Nike Inc’s second-quarter revenue and profit topped Wall Street’s expectations, bolstered by e-commerce sales and rebounding growth in China.
Sales rose 8.9 per cent to US$11.2 billion in the quarter ended November 30, the athletic wear company reported Friday. Analysts had projected US$10.6 billion. Earnings came in at 78 cents a share, compared with a 62-cent estimate.
Customers wearing protective masks stand in line to enter a Nike Inc store in the SoHo neighbourhood of New York, USA, on Monday, December 14, 2020. The US Census Bureau is scheduled to release retail sales figures on December 16. (Photo: Gabby Jones/Bloomberg)
Key Insights
With China’s recovery ahead of other parts of the world, sales there rose 24. North America sales, meanwhile, were little changed as the resurgent coronavirus challenged retailers.
Nike has been dealing with excess inventory throughout the pandemic, following temporary store shutdowns and fewer shipments going out to other retailers. Levels were down 1.8 per cent from the prior year.
Like many retailers, Nike invested heavily in its e-commerce operations as consumers stuck at home shifted their shopping online this year. Its direct sales climbed 32 per cent last quarter, helping make up for the brick-and-mortar slump.
Nike Inc. sneakers are displayed for sale at Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc store in Sterling Heights, Michigan, US, on Thursday, August 18, 2016. (File photo)
Market Reaction
Nike shares rose as much as 6 per cent to US$145.49 in extended trading on Friday. The stock has gained 36 per cent this year through the close.