Sojitz Corp.'s (BBB-/Stable/--) financial profile was strengthened through a period of extensive financial restructuring and support from creditor banks up to March 2005, followed by efforts to improve its capital structure while maintaining a discreet investment stance. However, the company's business franchise is weak in comparison to its peers as it has fewer upstream energy resource-related interests. A key challenge for the company is to establish an earnings base that is less susceptible to economic cycles by strengthening its business franchise, while adequately managing its risk levels. Sojitz's earnings continued to increase through to fiscal 2007 (ended March 31, 2008) due to a boom in commodity prices, mainly crude oil and coal. However, its consolidated net income declined 70% year
