Hitachi Metals Ltd. reported consolidated earnings results for the third quarter ended December 31, 2011. For the quarter, the company reported net sales of JPY 407,179 million compared to net sales of JPY 388,035 million last year. Operating income was JPY 33,325 million compared to JPY 34,031 million last year. Income before income taxes was JPY 28,730 million compared to JPY 29,945 million last year. Net income was JPY 14,691 million or JPY 41.68 per share compared to JPY 16,455 million or JPY 46.69 per share last year. Net assets per share were JPY 604.77 compared to JPY 591.51 per share last year. Net cash used in operating activities was JPY 10,570 million compared to JPY 32,998 million last year. Purchase of property, plant and equipment was JPY 15,593 million compared to JPY 13,155 million last year. For the quarter, the company reported impairment loss of JPY 663 million compared to JPY 302 million last year. For the year 2012, the company expects to pay interim dividend of JPY 6.00 per share and year end of JPY 6.00 per share and annual dividend of JPY 12.00 per share. For the full year ending March 31, 2012, the company expects net sales of JPY 570,000 million, operating income of JPY 44,500 million, income before income taxes of JPY 38,500 million and net income of JPY 21,700 million or JPY 61.57 per share.