Bridgestone´s 2005 net income up 58 percent

Nashville Tennessee -- Bridgestone Corp. reported consolidated net income in 2005 of $1530 million -- up 58 percent from the prior year -- on sales of $22 800 million as its North American tyre business reached a profit before taxes.

Bridgestone´s net income was positively affected by a one-time pension-related gain as well as other extraordinary items, the Japanese tyre maker said. Operating income rose 8 percent to $1810 million.

In the Americas, Bridgestone/Firestone Americas Holding Inc. posted an 11-percent rise in net sales to a record $10 200 million. Net income hit $428 million -- an increase of $244 million from 2004 -- the firm said. Net income was impacted by a one-time recognition of a deferred tax asset. The year marked BSAH´s fourth consecutive profitable year.

BFS did not report the tyre business´ profit before tax.

BFS said in 2005 it faced "unprecedented" levels in raw material and energy costs, escalating pension and medical benefit expenses and the impact of last fall´s hurricanes. The tyre maker expects many of these challenges to continue this year.