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FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) - German shoe and sporting goods company Adidas AG said Thursday net profit rose 4 percent in the second quarter to 172 million euros ($229 million) as stronger sales in China and Latin America offset a decline in Europe.
Sales fell 11 percent in the April-June quarter in Western Europe, where the year-earlier figure was swollen by advance sales of gear linked to the London Olympics and the UEFA Euro 2012 soccer tournament. Europe's weak economy, with an ongoing recession and high unemployment, also played a role in holding down sales.
Sales rose 21 percent in Latin America and 6 percent in China, excluding the effects of shifting currency exchange rates. North American sales fell 2 percent as a late start to the golf season hurt sales at the TaylorMade brand, which makes clubs and balls.
Overall, that led to a 4 percent drop in group revenues to 3.38 billion euros in the second quarter. Besides the drop in European and U.S. sales, revenue was also hurt by currency translation effects. A weaker yen in particular made earnings in Japan smaller when reported in euros.
The company, which is based in Herzogenaurach, Germany, said its earnings were helped by a more profitable sales mix tilted toward its retail sales that bring higher profit margins as opposed to wholesale business. The group's operating margin increase to 7.4 percent in the quarter from 7.3 percent a year ago.
Adidas shares fell 2.1 percent to close at 84.00 euros in Frankfurt.
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