Nike Shows Sales Strength; Profit Falls Just Short of Estimates

Nike Inc. reported gross sales that outpaced Wall Road’s expectations whereas revenue fell simply in need of estimates as the corporate works to dump its excessive stockpiles of merchandise.

International income rose 5 p.c to $12.8 billion within the fiscal fourth quarter ended Could 31, above Wall Road’s expectation of $12.6 billion. Gross margin — a key gauge of profitability — was additionally greater than anticipated, whereas earnings per share fell a cent in need of Wall Road’s common estimate.

Chief government officer John Donahoe and Nike’s administration have been working via extra merchandise with reductions, which has weighed on margins. Inventories rose barely within the quarter in contrast with the prior yr interval. The corporate attributed a gross margin decline from a yr earlier partly to “greater product enter prices and elevated freight and logistics prices” together with greater reductions.

Even so, buyers could also be heartened by Nike’s efficiency within the Larger China area, a vital development market the place the corporate seems to be regaining misplaced floor. Income within the nation was $1.8 billion for the quarter, topping analysts’ projections.

The shares slipped 3.7 p.c at 4:49 p.m. on Thursday in late New York buying and selling. The inventory has fallen 3.1 p.c this yr via Thursday’s shut.

By Kim Bhasin

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