Summary
NIKE, Inc. reported strong fiscal 2004 second-quarter results, exceeding expectations with a 13% revenue increase year-over-year. This growth was driven by broad-based strength across its international and U.S. segments, with particular highlights in the Asia Pacific region (18% revenue growth) and the Americas (17% revenue growth). The company also saw a significant improvement in gross margin, up 210 basis points to 42.3%, primarily due to higher product margins in wholesale footwear and reduced foreign currency impacts. Diluted earnings per share saw a robust 16% increase. Nike is demonstrating strong cash flow generation, reflected in substantial share repurchases and a significant 43% increase in its quarterly dividend. Management expressed optimism about the accelerating industry momentum, particularly in the U.S. market, and provided a positive outlook for double-digit revenue growth for the full fiscal year, driven by strong future orders and continued currency tailwinds.
Key Highlights
- 1Revenue increased by 13% year-over-year, reaching $2.4 billion.
- 2Diluted earnings per share grew by 16% to $0.43.
- 3Consolidated gross margin improved by 210 basis points to 42.3%.
- 4International revenues grew 12%, with Asia Pacific up 18% and Europe up 9%.
- 5U.S. revenues increased by 5%, with strong growth in wholesale footwear and Nike-owned retail.
- 6The company repurchased over $100 million of stock and raised its quarterly dividend by 43% to $0.20 per share.
- 7Future orders for the next five months increased by 9.7%, indicating strong demand.