Press Release: adidas AG : First Half 2014 Results

adidas AG / adidas AG : First Half 2014 Results . Processed and transmitted by Nasdaq OMX Corporate Solutions. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

For immediate release Herzogenaurach, August 7, 2014

First Half 2014 Results:

Group sales increase 10% on a currency-neutral basis in Q2

Negative currency effects and continued weakness in golf weigh on Group results

Currency-neutral adidas and Reebok sales accelerate in Q2, up 14% and 9%, respectively

-- Retail sales increase 22% currency-neutral with comparable store sales up 9%

-- Ongoing strong momentum in Latin America and European Emerging Markets with currency-neutral revenues up 25% and 21%, respectively

-- Gross margin down 1.0pp to 49.2%, mainly due to negative currency effects -- Operating margin decreases 2.2pp to 7.5%

-- Basic and diluted earnings per share decrease 27% to EUR 1.67

adidas Group currency-neutral sales grow 10% in the second quarter of 2014

During the second quarter of 2014, the adidas Group delivered strong top-line improvements. Group revenues increased 10% on a currency-neutral basis, driven by double-digit sales increases in Wholesale and Retail. All regions contributed to the currency-neutral revenue growth. Western Europe increased 13%, mainly as a result of double-digit sales increases in Germany, the UK, Spain and Italy. In European Emerging Markets, currency-neutral revenues were up 14%, driven by double-digit growth in Russia/CIS. Group sales in North America increased 1% on a currency-neutral basis, as high-single-digit sales growth at adidas was partly offset by declines at TaylorMade-adidas Golf. In Greater China, Group sales were up 11% on a currency-neutral basis, due to continued momentum across all channels. Currency-neutral revenues in Other Asian Markets remained stable as sales increases in South Korea and Australia were offset by declines in Japan and Indonesia. In Latin America, currency-neutral sales grew 33%, with double-digit increases in all of the region's key markets.

From a brand perspective, both adidas and Reebok gained significant momentum during the quarter. In particular the adidas brand benefited from sales related to the 2014 FIFA World Cup(TM). As a result, second quarter sales at adidas increased 14% on a currency-neutral basis. Sales at Reebok grew 9% on a currency-neutral basis, driven by sustained sales momentum in the fitness training, walking and studio categories as well as at Classics. Revenues in the TaylorMade-adidas Golf segment declined 18% on a currency-neutral basis, as a result of the continued weakness in the golf market, where retail inventories remain high and participation continues to decline. Rockport sales decreased 1% currency-neutral and revenues at Reebok-CCM Hockey increased 1% on a currency-neutral basis. Currency translation effects had a negative impact on sales in euro terms. Group revenues increased 2% to EUR 3.465 billion in the second quarter of 2014 from EUR 3.383 billion in 2013.

Second quarter gross margin decreases 90 basis points

The Group's gross margin decreased 0.9 percentage points to 49.2% (2013: 50.1%) in the second quarter, mainly as a result of lower margins in the Retail segment and at TaylorMade-adidas Golf. In addition, negative effects resulting from less favourable hedging rates and foreign currency devaluation as well as higher input costs impacted the Group's gross margin development. Group gross profit increased 1% to EUR 1.704 billion (2013: EUR 1.694 billion). Other operating expenses as a percentage of sales increased 0.3 percentage points to 44.6% compared to 44.3% the prior year. In euro terms, other operating expenses increased 3% to EUR 1.546 billion, mainly as a result of higher marketing working budget expenditure. In addition, higher expenditure related to the expansion of the Group's own-retail activities contributed to the increase in other operating expenses. The Group's operating profit declined 13% to EUR 220 million

(2013: EUR 252 million) in the second quarter. The operating margin decreased 1.1 percentage points to 6.3% from 7.4% in 2013. Basic and diluted earnings per share for the second quarter decreased 16% to EUR 0.69 (2013: EUR 0.82).

"Overall, we had a good quarter, with increasing momentum across most of our business units and markets as expected. Of particular note, sales increased in all regions during the period," commented Herbert Hainer, adidas Group CEO.

adidas Group currency-neutral sales increase 5% in the first half of 2014

In the first half of 2014, Group revenues increased 5% on a currency-neutral basis, driven by sales increases in Wholesale and Retail. Currency translation effects had a negative impact on sales in euro terms. Group revenues decreased 2% to EUR 6.998 billion in the first half of 2014 from EUR 7.134 billion in 2013.

First half Group sales increase driven by growth in Wholesale and Retail

In the first half of 2014, currency-neutral Wholesale revenues increased 5%, driven by sales growth at both adidas and Reebok. Currency-neutral Retail sales were up 22% versus the prior year as a result of double-digit sales increases at adidas and Reebok. Revenues in Other Businesses were down 19% on a currency-neutral basis, due to double-digit sales declines at TaylorMade-adidas Golf. Currency translation effects had a negative impact on segmental sales in euro terms.

