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Adidas AG

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FY2014 Annual Report · Adidas AG
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M A K E   A 
D I F F E R E N C E

a d i d a s   G r o u p
Annual Report

2 0 1 4

 
 
200 mm

TARGETS – RESULTS – OUTLOOK

 Targets 2014

 Results 2014 1) 2)

 Outlook 2015 1)

Currency-neutral sales development:

Currency-neutral sales development:

Currency-neutral sales development:

adidas Group
increase at a

high-single-digit rate

Gross margin 

49.5% – 49.8%

Operating margin

8.5% – 9.0%

adidas Group
increase of 

6%

Group sales of

€ 14.534 billion

Gross margin 

47.6%

Operating margin

6.6%

adidas Group
increase at a

mid-single-digit rate

Gross margin 

47.5 % – 48.5 %

Operating margin

6.5% – 7.0%

Average operating working capital 
(in % of sales)

Average operating working capital 
(in % of sales)

moderate decline expected

22.4%

Average operating working capital 
(in % of sales)

moderate decline

Capital expenditure

Capital expenditure

Capital expenditure

€ 500 million – € 550 million

€ 554 million

around € 600 million

Gross borrowings 

further reduction

Gross borrowings 

€ 1.873 billion

Gross borrowings 

moderate decline

Net borrowings/EBITDA ratio

Net borrowings/EBITDA ratio

Net borrowings/EBITDA ratio

to be maintained below 2

0.1

to be maintained below 2

Net income attributable to shareholders

Net income attributable to shareholders 
decreases 32% to

Net income from continuing operations
increase at a rate of

€ 830 million – € 930 million

€ 568 million 3)

7% – 10%

Shareholder value

further increase

Earnings per share decrease 32% to

€ 2.72 3)

adidas AG share price decreases

Shareholder value

38 %

Dividend per share

€ 1.50 4)

increase

1) Figures refl ect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the Rockport business.
2) Excluding goodwill impairment of € 78 million
3) Includes continuing and discontinued operations.
4) Subject to Annual General Meeting approval.

FIN A NCI A L HIGHL IGH T S
2 0 14

01  /  Financial Highlights (IFRS)

Operating Highlights (€ in millions)

Net sales 1)

EBITDA 1)

Operating profi t 1) 3) 4)

Net income attributable to shareholders 2) 3) 4)

Key Ratios 

Gross margin 1) 

Operating expenses in % of net sales 1)

Operating margin 1) 3) 4)

Effective tax rate 1) 3) 4)

Net income attributable to shareholders in % of net sales 2) 3) 4)

Average operating working capital in % of net sales 1)

Equity ratio

Net borrowings/EBITDA 1)

Financial leverage

Return on equity 2) 

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Data (€ in millions)

Total assets

Inventories

Receivables and other current assets

Working capital

Net cash/(net borrowings)

Shareholders’ equity

Capital expenditure

Net cash generated from operating activities 2)

Per Share of Common Stock (€)

Basic earnings 2) 3) 4)

Diluted earnings 2) 3) 4)

Net cash generated from operating activities 2)

Dividend 

Share price at year-end

Other (at year-end)

Number of employees 1)

Number of shares outstanding

Average number of shares

2014

2013

Change 

14,534

1,283

961

568

47.6%

42.7%

6.6%

29.7%

3.9%

22.4%

45.3%

0.1

3.3%

8.7%

14,203

1,496

1,233

839

49.3%

42.3%

8.7%

29.2%

5.9%

21.3%

47.3%

(0.2)

(5.4%)

14.3%

12,417

11,599

2,526

2,861

2,970

(185)

5,624

554

701

2.72

2.72 

3.36 

1.50 5)

57.62

2,634

2,583

2,125

295

5,489

479

634

4.01

4.01

3.03

1.50

2.3%

(14.3%)

(22.1%)

(32.2%)

(1.7pp)

0.3pp

(2.1pp)

0.5pp

(2.0pp)

1.0pp

(2.0pp)

n.a.

8.7pp

(5.6pp)

7.1%

(4.1%)

10.8%

39.7%

n.a.

2.5%

15.5%

10.5%

(32.1%)

(32.1%)

10.7%

–

92.64

(37.8%)

53,731

204,327,044

208,776,457

49,808

209,216,186

209,216,186

7.9%

(2.3%)

(0.2%)

1) 2014 and 2013 refl ect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the Rockport business.
2) Includes continuing and discontinued operations.
3) 2014 excluding goodwill impairment of € 78 million.
4) 2013 excluding goodwill impairment of € 52 million.
5) Subject to Annual General Meeting approval.

 
OUR BRANDS

A D I D A S  

I S   A   T R U L Y   G L O B A L   B R A N D   W I T H 

G E R M A N   R O O T S

  adidas Sport Performance

The  guiding  principle  of  adidas  Sport  Performance  is  to  make 
athletes better. The main  focus is on  fi ve key categories: football, 
running, basketball, training and outdoor.

  adidas Originals & Sport Style

adidas  Originals:  adidas  Originals 
iconic 
sportswear  label  for  the  street.  adidas  Sport  Style:  adidas  Sport 
Style includes the labels adidas NEO, Y-3 and Porsche Design Sport 
by adidas.

is  the  authentic, 

  Five Ten

Five  Ten,  the  ‘Brand  of  the  Brave’,  is  a  leader  in  performance, 
high-friction footwear. From downhill mountain bike racing to rock 
climbing, from wingsuit fl ying to kayaking, Five Ten makes footwear 
for the world‘s most dangerous sports. 

  TaylorMade

TaylorMade  leads  the  golf  industry  in  metalwood  sales  and  is  the 
number one driver brand on the world’s six major professional golf 
tours.  The  brand  is  recognised  globally  for  its  capacity  to  develop 
innovative  and  performance-enhancing  technologies  for  drivers, 
fairway woods, hybrids, irons, putters and balls.

  adidas Golf

adidas Golf develops high-performance golf footwear and apparel 
for  active,  serious,  athletic-minded  golfers  seeking  products  to 
elevate their game.

  Adams Golf

Adams  Golf  designs  and  produces  easy-to-hit  equipment  that 
makes  playing  the  game  more  enjoyable  for  golfers  of  all  skill 
levels.  The  brand  ranks  as  the  number  one  hybrid  brand  on  the 
world’s major professional golf tours.

  Ashworth

Ashworth  is  an  authentic  golf  apparel  and  footwear  brand  with 
powerful name recognition among true, authentic golfers, offering 
products  that  move  effortlessly  from  the  golf  course  to  the 
clubhouse and beyond.

Reebok  is  an  American-inspired  sports  brand  with  the  clear 
objective  to  become  the  leading  fi tness  brand  in  the  world. 
Understanding  and  embracing  the  multi-facets  and  lifestyle 
potential  of  fi tness,  Reebok  provides  consumers  with  innovative 
products, experiences and inspirations. Its strong roots and history 
in fi tness allow Reebok to empower consumers to be fi t for life.

Reebok-CCM  Hockey  is  a  leading  designer  and  marketer  of  ice 
hockey  equipment  and  apparel,  with  two  of  the  world’s  most 
 recognised ice hockey brand names: Reebok Hockey and CCM

F o r   m o r e   i n f o r m a t i o n 
o n   o u r   b r a n d s :

WWW.ADIDAS-GROUP.COM

M A K E   A 
D I F F E R E N C E

a d i d a s   G r o u p
Annual Report

2 0 1 4

I N   SPORT, T H E Y   M A K E   A   D I F F E R E N C E : 
FRACTIONS OF A SECOND. ONLY A FEW CENTIMETRES.  
A COUPLE OF GRAMS. 
T O   ATHLETES, T H E Y   M A K E   A   D I F F E R E N C E :

o u r   g r o u n d b r e a k i n g 

INNOVATIONS  
O u r   d e c a d e s   o f  EX P ERIENCE  
PAS SION  

O u r   u n i q u e 

O u r   o v e r w h e l m i n g

 A MBITION

Sport has many facets and countless faces. Every sports enthusiast has his or her own ambition, 

every athlete has a different form of motivation. We help them all to achieve 

their very own individual goals, to feel good, to win, and to experience and harness 

the power of sport – so they can make a difference. 

D A Y   A F T E R   D A Y .   A G A I N   A N D   A G A I N .   E V E R Y W H E R E .

MAKE A
D I F F E R E N C E 
–

 
 
/  Content  /

a d i d a s   G r o u p
Annual Report

2 0 14
–

0 1  

01.1

01.2

01.3

01.4

01.5

01.6

01.7

T O   O U R   S H A R E H O L D E R S
L e t t e r f r o m t h e C E O 

E x e c u t i v e B o a r d 

S u p e r v i s o r y B o a r d 

S u p e r v i s o r y B o a r d R e p o r t 

C o r p o r a t e G o v e r n a n c e R e p o r t i n c l u d i n g   

t h e D e c l a r a t i o n o n C o r p o r a t e  G o v e r n a n c e  

C o m p e n s a t i o n R e p o r t 

O u r S h a r e 

0 2  

 O U R   G R O U P  
G R O U P   M A N A G E M E N T   R E P O R T

02.1

02.2

02.3

02.4

02.5

02.6

02.7

02.8

G r o u p S t r a t e g y 

G l o b a l S a l e s S t r a t e g y  

G l o b a l B r a n d s S t r a t e g y 

O t h e r B u s i n e s s e s  S t r a t e g y  

G l o b a l O p e r a t i o n s 

R e s e a r c h a n d D e v e l o p m e n t  

E m p l o y e e s  

S u s t a i n a b i l i t y 

6

10

12

14

2 0

2 8

3 8

4 6

49

5 3

6 0

6 6

7 3

8 2

8 9

G R O U P  M A N A G E M E N T R E P O R T: 
This report contains the Group Management Report of the adidas Group,  
comprising adidas AG and its consolidated subsidiaries, and the  
Management Report of adidas AG.

