Fast Retailing Co.'s profit declined for the business year that ended Aug. 31, due mainly to a warm winter and rising personnel, advertising and promotional costs, the company said Thursday.

Money-losing subsidiaries also put a dent in its bottom line.

The operator of the Uniqlo casual clothing chain said group net profit declined 21.4 percent to ¥31.7 billion, while operating profit dropped 7.7 percent to ¥64.9 billion.