Nike Inc. reported disappointing fiscal first-quarter results, with revenue declining 10% year-over-year to $11.59 billion, missing analyst estimates of $11.65 billion. The company's earnings of $0.70 per share beat expectations of $0.52, but the underlying sales figures painted a grim picture for the athletic apparel giant.
The sportswear company's struggles were evident across most of its major markets. Sales in North America, Nike's largest region, fell 11%, driven by a 14% drop in footwear sales. The Europe, Middle East & Africa region saw a 13% decline in revenue, while Greater China sales dropped 4%. The Asia Pacific & Latin America region was also down 7%.
Nike attributed the sales slump partly to a reduction in the number of limited-edition sneaker releases, particularly for its iconic Air Force 1, Air Jordan 1, and Dunk models. The company had oversaturated the market with too many of these popular shoes, diluting their appeal and exclusivity. As a result, Nike is now aggressively reducing the supply of these franchises to revive consumer interest.
The company's Jordan brand, known for its premium sneakers, had been a key growth driver, generating around $7 billion in sales in the previous fiscal year. However, competition from newer brands like Hoka, On, and New Balance has intensified, eroding Nike's market share in both the running and lifestyle categories.
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