While the active lifestyle industry again saw a number of smaller to medium-size acquisitions during 2024, major deals for the second year in a row were few and far between due to a combination of higher interest rates, an uncertain economy, and fewer consolidators. A roundup of M&A action in the industry for the first half of 2024.
Author: Thomas J. Ryan
Thomas J. Ryan
Senior Business Editor | SGB Media
tryan@sgbonline.com | 917.375.4699
EXEC: Asics Hikes FY Outlook As Q3 Revenues Climb 16 Percent
Asics raised its guidance for the year after reporting sales in the third quarter grew 16.0 percent with profits expanding faster. Double-digit revenue growth in the quarter was achieved in North America, Europe, Japan and Greater China.
EXEC: Yeti Tops Q3 Targets, Accelerates Sourcing Shift Out of China
Yeti, Inc.’s third-quarter results topped analyst targets, boosted by newer categories, including bags, barware, and cookware. Matt Reintjes, president and CEO, said on an analyst call that the company’s efforts to diversify its supply chain continue to have half of the brand’s drinkware production sourced outside of China by 2025.
EXEC: Under Armour Shares Pop on Strong Q2 Earnings Beat
Shares of Under Armour surged 27 percent on Thursday after the company reported operating earnings topped guidance by $50 million due to efforts to reduce promotions at its DTC channels, particularly online. Under Armour President and CEO Kevin Plank expressed confidence that initiatives to elevate product and storytelling will drive a return to growth.
EXEC: Puma Eyes Boost from Low-Profile Footwear Trend
Puma’s growth accelerated in the third quarter to a 5 percent currency-adjusted (ca) gain from 2.1 percent in the second quarter, led by a recovery in footwear demand. Arne Freundt, CEO of Puma, said on a media call, “I’m very confident to say that we are leading the low-profile trend.”
Study: Boys Participation Declines; Increased Specialization Tops Youth Sports Concerns
Kids have returned to pre-COVID sports participation levels. However, some worrisome trends in the Aspen Institute’s National State of Play 2024 report highlight that boys continue to play fewer sports and kids are specializing in one sport rather than multiple, even more so post-pandemic.
Study: Out-of-Stocks Drive 66 Percent of Consumers to Another Retailer
“Right product, right place, right time’ echoes in every retail conference room. Yet as retailers have expanded their online assortments and marketplaces to attract new customers and traffic, it’s become more challenging to avoid frustrating shoppers when they can’t find their size or their desired item in-store.”
EXEC: VF Corp. Sets Medium-Term Targets at Investor Day
At VF’s Investor Day, “Reinvent to Grow,” company President Bracken Darrell highlighted six areas that the company is focused on at the enterprise level to build a competitive advantage and revive profitability and growth.
EXEC: Shimano Returns to Growth in Third Quarter on Cycling Uptick
Shimano, Inc. reported its first sales increase in several quarters as a recovery at its bicycle components offset a slight decline in its fishing tackle business.
EXEC: VF Corp. CEO Sees Recovery Gaining Traction at TNF and Vans Parent
On VF’s quarterly analyst call, Bracken Darrell, CEO and president, said the second quarter delivered “another quarter of really good progress,” marking the third straight quarter of sequential top-line improvement in the decline rate and witnessing moderating sales declines at its two most challenged areas: Vans and the Americas region.
EXEC: AlixPartners Survey is Latest to Find Nike Losing Mind Share in Sneakers
An accompanying survey conducted by the financial advisory and global consulting firm is the latest to indicate that the brand has lost market share to competitors, including Adidas, New Balance, Hoka, and On.
EXEC: VF Corp Placed on Negative Catalyst Watch Due to TNF, Vans Pressures
JP Morgan trimmed its earnings estimates for VF Corp and placed the stock on “Negative Catalyst Watch” on concerns over ongoing wholesale pressures facing The North Face, Vans and TNF both fighting softer DTC traffic, and elevated inventory levels impact on margins.
EXEC: UK’s Shoe Zone Plc Saw FY Profits Impacted by Weather and Shipping Costs
The UK-based discount footwear retailer said it expects earnings before taxes to decline 40.7 percent in its fiscal year ended September 28 as revenues declined slightly and container prices increased.
Global Survey: Running Race Participation Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Levels
The Running USA Global Runner Survey was based 7,400 runners and event participants, was conducted over June and July 2024. Brooks and Asics again ranked as the preferred running and training footwear brands by respondents.
Nike’s Mark Parker to Step Down from Walt Disney’s Board
Parker has been Chairman since April 3, 2023, and first elected to Disney’s Board in early 2016. The Executive Chairman of Morgan Stanley, James P. Gorman, will succeed Parker.
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