Nike income drops as digital growth covers China sales decline on virus impact

Nike Inc (NKE.N) beat estimates for quarterly income on Tuesday as strong digital market covered the first China sales drop in nearly six years from the coronavirus-powered shutdowns, yet the company held back from providing an estimate forecast due to the unrelenting pandemic.

The coronavirus outbreak forced Nike to temporarily close down stores to help contain its spread in China, where it was first discovered before the end of the year. The organization has now shut down their stores in Europe and the United States where the virus is quickly spreading.

Government administrations around the world have also locked down cities and instructed strict restrictions on travel and tours, pushing the people to turn online for their shopping needs.

“At a time when people were confined to their homes, we moved swiftly to leverage our digital app ecosystem and Nike Expert Trainer network,” Chief Executive Officer John Donahoe said to the analysts on his first call since he was assigned to the command.

Digital sales rose over 30% in Greater China, while sales in the area, its quickest developing segment, fell 5% because of the store termination in the reported quarter.

Generally, digital sales became 36% in the third quarter ended in February 29. Such sales represented about a tenth of the organization’s general income in fiscal 2019.

Nike’s shares rose about 11% in prolonged trading after increasing 15% in regular hours on Tuesday. The Dow component has lost about 30% of its worth so far this year.

Nike said 80% of its stores were presently open in China and anticipated that current-quarter sales to be flat in the region.