on financial instruments. Credit risk is managed through credit line approval by management and by periodically monitoring the counterparties.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

27. Fair Value Measurements

SFAS No. 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. SFAS No. 157 establishes the fair value hierarchy that may be used to measure fair value which are provided as follows:

Level 1

Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2

Inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include the following:

 

  (1) Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets

 

  (2) Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active

 

  (3) Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability

 

  (4) Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means

Level 3

Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

Valuation Techniques

Primary valuation techniques used for each financial instruments measured at fair value are as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents

 

   

Cash and cash equivalents which mainly include financing bills and commercial papers with original maturities of three months or less are measured at fair value.

 

   

The market value of financing bills and commercial papers is considered by using quoted prices obtained from third parties. Cash and cash equivalents measured at fair value are classified as level 2.

Securities

 

   

Marketable equity securities and debt securities are measured at fair value.

 

   

Publicly-traded marketable equity securities are valued using quoted market prices and classified as level 1.

 

   

Debt securities, consisting principally of preferred stock that must be redeemed and convertible debt, are valued using a discounted cash flow analysis or quoted prices obtained from third parties, and classified as level 2.

 

   

In the event of other-than-temporary decline in fair value of non-marketable equity securities and investments in associated companies, the fair value is determined based on the net assets value of its investment adjusted using cash flows and other factors that would impact the fair value. These are classified as level 3.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

Derivative Instruments

 

   

Derivative instruments mainly consist of derivative commodity instruments and derivative financial instruments.

 

   

Exchange-traded derivative commodity instruments valued using quoted market prices are classified as level 1. The valuation for certain derivative commodity instruments is based upon adjusting quoted prices. These derivative commodity instruments are classified as level 2 or level 3 depending on the adjustment made.

 

   

Derivatives financial instruments classified as level 2 are mainly valued by a discounted cash flow analysis using foreign exchange and interest rates or quoted prices currently available for similar types of agreements.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2009 are as follows:

 

     Millions of Yen
     Fair value measurements using    Netting
adjustments*
    Total fair
value
     Level 1    Level 2    Level 3     

Assets:

             

Cash and cash equivalents

     —      ¥ 1,498      —        —        ¥ 1,498

Available-for-sale securities:

             

Marketable equity securities

   ¥ 398,676      —        —        —          398,676

Debt securities

     —        85,290      —        —          85,290

Derivative assets

     2,972      5,849,246      5,059      (5,479,748     377,529
                                   

Total assets

   ¥ 401,648    ¥ 5,936,034    ¥ 5,059    ¥ (5,479,748   ¥ 862,993
                                   

Liabilities:

             

Derivative liabilities

   ¥ 3,638    ¥ 5,771,858    ¥ 22,479    ¥ (5,607,603   ¥ 190,372
                                   

 

* Amounts represent the impact of legally enforceable master netting agreements that allow the companies to settle positive and negative positions and also cash collateral held or placed with the same counterparties.

Reconciliation for all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the year ended March 31, 2009 is as follows:

 

     Millions of Yen
     Fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
     Beginning
balance
   Total gains or losses
(realized/unrealized)
   Purchases,
issuances,
and
settlements
    Transfers
in and/or
(out of)
Level 3
    Ending
balance
    The amount of
total gains or losses
for the period
included in earnings
attributable to
the change in
unrealized gains or
losses relating to
assets still held at
the reporting date
      Included in
earnings
    Included in
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
        

Derivative assets (liabilities)—net

   ¥ 4,040    ¥ (2,560   —      ¥ (953   ¥ (17,947   ¥ (17,420   ¥ 1,598

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries

 

Gains and losses (realized and unrealized) included in earnings for the year ended March 31, 2009 are recorded in The Statements of Consolidated Income as follows:

 

     Millions of Yen  
     Other sales     Cost of products
sold
   Total gains
(losses)
 

Total gains or (losses) included in earnings for the year

   ¥ (3,271   ¥ 711    ¥ (2,560

Change in unrealized gains or (losses) relating to assets still held at reporting date

     838        760      1,598   

Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis

Certain non-marketable equity securities and investments in associated companies are written down to fair value if the fair value of these investments has declined and such decline is judged to be other than temporary. These are primarily valued by unobservable inputs based on financial information obtained from counterparties or third parties.

Financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis for the year ended March 31, 2009 are as follows:

 

     Millions of Yen
          Fair value measurements using     
     Carrying value as of
March 31, 2009
   Level 1    Level 2    Level 3    Total losses

Non-marketable equity securities

   ¥ 31,914      —      —      ¥ 31,914    ¥ 38,400

Investments in associated companies

     108,627    ¥ 96,427    —        12,200      75,406

 

28. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Supplemental information related to the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows is as follows:

 

     Millions of Yen
     2009    2008    2007

Cash paid during the year for:

        

Interest

   ¥ 83,962    ¥ 110,013    ¥ 96,208

Income taxes, net of refunds (Note 20)

     254,951      184,325      99,115

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

        

Exchange of shares in connection with business combinations and reorganizations involving investees :

        

Fair market value of shares received

     29,600      26,787      3,987

Cost of shares surrendered

     24,358      23,390      1,179

Common stock issued upon conversion of convertible bonds

     4,159      28,616      54,806

Acquisitions of subsidiaries (Note 3):

        

Fair value of assets acquired

     19,409      117,483      444,032

Fair value of liabilities assumed

     7,383      59,000      277,691

Acquisition costs of subsidiaries

     12,026      58,483      166,341

Non-cash acquisition cost

     —        3,316      —  

Pre-acquisition carrying amount of equity method investment

     3,026      —        107,892

Cash acquired

     7,792      2,951      46,975

Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired

     1,208      52,216      11,474

 

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SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ON OIL AND GAS PRODUCING ACTIVITIES (UNAUDITED)

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 69, “Disclosure about Oil and Gas Producing Activities,” this section provides supplemental information on oil and gas exploration and producing activities of the companies in five separate tables. Tables 1 through 3 provide historical cost information pertaining to costs incurred for property acquisitions, exploration and development; capitalized cost; and results of operations. Tables 4 and 5 present information on the companies’ estimated net proved reserve quantities and standardized measure of estimated discounted future net cash flows related to proved reserves. The amounts for investments that are accounted for by the equity method are separately presented as “Associated Companies,” for which the companies’ share of the investees’ information on oil and gas producing activities is presented in the following tables. The “Consolidated Companies” column includes activities in “Oceania and Asia” (Australia, New Zealand and Thailand), “Middle East” (Qatar and Oman) and “Others” (North America and Africa). The “Associated Companies” column includes activities in “Oceania” (Australia) and “Others” (Sakhalin/Russia, Thailand and Indonesia). The “Associated Companies” column of the following tables includes information on liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) producing activities as an integral part of natural gas producing activities.

The information below reflects the change in 2008 accounting treatment of Sakhalin II (included in others) from an equity accounted investment to external.

 

TABLE 1. COSTS INCURRED FOR PROPERTY ACQUISITION, EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT*

 

     Millions of Yen
     Consolidated Companies    Associated Companies     
     Oceania
and Asia
   Middle
East
   Others     Oceania     Others    Worldwide

Year Ended March 31, 2009:

                 

Acquisition of Proved Properties

   ¥ 7,177      —        —        —        —      ¥ 7,177

Acquisition of Unproved Properties

     3,872      —      ¥ 564      —        —        4,436

Exploration

     19,584    ¥ 870      5,840    ¥ 823    ¥ 30      27,147

Development

     45,733      6,771      2,864      14,822      3,948      74,138
                                         

Total Costs Incurred

   ¥ 76,366    ¥ 7,641    ¥ 9,268    ¥ 15,645    ¥ 3,978    ¥ 112,898
                                         

Year Ended March 31, 2008:

                 

Acquisition of Proved Properties

   ¥ 13,499      —        —        —      ¥ 3,701    ¥ 17,200

Acquisition of Unproved Properties

     846      —        —        —        3,039      3,885

Exploration

     11,464    ¥ 397    ¥ 2,895    ¥ 647      63      15,466

Development

     58,279      6,035      473      18,127      3,090      86,004
                                         

Total Costs Incurred

   ¥ 84,088    ¥ 6,432    ¥ 3,368    ¥ 18,774    ¥ 9,893    ¥ 122,555
                                         

Year Ended March 31, 2007:

