SGB Executive Sports & Fitness

Amer Sports’ Q1 Boosted By DTC, China And Arc’teryx

Amer Sports’ operating earnings before charges rose 14 percent in the first quarter, boosted by robust growth across its DTC channels and in China as well as strong momentum for Arc’teryx, Precor and Sunto.

Running Participation Declines Expected To Level Off

With race participation slipping in recent years, a big American win and the gnarly conditions at the Boston Marathon shined a much-needed spotlight on the sport of running. Yet race organizers and running industry execs still believe a renewed focus on delivering unique experiences will be necessary to again drive up race finishers.

Shimano’s Q1 Boosted By Fishing Momentum, Cost Controls

Shimano’s earnings showed some recovery in the first quarter with the help of strong expense controls, a profit uptick in the company’s Fishing Tackle segment and a modest earnings gain in Bicycle Components.

Puma Prepares To Shift Production From China Over Tariff Concerns

While delivering robust first-quarter results and lifting its outlook for the year, Bjørn Gulden, CEO of Puma SE, spent the majority of the company’s quarterly conference call with journalists discussing the potential negative impact of tariffs on China.

Newell Brands Averts Proxy Battle

The battle over board seats at Newell Brands has come to a quicker-than-expected end. But the divestitures will continue.

Escalade’s Earnings Dip In Part On E-Com Investments

Escalade Inc. reported that its key archery category is finally showing some signs of stabilizing but investments in new businesses and e-commerce brought down earnings slightly in the first quarter.

Skechers’ Shares Crash On Weak Guidance

Shares of Skechers USA Inc. were trading down about 25 percent in mid-day trading Friday after the company issued softer-than-expected sales and earnings forecasts for its fiscal second quarter following a solid start to the year.

Study: Nike Recognized For Rep

Nike ranked second among American’s Most Reputable Companies by the Reputation Institute, a leading research and advisory firm focused solely on corporate reputations. The US RepTrak rankings measure the public’s perception of companies based on seven dimensions: innovation, leadership, governance, citizenship, workplace, performance, and products.

Wells Fargo Upgrades Newell Brands On Potential Further Sales

Wells Fargo raised its rating on Newell Brands due to expectations that proceeds from divestitures will come in greater than planned. West Fargo expects the second round of asset sales will include Newell’s outdoor & recreation division, which includes Coleman, along with outdoor apparel and beverage brands; and its fishing brands.

SFIA: Sporting Goods Scores Highest Annual Growth In Three Years

SFIA’s 2018 Manufacturers’ Sales Report showed sales in the sports and fitness industry grew 2.9 percent in 2017, representing the best annual growth in three years. Strong category performance was seen in basketballs, batting gloves, camping coolers, sports bras, fitness/workout footwear and fishing equipment.

College Basketball Scandal Spreads To Kansas And NC State

Kansas and North Carolina State have joined Louisville and Miami (Fla.) in the FBI’s ongoing probe into corruption in college basketball as federal prosecutors in New York added additional criminal counts to the indictment of former Adidas executive Jim Gatto.

Adidas And Vans Winning With Teens

Adidas, Vans, Supreme, Champion and Lululemon all saw a strong uptick in mindshare among teens in Piper Jaffray’s 35th semi-annual Taking Stock With Teens survey. Nike, Converse and Under Armour all lost ground.