Nike Profit Speeds By Estimates

(RTTNews) - Shoe and sports apparel maker Nike reported strong second quarter results Tuesday, bolstered by robust sales in the U.S. and China.

The company said its bottom line advanced to $785 million, or $0.90 per share. This was higher than $655 million, or $0.74 per share, in last year's second quarter.

Analysts had expected the company to earn $0.86 per share, according figures compiled by Thomson Reuters. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.

Agressive branding in China has paid off, as sales there surged up 24 percent.

North American revenue climbed 9.4%.

Overall, the company reported revenue of $7.69 billion, compared with $7.38 billion a year earlier. Analysts expected revenue of $7.81 billion.

Nike's future orders, a measure of expected demand for next quarter, rose 20 percent excluding the impact of a strong U.S. dollar.