OREANDA-NEWS. Fast Retailing Announced for the twelve months to August 2013 Results.

Sales topped one trillion yen for the first time and operating income hit a new record high in fiscal 2013. Ordinary income expanded by an impressive 19.0% year on year due largely to the reporting of a JPN 15.5bln foreign exchange gain related to the weakening of the Japanese currency. We intend to increase our annual dividend per share from 260 yen in fiscal 2012 to 290 yen in fiscal 2013, split between a revised year-end dividend of JPN 150 and an interim dividend of JPN 140.

UNIQLO Japan:
Net sales expanded 10.2% year on year supported by a 7.3% increase in same-store sales. However, a fall in the gross profit margin and an increase in business cost ratios led to a decline in operating income of 5.4% year on year.

UNIQLO International:
Achieved considerable gains in both sales and profit thanks to continued strong performances in the Asian region. UNIQLO operations in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan generated combined sales of ? 125.0bln and operating income of JPN 13.5bln. UNIQLO USA and UNIQLO South Korea fell short of target in fiscal 2013, with the operating loss in the United States hovering close to the previous year's level.

Global Brands:
Generated significant growth in both sales and profit thanks to strong performances from the GU and Theory operations. Both GU and Theory posted record profits in fiscal 2013. Conversely, Comptoir des Cotonniers and Princesse tam.tam fell short of target, reporting a decline in profits.

Fiscal 2014 Consolidated Estimates:
Group sales: JPN 1.330trln (+16.4% year on year), operating income: JPN 156.0bln (+17.4%), ordinary income: JPN 155.0bln (+4.0%), earnings per share: JPN 902.88, annual dividend forecast: JPN 300 per share.