/  Content  /

0 3  

03.1

03.2

 F I N A N C I A L   R E V I E W 
G R O U P   M A N A G E M E N T   R E P O R T

I n t e r n a l G r o u p M a n a g e m e n t S y s t e m  

G r o u p B u s i n e s s P e r f o r m a n c e  
Economic and Sector Development 
Income Statement 
Statement of Financial Position and Statement of Cash Flows 
Treasury 
Financial Statements and Management Report of adidas AG 
 Disclosures pursuant to § 315 Section 4 and § 289 Section 4 of the German Commercial Code 

03.3

B u s i n e s s P e r f o r m a n c e b y S e g m e n t  

  Wholesale Business Performance 
  Retail Business Performance  
Other Businesses Performance 

03.4

S u b s e q u e n t E v e n t s a n d O u t l o o k  

Subsequent Events 
Outlook 

03.5

R i s k a n d O p p o r t u n i t y R e p o r t 

Strategic Risks 
Operational Risks 
Legal & Compliance Risks 
Financial Risks 
Strategic and Operational Opportunities 
Financial Opportunities 

03.6

M a n a g e m e n t A s s e s s m e n t o f   P e r f o r m a n c e ,   

R i s k s  a n d O p p o r t u n i t i e s , a n d O u t l o o k  

0 4  

04.1

04.2

04.3

04.4

04.5

04.6

04.7

04.8

04.9

04.10

C O N S O L I D A T E D   F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S
R e s p o n s i b i l i t y S t a t e m e n t 

A u d i t o r ’s R e p o r t  

C o n s o l i d a t e d S t a t e m e n t o f F i n a n c i a l  P o s i t i o n  

C o n s o l i d a t e d I n c o m e S t a t e m e n t 

C o n s o l i d a t e d S t a t e m e n t o f C o m p r e h e n s i v e I n c o m e  

C o n s o l i d a t e d S t a t e m e n t o f C h a n g e s i n  E q u i t y  

C o n s o l i d a t e d S t a t e m e n t o f C a s h  F l o w s  
N o t e s  

  Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 
  Notes to the Consolidated Income Statement 
  Notes – A dditional Information 

S t a t e m e n t o f M o v e m e n t s o f I n t a n g i b l e  a n d  Ta n g i b l e A s s e t s  

S h a r e h o l d i n g s 

0 5  

05.1

05.2

05.3

05.4

A D D I T I O N A L   I N F O R M A T I O N
Te n -Ye a r O v e r v i e w  
G l o s s a r y  
D e c l a r a t i o n o f S u p p o r t  
F i n a n c i a l C a l e n d a r  

9 8

10 3

103

106

115

121

127

131

13 6

136

139

143

14 6

146

146

15 4

163

165

170

171

178

180

18 1

18 6

18 7

18 8

19 0

19 1

19 2
194

19 5
207

234

239

2 4 6

2 4 8

2 5 4
2 5 8
2 61
2 6 2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
S
R
E
D
L
O
H
E
R
A
H
S

R
U
O

O
T

01

TO OUR
S H A R E H O L D E R S

01.1

01.2

01.3

01.4

01.5

01.6

01.7

L e t t e r f r o m t h e C E O 

E x e c u t i v e B o a r d 

S u p e r v i s o r y B o a r d 

S u p e r v i s o r y B o a r d R e p o r t 

C o r p o r a t e G o v e r n a n c e R e p o r t i n c l u d i n g   

t h e D e c l a r a t i o n o n C o r p o r a t e  G o v e r n a n c e  

C o m p e n s a t i o n R e p o r t 

O u r S h a r e 

6

10

12

14

2 0

2 8

3 8

 
 
 
 
1

Letter from the CEO

/  01.1  /

Letter from the CEO

6

H e r b e r t  H ain e r
A D I D A S   G R O U P   C E O

2014 was, without any question, a year of ups and downs for our Group. On the one hand, we look back on 

great moments such as the FIFA World Cup where we once again demonstrated what we are capable of 

when we focus and act with determination. We grew our currency-neutral football sales by more than 20% 

to € 2.1 billion, exceeding even our own high expectations. But football was by no means the only highlight 

of the past year. We also recorded numerous other successes:

/ 

 Our revolutionary Boost technology not only gave significant impetus to runners on the streets but also 

to adidas Running, with sales growth in this category totalling 15%. All our regions contributed to the 

increase, with Western Europe a stand-out performer, recording growth of 22%. 

/ 

 Our lifestyle business returned to strength in 2014, increasing 12%. At adidas Originals, we posted 

improvements from one quarter to the next, which culminated in strong double-digit sales growth in the 

fourth quarter. This increase reflects the success of the ZX Flux and the Stan Smith product franchise 

as well as our first product launches as part of our partnerships with Rita Ora and Pharrell Williams, to 

name just a few. Also our NEO business continues to experience dynamic growth, with sales up 27%. 

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportLetter from the CEO

/  01.1  /

/ 

 Reebok sales grew 5% in total in 2014. During the fourth quarter, Reebok recorded its seventh 

consecutive quarter of growth. The 21% increase in the training category impressively underlines 

Reebok’s positioning as THE fitness brand. 

In addition to these positive developments, the overall performance of the adidas brand underlines the 

strong improvement in our competitive position over the course of the year. adidas sales for the full 

year increased 11%, with double-digit growth rates throughout the year, with the exception of the first 

quarter. This shows that our sales dynamics are right, and the momentum of our core brands is fully 

intact. 

At the same time, however, 2014 also brought major disappointments. Mid-way through the year, in 

light of the various challenges we were facing, we recognised that we wouldn’t be able to achieve our 

original goals for 2014. It never feels good to miss the mark, neither in sport nor in business. But it’s 

all the more painful when this is brought about not only by external circumstances that we cannot 

influence but also by executional mistakes on our part. So let me go into more detail on the various 

factors that resulted in not meeting your and our high expectations last year. 

As far as our golf business is concerned, we misjudged the market situation at the beginning of 

the year. A decline in the number of active players as well as high levels and slow liquidation of 

old inventories caused immense problems in the entire industry, and as market leader this hit us 

particularly hard. However, we reacted decisively to these challenges, taking a leading role in the 

clean-up of excess inventories in the golf market. At the same time, we implemented an extensive 

restructuring programme which has involved the closure of one of our facilities in the USA and a 15% 

reduction in the global TaylorMade-adidas Golf workforce. Building on these significantly healthier 

foundations, and thanks to numerous promising product launches, TaylorMade-adidas Golf will be back 

on track for growth and profitability this year. 

Russia, on the other hand, is a totally different story. Here, we are the victims of our own success. 

Being the clear market leader, we have been particularly impacted by the economic downturn, 

deteriorating consumer sentiment and the highly promotional environment in Russia. However, that 

does not alter the fact that Russia will remain a growth market for the adidas Group in the long term. 

And I am convinced that our perseverance will pay off. We have used the crisis as an opportunity, 

increasing our operational flexibility, significantly reducing the number of net store openings and 

further optimising our cost structure. With these initiatives, we aim to safeguard our profitability in this 

key market to the greatest extent possible and create optimal foundations for sustainable, profitable 

growth. 

On top of this, we have been severely impacted by the significant devaluation of the rouble and other 

emerging market currencies. Negative currency effects wiped more than € 550 million off our top 

line last year. In addition, unfavourable hedging rates negatively impacted the Group’s gross margin 

by 60 basis points. But none of this changes our underlying strength in the developing economies in 

general and our excellent market position in Russia in particular. 

7

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportLetter from the CEO

/  01.1  /

8

For me, one thing is certain: true champions come out and show their worth after defeat. Only those 

who analyse their mistakes, learn from them and work intensively on their own weaknesses have 

what it takes to be true champions. While the full results of our work over the last months will only 

become visible over time, I am proud of how hard our organisation and our employees have worked 

on themselves in the past few months in order to take up the fight for gold. As a result of our fast and 

decisive action, we have reached a first milestone, achieving our updated top- and bottom-line goals 

for last year, and now we are looking confidently out onto 2015. 

We are also profiting from the progress we have made since the introduction of our ‘Route 2015’. 

Only those who set themselves ambitious goals are in a position to continuously improve. Against this 

background, in 2010, we created and presented to you our ambitious strategic business plan. And 

even though we will not achieve our sales and earnings targets this year, the adidas Group today is 

significantly stronger and better positioned than at the start of our Route 2015 journey. Two examples: 

we know that our brands and products resonate best with the consumer when we are able to present 

them in exactly the way we envisage. That is why we set ourselves the goal of generating 45% of our 

revenues from controlled space initiatives by 2015. We have made great progress in this respect over 

the past few years and today we are already generating more than 50% of our sales from controlled 

space initiatives. In addition, we have multiplied our eCommerce business over the last couple 

of years and we will over-achieve the targeted online sales level of € 500 million in 2015. We will 

continuously build on these successes and, with the help of our Concepts-to-Consumer team, which 

we strengthened with valuable expertise last year, we will further enhance the consumer shopping 

experience and the consistency of our messaging – across all distribution channels. 

This, by the way, is a key characteristic that will increasingly distinguish us in future: our focus is on 

consumers and the brand experiences we create for them. In order to live up to this claim to the best 

possible extent, my Board colleagues Eric Liedtke and Roland Auschel have completed the realignment 

of our marketing and sales activities accordingly. As part of our ‘brand leadership’ initiative, the 

categories now for the first time have full end-to-end responsibility for all marketing processes. This 

massive shift in tactics will make us significantly more agile, enabling us to drive our brand initiatives 

in the marketplace more professionally and to bring our concepts to the consumer in a more effective 

way. We know that consumers today use several different channels simultaneously, and because 

consistent messaging across all these channels is crucial for enhancement of the consumer shopping 

experience we have also realigned our sales strategy. Thanks to our omni-channel approach, we will 

integrate all sales channels and marketing activation activities, utilise cross-selling opportunities and 

align pricing across all channels. As part of initial pilot projects, we have given consumers in some 

markets the option to order online and then pick up their products in a store. First feedback on our 

‘click and collect’ offer is very encouraging. Therefore we will continue to invest in infrastructure and 

processes that will enable us to implement the omni-channel approach globally.

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportLetter from the CEO

/  01.1  /

A top priority for the entire senior management team in 2015 will be the North American market. 

Our new leadership team there, all high-calibre experts with Mark King, an American-born industry 

veteran, at the helm, will focus on increasing the relevance of our brands among US consumers. The 

brand campaigns that we launched for adidas and Reebok since the start of the year, with a clear focus 

on the US market, are a key step in this direction. They impressively underline our ambitions and make 

it clear that adidas and Reebok know and understand athletes’ motivations better than any other sports 

brand in the world – another important cornerstone is the development of the right products for the 

US market. The addition of new external talent in design and the opening of our design studio in New 

York will leave a clear and lasting mark on our efforts in this context. In addition, we need to make 

our brands more visible on the playing fields of sports that young American athletes love: basketball, 

American football and baseball, just to name a few. In this context, we will not only focus on growing 

our already strong portfolio in professional sports but will also significantly increase our visibility in 

college sports and at the grassroots level. At the same time, we aim to enhance our execution at the 

point of sale. Here too, we will significantly improve our brand presence and the presentation of our 

products. 

To close, allow me to say that we have everything it takes to be successful going forward: our brands 

are enjoying great momentum, our product pipeline is full, and our campaigns will make our brands 

even more desirable. We know what our priorities are, we have drawn up our plan accordingly and we 

will now work in a consistent, resolute and bold way to implement it. At the same time, we will remain 

vigilant, in order to be able to react quickly and resolutely to any changes in the market environment. 

The roadmap for the future is clear. We will significantly improve our business and grow our top 

and bottom line in 2015. But that’s only just the beginning. At the end of March we will present our 

long-term strategy for the period up to 2020. Of course I cannot report on the contents of this strategy 

today. But I can already assure you of one thing: the adidas Group is and will remain a growth company, 

founded on strong brands. And with this, we will continue to make a difference going forward.

9

HERBERT  HAINER

adidas Group CEO

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual Report2

Executive Board

/  01.2  /

Executive Board

Our Executive Board is comprised of five members. Each Board member is 

responsible for at least one major function within the Group.

10

Her ber t  Hainer
C H I E F   E X E C U T I V E   O F F I C E R

Herbert Hainer was born in Dingolfing, Germany, in 1954. Following 

his business studies, he spent eight years with Procter & Gamble 

in  various  sales  and  marketing  positions.  Herbert  Hainer  joined 

adidas  Germany  in  1987  and  has  held  numerous  management 

positions within the Group, including Managing Director Germany 

and Senior Vice President for Sales and Logistics in Europe, Africa 

and the Middle East. Herbert Hainer joined the Executive Board in 

1997 and became CEO of adidas AG in 2001. He is married, has two 

daughters and lives in Herzogenaurach, Germany.

