NIKE, Inc. reported financial results for its fiscal 2014 first quarter ended August 31, 2013. Strong demand for NIKE, Inc. brands propelled revenue growth, and diluted earnings per share grew faster than revenue due to gross margin expansion, SG&A leverage, a lower tax rate and a lower average share count.
Highlights:
-Revenues from continuing operations up 8 percent to $7.0 billion -Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations up 37 percent to $0.86 -Worldwide futures orders up 8 percent, 10 percent growth excluding currency changes -Inventories as of August 31, 2013 up 6 percent
"We had a great first quarter driven by our unrelenting commitment to delivering innovative products and services to athletes around the world,” said Mark Parker, President and CEO of NIKE, Inc. “Our powerful portfolio of businesses combined with unmatched leadership and resources allows us to capitalize on opportunities that drive long-term value for our shareholders. I am more excited than ever about our potential to continue to innovate with purpose, and fuel NIKE's growth."
First Quarter Continuing Operations Income Statement Review
Starting in the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company changed the reporting structure for what was historically identified as Other Businesses. Hurley and NIKE Golf have been included in the overall financial results for the NIKE Brand and for individual geographies, reflecting the operational integration of these businesses into the NIKE Brand category offense. Converse will now be reported as a separate segment, reflecting the ongoing operation of this brand as a stand- alone business.
Revenues for NIKE, Inc. increased 8 percent to $7.0 billion. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates did not have a significant impact on total reported revenue growth.
Revenues for the NIKE Brand were $6.5 billion, up 7 percent on a currency neutral basis, with growth in every product type and every geography except Greater China. For the first quarter, NIKE Brand revenues were higher in Running, Basketball, Football (Soccer) and Men’s Training, offsetting a slight decline in Sportswear.
Revenues for Converse were $494 million, up 16 percent on a currency neutral basis, driven by strong performance in our largest owned markets: the United Kingdom, North America and China.
Gross margin increased 120 basis points to 44.9 percent. Gross margin benefitted from easing raw material costs, a shift in the mix of the Company’s revenues to higher margin products, lower discounts and growth in the higher margin Direct-to-Consumer business. These benefits were partially offset by higher labor costs and unfavorable changes in foreign exchange rates.
Selling and administrative expense was in line with the same period last year at $2.1 billion. Demand creation expense was $731 million, down 16 percent versus the prior year, which included higher spending supporting key product initiatives, as well as the Olympics and European Football Championships. Operating overhead expense increased 12 percent to $1.3 billion due to investments in digital innovation and other growth businesses, as well as higher Direct to Consumer costs driven by growth and new store openings.
