10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2005

NIKE, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Dec 22, 2004

Filed December 22, 2004For Securities:NKE

Summary

NIKE, Inc. reported strong financial performance for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal year 2005, concluding on November 30, 2004. Revenue increased by 11% to $3.1 billion for the quarter and 14% to $6.7 billion year-to-date. Net income saw a significant surge of 46% to $261.9 million in the quarter and 34% to $588.7 million year-to-date. This growth was driven by broad-based revenue increases across all geographic regions, particularly EMEA and Asia Pacific, and improved gross margins. The company also demonstrated a healthy increase in diluted earnings per share, up 47% year-over-year for the quarter to $0.97. Key drivers for the improved profitability include favorable foreign currency movements, particularly a stronger euro, and strategic improvements in gross margin percentage, which rose to 44.1% for the quarter. The company has also been actively managing its capital, increasing dividends and continuing its share repurchase program. Looking ahead, NIKE anticipates continued benefits from currency hedging for the remainder of fiscal 2005 and into the first half of fiscal 2006. The company also noted the recent enactment of the American Jobs Creation Act, though it has not yet made changes regarding the repatriation of foreign earnings.

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenue growth of 11% for the quarter and 14% year-to-date, reaching $3.1 billion and $6.7 billion, respectively.
  • 2Net income increased by 46% for the quarter to $261.9 million and 34% year-to-date to $588.7 million.
  • 3Diluted earnings per share (EPS) rose 47% to $0.97 for the quarter and 33% to $2.18 year-to-date.
  • 4Consolidated gross margin improved significantly to 44.1% for the quarter, driven by international regions and favorable currency impacts.
  • 5Strong performance across international segments (EMEA, Asia Pacific) contributed significantly to overall growth.
  • 6The company continued its capital return program, increasing dividends per share and executing share repurchases.
  • 7Futures and advance orders for delivery from December 2004 through April 2005 increased by 9.1% compared to the prior year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth was driven by a combination of factors including favorable foreign currency exchange rates, particularly a stronger euro, and increased unit sales across most geographic regions and product categories. The acquisition of Converse also contributed to year-to-date growth.

NIKE's gross margin percentage improved to 44.1% in the quarter due to several factors: favorable currency hedge rates (especially for the euro), higher gross margins in international regions, and improved gross margins in the U.S. driven by higher footwear in-line pricing and lower third-party royalties. These benefits were partially offset by increased closeout sales and obsolescence reserves in certain regions.

NIKE continues to return capital to shareholders. The company increased its quarterly dividend by $0.05 per share and is actively repurchasing shares under a $1.5 billion program approved in June 2004, funded from operating cash flow. The timing and amount of future repurchases will depend on capital needs and market conditions.

The Act provides a temporary incentive for U.S. multinational corporations to repatriate accumulated foreign earnings. NIKE is evaluating the provision, considering potential Congressional actions and Treasury regulations, but has not yet made any changes to its position on reinvesting certain foreign earnings. Therefore, its immediate impact on the company's financial statements is not yet determined.