Herbert Hainer is also:
/   Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board,  
FC Bayern München AG, Munich, Germany

/   Member of the Supervisory Board,  

Allianz Deutschland AG, Munich, Germany

/   Member of the Supervisory Board,  

Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Cologne, Germany

Robin  J.   S t al ker
C H I E F   F I N A N C I A L   O F F I C E R

Robin  J.  Stalker  was  born  in  Palmerston  North,  New  Zealand,  in 

1958.  In  1982,  following  his  degree  in  business  studies,  he  began 

his  professional  career  and  qualified  as  a  Chartered  Accountant. 

He  worked  for  Arthur  Young  in  New  Zealand  and  London  and 

subsequently  held  financial  and  controlling  positions  in  the 

entertainment industry, including United International Pictures and 

Warner  Bros.  International,  and  also  worked  as  an  independent 

consultant.  Robin  J.  Stalker  joined  adidas  AG  in  1996.  Since 

February  2000,  he  has  been  Chief  Financial  Officer  of  adidas  AG 

and was appointed to the Executive Board, responsible for Finance, 

in  2001.  In  2005,  he  assumed  additional  responsibility  as  Labour 

Director. Robin J. Stalker is married and lives near Herzogenaurach, 

Germany.

Robin J. Stalker is also:
/   Member of the Supervisory Board,  

Schaeffler AG, Herzogenaurach, Germany

F O R   M O R E   I N F O R M A T I O N   O N   T H E
A D I D A S   G R O U P ’ S   E X E C U T I V E   B O A R D :

WWW.ADIDAS-GROUP.COM 

 EXECUTIVE-BOARD

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual Report 
Executive Board

/  01.2  /

Rol and  A us chel
G L O B A L   S A L E S

Roland  Auschel  was  born  in  Bad  Waldsee,  Germany,  in  1963. 

After  obtaining  his  Bachelor’s  degree  in  European  business 

studies in Germany and the UK as well as an MBA in the United 

States, he joined the adidas team as a Strategic Planner in 1989. 

During his career with the adidas Group, he has held many senior 

management  positions,  including  Business  Unit  Manager,  Key 

Account Manager Europe and Head of Region Europe, Middle East 

and  Africa.  In  2009,  he  became  Chief  Sales  Officer  Multichannel 

Markets. In 2013, Roland Auschel was appointed to the Executive 

Board  where  he  assumed  responsibility  for  Global  Sales.  He  is 

married, has two children and lives in Erlangen, Germany.

Gl enn B enne t t
G L O B A L   O P E R A T I O N S

Glenn Bennett was born in New Hampshire, USA, in 1963. With a 

degree in computer science, he began his professional career with 

Reebok International Ltd. in 1983, where he worked for ten years 

11

in  various  operations  and  product  functions,  of  which  the  latest 

was  Director  of  Footwear  Development.  In  1993,  Glenn  Bennett 

joined  adidas  AG  and  began  working  as  the  Head  of  Worldwide 

Footwear Development. He was promoted to Senior Vice President 

of  Footwear  Operations  a  few  months  later.  In  1997,  Glenn 

Bennett was appointed to the Executive Board where he assumed 

responsibility  for  all  Footwear,  Apparel  and  Accessories  &  Gear 

Operations  activities  shortly  thereafter.  Glenn  Bennett  lives  in 

Boston/Massachusetts, USA.

Er ic  L ie d t ke  
G L O B A L   B R A N D S

1)

Eric Liedtke was born in Dayton/Ohio, USA, in 1966. After obtaining 

his  Bachelor’s  degree  in  journalism,  he  started  his  career  at 

DMB&B Advertising in the USA. He joined the adidas Group in 1994 

as  Global  Line  Manager  for  Cross  Training  in  Portland/Oregon. 

During his 20-year career with adidas, Eric Liedtke has held various 

senior management positions at adidas America, including Director 

of  Footwear  Marketing  and  Vice  President  Brand  Marketing.  In 

2006, he moved to the adidas Group headquarters in Germany. In 
2011, he became Senior Vice President adidas Sport Performance, 
responsible  for  all  adidas  sports  categories  globally.  He  was 
appointed  to  the  Executive  Board  in  2014,  where  he  assumed 
responsibility  for  Global  Brands.  Eric  Liedtke  lives  in  Nuremberg, 
Germany.

1)  Appointed to the Executive Board effective March 6, 2014. Eric Liedtke succeeded Erich 

Stamminger who was responsible for Global Brands until March 5, 2014.

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual Report3

12

Supervisory Board

/  01.3  /

Supervisory Board

Igor L andau
C H A I R M A N 1)

S abine   B auer *
D E P U T Y   C H A I R W O M A N 1)

W il l i  S ch w er d t l e
D E P U T Y   C H A I R M A N 1)

residing in Lugano, Switzerland
Pensioner, Member of the Board of Directors, 
Sanofi-Aventis S.A., Paris, France

residing in Erlangen, Germany
Chairwoman of the Central Works Council,  
adidas AG

/   Member of the Supervisory Board, Allianz SE, 

Munich, Germany 2)

/   Member of the Board of Directors, 
 Sanofi-Aventis S.A., Paris, France

residing in Munich, Germany
Independent Management Consultant/Partner, 
WP Force Solutions GmbH, Bad Homburg v. d. Höhe, 
Germany 

/   Member of the Supervisory Board, Eckes AG, 

Nieder-Olm, Germany

Die t er  Hauens t ein*
residing in Herzogenaurach, Germany
Full-time member of the Works Council 
 Herzogenaurach, adidas AG 3)

Dr.  Wolf gang  Jäger *
residing in Bochum, Germany
Managing Director in charge of Public Relations 
and Scholarships, Hans-Böckler-Stiftung, 
Düsseldorf, Germany

Dr.  S t e f an  Jen t z s ch
residing in London, Great Britain
Corporate Finance Consultant/Partner, Perella 
 Weinberg Partners UK LLP, London, Great Britain

/   Member of the Supervisory Board,  

Sky Deutschland AG, Unterföhring, Germany 

/   Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board, 

AIL Leasing München AG, Grünwald, Germany

Her b er t K au f f mann
residing in Stuttgart, Germany
Independent Management Consultant, Stuttgart, 
Germany

K a t ja  K r aus  4 )
residing in Hamburg, Germany
Managing Partner, Jung von Matt/sports GmbH, 
Hamburg, Germany

/   Chairman of the Supervisory Board,  

Uniscon universal identity control GmbH, 
Munich, Germany

/   Member of the Supervisory Board, DEUTZ AG, 

Cologne, Germany

K a t hr in Menge s  4 )
residing in Neuss, Germany
Executive Vice President Human Resources and 
Infrastructure Services, Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, 
 Düsseldorf, Germany

Mandates within the Henkel Group
/   Member of the Supervisory Board, Henkel 

Central Eastern Europe GmbH, Vienna, Austria

/   Member of the Supervisory Board, Henkel 

Nederland B.V., Nieuwegein, The Netherlands

/   Member of the Board of Directors,  

Henkel Norden AB, Stockholm, Sweden

/   Member of the Board of Directors,  
Henkel Norden Oy, Vantaa, Finland
/   Member of the Board of Directors,  

Henkel of America, Inc., Wilmington, USA

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportSupervisory Board

/  01.3  /

Rol and No sko*
residing in Wolnzach, Germany
Trade Union Official, IG BCE, Headquarter 
 Nuremberg, Nuremberg, Germany

/   Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board, 
CeramTec GmbH, Plochingen, Germany

Hans Rupr e ch t *
residing in Herzogenaurach, Germany
Sales Director Customer Service Central Europe 
West, adidas AG

Heidi  T hal er-Veh*
residing in Uffenheim, Germany
Member of the Central Works Council, adidas AG

S U P E R V I S O R Y B O A R D  M E M B E R S IN C U M B E N T  U N T I L T H E  E N D O F  T H E   
A N N U A L G E N E R A L M E E T IN G  O N M AY 8 , 2 0 14

A l ex ander Pop o v
residing in Moscow, Russia
Chairman, RFSO ‘Lokomotiv’,  
Moscow, Russia

Chr is t ian  Tour r e s
residing in Lungern, Switzerland
Former Member of the Executive Board  
of adidas AG

13

S TA N D IN G C O M M I T T E E S  A S O F  M AY 8 ,  2 0 14

Steering Committee  /  Igor Landau (Chairman), Sabine Bauer*, Willi Schwerdtle
General Committee  /  Igor Landau (Chairman), Sabine Bauer*, Roland Nosko*, Willi Schwerdtle
Audit Committee  /  Herbert Kauffmann (Chairman), Dr. Wolfgang Jäger*, Dr. Stefan Jentzsch, Hans Ruprecht*
Nomination Committee  /  Igor Landau (Chairman), Kathrin Menges, Willi Schwerdtle
Mediation Committee pursuant to § 27 section 3 Co-Determination Act (MitbestG)  /  Igor Landau, Sabine Bauer*, Willi Schwerdtle, 
Heidi Thaler-Veh*
Finance and Investment Committee (as of September 25, 2014)  /  Igor Landau, Sabine Bauer*, Dr. Wolfgang Jäger*, Herbert Kauffmann

S TA N D IN G C O M M I T T E E S  U N T I L M AY 8 ,  2 0 14

Steering Committee  /  Igor Landau (Chairman), Sabine Bauer*, Willi Schwerdtle
General Committee  /  Igor Landau (Chairman), Sabine Bauer*, Roland Nosko*, Willi Schwerdtle
Audit Committee  /  Herbert Kauffmann (Chairman), Dr. Wolfgang Jäger*, Dr. Stefan Jentzsch, Hans Ruprecht*
Nomination Committee  /  Igor Landau (Chairman), Willi Schwerdtle, Christian Tourres
Mediation Committee pursuant to § 27 section 3 Co-Determination Act (MitbestG)  /  Igor Landau, Sabine Bauer*, Willi Schwerdtle, 
Heidi Thaler-Veh*

* Employee representative.
1) Re-elected at the constituent meeting of the Supervisory Board on May 8, 2014.
2) Until May 7, 2014.
3) Since April 4, 2014; formerly Deputy Chairman of the Works Council Herzogenaurach.
4) Since the end of the Annual General Meeting held on May 8, 2014.

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual Report4

Supervisory Board Report

/  01.4  /

Supervisory Board Report

I g o r L a n d a u
C H A I R M A N   O F   T H E   S U P E R V I S O R Y   B O A R D

14

Dear Shareholders,

We look back on 2014 as a challenging year. Thanks to strong brands and partnerships in the world of sport, as well as first-

class innovations, the adidas Group was again able to achieve strong sales growth. However, the ongoing weakness in the golf 

market, negative economic developments in Russia/CIS and continuing unfavourable currency developments, in particular 

the considerable devaluation of the Russian rouble, significantly impacted the Group’s results. Nevertheless, these issues 

have been resolutely managed, and we have taken the appropriate steps not only to safeguard the financial results in the 

short term but also to sustainably improve the Group’s profitability in the long term. Our company is now well positioned to 

again achieve sales growth at all brands as well as an overproportionate improvement in the Group’s profitability in 2015.

Supervision and advice in dialogue with the Executive Board

In  the  year  under  review,  we  again  performed  all  our  tasks  laid  down  by  law,  the  Articles  of  Association  and  the  Rules 

of Procedure carefully and conscientiously. We regularly advised the Executive Board on the management of the company 

and  diligently  and  continuously  supervised  its  management  activities,  assuring  ourselves  of  the  legality,  expediency  and 

regularity thereof.

The  Executive  Board  involved  us  directly  in  all  of  the  Group’s  fundamental  decisions.  After  in-depth  consultation  and 

examination of the detailed information submitted to us by the Executive Board, we approved individual transactions where 

required by law.