                 

Acquisition of Proved Properties

   ¥ 7,609      —      ¥ 53,835      —        —      ¥ 61,444

Acquisition of Unproved Properties

     1,204      —        27      —        —        1,231

Exploration

     2,232    ¥ 417      797    ¥ 714    ¥ 1,187      5,347

Development

     30,304      19,691      1,195      15,173      103,370      169,733
                                         

Total Costs Incurred

   ¥ 41,349    ¥ 20,108    ¥ 55,854    ¥ 15,887    ¥ 104,557    ¥ 237,755
                                         

 

* Includes costs incurred whether capitalized or expensed and capitalized asset retirement costs incurred in accordance with SFAS No. 143 “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations”.

 

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TABLE 2. CAPITALIZED COSTS RELATED TO OIL AND GAS PRODUCING ACTIVITIES

 

    Millions of Yen
    Consolidated Companies   Associated Companies    
    Oceania
and Asia
  Middle
East
  Others   Oceania   Others   Worldwide

Year Ended March 31, 2009:

           

Proved Properties*

  ¥ 493,026   ¥ 62,383   ¥ 52,566   ¥ 147,485   ¥ 34,536   ¥ 789,996

Unproved Properties

    24,145     —       2,154     —       5,051     31,350
                                   

Gross Capitalized Properties

    517,171     62,383     54,720     147,485     39,587     821,346

Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization and Valuation Allowances

    337,344     30,670     16,317     69,870     22,391     476,592
                                   

Net Capitalized Costs

  ¥ 179,827   ¥ 31,713   ¥ 38,403   ¥ 77,615   ¥ 17,196   ¥ 344,754
                                   

Year Ended March 31, 2008:

           

Proved Properties*

  ¥ 423,241   ¥ 58,240   ¥ 53,719   ¥ 182,443   ¥ 36,944   ¥ 754,587

Unproved Properties

    18,968     —       781     —       4,493     24,242
                                   

Gross Capitalized Properties

    442,209     58,240     54,500     182,443     41,437     778,829

Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization and Valuation Allowances

    243,506     21,780     10,945     90,329     23,014     389,574
                                   

Net Capitalized Costs

  ¥ 198,703   ¥ 36,460   ¥ 43,555   ¥ 92,114   ¥ 18,423   ¥ 389,255
                                   

Year Ended March 31, 2007:

           

Proved Properties*

  ¥ 400,053   ¥ 61,351   ¥ 60,262   ¥ 172,191   ¥ 434,247   ¥ 1,128,104

Unproved Properties

    17,673     —       924     —       —       18,597
                                   

Gross Capitalized Properties

    417,726     61,351     61,186     172,191     434,247     1,146,701

Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization and Valuation Allowances

    217,104     19,704     4,685     88,119     26,547     356,159
                                   

Net Capitalized Costs

  ¥ 200,622   ¥ 41,647   ¥ 56,501   ¥ 84,072   ¥ 407,700   ¥ 790,542
                                   

 

* Includes capitalized asset retirement costs in accordance with SFAS No. 143.

 

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TABLE 3. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR OIL AND GAS PRODUCING ACTIVITIES

The companies’ results of operations from oil and gas producing activities are shown in the following table. In accordance with SFAS No. 69, income taxes are based on statutory tax rates. Interest income and expense are excluded from the results reported.

