Aeon Co., Ltd. (TSE:8267), which intends to use a cash management system to pool the group's funds, a move designed to pare its interest-bearing debt by ¥200 billion, is looking for acquisitions. Lowering its group liabilities to around ¥1.4 trillion at the close of the year ending February 2014 will mark the first decrease in three fiscal years. Aeon plans to continue mergers and acquisitions at home and abroad while managing its debt.

Aeon Co., Ltd. reported unaudited consolidated and non consolidated earnings results for the year ended February 28, 2013. For the year, on consolidated basis, the company has posted operating revenue of JPY 5,685,303 million against JPY 5,223,344 million a year ago. Operating income was JPY 190,999 million against JPY 198,638 million a year ago. Net income was JPY 74,697 million or JPY 87.64 per fully diluted share against JPY 66,750 million or JPY 76.30 per fully diluted share a year ago. Return on equity was 7.6% compared to 7.3% a year ago. Cash flows from operating activities were JPY 142,289 million compared to JPY 203,382 million a year ago. Purchase of fixed assets was JPY 328,011 million compared to JPY 311,904 million a year ago. Income before income taxes and minority interests was JPY 192,238 million compared to JPY 138,230 million a year ago. For the year, on non consolidated basis, the company has posted net sales of JPY 43,935 million against JPY 51,128 million a year ago. Operating income was JPY 26,332 million against JPY 36,438 million a year ago. Net income was JPY 28,915 million or JPY 34.6 per fully diluted share against JPY 17,769 million or JPY 20.41 per fully diluted share a year ago. For the year ended February 28, 2013, the company announces year-end dividend of JPY 12.00 per share and total dividend of JPY 24 per share compared to year-end dividend of JPY 23.00 per share and total dividend of JPY 23.00 per share a year ago. The dividend will be payable on April 25, 2013. For the second quarter ending February 28, 2014, the company expects dividend of JPY 13.00 per share compared to JPY 12.00 a year ago. For the fiscal year ending February 28, 2014, the company expects year end dividend of JPY 13.00 per share and total dividend of JPY 26.00 per share compared to year-end dividend of JPY 12 per share and total dividend of JPY 24 per share a year ago. For the year ending February 28, 2014, the company expects net sales of JPY 6,000,000 million and operating income is in the range of JPY 200,000 million to JPY 210,000 million. The company also expects net income is in the range of JPY 75,000 or JPY 94.80. ROE is in the range of 7.3%.

Aeon Co., Ltd. announced that they will report fiscal year 2013 final results on May 17, 2013