The Executive Board informed us extensively and in a timely manner through written and oral reports at our Supervisory 

Board meetings. This information covered all relevant aspects of the Group’s business strategy, business planning, including 
finance, investment and personnel planning, the course of business and the Group’s financial position and profitability. We 
were also kept up to date on matters relating to the risk situation, risk management and compliance as well as all major 
decisions and business transactions.

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportSupervisory Board Report

/  01.4  /

The Executive Board always explained immediately and in a detailed manner any deviations in business performance from the 

established plans, and the Supervisory Board as a whole discussed these matters in depth.

The Executive Board regularly provided us with comprehensive reports for the preparation of our meetings. We thus always 

had the opportunity to critically analyse the Executive Board’s reports and resolution proposals within the committees and 

within the Supervisory Board as a whole and to put forward suggestions before resolving upon the Executive Board’s proposals 

after in-depth examination and consultation. In the periods between our meetings, the Executive Board kept us informed on a 

monthly basis, and if necessary more frequently, regarding the current business situation.

In addition to the constituent meeting and five regular meetings of the Supervisory Board, we held two extraordinary meetings 

in the year under review. Apart from one regular meeting, which two members were prevented from attending due to other 

business  appointments  that  could  not  be  postponed,  all  Supervisory  Board  members  attended  all  meetings  in  the  year 

under  review.  The  average  attendance  rate  at  meetings  of  the  entire  Supervisory  Board  was  therefore  just  under  97%.  All 

the committee meetings, with the exception of two Audit Committee meetings at which one member was absent, were fully 

attended.  The  external  auditor,  KPMG  AG  Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft  (KPMG),  attended  all  regular  meetings  of  the 

Supervisory Board, inasfar as they did not deal with Executive Board matters. KPMG also attended all meetings of the Audit 

Committee. The employee representatives held separate meetings to prepare and discuss agenda items for all meetings of the 

entire Supervisory Board.

In the periods between meetings, the Supervisory Board Chairman and the Audit Committee Chairman maintained regular 

contact  with  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  the  Chief  Financial  Officer,  conferring  on  matters  such  as  corporate  strategy, 

business development and planning, the risk situation and risk management as well as compliance. In addition, the Supervisory 

Board Chairman was immediately informed about any significant events of fundamental importance for evaluating the situation 

15

and development of the company and management activities.

Topics for the entire Supervisory Board

Our consultations and examinations focused on the following topics:

Situation and business development

The development of sales and earnings, the employment situation as well as the financial position of the Group and the business 

development of the Group’s individual segments and regions were presented to us in detail by the Executive Board following the 

close of the respective quarter and were discussed regularly. Further ongoing topics for discussion were the possible impact of 

global economic developments and negative currency translation effects as well as the development of our individual brands.

In March 2014, we reviewed and dealt intensively with the KPMG-certified 2013 annual financial statements and consolidated 

financial statements, including the combined management report for adidas AG and the Group, as well as the Executive Board’s 

proposal regarding the appropriation of retained earnings.

At the meetings held in February and August, the Executive Board provided us with comprehensive information on the continuing 

weakness of the golf market worldwide and the resulting unsatisfactory business development for the TaylorMade-adidas Golf 

segment in the year under review, and furthermore provided us with a first outlook on this segment’s future sales development. 

At two other meetings we dealt in depth with the Group’s goals laid out in the mid-term business plan ‘Route 2015’, which the 

Executive Board adjusted in July in light of increasingly negative currency effects, the significantly lower profit contribution 

expected from TaylorMade-adidas Golf as well as the increased investment into marketing. At the May and August meetings, 

we also dealt comprehensively with the Executive Board’s planned sale of the brown-shoe business segment Rockport. The 

Executive Board outlined to us the strategic reasons as well as the opportunities and risks of a potential divestiture. In order 

to advise the Executive Board on the contract negotiations efficiently and in a timely manner, we transferred the authority to 
approve conclusion of the contract to the ad hoc committee ‘Relay’ which we established for this purpose. In November, the 
Executive Board provided us with information on the growth potential of the adidas and Reebok brands in the North American 
market and presented the corresponding three-year plan 2015/2017, which we discussed intensively.

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportSupervisory Board Report

/  01.4  /

Transactions requiring Supervisory Board approval

In  accordance  with  statutory  regulations  and  the  Rules  of  Procedure  of  the  Supervisory  Board,  certain  transactions  and 

measures require a formal resolution or the prior approval of the Supervisory Board.

In the context of this requirement, at our meetings in January and February, we discussed in detail the Group’s warehouse 

infrastructure and the development of logistics and warehouse costs. In the interest of optimising profitability, we approved 

the purchase of the strategically important distribution centre in Spartanburg/South Carolina, USA, which had previously been 

leased. At our meeting in March, following detailed discussions, we resolved upon the resolutions to be proposed to the 2014 

Annual General Meeting, including the proposal regarding the appropriation of retained earnings for the 2013 financial year 

and the candidates for election as shareholder representatives on the Supervisory Board. Another topic of this meeting was the 

resolution on the 2014 Budget and Investment Plan presented by the Executive Board.

Composition of the Executive Board

In  the  year  under  review,  we  took  important  decisions  concerning  changes  on  the  Executive  Board.  At  our  extraordinary 

meeting held in January, we dealt with the request of our long-standing Executive Board member Erich Stamminger to release 

him from his duties as Executive Board member effective March 5, 2014. After due consideration within the Supervisory Board 

as a whole, we approved the termination of his appointment by mutual consent and the termination agreement pertaining to his 

Executive Board service contract. As his successor, we appointed Eric Liedtke as member of the Executive Board responsible 

for Global Brands effective March 6, 2014 and resolved on the terms of his Executive Board service contract. At our meetings 

in March and May, we extensively discussed and resolved to extend the Executive Board mandates and service contracts of 

Herbert Hainer, Glenn Bennett and Robin J. Stalker.

16

With  these  personnel  decisions,  the  Supervisory  Board  acknowledges  the  Executive  Board’s  performance  and  strives  for 

continuity. Notwithstanding the above, in November the members of the General Committee discussed, inter alia, the matter of 

long-term succession planning for the Executive Board.

Executive Board compensation

In addition to the financial conditions of the Executive Board service contracts, we dealt at our January meeting with waiving 

the competition prohibition that had been agreed with Erich Stamminger and approved the respective contracts. Key topics of 

our meeting in February were the approval of the contractual conditions concerning Erich Stamminger’s departure as well as 

the in-depth discussion of the performance of the Executive Board members in the year under review, and we resolved upon 

the 2013 Performance Bonuses to be granted to them. As required by the German Corporate Governance Code (the ‘Code’), 

we examined the appropriateness of Executive Board compensation and, in this context, considered Executive Board target 

compensation in relation to the compensation of senior management and employees overall. In consideration of this aspect, 

at our meeting in March we comprehensively discussed the targets and key criteria for the 2014 Performance Bonus together 

with the individual Performance Bonus target amount determined for each Executive Board member, as well as the adjustment 

of Herbert Hainer’s Executive Board service contract, and resolved thereon. 

In  line  with  the  Code,  we  commissioned  an  independent  external  compensation  expert  to  review  the  Executive  Board 

compensation system and the appropriateness of Executive Board compensation. The review found that the compensation 

structure is oriented towards sustainable development of the company and that it meets statutory requirements as well as 

those of the Code. A comparison with other companies regarding the compensation of individual Executive Board members’ 

target  compensation,  however,  found  that  there  is  a  need  for  action  especially  concerning  the  pension  benefits  granted 

to Executive Board members, and that there is room for a moderate increase in the future in order to ensure competitive 

compensation. At the meetings of the General Committee and of the Supervisory Board as a whole in May and August, the 

members  of  the  Supervisory  Board  considered  in  detail  the  results  of  the  review  of  Executive  Board  compensation  and 

agreed with the assessment of the compensation expert. The Supervisory Board already took the findings of the review into 
consideration in its resolutions in August relating to the extension of Glenn Bennett’s and Robin J. Stalker’s Executive Board 
service contracts and their pension benefits.

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportSupervisory Board Report

/  01.4  /

At our meeting in February 2015, we considered in-depth the performance of each Executive Board member in the year under 

review as well as during the three-year period 2012/2014, and then resolved upon the 2014 Performance Bonuses and the LTIP 

Bonuses 2012/2014 to be granted to them. 

Further information on compensation for the 2014 financial year can be found in the Compensation Report  /  SEE COMPENSATION 

REPORT, P. 28.

Corporate governance

The Supervisory Board regularly monitors the application and further development of the corporate governance regulations 

within the company, in particular the implementation of the recommendations of the Code. At our February meetings, matters 

of corporate governance are usually the focal point. In February 2014, we discussed and resolved to introduce compensation 

caps, also covering any potential special bonus, for new or extended Executive Board service contracts. In preparation for the 

upcoming issuance of the 2015 Declaration of Compliance, our meeting in February 2015 focused on reviewing and resolving 

upon the key objectives for the composition of the Supervisory Board as a whole and the introduction of a severance payment 

cap for Executive Board service contracts. Thus, in this matter as well, we follow the recommendations of the Code for all 

newly concluded and extended Executive Board service contracts. After comprehensive discussion, we resolved upon the 2015 

Declaration of Compliance. The Declaration of Compliance was then made permanently available to our shareholders on the 

corporate website at  /  WWW.ADIDAS-GROUP.COM/S/CORPORATE-GOVERNANCE.

In the year under review, no conflicts of interest arose with regard to the Executive Board members. With the exception of the 

following matter, there were also no conflicts of interest within the Supervisory Board.

At the beginning of the 2015 financial year, a consulting contract and a service contract, in each case project-specific, fixed-term 

17

and independent of one another, were entered into with two companies in which in each case one Supervisory Board member 

has an interest. Approval of these contracts was finally granted after being discussed in detail by the Supervisory Board at its 

meetings in November 2014 and January 2015 and at its meeting in February 2015. In order to avoid conflicts of interest, the 

two Supervisory Board members concerned participated neither in the respective discussions nor in the resolutions.

Further information on corporate governance at the adidas Group can be found in the Corporate Governance Report including 

the Declaration on Corporate Governance  /  SEE CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT INCLUDING THE DECLARATION ON CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, 

P. 20. 

Efficient committee work

In  order  to  perform  our  tasks  in  an  efficient  manner,  in  addition  to  the  six  Supervisory  Board  standing  committees  /  SEE 

SUPERVISORY  BOARD,  P.  12  we  have  also  established  the  project-related  ad  hoc  committee  ‘Relay’.  The  committees  prepare 

resolutions  of  the  Supervisory  Board  as  well  as  topics  for  Supervisory  Board  meetings.  Within  the  legally  permissible 

framework  and  in  appropriate  cases,  we  have  furthermore  delegated  the  Supervisory  Board’s  authority  to  pass  certain 

resolutions to individual committees. With the exception of the Audit Committee, the Supervisory Board Chairman also chairs 

all the standing committees. The committee chairpersons inform the Supervisory Board about the content and results of the 

committee meetings at the subsequent meeting of the entire Supervisory Board.

/  The Steering Committee did not meet in the year under review.

/ 

 The General Committee held six meetings in 2014, one of them by way of a conference call. Two additional meetings, dealing 
with topics of the year under review, took place in February 2015.

The main focus of the meetings of the General Committee was the preparation of the resolutions of the Supervisory Board 
as a whole, detailed individually above, concerning the termination agreement with Erich Stamminger, the conclusion of 
new or extended Executive Board service contracts as well as the concrete assessment of the Executive Board members’ 

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportSupervisory Board Report

/  01.4  /

variable compensation such as the Performance Bonus for the 2013 and 2014 financial years and the LTIP Bonus 2012/2014. 

