Press Release: Adidas: adidas Group with strong -2-

adidas AG / adidas Group with strong start into 2015 . Processed and transmitted by Nasdaq OMX Corporate Solutions. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Herzogenaurach, May 5, 2015

First Quarter 2015 Results:

adidas Group with strong start into 2015

-- Group sales increase 9% on a currency-neutral basis[1] #_ftn1

-- Revenues in euro terms grow 17% to a first quarter record of EUR 4.1 billion

-- Strong momentum at adidas and Reebok with currency-neutral sales up 11% and 9%, respectively

-- Double-digit growth in Western Europe, Greater China and MEAA

-- Gross margin stable at 49.2%

-- Operating margin excluding goodwill impairment increases 0.1pp to 8.9%

-- Net income from continuing operations excluding goodwill impairment up 22%

-- Group confirms full year guidance

adidas Group currency-neutral sales increase 9% in the first quarter of 2015

In the first quarter of 2015, Group revenues increased 9% on a currency-neutral basis, driven by a double-digit increase at adidas as well as high-single-digit growth at Reebok. Currency translation effects had a positive impact on sales in euro terms. Group revenues grew 17% to EUR 4.083 billion in the first quarter of 2015 from EUR 3.480 billion in 2014. Currency-neutral adidas revenues increased 11%. This development was driven by double-digit sales increases in running, at adidas Originals and adidas NEO as well as a high-single-digit increase in training. Currency-neutral Reebok sales were up 9% versus the prior year as a result of double-digit sales increases in the training and studio categories as well as mid-single-digit sales growth in Classics. Revenues at TaylorMade-adidas Golf decreased 9% currency-neutral, mainly due to sales declines in the metalwoods and irons categories, which more than offset a double-digit increase in golf apparel.

"We got off to a successful start to the year with our adidas and Reebok brands enjoying great momentum," commented Herbert Hainer, adidas Group CEO. "With our innovative performance products, fashion-driven styles and highly engaging marketing campaigns, we have excited our consumers around the world."

Currency-neutral sales grow in nearly all market segments

In the first quarter of 2015, on a currency-neutral basis the combined sales of the adidas and Reebok brands grew in all market segments except Russia/CIS. Revenues in Western Europe increased 11% on a currency-neutral basis, due to double-digit sales growth at both the adidas and Reebok brand. Currency-neutral sales in North America increased 7%, as a result of high-single-digit sales growth at adidas. Revenues in Greater China were up 21% on a currency-neutral basis reflecting double-digit top-line growth at adidas and Reebok. Currency-neutral sales in Russia/CIS declined 3% as mid-single-digit growth at Reebok was more than offset by sales declines at adidas. In Latin America, revenues grew 6% on a currency-neutral basis with a double-digit improvement at Reebok and a mid-single-digit increase at adidas. In Japan, sales were up 7% on a currency-neutral basis due to strong double-digit sales increases at Reebok as well as low-single-digit sales growth at adidas. Sales in MEAA grew 10% on a currency-neutral basis, reflecting a double-digit top-line improvement at adidas.

Revenues in Other Businesses were down 1% on a currency-neutral basis. Double-digit sales increases in Other centrally managed businesses as well as high-single-digit growth at Reebok-CCM Hockey were more than offset by the sales decline at TaylorMade-adidas Golf.

With the exception of Russia/CIS, currency translation effects had a positive impact on segmental sales in euro terms.

Change y-o-y First quarter First quarter in euro Change y-o-y 2015 2014 terms currency-neutral EUR in EUR in millions millions in % in % Western Europe 1,143 1,011 13 11 North America 591 462 28 7 Greater China 597 414 44 21 Russia/CIS 162 245 (34) (3) Latin America 423 374 13 6 Japan 155 139 12 7 MEAA(1) 635 503 26 10 Other Businesses 377 333 13 (1) Total(2) 4,083 3,480 17 9

First quarter net sales development by segment

1) MEAA includes Middle East, Africa and other Asian markets.

2) Rounding differences may arise in totals.

Group sales development supported by double-digit growth in retail

In the first quarter of 2015, retail revenues increased 14% on a currency-neutral basis as a result of double-digit sales growth at adidas and high-single-digit revenue increases at Reebok. Concept stores, factory outlets and concession corners were all up versus the prior year. eCommerce grew 56% on a currency-neutral basis. Currency translation effects negatively impacted retail revenues in euro terms. Sales grew 13% to EUR 895 million from EUR 794 million in the prior year. Currency-neutral comparable store sales increased 4% versus the prior year, due to sales growth across all store formats and most markets.

