Japan's top-three semiconductor firms, Toshiba, Renesas Electronics, and Sony, saw on-year decreases in their fiscal 2012 (from April 2012 to March 2013) revenues, but profits improved.

　　According to Research, Toshiba saw first-quarter 2013 NAND flash revenues reach JPY173.0 billion (US$1.71 billion), the highest since the first quarter of 2010. The rise in NAND flash revenues were due to increasing shipments and steady prices. Toshiba has seen semiconductor revenues and operating profits grow for three consecutive quarters.

　　Renesas saw first-quarter 2013 revenues show a 1.9% sequential decrease to JPY173.9 billion. However, the firm reported operating profits of JPY8.03 billion after seven consecutive quarters of operating losses.

　　Due to weak shipments of digital still cameras (DSCs), Sony saw revenues of its semiconductor department (mainly focusing on image sensors) fall 11.5% on quarter to JPY164.1 billion in the first quarter of 2013. However, Sony aims to increase 2013 annual revenues to JPY500 billion from JPY480 billion in 2012.

　　Research believes the top-three semiconductor firms will increasingly issue OEM orders to gain profits.