For the principal markets served by Kyocera and its consolidated subsidiaries, the first half of the fiscal year saw rising global demand for smartphones in the digital consumer equipment market, as well as rising demand in automotive markets, mainly in the U.S. and Europe. In comparison with the first half of 2015, Kyocera recorded increased consolidated net sales due mainly to growth in the semiconductor parts, electronic devices, and fine ceramic parts segments, led by communications- and automotive-related components, as well as increased sales from the information equipment segment in the U.S. These increases were more than enough to offset sales decreases against the prior first half in the telecommunications equipment segment and the applied ceramic products segment, including the solar energy business. Consolidated first half profits also increased over the prior first half, reflecting profit increases in the Components Business and one-time profit from a sale of assets in the “Others” reporting segment. Together, these profit gains more than offset a decline in profits from the Equipment Business.