“Our strong second quarter results once again demonstrate Nike is a growth company,” stated Mark Parker, President and CEO of Nike, Inc., adding: “The power of our portfolio continues to unlock growth, as we keep a laser focus on our biggest opportunities. The breadth and depth of that portfolio has helped us consistently deliver strong results – quarter after quarter, year after year.”

Revenue for Nike, Inc. increased 15%, reaching 7.4 billion US dollars, up 18% on a currency neutral basis. Revenue for the Nike brand totaled 7 billion US dollars, up 17% on a currency neutral basis, with growth in every product type, geography and key category, except Golf. Converse items generated revenue of 434 million US dollars, up 24% on a currency neutral basis, driven by continuing growth in existing direct distribution markets as well as market conversions in Europe and Asia. Revenue for the semester is also up by 15% from 13.4 billion US dollars in 2013 to 15.4 billion US dollars in 2014.

Most geographic areas presented increases in the revenue generated, with the exception being Japan (-5% in the quarter and -2% in the semester). Western Europe (+22% in the quarter and +27% in the semester) and Central & Eastern Europe (+17% in the quarter and +12% in the semester) also registered excellent growth dynamics. Revenue in North America increased by 16% in the quarter, and 14% in the semester, with footwear presenting the most dynamic performance (+18% and +16%, respectively). Greater China’s revenue increased by 21% in the quarter and by 19% in the semester. The emerging markets registered a more discreet performance in terms of revenue generation (+4% for the quarter and for the semester).

Analyzing  the performance by product for the Nike brand, the most relevant within the group’s portfolio (94%), footwear presented the most dynamic performance going up by 18% in the quarter and in the semester, compared to similar periods in 2013. Apparel revenue increased by 11% in both periods. Equipment’s revenue increased slightly (+3% in the quarter and +4% in the semester).

Gross margin increased 120 basis points to 45.1%, an increase primarily attributable to a shift in mix to higher margin products, continued growth in the higher-margin Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) business and a modest benefit from foreign exchange. Some positive factors that were, however, partially offset by higher product input costs.

Net income increased 23% reaching 655 million US dollars, while diluted earnings per share increased 25% to 0.74 US dollars, reflecting strong revenue growth, gross margin expansion and a 3% decline in the weighted average diluted common shares outstanding. Net income generated in the six month's period ended at 30th November reached 1.6 billion US dollars, up by 23% from similar period in 2013.

Nike' shares were last traded at 95.93 US dollars on the 22nd of December at the NYSE.

Nike, Inc., based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the a leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly owned Nike, Inc. subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories, and Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes surf and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories.

For more information, please visit the company’s website.