It furthermore dealt in depth with the results of the review of the appropriateness of Executive Board compensation overall.

/ 

 The Audit Committee held five meetings in the year under review and also one meeting in March 2015, dealing with topics 
of  the  year  under  review.  The  Chief  Financial  Officer  and  the  auditor  were  present  at  all  meetings  and  reported  to  the 

committee members in detail. 

/ 

 The committee’s work focused on the comprehensive review of the quarterly reports and the first half year report together 

with the Chief Financial Officer and the auditor before the respective dates of publication, also the preliminary examination 

of the annual financial statements and the consolidated financial statements for 2013, including the combined management 

report  of  adidas  AG  and  the  Group,  as  well  as  the  Executive  Board’s  proposal  regarding  the  appropriation  of  retained 

earnings. Following an in-depth review of the audit reports with the auditor, the committee decided to recommend that the 

Supervisory Board approve the 2013 annual financial statements and consolidated financial statements. In addition, after 

obtaining the auditor’s declaration of independence, the Audit Committee prepared the Supervisory Board’s proposal to the 

Annual General Meeting concerning the selection of the auditor of the annual financial statements and the consolidated 

financial  statements  for  2014.  Following  extensive  discussion  by  the  committee,  the  priority  topics  for  the  audit  of  the 

2014 annual financial statements and consolidated financial statements were determined and the audit assignment was 

granted together with the according audit fee. The committee furthermore dealt in depth with the 2013 Risk Report and with 

establishing best-practice requirements for the internal control systems.

/ 

 The committee meeting in September focused on examining the efficiency of the internal audit system, the internal control 

system  and  the  risk  and  compliance  management  system.  In  the  context  of  this  examination,  the  committee  members 

18

reviewed in depth the main risk factors for the Group, the applied control methods and reporting systems and the efficiency 

thereof with the aid of written and oral reports. In the course of the following comprehensive discussions, inter alia with 

the auditor, the committee members assured themselves of the effectiveness of the systems and discussed possibilities for 

improvement. Furthermore, the 2014 report and the draft of the 2015 audit plan of Internal Audit were discussed in detail.

/ 

 The reporting of the Chief Compliance Officer was a topic at every meeting of the Audit Committee. No material compliance 

issues were noted in the year under review.

/ 

 The  Mediation  Committee,  established  in  accordance  with  the  German  Co-Determination  Act  (Mitbestimmungsgesetz  – 
MitbestG), had no reason to convene in 2014. 

/  The Nomination Committee did not meet in the year under review.

/ 

 The Finance and Investment Committee, which was established in September, held three meetings in the year under review 
and two meetings in the current year – in each case by way of a conference call. 

In November, following extensive consideration, it granted approval on behalf of the Supervisory Board for the issuance 

of two bonds with an overall volume of € 1 billion and a term of seven years and twelve years, respectively. It furthermore 

discussed  the  parameters  of  a  share  buyback  programme  based  on  the  authorisation  granted  by  the  Annual  General 

Meeting on May 8, 2014, and resolved upon a first tranche with a volume of up to € 300 million. 

/ 

 The ‘Relay’ Committee convened once in the year under review and, following an in-depth discussion, approved on behalf 
of the Supervisory Board the sale of the Rockport brand to a new entity formed by Berkshire Partners and New Balance. 

Examination of the 2014 annual financial statements and consolidated financial statements

KPMG audited the 2014 consolidated financial statements prepared by the Executive Board in accordance with § 315a German 
Commercial Code (Handelsgesetzbuch – HGB) in compliance with IFRS and issued an unqualified opinion thereon. The auditor 

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportSupervisory Board Report

/  01.4  /

also  approved  without  qualification  the  2014  annual  financial  statements  of  adidas  AG,  prepared  in  accordance  with  HGB 

requirements, and the combined management report for adidas AG and the Group. The financial statements, the proposal put 

forward by the Executive Board regarding the appropriation of retained earnings and the auditor’s reports were distributed 

by the Executive Board to all Supervisory Board members in a timely manner. We examined the documents in depth, with 

a particular focus on legality and regularity, in the presence of the auditor at the Audit Committee meeting held on March 2, 

2015 and at the Supervisory Board’s March 4, 2015 financial statements meeting, during which the Executive Board explained 

the  financial  statements  in  detail.  Further  topics  at  these  meetings  were  the  Executive  Board’s  commentaries  concerning 

the  impairment  of  goodwill  and  the  Rockport  disposal  group  necessary  for  the  2014  financial  year.  At  both  meetings,  the 

auditor reported the material results of the audit with a focus on the priority topics of the year under review as agreed with the 

Audit Committee and was available for questions and the provision of additional information. The auditor did not report any 

significant weaknesses with respect to the internal control and risk management system relating to the accounting process. 

We also discussed in depth with the Executive Board the proposal concerning the appropriation of retained earnings, which 

provides for a dividend of € 1.50 per dividend-entitled share and adopted the proposal under consideration of the share buyback 

programme, the Group’s financial situation and future prospects as well as the expectations of our shareholders. Based on 

our  own  examinations  of  the  annual  and  consolidated  financial  statements,  we  came  to  the  conclusion  that  there  are  no 

objections to be raised. At our financial statements meeting, therefore, following the recommendation of the Audit Committee, 

we approved the audit results and the financial statements prepared by the Executive Board. The annual financial statements 

of adidas AG were thus approved.

Changes on the Supervisory Board

The term of office of all members of the Supervisory Board expired at the end of the Annual General Meeting on May 8, 2014. 

On the shareholder representatives’ side, Alexander Popov and Christian Tourres are no longer members of the Supervisory 

Board that was elected that day for a term of five years. We expressed our thanks to the departing members for their many 

19

years of dedicated and loyal collaboration. As new shareholder representatives on the Supervisory Board, the Annual General 

Meeting  –  in  line  with  the  nominations  submitted  by  the  Supervisory  Board  based  on  the  suggestions  of  the  Nomination 

Committee  –  elected  Katja  Kraus  and  Kathrin  Menges.  Furthermore,  the  Supervisory  Board  members  seeking  re-election 

either on the shareholder representatives’ or the employee representatives’ side were confirmed in their respective elections.

At the constituent meeting of the Supervisory Board directly following the Annual General Meeting, we again confirmed the 

Chairman,  the  Deputy  Chairwoman  and  the  Deputy  Chairman  in  their  respective  offices,  and  also  all  the  members  of  the 

co-determined committees. Besides the re-election of Willi Schwerdtle and myself, we also elected Kathrin Menges to join the 

Nomination Committee.

Expression of thanks

On behalf of the Supervisory Board, I wish to thank the Executive Board and all adidas Group employees around the world for 

their tremendous personal dedication and their ongoing commitment, and I also thank the employee representatives for their 

good collaboration.

For the Supervisory Board

IGOR L ANDAU
Chairman of the Supervisory Board

March 2015

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual Report5

Corporate Governance Report including the Declaration on Corporate Governance

/  01.5  /

Corporate Governance Report 
including the Declaration on 
Corporate Governance

 1)

Corporate governance stands for responsible and transparent management and corporate 

control  oriented  towards  a  sustainable  increase  in  value.  We  are  convinced  that  good 

corporate  governance  is  an  essential  foundation  for  sustainable  corporate  success  and 

enhances  the  confidence  placed  in  our  Group  by  our  shareholders,  business  partners, 

employees  and  the  financial  markets.  The  following  report  includes  the  Corporate 

Governance Report and the Declaration on Corporate Governance issued by the Executive 

Board and Supervisory Board.

Dual board system

As a globally operating public listed company with its registered seat in Herzogenaurach, Germany, 

adidas AG is, inter alia, subject to the provisions of German stock corporation law. A dual board 

system,  which  assigns  the  management  of  the  company  to  the  Executive  Board  and  advice  and 

supervision of the Executive Board to the Supervisory Board, is one of the fundamental principles of 

German stock corporation law. These two boards are strictly separated both in terms of members 

20

and of competencies. In the interest of the company, however, both Boards cooperate closely.

Composition and working methods of the Executive Board

The composition of our Executive Board, which consists of five members, reflects the international 

character of our Group. No member of the Executive Board has accepted more than a total of three 

supervisory board mandates in non-Group listed companies or in supervisory bodies of non-Group 

companies  with  similar  requirements.  The  Executive  Board  is  responsible  for  independently 

see Executive Board, p. 10

managing  the  company,  determining  the  Group’s  strategic  orientation,  agreeing  this  with  the 

Supervisory Board and ensuring its implementation. Further, it defines business targets, company 

policy and the organisation of the Group. Additionally, the Executive Board ensures appropriate risk 

management  and  risk  controlling  as  well  as  compliance  with  statutory  regulations  and  internal 

guidelines. It is bound to the company’s interest and obligated to strive for a sustainable increase 

in company value. When filling management positions in the company, the Executive Board takes 

diversity into consideration. It especially aims for an appropriate consideration of women. We plan 

see Employees, p. 82

to increase the number of women in management positions to 32% worldwide by the end of 2017. 

Irrespective of the Executive Board’s overall responsibility, its members are individually responsible 

for managing their respective business areas in accordance with the Executive Board’s Business 

Allocation  Plan.  There  are  no  Executive  Board  committees.  The  CEO  is  responsible  in  particular 

for  leading  the  entire  Executive  Board  as  well  as  for  guiding  business  development,  including 

the  coordination  of  the  business  segments,  brands  and  markets.  The  members  of  the  Executive 

Board keep each other informed on all significant developments in their business areas and align 

on  all  cross-functional  measures.  Further  details  on  collaboration  within  the  Executive  Board 

are governed by the Rules of Procedure of the Executive Board and the Business Allocation Plan. 

These documents specifically stipulate requirements for meetings and resolutions as well as for 
cooperation with the Supervisory Board.

1)  The Corporate Governance Report including 

the Declaration on Corporate Governance is an 
unaudited section of the Group Management 
Report.

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportCorporate Governance Report including the Declaration on Corporate Governance

/  01.5  /

At the Supervisory Board meetings, the Executive Board reports in writing and orally on the agenda 

items and resolution proposals and answers all questions from the individual Supervisory Board 

members. The CEO and the CFO maintain regular contact and consult with the Chairman of the 

Supervisory  Board  and  the  Audit  Committee  Chairman  on  key  aspects  of  strategy,  planning  and 

business  development  as  well  as  on  questions  of  risk  management  and  compliance  within  the 

Group. 

Composition and working methods of the Supervisory Board

Our Supervisory Board consists of six shareholder representatives and six employee representatives 

   Further information on 
Corporate Governance

More information on topics covered in this 
report can be found on our website 

  www.adidas-group.com/s/

corporate-governance 
including:

/  Articles of Association
/  Rules of Procedure of the Executive Board
/   Rules of Procedure of the Supervisory 

in  accordance  with  the  German  Co-Determination  Act  (Mitbestimmungsgesetz  –  MitbestG).  The 

Board

shareholder representatives are elected by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting, and 

the employee representatives by the employees of adidas AG. The last periodic election took place 

in 2014. The term of office of the current members of the Supervisory Board commenced on May 8, 

2014 and expires at the end of the 2019 Annual General Meeting.

