(BRK.A), (BRK.B)
Berkshire Hathaway’s running shoe and fitness apparel company Brooks’ revenue increased for an eighth consecutive quarter in Q3 2021.
From January through September 2021, Brooks grew revenue 43.5 percent globally.
In the U.S. adult performance running footwear category, Brooks captured 19% market share, based on revenues, and gained 2 percentage points, versus last year, according to The NPD Group Retail Tracking data.
Contributing to this result was third quarter revenue growth of 24 percent year over year as the company continued to feed strong consumer demand around the world. Brooks’ leading footwear franchise styles led the gains as revenue from the Adrenaline GTS, Ghost, and Glycerin super franchise are up 50 percent versus 2020.
“More than twenty years ago, we made a big bet that if we put the runner at the center of everything we do—delivering the product they need and then celebrating the many reasons they run and the positive energy they get from it—we could become a leading brand in run,” said Jim Weber, CEO at Brooks. “We look forward to welcoming more people into the running community as we close out 2021 and enter the new year.”
Brooks’ growth is benefitting from distinctive products, a premium brand positioning, strong multi-channel distribution, digital engagement, and a tailwind of increased participation in running and walking around the world.
Brooks entered the third quarter with strong brand demand amid ongoing pandemic-related quarantines and mandated factory shutdowns coupled with widespread supply chain disruptions. These headwinds began to affect Brooks’ ability to meet consumer demand for the quarter, reducing revenue in September. While supply chain challenges are not unique to Brooks, the brand expects impacts to continue through Q2 2022 and is well positioned to manage through the disruption with strong partnerships in its geographically diverse yet categorically focused supply chain ecosystem.
© 2021 David Mazor
Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.