Group gross margin remains stable

In the first quarter of 2015, gross profit for the adidas Group increased 17% to EUR 2.008 billion versus EUR 1.712 billion in the prior year. The gross margin of the adidas Group remained unchanged at 49.2% (2014: 49.2%). A more favourable product and pricing mix was offset by higher input costs as well as negative currency effects.

Goodwill impairment in an amount of EUR 18 million

As a result of the change in the composition of the Group's reportable segments and associated cash-generating units, respectively, the Group recorded goodwill impairment losses of EUR 18 million during the first three months ending March 31, 2015. This charge was related to the Latin America (EUR 15 million) and Russia/CIS (EUR 3 million) operating segments. Goodwill for these groups of cash-generating units is now completely impaired. The impairment losses were non-cash in nature and do not affect the adidas Group's liquidity.

Operating margin excluding goodwill impairment increases to 8.9%

Group operating profit increased 12% to EUR 345 million in the first quarter of 2015 versus EUR 307 million in 2014. The operating margin of the adidas Group decreased 0.4 percentage points to 8.4% (2014: 8.8%). Excluding the goodwill impairment losses, operating profit grew 18% to EUR 363 million from EUR 307 billion last year, representing an operating margin of 8.9%, up 0.1 percentage points from the prior year level (2014: 8.8%). This development was primarily due to the positive effect from lower other operating expenses as a percentage of sales. First quarter other operating expenses increased 15% to EUR 1.700 billion (2014: EUR 1.478 billion), reflecting a significant increase in marketing working budget expenditure as well as higher operating overhead costs. As a percentage of sales, however, other operating expenses decreased 0.8 percentage points to 41.6% from 42.5% in 2014. Sales and marketing working budget expenditure amounted to EUR 554 million, which represents an increase of 26% versus the prior year level (2014: EUR 442 million).

Financial income increases

Financial income increased to EUR 16 million in the first quarter of 2015 from EUR 7 million in the prior year, as a result of positive exchange rate effects.

Financial expenses down 22%

Financial expenses decreased 22% to EUR 16 million in the first quarter of 2015 (2014: EUR 20 million). This development was mainly due to the non-recurrence of negative exchange rate effects compared to the prior year period.

Income before taxes excluding goodwill impairment up 24%

Income before taxes (IBT) for the adidas Group increased 17% to EUR 345 million from EUR 294 million in 2014. IBT as a percentage of sales remained stable at 8.4% in the first quarter of 2015 (2014: 8.4%). Excluding the goodwill impairment losses, IBT was up 24% to EUR 363 million from EUR 294 million in 2014 and, as a percentage of sales, increased 0.4 percentage points to 8.9% from 8.4% in the prior year.

Net income from continuing operations excluding goodwill impairment increases 22%

The Group's net income from continuing operations increased 13% to EUR 237 million in the first quarter of 2015 from EUR 209 million in 2014. Excluding the goodwill impairment losses, net income from continuing operations was up 22% to EUR 255 million (2014: EUR 209 million). The Group's tax rate increased 2.5 percentage points to 31.4% in the first quarter of 2015 (2014: 28.9%). Excluding the goodwill impairment losses, the effective tax rate grew 0.9 percentage points to 29.8% from 28.9% in 2014, mainly due to a less favourable earnings mix.

Losses from discontinued operations total EUR 14 million

In the first quarter of 2015, the Group incurred losses from discontinued operations of EUR 14 million, net of tax, related to the Rockport operating segment, which is planned to be divested during the course of 2015 (2014: losses of EUR 3 million). Losses from discontinued operations were due to a loss recognised on the measurement to fair value less costs to sell, net of tax, in the amount of EUR 10 million, (MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires

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-2 of 2- 05 May 2015 05:30:00 UTC  Press Release: Adidas: adidas Group with strong -2-
which was mainly caused by currency movements, as well as a loss from Rockport's operating activities of EUR 4 million.

Net income attributable to shareholders excluding goodwill impairment up 17%

The Group's net income attributable to shareholders, which in addition to net income from continuing operations includes the losses from discontinued operations, increased 8% to EUR 221 million in the first quarter of 2015 from EUR 204 million in 2014. Excluding the goodwill impairment losses, net income attributable to shareholders was up 17% to EUR 239 million (2014: EUR 204 million).

Basic EPS from continuing operations excluding goodwill impairment up 25%

Basic EPS from continuing operations increased 16% to EUR 1.15 in the first quarter of 2015 (2014: EUR 0.99). Excluding the goodwill impairment losses, basic EPS from continuing operations increased 25% to EUR 1.24 from EUR 0.99 in 2014. Basic EPS from continuing and discontinued operations increased 11% to EUR 1.08 in the first quarter of 2015 (2014: EUR 0.98). Excluding the goodwill impairment losses, basic EPS from continuing and discontinued operations increased 20% to EUR 1.17 from EUR 0.98 in 2014.

