NIKE, Inc. (NKE), Lululemon Athletica inc. (LULU): 1 Footwear Stock That Could Make You Rich

After a lull on Wall Street earlier in the week, good numbers from NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) brought about a welcome change. Shares of the shoe company rose 11% to an all-time high after its third-quarter earnings release.

Solid Numbers

Nike posted very strong numbers Q3 2013 numbers. Total revenues for the quarter are $6.2 billion, up by 9% (10% at constant currency) year on year. The company’s net income was up 55% year over year. Inventories for both the company as well as the brand are also up by 4% each. Earnings per share saw an increase by 20%, to $0.73.

Revenues for Nike Brand also increased by 9% to $5.6 billion. Except for Greater China and Japan, the brand witnessed growth in all other geographic regions across the globe. North America saw the maximum increase in earnings- 24% year on year. While Hurley, one of NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE)’s other businesses, saw a decline in revenues this quarter, Converse and Nike Golf saw increased revenue from sales. As a result, the overall revenue from Nike’s other businesses also rose by 9% at constant currency rates.

Why Those Numbers Look Victorious

The strong results are mainly attributable to high consumer demand, continuing innovation, lower costs and increased profit margins. The company is known for continuous research in designing and manufacturing better products, more suited for athletes.

The strong results put to rest some analysts’ mixed views about the company’s future. Many of them believe that the likes ofLululemon Athletica inc. (NASDAQ:LULU) and Under Armour Inc (NYSE:UA) are a growing threat to the sports giant.

Smaller Rivals

Under Armour, for instance, filed a trademark infringement case against NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) last month. This could be seen as a very bold move on the part of the apparel company, currently one-tenth the size of Nike. Furthermore, Under Armour has been trying hard to carve a niche for itself in the athletic shoe segment, Nike’s stronghold. In fact, in its last quarter, the company recorded 43% growth in footwear sales, year on year. Also, it saw an increase in its international revenue, up by 30%.