 

     Millions of Yen
     Consolidated Companies    Associated Companies     
     Oceania
and Asia
   Middle
East
   Others    Oceania    Others    Worldwide

Year Ended March 31, 2009:

                 

Sales to Unaffiliated Enterprises

   ¥ 192,085    ¥ 5,149    ¥ 27,537    ¥ 87,737    ¥ 11,660    ¥ 324,168

Transfers to Affiliated Enterprises

     13,970      50,136      —        14,034      —        78,140
                                         

Total Revenues

     206,055      55,285      27,537      101,771      11,660      402,308

Production Costs

     29,382      4,849      10,330      27,186      3,922      75,669

Exploration Expenses

     10,515      593      5,512      715      63      17,398

Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization, Accretion and Valuation Allowances

     72,217      9,192      9,056      4,508      3,138      98,111

Income Tax Expenses

     39,331      23,885      2,548      16,553      2,298      84,615
                                         

Results of Operations for Oil and Gas Producing Activities

   ¥ 54,610    ¥ 16,766    ¥ 91    ¥ 52,809    ¥ 2,239    ¥ 126,515
                                         

Year Ended March 31, 2008:

                 

Sales to Unaffiliated Enterprises

   ¥ 174,339    ¥ 5,002    ¥ 19,100    ¥ 59,715    ¥ 13,034    ¥ 271,190

Transfers to Affiliated Enterprises

     11,167      39,099      —        12,478      —        62,744
                                         

Total Revenues

     185,506      44,101      19,100      72,193      13,034      333,934

Production Costs

     17,683      4,023      6,308      22,868      4,532      55,414

Exploration Expenses

     10,275      257      789      638      0      11,959

Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization, Accretion and Valuation Allowances

     55,919      5,447      8,184      5,854      3,462      78,866

Income Tax Expenses

     59,818      18,965      1,446      12,778      2,537      95,544
                                         

Results of Operations for Oil and Gas Producing Activities

   ¥ 41,811    ¥ 15,409    ¥ 2,373    ¥ 30,055    ¥ 2,503    ¥ 92,151
                                         

Year Ended March 31, 2007:

                 

Sales to Unaffiliated Enterprises

   ¥ 26,014    ¥ 4,688    ¥ 9,862    ¥ 57,719    ¥ 61,369    ¥ 159,652

Transfers to Affiliated Enterprises

     24,374      34,135      —        7,654      2,127      68,290
                                         

Total Revenues

     50,388      38,823      9,862      65,373      63,496      227,942

Production Costs

     5,463      3,409      2,863      20,116      18,444      50,295

Exploration Expenses

     1,031      97      395      308      2,983      4,814

Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization, Accretion and Valuation Allowances

     11,317      6,141      4,809      3,754      9,638      35,659

Income Tax Expenses

     13,742      16,473      633      12,320      17,917      61,085
                                         

Results of Operations for Oil and Gas Producing Activities

   ¥ 18,835    ¥ 12,703    ¥ 1,162    ¥ 28,875    ¥ 14,514    ¥ 76,089
                                         

 

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TABLE 4. PROVED RESERVE QUANTITY INFORMATION

The following table describes proved oil and gas reserves and changes thereto for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007. The definitions used herein are in accordance with SFAS No. 25, “Suspension of Certain Accounting Requirements for Oil and Gas Producing Companies.”

Proved Developed and Undeveloped Reserves:

 

    Crude Oil, Condensate and Natural Gas Liquids*1     Natural Gas*1,*3  
    Millions of Barrels     Billions of Cubic Feet  
    Consolidated
Companies
    Associated
Companies
          Consolidated
Companies
    Associated
Companies
       
    Oceania
and Asia*4
    Middle
East
    Others     Oceania     Others*5     Worldwide     Oceania
and Asia*4
    Middle
East
    Others     Oceania     Others*5     Worldwide  

Reserves at April 1, 2006

  55      23      —        39      104      221      80      40      —        801      1,789      2,710   

Changes Attributable to:

                       

Consolidation of a subsidiary

  36      —        —        —        (17   19      404      —        —        —        (191   213   

Revision of Previous Estimates (includes improved recovery)

  (29   1      —        4      1      (23   (78   (3   —        (16   38      (59

Extensions and Discoveries

  16      2      —        —        —        18      7      —        1      —        —        8   

Purchases

  5      —        16      —        7      28      27      —        40      —        38      105   

Sales

  —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —     

Production

  (11   (3   (1   (6   (4   (25   (96   (6   (3   (45   (6   (156
                                                                       

Reserves at March 31, 2007

  72      23      15      37      91      238      344      31      38      740      1,668      2,821   

Changes Attributable to:

                       

Revision of Previous Estimates (includes improved recovery)