Group inventories from continuing operations stable currency-neutral

Group inventories increased 1% to EUR 2.539 billion at the end of March 2015 versus EUR 2.505 billion in 2014. On a currency-neutral basis, inventories decreased 4%, mainly as a result of the transfer of Rockport inventories to assets classified as held for sale. Inventories from continuing operations increased 5% (0% currency-neutral), reflecting the Group's strict inventory management.

Accounts receivable from continuing operations up 2% currency-neutral

The Group's accounts receivable increased 13% to EUR 2.456 billion at the end of March 2015 (2014: EUR 2.176 billion). On a currency-neutral basis, receivables remained virtually unchanged. Receivables from continuing operations rose 15% (+2% currency-neutral).

Net borrowings increase by EUR 288 million

Net borrowings at March 31, 2015 amounted to EUR 542 million, compared to net borrowings of EUR 254 million in 2014, representing an increase of EUR 288 million. This development is mainly a result of the utilisation of cash for the share buyback programme in an amount of EUR 381 million. Currency translation had a positive effect of EUR 137 million on net borrowings. The Group's ratio of net borrowings over EBITDA amounted to 0.4 at the end of March 2015 (2014: 0.2).

adidas Group confirms guidance for the full year 2015

adidas Group sales are forecasted to increase at a mid-single-digit rate on a currency-neutral basis in 2015. Despite a high degree of uncertainty regarding the economic outlook and consumer spending in Russia/CIS, the positive sales development will be supported by rising consumer confidence in most geographical areas. In particular, Group sales development will be favourably impacted by a significantly improved top-line development at TaylorMade-adidas Golf as well as ongoing robust momentum at both adidas and Reebok. This, as well as the further expansion and improvement of the Group's controlled space initiatives, will more than offset the non-recurrence of sales related to the 2014 FIFA World Cup(TM). Currency translation is expected to positively impact top-line development in reported terms, given the strengthening of major currencies such as the US Dollar and the Chinese renminbi versus the euro.

The adidas Group gross margin is forecasted to be at a level between 47.5% and 48.5% in 2015 (2014: 47.6%). Higher product margins at TaylorMade-adidas Golf as a result of lower levels of clearance activity as well as a more favourable pricing and product mix at both adidas and Reebok are expected to positively influence the Group's gross margin development. However, adverse currency movements in emerging markets, in particular in Russia/CIS, are expected to negatively impact the Group's gross margin development. The wider than usual target corridor reflects the currently persisting high degree of uncertainty regarding future currency movements.

In 2015, the Group's other operating expenses as a percentage of sales are expected to be around the prior year level (2014: 42.7%). Sales and marketing working budget as a percentage of sales is projected to increase versus the prior year. Given the robust momentum at adidas and Reebok, the company will step up marketing and point-of-sale investments in 2015 to secure and drive faster growth rates and market share gains, particularly in developed markets such as North America and Western Europe. As part of these marketing efforts, both adidas and Reebok launched major brand campaigns at the beginning of the year. Operating overhead expenditure as a percentage of sales is forecasted to be around the level recorded in 2014.

The operating margin excluding goodwill impairment for the adidas Group is forecasted to be at a level between 6.5% and 7.0% in 2015 (2014 excluding goodwill impairment losses: 6.6%). This development will be strongly influenced by currency movements. The Group's tax rate is expected to be at a level of around 29.5% and thus more favourable compared to the 2014 effective tax rate excluding goodwill impairment losses of 29.7%. Net income from continuing operations excluding goodwill impairment is projected to increase at a rate of 7% to 10%, thus outpacing the Group's expected top-line development (2014: net income from continuing operations excluding goodwill impairment losses of EUR 642 million).

Herbert Hainer stated: "I am proud how fast we rebounded after a challenging 2014. Now, after getting off the starting block well this year, we are optimistic about our prospects for the full year. But we will not stop there. Our new strategy, 'Creating the New', will enable us to accelerate the adidas Group's growth until 2020 and create sustainable value."

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Contacts:

Media Relations Investor Relations Jan Runau Sebastian Steffen Chief Corporate Communication Officer Vice President Investor Relations Tel.: +49 (0) 9132 84-3830 Tel.: +49 (0) 9132 84-4401

Katja Schreiber Christian Stoehr Senior Director Corporate Communication Director Investor Relations Tel.: +49 (0) 9132 84-3810 Tel.: +49 (0) 9132 84-4989

Yifeng Wang Manager Investor Relations Tel.: +49 (0) 9132 84-3057

Please visit our corporate website: www.adidas-Group.com

adidas First Quarter 2015 Results. pdf: http://hugin.info/139192/R/1918688/686743.pdf

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The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.

Source: adidas AG via Globenewswire

HUG#1918688

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