Asics Corp. reported sales jumped 29.7 percent in the first quarter with broad-based gains across regions, including 23.0 percent growth in North America. Asics North America (ANA) in a separate statement reported that all three regions produced double-digit growth in the first quarter, with the U.S. up 19.4 percent, Canada 11.1 percent and Mexico 26.3 percent, respectively.

ANA said in its statement that the North America region’s “sustained focus on the wholesale channel continues to maintain strong results while deepening key account relationships.” Wholesale sales were up 41.6 percent in the U.S. Both Canada and Mexico produced “strong double-digit growth” in the wholesale channel compared to Q1 2025.

“Innovation is woven into the DNA of Asics, and the strong reception to this year’s product introductions across our categories is a testament to that legacy. As we move forward, we are energized by the opportunities ahead in Performance Run, SportStyle,  and Core Performance Sports categories,” said Koichiro Kodama, president and CEO of  Asics North America. “Our commitment to delivering best-in-class products to consumers through our partners remains at the forefront of our business and we will continue to service our key account partners across all channels”.

The Run Specialty trade channel in North America continued to build on the success of recent years growing 34.9 percent compared to the first quarter of 2025. The brand’s Blast footwear franchise, comprised of Novablast, Sonicblast, Superblast and Megablast shoes generated a sales increase of 92.4 percent compared to the same period last year. In  March, Asics launched the Superblast 3, the first update to the popular training shoe since 2024.

The SportStyle category continued its accelerated growth to start the year. The business saw 92.1 percent growth in the wholesale channel compared to Q1 2025. Further, the demand for Asics’ SportStyle products remained incredibly strong across boutique and athletic specialty/sporting goods stores. Both the Gel-1130 and Gel-NYC footwear models produced triple-digit growth, followed closely by high double-digit growth of the Gel Kayano footwear franchise compared to the same period in 2025.

Across Asics’ owned channel, the brand in North America remained focused on growing its OneAsics consumer loyalty program. Bolstered by key brand events and product launches,  quarterly enrollment was up 25 percent compared to the first quarter of 2025. Further, the  ANA e-commerce division delivered a quarterly profit for the 13th consecutive quarter,  driven in combination of SportStyle and performance run products.

Asics Corp. First-Quarter Results
Asics Corp’s net sales in the first quarter grew 29.7 percent to ¥270.2 billion ($1.71 bn) against ¥208,313 billion a year ago.

Operating profit was ¥60.7 billion, up 36.5 percent, and operating margin increased by 1.1 percentage point to 22.5 percent. Ordinary profit increased 35.5 percent to ¥58,775 million while profit attributable to owners of parent increased by 47.2 percent to ¥46,569 million.

The profitability gains were attributed to the higher sales. Gross margins eroded slightly to 54.6 percent from 55.8 percent.

Asics Corp Regional Performance

By region, sales in Japan increased 17.2 percent to ¥59,274 million due to the strong sales in all categories. Segment profit climbed 35.8 percent to ¥14,502 million mainly due to an improvement in gross margin, as well as the sales growth.

In the North America region, sales climbed 23.0 percent to ¥48,153 million due to the strong sales in all categories. Sales grew 18.8 percent on a constant-currency (cc) basis. Segment profit expanded 10.6 percent to ¥6,382 million mainly due to the impact of an increase in sales.

In Europe, sales leapt 43.8 percent (+27.2 percent cc) to ¥84,572 million due to the strong sales in all categories. Segment profit increased 53.5 percent to ¥18,211 million mainly due to the impact of an increased sales.

Greater China’s sales increased 28.2 percent (+20.0 percent cc) to ¥37,196 million due to the strong sales in all categories. Segment profit jumped 62.9 percent to ¥11,052 million mainly due to an improvement in gross margin, as well as the sales benefit.

In the Oceania region, sales advanced 27.4 percent (+12.4 percent cc) to ¥15,906 million due to the strong sales in all categories. Segment profit grew 7.0 percent to ¥2,368 million mainly due to the impact of an increase in sales.

In Southeast and South Asia regions, sales climbed 34.6 percent (+28.7 percent cc) to ¥16,870 million due to the strong sales in all categories. Segment profit increased 45.2 percent to ¥4,445 million mainly due to the higher sales.

In other regions, sales expanded 23.4 percent (+13.4 percent cc) to ¥15,916 million due to the strong sales in all categories. Segment profit increased by 25.7 percent to ¥2,980 million mainly due to an improvement in gross margin, as well as the sales gains.

Category Performance

Among categories, Performance Running sales increased 19.1 percent to ¥116,743 million due to the strong sales in all regions. Category profit increased by 13.2 percent to ¥29,605 million, mainly due to the impact of the increased sales.

Core Performance Sports sales increased 19.8 percent to ¥30,551 million due to the strong sales in all regions. Category profit increased by 23.2 percent to ¥7,499 million, mainly due to sales growth.

Apparel sales increased by 39.5 percent to ¥14,426 million due to the strong sales in all regions. Category profit increased by 85.5 percent to ¥3,023 million, mainly due to an improvement in gross margin, as well as due to the impact of the increased sales.

SportStyle sales jumped 69.6 percent to ¥59,621 million due to the strong sales in all regions. Category profit increased by 75.8 percent to ¥19,592 million.

Onitsuka Tiger sales increased 33.8 percent to ¥37,891 million due to the strong sales in all regions. Category profit increased by 45.3 percent to ¥14,997 million, primarily due to an improvement in gross margin, as well as due to the impact of increased sales.

Walking sales increased 15.9 percent to ¥4,311 million due to the strong sales in all regions. Category profit increased significantly by 143.7 percent to ¥764 million, mainly due to an improvement in gross margin and sales.

Outlook
Asics maintained its outlook for the year. Guidance calls for sales to reach ¥950,000 billion, up 17.2 percent year over year; operating profit of ¥171,000 million, climbing 20.0 percent; ordinary profit, ¥165,000 million, ahead 18.5 percent; and net profit of ¥110,000, up 11.4 percent.

Image courtesy Asics