Skip to main content
BoF Logo

The Business of Fashion

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

Adidas Trims 2021 Forecast on Sourcing Disruptions

A potential €500 million euro ($551 million) Yeezy write-off shoes is a major headache for Adidas — but it's not the German sportswear giant's biggest problem.
Adidas trims 2021 forecast. Shutterstock. (Shutterstock)

German sportswear company Adidas pared full-year sales and profit forecasts on Wednesday, citing sourcing disruptions and a tough market environment in China after third quarter results missed analyst expectations.

Adidas reported third quarter sales up a currency-neutral 3 percent year on year at €5.752 billion ($6.65 billion) while operating profit fell 8.5 percent to €672 million, missing average analyst forecasts for €5.83 billion and €682 million respectively.

Adidas shares were down 3 percent in early Frankfurt trade.

Factories in Vietnam, a major supplier to the footwear industry, closed for up to 11 weeks because of Covid-19 outbreaks. Adidas rival Puma has warned that supply bottlenecks would mean a shortage of its products well into 2022.

ADVERTISEMENT

Adidas said the challenging market in Greater China, Covid-19 lockdowns in the Asia-Pacific region and supply chain disruptions had cut revenue growth by about €600 million in the third quarter.

Sales fell 15 percent in Greater China owing to renewed pandemic restrictions as well as the “geopolitical” situation, the company said.

Western brands including Adidas have faced a consumer boycott in China since March over past statements saying they would not source cotton from Xinjiang after reports of human rights abuses against Uyghur Muslims. Beijing denies any abuses.

Adidas said it still expects 2021 currency-neutral revenue to rise by up to 20 percent, but it now expects growth to come in lower, without being more specific.

It also expects to reach the lower end of previous forecasts for a 2021 operating margin between 9.5 percent and 10 percent and net income from continuing operations of €1.4 billion to €1.5 billion.

By Emma Thomasson; Editor: David Goodman

Learn more:

Adidas Hikes Outlook Despite Hit to China Sales

German sportswear company Adidas raised its outlook for full-year sales and profitability as demand soared in most of the world but took a hit in China where Western brands faced a boycott of their products in late March.

In This Article
Topics
Organisations

© 2024 The Business of Fashion. All rights reserved. For more information read our Terms & Conditions

More from Retail
Chronicle the ‘Retail Apocalypse’ and emerging retail models, including DTC brands.

How Rent the Runway Came Back From the Brink

The rental platform saw its stock soar last week after predicting it would hit a key profitability metric this year. A new marketing push and more robust inventory are the key to unlocking elusive growth, CEO Jenn Hyman tells BoF.


Why Esprit’s Ambitious Rebrand Fell Short

The company is in talks with potential investors after filing for insolvency in Europe and closing its US stores. Insiders say efforts to restore the brand to its 1980s heyday clashed with its owners’ desire to quickly juice sales in order to attract a buyer.


How Adidas Sambas Took Over the World

The humble trainer, once the reserve of football fans, Britpop kids and the odd skateboarder, has become as ubiquitous as battered Converse All Stars in the 00s indie sleaze years.


view more

Subscribe to the BoF Daily Digest

The essential daily round-up of fashion news, analysis, and breaking news alerts.

The Business of Fashion

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
CONNECT WITH US ON
The Business of Beauty Global Awards - Deadline 30 April 2024
© 2024 The Business of Fashion. All rights reserved. For more information read our Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy and Accessibility Statement.
The Business of Beauty Global Awards - Deadline 30 April 2024