Third quarter financial results from Puma show an increase of 32.4% in consolidated sales and a gross profit margin at a record 42.2% level. Consolidated net sales increased from Euro148.9 million to Euro197.1 million ($133.7 million - $176.9 million) with all product categories contributing to the positive growth. Footwear was up by 36.4%, apparel increased by 12.1% and accessories nearly doubled by 98.3%. By region, Europe and the USA remained the primary growth contributors.

For the first nine months of the year, consolidated sales totalled Euro475.8 million – a 25.5% increase on the same period in 2000 – with the first time consolidation of Tretorn contributing 3.4% to the growth. Worldwide, Puma brand sales, including licence sales, grew 16.6% to Euro769.2 million. Over the nine month period, sales of footwear grew strongly at 35.4% to reach Euro309.2 million and accessories increased by 60% to Euro35.7 million. Year to date gross profit strengthened against sales and increased by 36.1% to Euro196.6 million, consequently gross profit margin improved significantly from 38.1% to 41.3%. All product segments and the major regions contributed to the improvement.

In terms of regional performance, Western Europe continued to increase sales significantly in the third quarter as well as in the first nine months. In the third quarter, sales were up 43.2% and year to date, up 35.7% to reach Euro300.9 million. The biggest growth contributors were Benelux, Italy and France. In the Americas, sales rose by 13.9% in the third quarter and by 14.7% to Euro112.6 million for the first nine months. The main sales driver in the region was the USA where sales were up 16.5%. In the Asia Pacific Rim, sales increased by 7.4% in the third quarter and are now at the previous year to date level.

Due to strong growth in the third quarter and solid orders for the fourth quarter, Puma has meanwhile adjusted its forecasts upwards, predicting that profits will reach or exceed the previous year level. Sales growth for the complete financial year is expected to be at least 26%.