swatch group ag/the-br (UHR) Snapshot

Four luxury- goods companies have expressed interest in acquiring Pomellato S.p.A., a person familiar with the situation said. Prada S.p.A (SEHK:1913), PPR SA. (ENXTPA:PP) and Daniel Swarovski Corporation AG are have held discussions with Pomellato, the person said. He added that a deal expected by this month; however no final decision has been made. The company had dropped plans for an initial public offering. On February 26, 2013 Chief Executive Officer, Andrea Morante stated that “forces us to look into alternative courses of action, you have to look at other sources of capital.” Pambianco News had reported in February that Swatch Group AG (SWX:1913) may also be interested Pomellato. However, Beatrice Howald, spokeswoman for Swatch stated that it doesn’t need anything else after buying Harry Winston.

Swatch Group AG reported unaudited consolidated earnings results for the year ended Dec. 31, 2012. For the year, the company reported gross sales of CHF 8,143 million compared to CHF 7,143 million reported in the same period last year. Operating profit was CHF 1,984 million against CHF 1,614 million and result before taxes was CHF 2,017 million against CHF 1,611 million reported last year. Net income attributable to equity holders of the company was CHF 1,600 million against CHF 1,269 million reported last year. Cash flow from operating activities was CHF 999 million against CHF 705 million and investments in tangible and intangible assets were CHF 477 million against CHF 393 million reported last year. Consolidated net income per registered diluted share was CHF 5.92 against CHF 4.70 and consolidated net income per bearer diluted share was CHF 29.62 against CHF 23.48 reported last year. Average return on equity was 18.5% against 16.8% reported last year. The Board of Directors of the Swatch Group will propose the following dividend for 2012 to the Annual General Meeting on May 29, 2013: CHF 6.75 per bearer share and CHF 1.35 per registered share. This increase in the dividend payment to shareholders of 17.4% versus the previous year is due to the good results achieved in 2012 and underscores the continued optimistic outlook for business performance in 2013.

Swatch Group AG announced that they will report fiscal year 2012 sales/trading statement results on Jan 10, 2013