Nike Rises on Stronger-Than-Expected Q1 Apparel Sales

Oct 1 - Nike NKE shares climbed about 5% on Wednesday after the sportswear company reported fiscal first-quarter results that showed apparel strength offsetting softer footwear sales.

Quarterly revenue came in at $11.7 billion, up 1% from a year earlier. On a currency-neutral basis, sales slipped 1%. Footwear revenue fell 1% to $7.4 billion, slightly below expectations, while apparel revenue rose 9% to $3.3 billion, topping forecasts.

Revenue for the Nike brand advanced 2% to $11.4 billion, with growth in North America offset by a weaker performance in Greater China. Nike Direct revenue declined 4% to $4.5 billion as digital sales dropped 12% and company-owned retail slipped 1%. Wholesale revenue increased 7% during the period.

Gross margin narrowed by 320 basis points to 42.2%, pressured by lower average selling prices, deeper discounts, and higher tariffs in North America. The figure still came in above consensus estimates of 41.7%.

Net income fell 31% to $0.7 billion. Nike ended the quarter with inventory down 2% year-over-year at $8.1 billion, and cash of $8.6 billion compared with $10.3 billion a year earlier.