  29      (3   1      2      (1   28      449      1      (2   2      (17   433   

Extensions and Discoveries

  —        1      —        1      —        2      —        6      —        24      —        30   

Purchases

  —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        177      177   

Sales

  (11   —        —        —        (85   (96   (22   —        —        —        (1,636   (1,658

Production

  (16   (3   (2   (5   (1   (27   (107   (6   (5   (44   (3   (165
                                                                       

Reserves at March 31, 2008

  74      18      14      35      4      145      664      32      31      722      189      1,638   

Changes Attributable to:

                       

Revision of Previous Estimates (includes improved recovery)

  4      2      1      3      —        10      33      17      (1   36      (2   83   

Extensions and Discoveries

  1      —        —        —        —        1      27      —        —        —        —        27   

Purchases

  1      —        —        —        —        1      6      —        —        —        —        6   

Sales

  —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —        —     

Production

  (19   (3   (2   (5   (1   (30   (98   (5   (5   (44   (2   (154
                                                                       

Reserves at March 31, 2009

  61      17      13      33      3      127      632      44      25      714      185      1,600   

Proved Developed Reserves*2:

                       

Reserves at April 1, 2006

  7      18      —        13      25      63      56      39      —        263      67      425   

Reserves at March 31, 2007

  46      18      11      21      24      120      299      19      24      385      11      738   

Reserves at March 31, 2008

  55      14      11      20      3      102      322      15      21      454      182      994   
                                                                       

Reserves at March 31, 2009

  44      14      10      21      3      92      353      29      15      392      181      970   
                                                                       

 

*1 1 barrel of crude oil = 5,800 cubic feet of natural gas
*2 The proportion of Proved Developed Reserves to Proved Developed and Undeveloped Reserves was about 34 percent as of March 31, 2007 and relatively low. The expected costs to develop these undeveloped reserves were estimated to be ¥501,900 million in total as of March 31, 2007, which was included in “Future Development Cost” in Table 5. The proportion of Proved Developed Reserves to Proved Developed and Undeveloped Reserves was about 64 percent as of March 31, 2008 and the expected costs to develop these undeveloped reserves were estimated to be ¥248,020 million in total as of March 31, 2008. This large proportion change was mainly due to the reduction of the companies interest in Sakhalin II project.
   The proportion of Proved Developed Reserves to Proved Developed and Undeveloped Reserves was about 64 percent as of March 31, 2009 and almost same level compared to the percentage as of March 31, 2008. The expected costs to develop these undeveloped reserves were estimated to be ¥368,673 million in total as of March 31, 2009.
*3 The proved gas reserves are restricted to those volumes that are related to firm sales commitments.
*4 Includes total proved reserves attributable to Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. of 19 million, 37 million and 32 million barrels of Crude oil, Condensate and Natural Gas Liquids and 265 billions, 636 billions and 584 billions of cubic feet of Natural Gas in March 2007, 2008 and 2009, as well as proved developed reserves of 18 million, 18 million and 19 million barrels of Crude oil, Condensate and Natural Gas Liquids and 227 billions, 294 billions and 339 billions of cubic feet of Natural Gas in March 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively, in which there is a 49.7 percent, 48.5 percent and 46.5 percent minority interest.
*5 The decrease of 96 million barrels in sales of Crude oil, Condensate and Natural Gas Liquids and 1,658 billions of cubic feet in sales of Natural Gas in place was mainly related to the reduction of Mitsui’s interest in Sakhalin II project.

 

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TABLE 5. STANDARDIZED MEASURE OF DISCOUNTED FUTURE NET CASH FLOWS RELATED TO PROVED OIL AND GAS RESERVES

The standardized measure of discounted future cash flows, related to the preceding proved oil and gas reserves, is calculated in accordance with SFAS No. 69. Estimated future cash inflows from production are computed by applying year-end prices to year-end quantities of estimated net proved reserves. Future development and production costs are those estimated future expenditures necessary to develop and produce year-end estimated proved reserves based on year-end cost indices, assuming continuation of year-end economic conditions. Estimated future income taxes are calculated by applying appropriate year-end statutory tax rates. Discounted future net cash flows are calculated using a discount factor of ten percent. The information provided does not represent management’s estimate of the companies’ expected future cash flows or value of proved oil and gas reserves. Estimates of proved reserve quantities shall change over time as new information becomes available. Moreover, probable and possible reserves, which may become proved in the future, are excluded from the calculations. The arbitrary valuation prescribed under SFAS No. 69 requires assumptions as to the timing of future development and production costs. The calculations are made as of each fiscal year-end and should not be relied upon as an indication of the companies’ future cash flows or value of their oil and gas reserves.

1) Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows

 

    Millions of Yen  
    Consolidated Companies     Associated Companies        
    Oceania
and Asia*1
    Middle
East
    Others     Oceania     Others     Worldwide  

At March 31, 2009:

           

Future Cash Inflows from Production

  ¥ 559,492      ¥ 239,886      ¥ 67,557      ¥ 448,784      ¥ 24,776      ¥ 1,340,495   

Future Production Costs

    (153,394     (18,553     (23,846     (82,104     (3,539     (281,436

Future Development Costs*2

    (255,091     (27,803     (18,431     (62,207     (2,722     (366,254

Future Income Taxes

    (116,909     (106,237     (975     (98,366     (6,577     (329,064
                                               

Undiscounted Future Net Cash Flows

    34,098        87,293        24,305        206,107        11,938        363,741   

10% Annual Discount for Timing of Estimated Cash Flows

    13,336 *3      (25,846     (5,226     (89,411     (1,153     (108,300
                                               

Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows

  ¥ 47,434      ¥ 61,447      ¥ 19,079      ¥ 116,696      ¥ 10,785      ¥ 255,441   
                                               

At March 31, 2008:

           

Future Cash Inflows from Production

  ¥ 996,390      ¥ 281,462      ¥ 148,446      ¥ 943,422      ¥ 77,112      ¥ 2,446,832   

Future Production Costs

    (178,842     (18,490     (30,657     (138,031     (8,216     (374,236

Future Development Costs

    (175,889     (13,685     (16,160     (102,207     (6,290     (314,231

Future Income Taxes

    (337,761     (135,034     (22,523     (221,343     (29,743     (746,404
                                               

Undiscounted Future Net Cash Flows

    303,898        114,253        79,106        481,841        32,863        1,011,961   

10% Annual Discount for Timing of Estimated Cash Flows

    (41,257     (37,930     (18,577     (225,345     (4,297     (327,406
                                               

Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows

  ¥ 262,641      ¥ 76,323      ¥ 60,529      ¥ 256,496      ¥ 28,566      ¥ 684,555   
                                               

At March 31, 2007:

           

Future Cash Inflows from Production

  ¥ 605,040      ¥ 256,299      ¥ 126,713      ¥ 756,082      ¥ 1,525,078      ¥ 3,269,212   

Future Production Costs

    (171,335     (21,705     (19,409     (118,426     (380,078     (710,953

Future Development Costs

    (133,323     (19,418     (22,099     (84,309     (286,254     (545,403

Future Income Taxes

    (101,264     (115,547     (12,990     (176,844     (153,647     (560,292
                                               

Undiscounted Future Net Cash Flows

    199,118        99,629        72,215        376,503        705,099        1,452,564   

10% Annual Discount for Timing of Estimated Cash Flows

    (40,074     (34,671     (18,229     (178,396     (431,453     (702,823
                                               

Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows

  ¥ 159,044      ¥ 64,958      ¥ 53,986      ¥ 198,107      ¥ 273,646      ¥ 749,741   
                                               

 

*1 Includes discounted future net cash flows attributable to Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. of ¥61,214 million, ¥168,868 million and ¥21,899 million in March 2007, 2008 and 2009 respectively, in which there is a 46.5 percent, 48.5 percent and 49.7 percent minority interest.
*2 Includes cash-out for asset retirement obligations incurred in accordance with SFAS No. 143 “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations”.
*3 The positive figure for the 10% annual discount is mainly related to a large amount of cash outflow in a distant future period for asset retirement obligations related to operations in Gulf of Thailand.

