Online fashion and beauty store ASOS continued its recent barnstorming performance, boosting revenues by a third in the last quarter.

Group revenues were up 31% to £145.2m in the fourth quarter, the firm said in a trading update.

Retail sales were up 31% year-on-year, with a 15% rise in the UK and a 42% jump in international trading.

International sales now make up 65% of the company's total business, it said.

Retail sales for the full year to the end of August increased 38% to £538m.

ASOS' retail gross margin was up 70bps on prior year, while the number of active customers on its site rose by almost a third to five million by the end of August.

"Profit for the five months ended August 31st and pro forma full year, are expected to be in line with expectations, and we approach our new financial year with continued confidence," said Chief Executive Nick Robertson.


Russian gold miner Highland Gold said first half net profit fell to $45m from $70.3m a year earlier, while pre-tax profit fell by a third due to the higher cost of sales.

The group said that it remains on track to produce between 200,000 ounces and 215,000 ounces of gold and gold equivalents in 2012.

Pre-tax profit for the half year ended June 30th 2012 fell to $57.3m compared to $85.1m for the same period a year ago. Revenue increased to $161.5m from $158.1m.
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) fell to $65.7m from $88.1m before. EBITDA margin fell from 55.7% to 40.7%.

The firm, which produces gold at its Belaya Gora, Mnogovershinnoye and Novoshirokinskoye mines in Russia, said gold production increased to 101,900 ounces from 93,057 ounces. Gold sales fell to 102,036 ounces versus 104,911 ounces.

Highland Gold expects second half operating expenditure to remain stable or below levels during the first half due as it reduces open pit stripping ratios. It expects stable metal production at Mnogovershinnoye in second half.

Capital expenditure rose to $47.1m from $31.4m before. Diluted earnings per share increased to $0.138 from $0.215.

The group also announced a special interim dividend of £0.048 per share.

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