Canon's chief financial officer on Tuesday responded to reports that his company could invest in Toshiba's chips business, saying that it would be a difficult proposition for Canon as it needs to prioritize investment for its own growth.

Company chief Fujio Mitarai said this month the firm was willing to consider support if there was a request from Toshiba because it is important customer, according to a Kyodo news agency interview.

Toshiba said last week it will sell a minority stake in its memory chip business as it urgently seeks funds to offset an imminent multi-billion dollar writedown, adding that its overseas nuclear division was now under review.

Canon also forecast full-year operating profit to climb 11.4 percent, its first rise in three years, bolstered by earnings from a medical equipment unit it bought from Toshiba last year.

The company forecast operating profit to rise to 255 billion yen ($2.3 billion) this year from 228.9 billion in the previous twelve months.