Asics Corp. reported a 10.0% increase in global net revenues to ¥56.84 billion ($471.2 mm) for the first quarter from ¥51.68 billion ($451.7 mm) last year. Operating income decreased 13.2% to ¥7.94 billion ($65.8 mm) as a result of increased investment in advertising during the quarter. Net income was buoyed by beneficial currency exchange rates, causing bottom line growth to match top line, up 10.0% to ¥6.18 billion ($51.2 mm) from ¥5.62 billion ($49.1 mm) for the year-ago quarter.

Japan was said to have benefitted from sales of running and walking footwear, with overall sales in the country growing 6.8% to ¥20.39 billion ($169.0 mm) from ¥19.08 billion ($166.8 mm) for Q1 2006. Operating income in the country, however, decreased 13.0% to ¥1.87 billion ($15.5 mm) from ¥2.15 billion ($18.7 mm) last year.

Outside of Japan, sales grew 12.1% to ¥36.45 billion ($302.2 mm) on strength in both running and sports lifestyle footwear.
In the U.S., sales increased 11.4% to ¥12.24 billion ($109.8 mm), while operating income inched up 1.7% to ¥1.33 billion ($11.1 mm).

European sales grew 8.3% to ¥20.18 billion ($167.3 mm), but operating income decreased 13.2% to ¥4.15 billion ($34.4 mm).