• Loading stock data...
Saturday, February 22, 2025

On Wants More Star Power, Visibility for Next Growth Phase

  • On, the sneaker and apparel company backed by Roger Federer, has looked to athletes to fuel its expansion into tennis and other verticals.
  • The company saw major sales growth in Q1, but its stock dropped.
Hellen Obiri of Kenya crosses the finish line to win the women's division at the 2023 Boston Marathon.
Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Roger Federer’s On Holding saw substantial growth and raised expectations, but investors were left wanting more.

The sneaker company’s net sales rose 78.3% year-over-year in the first quarter to $468.8 million, while gross profit doubled to $273.3 million. The brand backed by the tennis icon also got a lift from supply chain issues normalizing after the economy-wide challenges of Q1 2021.

On slightly raised its full-year outlook to $1.94 billion — but investors were looking for more. 

The company’s stock tumbled 9% on Tuesday, though it’s still up 76.7% since the start of the year.

A view of the outside of Adidas' flagship store in Shanghai.

Adidas Beats Revenue Expectations Despite Costly Yeezy Struggles

CEO admits that the loss of Yeezy is “of course hurting us.”
May 5, 2023

In order to make in-roads into new markets, On is looking to athletes and high-profile sporting events. Expanding into tennis, it saw its biggest signings in that space, Iga Świątek and Ben Shelton, take the court for the first time in On gear in the first quarter.

On also notched a win at the Boston Marathon when one of its sponsored runners, Hellen Obiri, won the women’s race. The company is looking to leverage next year’s Paris Olympics for further visibility.

Co-CEO and CFO Martin Hoffmann touted the company’s multichannel strategy, noting that “our own retail net sales more than quadrupled year-over-year” with help from a new store in London.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Manfred, Pitaro Navigate Pressure After MLB’s ESPN Deal Ends Early

Both Manfred and Pitaro now face significant tasks without each other.
Dec 6, 2024; Carson, California, USA; MLS commissioner Don Garber gives the State of the League Address at Dignity Health Sports Park.

Garber: MLS ‘In Competition’ With Leagues As Schedule Decision Looms

The league could move to a fall-to-spring schedule next year.

Yankees Loosen Facial Hair Rules, Opening Door for More Free Agents

The MLB club trims its oft-debated policy after a half-century.

Featured Today

Dec 31, 2024; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies forward Tobi Lawal (1) and Duke Blue Devils center Khaman Maluach (9) battle for the opening tip during the first half at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

House v. NCAA Settlement Creates Potential Crisis for International Athletes

Revenue-sharing payments could violate international student visa laws.
Nov 2, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic (39) stretches during a time-out against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second period at PPG Paints Arena
February 21, 2025

Behind the Mask: The Artists Creating Hockey’s Iconic Goalie Style

The art and business of outfitting pro netminders.
Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team United States forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) and Team Canada forward brandon Hagel (38) fight in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre.
February 16, 2025

Inside the Push for the NHL’s Next Era of International Competition

Players have been clamoring, and the league is all in.
Aug 11, 2024; Paris, France; Medals are carried out on Louis Vuitton trays after the women's volleyball gold medal match during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at South Paris Arena
February 16, 2025

LVMH’s New Push: World’s Most Powerful Luxury Group Is Coming for Sports

LVMH is making long-term deals—and they’re not done.

DraftKings Turns First Full-Year Profit, Stock Up 47% in 2025

The company’s sports betting business continues to grow despite headwinds.
February 5, 2025

Under Armour’s Desired Turnaround Sees Sparks With Q3 Earnings Beat

The 2010s darling has been struggling to find the right formula.
Billie Jean King
February 13, 2025

Billie Jean King: ‘Billionaires, Not Millionaires’ Are Fueling Women’s Sports Boom

Billie Jean King wants more women involved in team ownership, too.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Russ Brandon
January 14, 2025

UFL President: NFL Used to View Private Equity Like Gambling 

The longtime NFL executive is stunned by the league’s evolution on PE.
October 24, 2024

Endeavor, TKO Consolidate Sports Assets, Hoping They’re Better Together

The move brings On Location, Professional Bull Riders, and IMG under TKO.
October 1, 2024

Nike CFO Says ‘Adversity Creates Sharper Focus’

Amid a downbeat but expected set of earnings, Nike says it sees signs of optimism.