/  Rules of Procedure of the Audit Committee
/   Supervisory Board Committees 

 (composition and tasks)

The Supervisory Board’s proposals with regard to shareholder representative candidates for election 

at  the  Annual  General  Meeting  were  prepared  by  the  Nomination  Committee.  The  Committee’s 

recommendations  take  into  consideration  the  statutory  requirements,  the  German  Corporate 

Governance Code (hereinafter the ‘Code’) and the Rules of Procedure of the Supervisory Board, as 

well as the objectives and criteria determined by the Supervisory Board for its own composition: 

Together, its members have the knowledge, skills and professional expertise required to properly 

perform their tasks. As the members of the Supervisory Board have extensive knowledge of various 

professional fields, and in some cases also many years of international experience, they bring a 

broad spectrum of expertise to the performance of their Supervisory Board function. The number 

of  female  Supervisory  Board  members  has  increased  from  two  members  to  four.  Assuming  all 

of the employee representatives also in principle meet the independence criteria for Supervisory 

Board members as defined by the Code, in the Supervisory Board’s assessment, all of its members 

are independent. The members of our Supervisory Board do not exercise directorships or similar 

positions or advisory tasks for key competitors of the company. Further, they do not have business 

or personal relations with adidas AG, its Executive Board and Supervisory Board or a controlling 

shareholder which may cause a substantial and not merely temporary conflict of interest. The age 

see Supervisory Board Report, p. 14

limit of, in general, 72 years at the time of election was taken into account in the selection process.

Thus, the objectives for the composition of the Supervisory Board have been met in full. Information 

on the individual Supervisory Board members is available in this Annual Report and on our website.

see Supervisory Board, p. 12
www.adidas-group.com/s/supervisory-board

21

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual Report 
Corporate Governance Report including the Declaration on Corporate Governance

/  01.5  /

As the Supervisory Board, following the election, is in new composition since the end of the Annual 

General Meeting on May 8, 2014, at its meeting on February 11, 2015, it discussed the objectives 

that had been set for its composition and, notwithstanding that it cannot influence the selection of 

candidates for employee representatives on the Supervisory Board, resolved anew as follows:

/ 

 The  composition  of  the  Supervisory  Board  including  members  with  international  background 

shall be maintained to the current extent. Diversity in terms of expertise and experience on the 

grounds of origin, education or professional activity shall continue to be taken into account in 

the future.

/ 

 The number of women on the Supervisory Board, namely four, shall be maintained. Furthermore, 

one woman shall be a member of the Nomination Committee.

/ 

 As in the past, all members of the Supervisory Board shall be independent. This presupposes 

that all employee representatives also in principle meet the independence criteria as defined by 

the Code. Substantial, not merely temporary conflicts of interest shall be avoided.

/ 

 The  members  of  the  Supervisory  Board  shall  dispose  of  sufficient  time  for  performing  their 

mandate.

/ 

 The age limit of, in general, 72 years at the time of election shall be taken into account.

However, the basis for every Supervisory Board function remains the personal qualification of the 

Supervisory  Board  members.  Therefore,  other  important  criteria  will  also  be  considered  when 

nominating candidates for election. Personality, integrity and sufficient diversity in terms of expert 

and industry knowledge as well as particular experience, e.g. in the fields of accounting or annual 

22

auditing, will continue to be taken into account as at present. These are important preconditions 

for the Supervisory Board to work together productively and to competently supervise and advise 

the Executive Board. The best interests of the company will continue to play a decisive role when 

nominating candidates for election.

The Supervisory Board supervises and advises the Executive Board in questions relating to Group 

management.  The  Executive  Board  regularly,  expeditiously  and  comprehensively  reports  on 

business  development  and  planning  as  well  as  on  the  risk  situation  including  compliance  and 

coordinates the strategy of the company and its implementation with the Supervisory Board. The 

Supervisory Board examines and approves the annual financial statements of adidas AG and the 

adidas  Group,  taking  into  consideration  the  auditor’s  reports,  and  resolves  upon  the  proposal  of 

the  Executive  Board  on  the  appropriation  of  retained  earnings.  Additionally,  it  resolves  upon  the 

resolution proposals to be presented to the Annual General Meeting. Certain business transactions 

and measures of the Executive Board with fundamental significance are subject to prior approval by 

the entire Supervisory Board or by a Supervisory Board committee.

The Supervisory Board is also responsible for the appointment and dismissal of members of the 

Executive Board. When appointing members of the Executive Board, the Supervisory Board pays 

attention to the best possible composition of the Executive Board. Experience, industry knowledge 

as well as personal and expert qualifications play an important role in this regard. In March 2014, 

Eric  Liedtke,  who  has  held  various  management  positions  within  the  adidas  Group  both  in  and 

outside Germany in the past 20 years, became the successor of Erich Stamminger as member of 

the Executive Board responsible for Global Brands. The Supervisory Board considers the increase 

in the number of women in management positions within the adidas Group as necessary to ensure 

that in the future more suitable female candidates are available for positions on the Executive Board. 
The  Supervisory  Board  thus  supports  the  Group’s  diversity  concepts,  particularly  regarding  the 
management development programmes, with the goal of increasing the representation of women 
on the Executive Board in the long term.

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportCorporate Governance Report including the Declaration on Corporate Governance

/  01.5  /

The  Supervisory  Board  further  determines  the  Executive  Board  compensation  system,  examines 

it regularly and decides on the individual overall compensation of each Executive Board member. 

To this end, the relation between Executive Board compensation and that of senior management 

and employees overall is taken into account, also in terms of its development over time. Further 

see Compensation Report, p. 28

information on Executive Board compensation is compiled in the Compensation Report.

In  order  to  increase  the  efficiency  of  its  work  and  to  deal  with  complex  topics,  the  Supervisory 

Board  has  formed  six  permanent  expert  committees  from  within  its  members,  which,  inter  alia, 

prepare its resolutions and, in certain cases, pass resolutions on its behalf. These committees are 

the Steering Committee, the General Committee, the Audit Committee, the Finance and Investment 

Committee,  which  was  newly  formed  in  2014,  the  Mediation  Committee  in  accordance  with 

§ 27 section 3 MitbestG and the Nomination Committee. In addition, there is one project-based ad 

hoc committee which was established in 2014. The chairmen of the committees report to the entire 

Supervisory  Board  on  the  results  of  the  committee  work  on  a  regular  basis.  The  composition  of 

the committees can be found in our overview of the Supervisory Board. Further information on the 

see Supervisory Board, p. 12
www.adidas-group.com/s/
supervisory-board-committees

committees’ tasks is available on our website.

Apart from the tasks and responsibilities, the Rules of Procedure of the Supervisory Board and of 

the Audit Committee also set out the individual requirements expected of the members and the 

procedure  for  meetings  and  passing  resolutions.  These  Rules  of  Procedure  are  available  on  our 

website.  The  Supervisory  Board  Report  provides  information  on  the  activities  of  the  Supervisory 

see Supervisory Board Report, p. 14

Board and its committees in the year under review.

23

The members of the Supervisory Board are individually responsible for undertaking any necessary 

training  and  professional  development  measures  required  for  their  tasks  and,  in  doing  so,  are 

supported  by  adidas  AG.  The  company  informs  the  Supervisory  Board  regularly  about  current 

legislative  changes  as  well  as  opportunities  for  external  training,  and  provides  the  Supervisory 

Board  with  relevant  specialist  literature.  In-house  introductory  events  were  held  for  the  newly 

elected members of the Supervisory Board.

Every  two  years,  the  Supervisory  Board  and  the  Audit  Committee  examine  the  efficiency  of  their 

work by means of questionnaires and individual interviews. The next efficiency examinations will be 

carried out after the Annual General Meeting in 2015.

Avoiding conflicts of interest

The members of the Executive Board and Supervisory Board are obligated to disclose any conflicts of 

interest to the Supervisory Board without any delay. Substantial transactions between the company 

and members of the Executive Board or persons in a close relation with them require Supervisory 

Board approval. Contracts between the company and members of the Supervisory Board also require 

Supervisory Board approval. The Supervisory Board reports any conflicts of interest, as well as the 

handling thereof, to the Annual General Meeting. In the year under review, neither the members of 

the Executive Board nor the members of the Supervisory Board faced conflicts of interest, with the 

see Supervisory Board Report, p. 14

exception of the matter outlined in the Supervisory Board Report.

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual Report 
Corporate Governance Report including the Declaration on Corporate Governance

/  01.5  /

Declaration by the Executive Board and Supervisory Board of adidas AG 
pursuant to § 161 German Stock Corporation Act (Aktiengesetz – AktG) 
on the German Corporate Governance Code

The Executive Board and Supervisory Board of adidas AG issued their last Declaration of Compliance pursuant to § 161 AktG 

on February 13, 2014. For the period from the publication of the last Declaration of Compliance up to September 30, 2014, the 

following Declaration refers to the German Corporate Governance Code (hereinafter referred to as the ’Code’) as amended 

on May 13, 2013. For the period as of October 1, 2014, the following Declaration refers to the recommendations of the Code 

as amended on June 24, 2014, which was published in the Federal Gazette on September 30, 2014. 

The Executive Board and Supervisory Board of adidas AG declare that the recommendations of the ‘Government Commission 

on the German Corporate Governance Code’ have been and are met with the following deviations: 

Capping overall compensation and variable compensation components  
(section 4.2.3 subsection 2 sentence 6)

We follow the recommendations of the Code in all contracts that have been newly concluded or extended since the issuance 

of the last Declaration of Compliance, and we intend to follow the recommendations in the future as well when contracts are 

extended or newly concluded. The company cannot, however, unilaterally interfere with existing contracts, nor would such 

24

interference be in line with the principle of contractual fidelity. 

Agreeing severance payment caps when concluding Executive Board service contracts  
(section 4.2.3 subsection 4)

We believe that for contracts with a term of up to three years the short contractual term agreed in connection with further 

contractual provisions offers sufficient protection from inappropriate severance payments. Nevertheless, we have agreed on 

a severance cap in accordance with the recommendations of the Code for all contracts that have been newly concluded or 

extended since the issuance of the last Declaration of Compliance, and we intend to follow the recommendation in the future 

as well when contracts are extended or newly concluded.

Disclosure of shares held by the individual members of the Executive Board and Supervisory Board or 
financial instruments related thereto (section 6.3 sentence 1) 

In the past, we have not reported the ownership of shares or related financial instruments on an individual basis for the 

members of the Boards if such ownership exceeded 1% of the shares issued by adidas AG. Henceforth, we will observe this 

recommendation of the Code and report accordingly in the Corporate Governance Report.

Herzogenaurach, February 12, 2015

For the Executive Board 

 For the Supervisory Board

HERBERT HAINER
Chief Executive Officer

IGOR L AND A U
Chairman of the Supervisory Board

The aforementioned Declaration of Compliance dated February 12, 2015 has been published under and can be downloaded 

at 

  www.adidas-Group.com/s/corporate-governance.

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportCorporate Governance Report including the Declaration on Corporate Governance

/  01.5  /

Suggestions of the German Corporate Governance Code fulfilled

In  addition  to  the  recommendations,  the  Code  contains  a  number  of  suggestions  for  good  and 

responsible corporate governance, compliance with which is not required to be disclosed by law. 

The adidas Group is fully compliant with all suggestions of the Code.

Relevant management practices

Performance, passion, integrity and diversity are the core values of our Group. They are actively lived 

by our Executive Board members, Supervisory Board members and our employees and have been 

incorporated into our Code of Conduct which we completely revised in the past year, eight years 

after  it  was  originally  introduced  in  2006.  Our  business  activities  are  oriented  towards  the  legal 

systems in the various countries and markets in which we operate. This implies a high level of social 

and environmental responsibility.

