The OEM’s cost of sales also just went up 3.7 percent, from JPY 173.4 billion ($2.1 billion) to JPY 179.9 billion ($2.2 billion).
In the information-related equipment segment, Epson said net sales were up 2.6 percent year over year to JPY 167.5 billion ($19.9 million). It blamed this on the slow economy and “corporate belt-tightening”.
In financial documents, Epson said: “Demand for consumer inkjet printers rose as the economy improved. Business inkjet printer demand was hurt in Europe and America by corporate belt-tightening in the face of economic uncertainty.
“However, in China and other parts of Asia enjoying economic growth, business inkjet demand steadily climbed.
“In the consumer segment, inkjet printer unit shipments (including both hardware units and consumables) increased due to a rebound in personal spending. A series of business wins also meant steady sales of office inkjet printers.”
Epson added: “In the quarter of the year under review, the economy continued to recover and grow, but signs that the pace is slowing began to emerge.
“The US economy, boosted by economic stimulus measures, began to gradually climb back from recession, though factors such as high unemployment rates have weighed down the recovery.
“In Europe, the economic slide was halted, but unemployment rates are hovering at high levels.
“China and India recorded growth, mainly due to internal demand. Other countries in Asia also saw the general recovery continue.
“Meanwhile, the Japanese economy, aided by steady personal spending, has been picking back up, but the economic outlook is clouded by elements of uncertainty, including a tight employment situation and a softening of heretofore growing exports and manufacturing.”