Change First Half Year First Half Year y-o-y in Change y-o-y 2014 2013 euro terms currency-neutral EUR in millions EUR in millions in % in % Wholesale 4,442 4,495 (1) 5 Retail 1,752 1,589 10 22 Other Businesses 804 1,050 (23) (19) Total(1) 6,998 7,134 (2) 5

First half year net sales development by segment

1) Rounding differences may arise in totals.

Currency-neutral Group sales up in nearly all regions

In the first half of 2014, currency-neutral adidas Group sales grew in all regions except North America. Revenues in Western Europe increased 6% on a currency-neutral basis, driven by sales increases in Germany, Spain, France, Poland and the UK. In European Emerging Markets, Group sales were up 21% on a currency-neutral basis, with double-digit sales increases in all of the region's major markets. Currency-neutral sales for the adidas Group in North America decreased 10%, mainly due to double-digit sales declines in the USA. Sales in Greater China increased 8% on a currency-neutral basis. Currency-neutral revenues in Other Asian Markets remained stable, as sales increases in South Korea and India were offset by declines in Japan. In Latin America, sales grew 25% on a currency-neutral basis, with double-digit increases in most markets, in particular Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Colombia. Currency translation effects had a mixed impact on regional sales in euro terms.

Change First Half Year First Half Year y-o-y in Change y-o-y 2014 2013 euro terms currency-neutral EUR in millions EUR in millions in % in % Western Europe 2,017 1,907 6 6 European Emerging Markets 938 901 4 21 North America 1,471 1,716 (14) (10) Greater China 806 781 3 8 Other Asian Markets 986 1,064 (7) 0 Latin America 781 765 2 25 Total(1) 6,998 7,134 (2) 5

First half year net sales development by region

1) Rounding differences may arise in totals.

Group gross margin declines 1.0 percentage points

The gross margin of the adidas Group decreased 1.0 percentage points to 49.2% in the first half of 2014 (2013: 50.1%). This development was mainly due to less favourable hedging rates, lower margins at TaylorMade-adidas Golf, negative effects resulting from currency devaluation as well as higher input costs. Currency devaluation effects were mainly related to Russia/CIS, where sales were negatively impacted by the significant devaluation of the Russian rouble against the euro and the US dollar. Gross profit for the adidas Group decreased 4% in the first half of 2014 to EUR 3.440 billion versus EUR 3.575 billion in the prior year.

Operating margin decreases to 7.5%

Group operating profit declined 25% to EUR 523 million in the first half of 2014 versus EUR 693 million in 2013. The operating margin of the adidas Group decreased 2.2 percentage points to 7.5% (2013: 9.7%). This development was primarily due to the negative effects from the lower gross margin as well as higher other operating expenses as a percentage of sales. In euro terms, other operating expenses increased 2% to EUR 3.053 billion (2013: EUR 2.980 billion), as a result of higher expenditure related to the expansion of the Group's own-retail activities as well as an increase in sales and marketing working budget expenditure. Sales and marketing working budget expenditure increased 7% to EUR 947 million (2013: EUR 882 million), driven by increased marketing expenditure at brand adidas related to the 2014 FIFA World Cup(TM).

Financial income up 16% (MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires

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-2 of 2- 07 Aug 2014 05:31:00 UTC  Press Release: adidas AG : First Half 2014 Results -2-
Financial income rose 16% to EUR 12 million in the first half of 2014 from EUR 10 million in the prior year, mainly due to an increase in interest income.

Financial expenses down slightly

Financial expenses decreased 1% to EUR 40 million in the first half of 2014 (2013: EUR 40 million). Negative exchange rate variances of EUR 5 million contributed to the overall financial expenses.

Income before taxes declines 25%

In the first half of 2014, income before taxes (IBT) for the adidas Group decreased 25% to EUR 495 million from EUR 663 million in 2013. IBT as a percentage of sales declined 2.2 percentage points to 7.1% in the first half of 2014 (2013: 9.3%), as a result of the Group's lower operating margin.

Net income attributable to shareholders down 27%

The Group's net income attributable to shareholders decreased to EUR 348 million in the first half of 2014 from EUR 480 million in 2013. This represents a decline of 27% versus the prior year level. The Group's tax rate increased 1.5 percentage points to 29.0% in the first half of 2014 (2013: 27.5%), mainly due to a less favourable earnings mix.

Basic and diluted earnings per share decrease to EUR 1.67

In the first half of 2014, basic and diluted earnings per share decreased 27% to EUR 1.67 versus EUR 2.29 in the prior year. The weighted average number of shares used in the calculation of both basic and diluted earnings per share was 209,216,186 (2013 average: 209,216,186) as there were no potential dilutive shares at the end of the first half year.

