The Latest in IT Security

Sharp Corp lifted its full-year earnings forecast on Tuesday after receiving strong orders for its smartphone panels from Chinese makers, putting it firmer footing to secure the full-year net profit it needs as a condition for a $4.6 billion bank rescue. Japans largest display maker raised its full-year operating forecast for the year to March 31 to 100 billion yen ($988 million), up from a previous forecast of 80 billion yen, although it left its net profit forecast unchanged at 5 billion yen. The net forecast compares with expectations of 8.82 billion yen, the average of the most accurate analysts expectations according to Thomson Reuters Starmine. The company, which also makes solar cells and TVs, cited strong orders for its small to midsize panels used in smartphones and tablets as it reported a 5.8 percent rise in operating profit on the year to 47.6 billion yen for the October-December quarter, exceeding expectations of 35.42 billion yen, according to the average of five analyst estimates according to Thomson Reuters Starmine.