Nike cuts sales forecast, citing worsening supply chain woes

[NEW YORK] Nike cut its sales forecast on Thursday, pointing to myriad supply chain problems that are delaying deliveries of athletic gear and crimping sales.

The sports giant is dealing with a doubling of shipping times from its Asian manufacturing centers to North America, as well as closures of major factories in Vietnam and Indonesia due to local government restrictions because of Covid-19, chief financial officer Matt Friend said on a conference call with analysts.

Shipping conditions were difficult earlier in 2021 and "deteriorated even further" in the most recent quarter, Mr Friend said.

The difficulties are resulting in a "lack of available supply," he added, trimming the company's sales forecast for fiscal 2022.

The comments came as Nike reported profits of US$1.9 billion in the quarter ending August 31, up 23 per cent from the year-ago period.

Revenues climbed 16 per cent to US$12.2 billion, but still fell short of analyst expectations by more than US$200 million during the quarter ending August 31.

The sports giant reported a 20 per cent rise in selling and administrative expenses. Higher costs included increased wages, boosted digital marketing and higher shipping costs.

Shares fell 3.2 per cent to $154.45 in after-hours trading.

AFP