TOKYO, Feb 4 (Reuters) - Japan's Panasonic Holdings ( PCRFF )

said on Thursday the third-quarter operating profit of

its energy unit, which supplies batteries to Tesla,

rose 39% from a year earlier on improved profitability at its

U.S. plant and stronger sales of energy storage systems.

Operating income for the key segment increased to 42 billion

yen ($270.46 million) as the better profitability at its U.S.

plant helped offset an overall decline in sales in its

in-vehicle business, it said in presentation materials.

($1 = 155.2900 yen)