STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Jan. 29, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- H & M Hennes & Mauritz (Other OTC:HMRZF) (Stockholm:HMb):
-- Group turnover for the year amounted to SEK 53,332 m (46,528) including VAT, an increase of 15 per cent compared to last year. With comparable exchange rates, the increase was 14 per cent. -- Profit after financial items was SEK 8,629 m (5,734), an increase of 50 per cent. -- Improved profit and operating margin in all markets. -- Turnover for the fourth quarter increased by 13 per cent (with comparable exchange rates 15 per cent) and amounted to SEK 15,963 m (14,172) including VAT. -- Profit after financial items for the fourth quarter was SEK 3,404 m (2,356), an increase of 44 per cent. -- In 2003, 110 stores are planned to open, of which twelve on the new markets Poland, the Czech Republic and Portugal. -- Leases have been signed for five stores in Toronto, Canada. The stores will open in 2004. -- The Board of Directors proposes a regular dividend of SEK 2.60 (1.75) per share and in addition a bonus dividend of SEK 3.40 per share, a total of SEK 6.00 per share. The Board of Directors Contact persons: Carl-Henric Enhorning +46-8-796 5410 Leif Persson +46-8-796 1300 Rolf Eriksen, CEO +46-8-796 5233 Switchboard +46-8-796 5500 Information about H&M and press pictures are available on www.hm.com This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/01/29/20030128BIT01260/wkr0001.doc The full report www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/01/29/20030128BIT01260/wkr0002.pdf The full report