TOKYO, May 8, 2013 – Ajinomoto Co., Inc. (Ajinomoto Co.) today announced its results for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013, as outlined in the following tables.

Earnings for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013 were net sales of 1,172.4 billion yen, a decrease of 24.8 billion yen compared with the previous fiscal year (down 2.1%) and operating income of 71.2 billion yen, a decrease of 1.3 billion yen (down 1.9%). However, excluding the effect of Calpis Co., Ltd., net sales increased 20.9 billion yen and operating income decreased 0.5 billion yen, essentially unchanged from the previous fiscal year. Ordinary income increased 1.2 billion yen to a record high of 77.1 billion yen (up 1.6%) due to factors including an increase in equity in earnings of non-consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates and a gain on foreign currency exchange. In addition, Ajinomoto Co. recorded 49.1 billion yen in extraordinary gains, including gain on transfer of benefit obligation relating to employees’ pension fund and gain on sale of Calpis shares.

Extraordinary losses totaled 25.4 billion yen, including impairment losses on pharmaceutical manufacturing and sales facilities associated with business restructuring and a sweetener manufacturing facility in France. As a result, net income increased 6.6 billion yen to a record high of 48.3 billion yen (up 15.9%).

Net sales decreased 24.8 billion yen to 1,172.4 billion yen (down 2.1%) due to the impact of the exclusion of sales of Calpis products from the scope of consolidation from the third quarter. By region, sales in Japan decreased to 764.9 billion yen (down 6.1%) but overseas sales increased to 407.5 billion yen (up 6.6%). Excluding the impact from Calpis products, net sales increased 20.9 billion yen to 1,111.3 billion yen (up 1.9%) with increases in sales of seasonings, processed foods and frozen foods in Japan, although sales in the pharmaceuticals and other segments decreased, and growth in overseas sales, mainly in consumer foods and feed-use amino acids.

Operating income decreased 1.3 billion yen to 71.2 billion yen (down 1.9%). By region, operating income was 34.3 billion yen (down 3.4%) in Japan and 36.8 billion yen (down 0.4%) overseas. In Japan, seasonings, processed foods and frozen foods contributed to growth in operating income, and operating income from amino acids for pharmaceuticals and foods increased compared with the previous fiscal year, but overall operating income decreased, partly due to the decrease in sales of specialty chemicals and the pharmaceuticals segment. Overseas operating income was essentially unchanged overall from the previous fiscal year, with contributions from amino acids for pharmaceuticals and foods, feed-use amino acids and consumer foods.

Ordinary income increased 1.2 billion yen to 77.1 billion yen (up 1.6%), surpassing the previous record high of 72.1 billion yen in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005.

Net income increased 6.6 billion yen to 48.3 billion yen (up 15.9%), surpassing the previous record high of 44.8 billion yen in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005. Net income per share also reached a record high of 74.35 yen (61.28 yen in the previous fiscal year).

Ajinomoto Co. forecasts a 5.3% year-on-year increase in operating income to 75.0 billion yen and a 2.4% increase in ordinary income to 79.0 billion yen. In addition, Ajinomoto Co. forecasts a 1.3% increase in net income to 49.0 billion yen.

The method for recording consolidated net sales for sales transactions in businesses such as coffee and edible oils, which were previously recorded as the total of sales and cost of sales, is scheduled to change in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014 to the net amount of sales minus cost of sales. With the effect of this change, net sales for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014 are forecast to decrease 13.1% to 1,019.0 billion yen. If the net amount had been recorded using the same method in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013, net sales in that fiscal year would have been 984.9 billion yen and the forecast for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014 would represent a year-on-year increase of 3.5%.

This forecast assumes a U.S. dollar/yen exchange rate of 90.0 yen for the fiscal year.

Ajinomoto Co. is a global manufacturer of high-quality seasonings, processed foods, beverages, amino acids, pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals. For many decades Ajinomoto Co. has contributed to food culture and human health through wide-ranging application of amino acid technologies. Today, the company is becoming increasingly involved with solutions for improved food resources, human health and global sustainability. Founded in 1909 and now operating in 26 countries, Ajinomoto Co. had net sales of JPY 1,172.4 billion (USD 14.1 billion) in fiscal 2012. For more about Ajinomoto Co. (TYO: 2802), visit www.ajinomoto.com.