Convenience store chain FamilyMart Co. said Tuesday its consolidated net profit jumped 12.5 percent to 14.20 billion yen in the year that ended in February on 9.3 percent sales growth to 276.44 billion yen.

The net profit figure represents a significant improvement from the fiscal 2004 profit, which slumped 8.4 percent, although the company says consumer spending has yet to recover despite rising corporate earnings.

The company plans to pay a dividend of 21.50 yen per share for the end of fiscal 2005, which will bring the annual dividend to 43 yen for the full year, up from 38 yen a year ago.

For fiscal 2006, the company forecasts consolidated net profit of 16.10 billion yen, up 13.4 percent, on sales of 307.50 billion yen, up 11.2 percent.