   Further information on the 
principles of our management

More information on topics covered in this 
report can be found on our website at 
  www.adidas-group.com including:

/  Code of Conduct
/  Sustainability
/  Social commitment
/   Risk and opportunity management and 

compliance

/   Information and documents on the Annual 

General Meeting
/  Directors’ dealings
/  Accounting and annual audit

Compliance  with  working  and  social  standards:  The  development  of  company  guidelines  with 
regard to social minimum standards, work safety as well as health and environmental protection 

and the monitoring thereof at the production facilities of the adidas Group and its business partners 

is an integral component of our corporate policy. Our Group has a separate Code of Conduct for the 

supply chain, the ‘Workplace Standards’. These standards are oriented towards the conventions of 

www.adidas-group.com/s/standards-and-policies

the International Labour Organization (ILO) and follow the code of conduct of the World Federation 

of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI). They help us to only choose such business partners who 

fulfil our Workplace Standards and the requirements of our business practices. We have appointed 

an expert team especially for the coordination of compliance with, and control of, the Workplace 

Standards.  We  report  on  our  sustainability  programme  in  this  Annual  Report,  publish  a  detailed 

see Sustainability, p. 89

sustainability report annually and provide information on our progress throughout the year on our 

website.

25

Environmental  responsibility:  For  long-term,  successful  management  of  the  adidas  Group, 
sustainable  actions  that  embrace,  in  particular,  social  and  environmental  responsibility  towards 

present and future generations are essential. Our Social & Environmental Affairs department, with 

its worldwide team, has for many years been monitoring the rights of employees in the supply chain 

as well as with the coordination of the environmental strategy and product safety management.

In line with the Group-wide sustainability programme, the adidas Group developed a comprehensive 

environmental  strategy.  The  objective  of  the  strategy  is  to  make  processes  more  efficient  and 

environmentally friendly at every stage of the value chain. This ranges from areas such as product 

design, material development and selection, development and sourcing, logistics and IT systems, to 

improving the efficiency of company-owned locations. Optimising these processes makes it possible 

for the adidas Group to offer more sustainable products and improve the company’s environmental 

performance in the future. With our environmental strategy, we have set precise goals concerning 

the  reduction  of  emissions.  A  key  element  of  these  goals  is  also  the  introduction  of  uniform 

www.adidas-group.com/s/green-company

environmental management systems at company-owned locations in compliance with ISO 14001.

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportCorporate Governance Report including the Declaration on Corporate Governance

/  01.5  /

Social commitment: The adidas Group cooperates with charity organisations in order to improve 
the quality of life for people by means of sport. Moreover, we support international humanitarian 

aid efforts, e.g. in the wake of natural disasters, and we are committed through various projects 

worldwide to education, science and humanitarian initiatives. Our employees also have a wide range 

of possibilities to participate in social programmes. Through the adidas Fund, for example, they can 

become involved in charitable causes around the world: South Africa, the Democratic Republic of 

the Congo, Albania, Kenya, Israel, Brazil, Hong Kong, Switzerland and Germany are only some of 

the countries in which adidas employees have already participated in projects. Support is provided 

especially to children and teenagers, who are introduced through sport to programmes that convey 

self-confidence, respect and team spirit while also opening up new opportunities and possibilities. 

Through their volunteer work, our employees experience what can be achieved through sport, and 

moreover  learn  a  good  deal  about  values,  culture  and  life  in  different  countries.  Volunteer  work 

furthermore  enhances  our  employees’  motivation  as  well  as  their  teamwork,  leadership  and 

www.adidas-group.com/s/employee-volunteering

communication skills. Our website provides information on the various projects.

Compliance and risk management within the adidas Group

Our  compliance  management  system  is  linked  to  the  Group’s  risk  and  opportunity  management 

system. Both systems are closely coordinated and continuously developed and improved. As part of 

our global Fair Play concept, the compliance management system establishes the organisational 

framework  for  Group-wide  awareness  of  our  internal  rules  and  guidelines  and  for  the  legally 

compliant  conduct  of  our  business.  It  underscores  our  strong  commitment  to  ethical  and  fair 

26

behaviour  in  our  own  organisation  and  also  sets  the  parameters  for  how  we  deal  with  others. 

The  risk  and  opportunity  management  system  ensures  risk-aware,  opportunity-oriented  and 

informed actions in a dynamic business environment in order to guarantee the competitiveness and 

see Risk and Opportunity Report, p. 154

sustainable success of the adidas Group.

Transparency and protection of shareholders’ interests

It is our goal to inform all institutional investors, private shareholders, financial analysts, business 

partners, employees and the interested public about the company’s situation, at the same time and 

to  an  equal  extent,  through  regular,  transparent  and  up-to-date  communication.  We  publish  all 

essential information, such as press releases, ad hoc announcements and voting rights notifications 

as well as all presentations from analyst conferences, all financial reports and the financial calendar 

on our website. Our Investor Relations department maintains close and continuous contact with our 

shareholders  and  provides  a  comprehensive  range  of  services  to  shareholders  and  the  financial 

www.adidas-group.com
see Our Share, p. 38

community.

In addition, we also provide all documents and information on our Annual General Meeting on our 

website. The shareholders of adidas AG exercise their shareholders’ rights at the Annual General 

Meeting.  Each  share  grants  one  vote.  Thus,  our  shareholders  are  involved  in  all  fundamental 

resolutions  at  the  Annual  General  Meeting.  It  is  our  intention  to  support  our  shareholders  in 

exercising their voting rights at the Annual General Meeting. 

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual Report 
Corporate Governance Report including the Declaration on Corporate Governance

/  01.5  /

Therefore, at our next Annual General Meeting, taking place on May 7, 2015 in Fuerth (Bavaria), we 

will again provide our shareholders with the best possible service. Shareholders have the possibility, 

inter alia, to electronically register for the Annual General Meeting through our shareholder portal 

or to participate in online voting by granting powers of representation and voting instructions to the 

proxies appointed by the company. Further, all shareholders can follow the Annual General Meeting 

in full length live on the company’s website. 

Share ownership of the Executive Board and Supervisory Board

At the end of 2014, individual ownership of shares in the company or related financial instruments 

held  by  members  of  the  Executive  Board  and  the  Supervisory  Board  was  well  under  1%  of  the 

shares issued by adidas AG. The same applies for the total number of shares held by all members 

of the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board.

A detailed overview of Directors’ dealings in 2014 is published on our website. 

www.adidas-group.com/s/directors-dealings

Accounting and annual audit

adidas  AG  prepares  the  annual  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  the 

German Commercial Code (Handelsgesetzbuch – HGB) and the Stock Corporation Act. The annual 

consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with the principles of the International 

see Auditor’s Report, p. 187

Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as adopted by the European Union (EU).

KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft was appointed as auditor for the 2014 annual financial 

statements  and  annual  consolidated  financial  statements  by  the  Annual  General  Meeting.  The 

Supervisory Board had previously assured itself of the auditor’s independence.

27

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual Report6

Compensation Report

/  01.6  /

Compensation Report

 1)

The  Compensation  Report  outlines  the  principles  of  the  compensation  system  and  the 

level  of  Executive  Board  and  Supervisory  Board  compensation  in  accordance  with  the 

legal  requirements  and  the  recommendations  of  the  German  Corporate  Governance 

Code  (the  ‘Code’)  as  amended  on  June  24,  2014.  For  the  adidas  Group,  transparent  and 

comprehensible reporting on the compensation of the Executive Board and Supervisory 

Board is an essential element of good corporate governance.

Compensation system for the Executive Board

Following  preparation  by  the  Supervisory  Board’s  General  Committee,  the  compensation  system 

for  our  Executive  Board  and  the  total  compensation  of  each  member  of  the  Executive  Board 

is  determined  and  regularly  reviewed  by  the  entire  Supervisory  Board.  The  compensation  and 

personnel topics dealt with by the Supervisory Board and General Committee for the year under 

see Supervisory Board Report, p. 14

review are described in the Supervisory Board Report. 

The  compensation  system  is  geared  towards  creating  an  incentive  for  successful,  sustainably 

value-oriented  corporate  development  and  management.  In  determining  the  Executive  Board 

members’  compensation  particularly  in  terms  of  its  appropriateness,  such  factors  as  the  size 

and global orientation, the economic situation, the success and outlook of the company are taken 

28

into  consideration,  as  well  as  the  common  level  of  the  compensation  in  comparison  with  peer 

companies and with the compensation structure applicable for other areas of the company. To this 

end, the relation between the Executive Board compensation and that of senior management and 

employees  overall  is  taken  into  account,  also  in  terms  of  its  development  over  time.  In  addition, 

the  tasks  and  contribution  of  each  Executive  Board  member  to  the  company’s  success,  their 

individual performance as well as the overall performance of the Executive Board are considered 

when determining the compensation of the Executive Board. It aims to appropriately remunerate 

exceptional performance, while diminishing variable compensation when targets are not met. Thus, 

in the Supervisory Board’s opinion, an appropriate level of compensation can be ensured.

The compensation system for the members of the Executive Board which has been applicable since 

the 2012 financial year was adopted by a large majority at the Annual General Meeting on May 10, 

2012. 

In  2014,  a  review  of  the  compensation  system  was  conducted  by  an  independent  external 

compensation expert. The review came to the conclusion that the compensation system meets the 

requirements of the German Stock Corporation Act (Aktiengesetz – AktG) and the recommendations 

of the German Corporate Governance Code. 

Components of the Executive Board compensation

The total compensation of the Executive Board members – in the case of 100% target achievement – is 

made up of around one-third fixed compensation and two-thirds variable, i.e. performance-related 

compensation components: 

/ 

 The  fixed  compensation  consists  of  the  annual  fixed  salary,  which  is  based  on  the  tasks  and 

responsibilities  of  the  individual  Executive  Board  member.  It  is  paid  in  twelve  equal  monthly 
instalments  and  basically  remains  unchanged  for  three  years  during  the  term  of  the  service 
contract. 

1)  This Compensation Report is a component of the 
Group Management Report and is also part of 
the Corporate Governance Report including the 
Declaration on Corporate Governance.

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual Report 
Compensation Report

/  01.6  /

/ 

 The variable, performance-related compensation consists of the following two components:

/ 

/ 

 the Performance Bonus measured over a one-year period and

 the  LTIP  Bonus,  which  is  based  on  on  the  Long-Term  Incentive  Plan  2012/2014  (LTIP 

2012/2014) measured over a three-year period, as a compensation component with long-term 

incentive effect. 

The variable compensation components are designed in such a way that the incentive to achieve the 

decisive long-term targets set by the LTIP is significantly higher than the incentive to achieve the 

targets decisive for being granted the Performance Bonus. Corresponding contractual regulations 

ensure that this weighting will also be maintained in the future. More than 50% of the variable target 

compensation component is based upon multi-year performance criteria.

The variable components are structured as follows:

/ 

 The Performance Bonus serves as compensation for the Executive Board’s performance in the 

past financial year in line with the short-term development of the company. It is determined by 

the Supervisory Board in a two-stage process:

/ 

 At  the  beginning  of  the  financial  year,  the  Supervisory  Board  establishes  the  differently 

weighted  performance  criteria  with  their  respective  clear  targets,  and  determines  the 

individual amount of the Performance Bonus target amount for each member of the Executive 

Board, based on a target achievement of 100% (Bonus target amount).