Group inventories increase

Group inventories increased 11% to EUR 2.896 billion at the end of June 2014 versus EUR 2.611 billion in 2013. On a currency-neutral basis, inventories were up 16%, as a result of the Group's expectations for growth in the coming quarters as well as higher inventories in Russia/CIS.

Accounts receivable up 6% currency-neutral

Group receivables increased 2% to EUR 2.070 billion at the end of June 2014 (2013: EUR 2.029 billion). On a currency-neutral basis, receivables were up 6%.

Net borrowings increase to EUR 454 million

Net borrowings at June 30, 2014 amounted to EUR 454 million, compared to net borrowings of EUR 94 million in 2013, representing an increase of EUR 360 million. This increase is mainly a result of higher capital expenditure during the first half of 2014. In addition, currency translation had a negative effect of EUR 3 million. The Group's ratio of net borrowings over EBITDA amounted to 0.3 at the end of June 2014 (2013: 0.1).

adidas Group updates guidance for the full year 2014

On July 31, 2014, the adidas Group updated its full year 2014 financial outlook, taking into account the continued weakness in the golf market as well as recent developments in Russia/CIS. In addition, management announced strategic measures, which will impact the Group's financial development in the second half of 2014 and in 2015. As a result, sales are now expected to increase at a mid- to high-single-digit rate on a currency-neutral basis in 2014 (previously: increase at a high-single-digit rate). In particular the adidas brand will benefit from the 2014 FIFA World Cup(TM), where Management expects record sales of EUR 2 billion in the football category. However, poor retail sentiment and a slow liquidation of old inventory in the golf market will have a significant negative impact on revenues in the TaylorMade-adidas Golf segment and weigh on the overall Group sales development. In addition, currency translation is expected to negatively impact our top-line development in reported terms.

In 2014, the adidas Group gross margin is forecasted to decrease to a level between 48.5% and 49.0% (previously: between 49.5% to 49.8%) compared to 49.3% in 2013. The Group's gross margin will benefit from a more favourable product mix. In addition, the Reebok brand is expected to positively influence Group gross margin development. However, these positive effects will be more than offset by lower margins at TaylorMade-adidas Golf and in the Retail segment, less favourable hedging rates and adverse currency movements in emerging markets compared to the prior year, as well as increasing labour costs, which are expected to negatively impact the Group's cost of sales.

In 2014, the Group's other operating expenses as a percentage of sales are expected to increase (previously: around the prior year level) compared to the prior year level of 42.3%. Sales and marketing working budget expenses as a percentage of sales are projected to increase (previously: to increase modestly) compared to the prior year. Operating overhead expenditure as a percentage of sales is forecasted to increase moderately compared to the prior year (previously: to decrease modestly) as a result of higher administrative and personnel expenses in the Retail segment due to the planned expansion of the Group's store base.

In 2014, Management expects the operating margin for the adidas Group to be at a level between 6.5% and 7.0% (previously: between 8.5% and 9.0%) compared to 8.7% in 2013 excluding goodwill impairment losses. The Group's tax rate is expected to be at a level between 29.5% and 30.0% (previously: around 28.5%) and thus less favourable compared to the 2013 tax rate excluding goodwill impairment losses of 29.0%. As a result of these developments, net income attributable to shareholders is expected to be at a level of around EUR 650 million (previously: between EUR 830 million and EUR 930 million) compared to the 2013 net income attributable to shareholders, excluding goodwill impairment losses, of EUR 839 million. This represents basic earnings per share of around EUR 3.10 (previously: between EUR 3.97 and EUR 4.45).

Herbert Hainer stated: "It is with disappointment that after such a great summer of sport, I have to report that our Group has not been able to meet the high expectations we laid out in our Route 2015 agenda. We take full responsibility to rectify our shortfalls swiftly. For the remainder of 2014, our priority is to sustain the momentum we have in key categories and markets, and take corrective steps to bring more stability to our future earnings."

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Contacts:

Media Relations Investor Relations Jan Runau John-Paul O'Meara Chief Corporate Communication Officer Vice President Investor Relations Tel.: +49 (0) 9132 84-3830 Tel.: +49 (0) 9132 84-2751

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

Lars Mangels Corporate Communication Manager Tel.: +49 (0) 9132 84-2680

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

adidas Group First Half 2014 Results.pdf: http://hugin.info/139192/R/1847120/644106.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

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adidas AG

Adi-Dassler-Straße 1 Herzogenaurach Germany

WKN: 500340;ISIN: DE0005003404;

Listed: Regulierter Markt in Frankfurter Wertpapierbörse;

http://www.adidas-group.com (END) Dow Jones Newswires

   August 07, 2014 01:31 ET (05:31 GMT)- - 01 31 AM EDT 08-07-14