 

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2) Details of Changes for the Year

 

    Millions of Yen  
    Consolidated Companies     Associated Companies     Worldwide  
    2009     2008     2007     2009     2008     2007     2009     2008     2007  

Present Value at April 1

  ¥ 399,493      ¥ 277,988      ¥ 174,763      ¥ 285,062      ¥ 471,753      ¥ 272,955      ¥ 684,555      ¥ 749,741      ¥ 447,718   
                                                                       

Consolidation of a subsidiary

    —          —          24,213        —          —          (11,464     —          —          12,749   

Sales/Transfers of Oil and Gas Produced, Net of Production Costs

    (246,105     (220,695     (87,338     (82,322     (57,826     (90,309     (328,427     (278,521     (177,647

Development Costs Incurred

    55,368        67,381        51,190        18,770        21,217        118,543        74,138        88,598        169,733   

Purchases of Reserves in Place

    5,190        —          74,203        —          6,065        15,286        5,190        6,065        89,489   

Extensions and Discoveries

    26,907        14,075        22,012        —          13,636        —          26,907        27,711        22,012   

Sales of Reserves

    —          (44,026     24        —          (267,723     —          —          (311,749     24   

Net Changes in Prices, Development and Production Cost

    (397,758     383,154        91,332        (175,943     77,619        84,037        (573,701     460,773        175,369   

Revisions of Previous Quantity Estimates*1

    54,697        175,921        (91,821     13,789        10,074        51,275        68,486        185,995        (40,546

Accretion of Discount

    39,949        27,799        17,476        28,506        47,175        27,296        68,456        74,974        44,772   

Net Changes in Income Taxes

    259,845        (135,031     18,381        73,022        (36,286     (51,066     332,867        (171,317     (32,685

Others*2

    (69,626     (147,073     (16,447     (33,403     (642     55,200        (103,030     (147,715     38,753   
                                                                       

Net Changes for the Year

    (271,533     121,505        103,225        (157,581     (186,691     198,798        (429,114     (65,186     302,023   
                                                                       

Present Value at March 31

  ¥ 127,960      ¥ 399,493      ¥ 277,988      ¥ 127,481      ¥ 285,062      ¥ 471,753      ¥ 255,441      ¥ 684,555      ¥ 749,741   
                                                                       

 

*1 Includes amounts resulting from changes in the timing of production.
*2 Main portion of “Others” is foreign currency transaction adjustments and increase or decrease of royalty due to revisions of previous reserves.

 

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

 

 

MITSUI & CO., LTD.

 

(Registrant)

Date: July 17, 2009

 

by

 

/s/    JUNICHI MATSUMOTO        

   

Junichi Matsumoto

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer


Table of Contents

INDEX OF EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit

Number

    

Document

1.1       The Articles of Incorporation of Mitsui & Co., Ltd., as of June 23, 2009 (English-language translation).
1.2       The Share Handling Regulation of Mitsui & Co., Ltd., as amended on January 5, 2009 (English-language translation).
1.3       The Rules of the Board of Directors of Mitsui & Co., Ltd., as amended on September 17, 2008 (English-language translation).
1.4    The Rules of the Board of Corporate Auditors of Mitsui & Co., Ltd., as amended on July 31, 2006 (English-language translation).
2.1       Deposit Agreement, dated as of October 1, 1982 among Mitsui & Co., Ltd., Citibank, N.A., and holders of ADRs and European Depositary Receipts, as amended by Amendment No.1 dated as of January 4, 2006.
8.1       List of Subsidiaries of Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
11.1       Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers and Professionals.
11.2       Business Conduct Guidelines for Employees and Officers of Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
12.1       Certification of the principal executive officer of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. required by Rule 13a-14(a).
12.2       Certification of the principal financial officer of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. required by Rule 13a-14(a).
13.1       Certification required by Rule 13a-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code.

 

* Incorporated by reference to the corresponding exhibit to our annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 0-9929) filed on September 27, 2006.

We have not included as exhibits certain instruments with respect to our long-term debt, the amount of debt authorized under each of which does not exceed 10% of our total assets, and we agree to furnish a copy of any such instruments to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.