/ 

 At the end of the financial year, the Supervisory Board examines the precise target achievement 

of each Executive Board member and determines the amount of Performance Bonus to be 

paid, depending on the degree of actual target achievement. The bonus is payable following 

approval of the consolidated financial statements of the past financial year.

As criteria for the 2014 Performance Bonus the Supervisory Board established, in addition to the 

individual performance of the Executive Board member, the following business-related criteria 

(performance criteria):

/ 

/ 

/ 

 increase in currency-neutral net sales

 improvement of operating working capital

 improvement of the operating margin in the Retail segment.

In  calculating  the  amount  of  the  Performance  Bonus,  the  degree  of  target  achievement 

determined for each individual performance criterion is weighted according to the percentage 

value  of  the  respective  performance  criterion.  The  sum  of  the  weighted  degrees  of  target 

achievement of the performance criteria is then multiplied by the individual Bonus target amount 

for each Executive Board member. The Performance Bonus is capped at a maximum of 150% of 

the individual Bonus target amount. If an Executive Board member takes or leaves office during 

a financial year, the Performance Bonus is calculated on a pro rata basis.

29

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportCompensation Report

/  01.6  /

/ 

 The LTIP Bonus serves – in line with sustainability-oriented corporate planning – as compensation 

for  the  long-term  performance  of  the  Executive  Board  based  on  the  Long-Term  Incentive 

Plan  2012/2014  (LTIP  2012/2014)  measured  over  a  three-year  period.  It  is  determined  by  the 

Supervisory Board in a two-stage process: 

/ 

 In determining the LTIP 2012/2014 at the beginning of the 2012 financial year, the Supervisory 

Board  defined  the  performance  criteria,  linked  to  clear  targets  and  oriented  towards  the 

sustainable growth of the company, and also defined the individual amount of the LTIP Bonus 

target  amount  for  each  Executive  Board  member,  based  on  a  target  achievement  of  100% 

(LTIP target amount). 

/ 

 At  the  end  of  the  2014  financial  year,  the  Supervisory  Board  examined  the  precise  target 

achievement of each Executive Board member and determined the amount of Performance 

Bonus  to  be  paid,  depending  on  the  degree  of  actual  target  achievement.  Payout  will  be 

effected after the 2014 consolidated financial statements are approved.

The Supervisory Board determined the following performance criteria for the LTIP 2012/2014:

/ 

/ 

/ 

/ 

 increase in net income attributable to shareholders,

 increase in operating free cash flow,

 increase in adidas NEO Label sales, and

 development of the adidas AG share price.

In  calculating  the  amount  of  the  LTIP  Bonus,  the  degree  of  target  achievement  determined 

30

for each individual performance criterion is weighted according to the percentage value of the 

respective performance criterion. The development of the individual performance criteria over 

the three-year period from 2012 to 2014 is decisive for the assessment of target achievement. 

The sum of the weighted degrees of target achievement of the performance criteria is multiplied 

by the individual LTIP target amount for each Executive Board member. 

For the ultimate evaluation of the Executive Board’s performance, qualitative criteria determined 

by the Supervisory Board when establishing the LTIP 2012/2014 were taken into account, such as 

developing an HR reporting system in alignment with GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) guidelines. 

The LTIP Bonus is capped at a maximum of 150% of the individual LTIP target amount. If the 

overall degree of target achievement lies at or below 50%, the Executive Board member is not 

entitled to the LTIP Bonus. If an Executive Board member takes or leaves office during the term of 

the LTIP 2012/2014, the LTIP Bonus is calculated on a pro rata basis. There is no claim to payout 

if  an  Executive  Board  member  resigns  from  office  or  voluntarily  terminates  his  employment 

relationship during the term of the LTIP 2012/2014, nor in the event of termination of the service 

contract by the company.

A compensation component resulting from a management share option plan does not exist and is not 

planned. The development of the adidas AG share, however, provides one of the four performance 

criteria for the LTIP 2012/2014.

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportCompensation Report

/  01.6  /

Other benefits and additional commitments

The  Executive  Board  members  are  granted  other  minor  benefits  which  are  individually  taxed  in 

accordance  with  applicable  law.  These  benefits  primarily  consist  of  paying  for,  or  providing  the 

monetary value of, non-cash benefits and other benefits such as the provision of a company car and 

contributions  to  standard  insurance  schemes.  The  Executive  Board  members  do  not  receive  any 

additional compensation for mandates within the adidas Group. The Executive Board members did 

not receive any loans or advance payments from adidas AG.

Pension commitments

All  members  of  the  Executive  Board  have  individual  contractual  pension  commitments  which 

are  calculated  based  on  the  length  of  appointment  to  the  Executive  Board  as  a  percentage  of 

contractually agreed pensionable income.

The amount of pensionable income for the members of the Executive Board currently equals the 

individual fixed annual salary indicated in the table ‘Benefits granted’. Starting from a base amount 
totalling 10% of the respective pensionable income, a module of two percentage points 2) 3) of the 
pensionable income is formed for each full year of tenure as an Executive Board member.

see Table 01

31

The Supervisory Board has, as its targeted level of provision regarding pension commitments for 
members of the Executive Board, determined a pension claim amounting to a maximum of 40% 4) 
of  an  Executive  Board  member’s  pensionable  income.  Following  the  Executive  Board  member’s 

departure from the company, benefit payments are made on a monthly basis

/ 

/ 

 as a retirement pension upon reaching the age of 65, or

 as a disability pension in the event of occupational or general disability for medical reasons, for 

no longer than up to the point a retirement pension is paid, amounting to the pension entitlement 

reached at the point the respective pension became payable;

/ 

 as survivors’ benefits upon the death of an Executive Board member, providing the spouse or 

partner  with  50%  of  the  pension  entitlements  up  to  this  point  and,  if  applicable,  15%  of  the 

pension entitlements up to this point for each dependent half-orphan or 30% for each dependent 

orphan.  Taken  together,  survivors’  benefits  may  not  exceed  the  deceased  Executive  Board 

member’s total pension entitlement. If survivors’ entitlements exceed the pension entitlement, 

benefits for dependent children are reduced proportionately.

In  the  event  that  an  Executive  Board  member  leaves  the  company  prior  to  reaching  retirement 

age, the non-forfeiture of the pension entitlement will be in line with legal provisions. The pension 

entitlement is not, as legally envisaged, reduced pro rata temporis, i.e. it amounts to at least the 

base amount of the pension commitment made to the Executive Board member, plus the pension 

modules accumulated annually during the term of office.

Following commencement of retirement, ongoing pensions are adjusted in line with the development 

of state pensions. 

Herbert  Hainer,  Roland  Auschel,  Eric  Liedtke,  Robin  J.  Stalker  and  Erich  Stamminger,  who 

belonged to the group of senior executives of adidas AG prior to their Executive Board appointments, 

will  at  the  time  of  their  retirement  receive  additional  payments  from  the  ‘adidas  Management 

Pension  Plan’.  Until  their  appointment  as  Executive  Board  members,  adidas  AG  had  contributed 
pension components for Herbert Hainer, Roland Auschel, Eric Liedtke, Robin J. Stalker and Erich 
Stamminger under these supplementary provisions which were introduced for all senior executives 
of the company in 1989.

2)  Initial appointment of Herbert Hainer and Erich 
Stamminger: effective March 6, 1997; deviating 
provision for Glenn Bennett: instead of his initial 
appointment date (effective March 6, 1997), 
January 1, 2000 is used for the calculation of 
his pension entitlements with a base amount of 
20% of pensionable income; initial appointment 
of Robin J. Stalker: effective January 30, 2001; 
initial appointment of Roland Auschel: effective 
October 1, 2013; initial appointment of Eric 
Liedtke: effective March 6, 2014.

3)  Increase of the annual pension components 

of Glenn Bennett and Robin J. Stalker to three 
percentage points of the pensionable income 
effective March 6, 2015.

4)  Increase of the targeted provision level of Glenn 

Bennett and Robin J. Stalker to a pension 
entitlement of a maximum of 50% effective 
March 6, 2015.

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportCompensation Report

/  01.6  /

If  an  Executive  Board  member  dies  during  his  term  of  office,  his  spouse  or  partner  receives  or, 

alternatively, any dependent children receive, in addition to pension benefits, the pro rata annual 

fixed salary for the month of death and the following three months, but no longer than until the 

agreed end date of the service contract.

01  /  Pension commitments  (€)

Executive Board members incumbent as at December 31, 2014

2014

2013

2014 1)

2013 2)

Service cost

Accumulated pension obligation  
for all pension commitments  
excluding deferred compensation

Herbert Hainer (CEO)

Roland Auschel

Glenn Bennett 3)

Eric Liedtke

Robin J. Stalker 3)

Erich Stamminger 4)

Total

330,836

390,536

756,632

315,951

907,791

147,679

2,849,425

331,765

97,612

112,614

–

240,980

157,369

940,340

12,671,309

2,177,675

5,324,430

658,518

5,430,974

6,122,065

32,384,971

9,291,353

1,460,813

2,520,181

–

2,858,950

4,713,548

20,844,845

1)  Total deferred compensation amounted to € 719,324 (2013: € 127,770), implemented for Glenn Bennett in the amount of $ 754,753 (annual average rate 2014: 1.3296 $/€) and  

for Robin J. Stalker in the amount of € 151,670.

2) Total deferred compensation amounted to € 127,770, implemented for Robin J. Stalker.
3) The service cost increased effective March 6, 2015 due to the amendment of the Pension Agreement comprising the 2014 service cost and the 2014 past service cost.
4) Pro rata temporis until the date of resignation effective March 6, 2014.

32

Commitments to Executive Board members upon premature termination of tenure

Executive Board service contracts are usually agreed with a contractual term of three years. This 

term will be shortened accordingly if the Executive Board member reaches the age of 65 prior to 

expiration.

In  case  of  premature  termination  of  tenure  in  the  absence  of  good  cause,  the  Executive  Board 

service  contracts  provide  for  compensatory  payments  of  a  maximum  of  twice  the  overall  annual 

compensation, limited to payment claims for the remaining period of the service contract (Severance 
Payment Cap) 5). In this respect, the overall annual compensation means the overall compensation 
paid for the last full financial year prior to resignation from the Executive Board as outlined in the 

Compensation Report, excluding service costs and follow-up bonus, while considering the expected 

total  compensation  for  the  current  financial  year.  If  the  service  contract  is  terminated  due  to  a 

change of control, a possible severance payment is limited to 150% of the Severance Payment Cap.

Unless otherwise agreed, upon regular termination of the service contract, i.e. in case of non-renewal 

of the service contract or termination upon reaching the age of 65, the departing Executive Board 

member is entitled to receive not only his annual fixed salary on a pro rata basis up to the date on 

which he leaves office, but also a potential pro-rated Performance Bonus and LTIP Bonus as well 
as an individually agreed follow-up bonus 6). The follow-up bonus is paid in two tranches, 12 and 
24 months following the end of the contract 7). 

5)  A corresponding provision will be added to 
Roland Auschel’s service contract upon its 
renewal.

6)  This bonus amounts to 75% for Roland Auschel, 

Glenn Bennett and Eric Liedtke, 100% for 
Robin J. Stalker and 125% for Herbert Hainer 
and Erich Stamminger and is based on the 
Performance Bonus granted to the respective 
Executive Board member for the last full 
financial year.

7)  There is no claim to a follow-up bonus if the 

Executive Board service contract is terminated 
by release or for good cause.

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportCompensation Report

/  01.6  /

The service contract of Erich Stamminger was terminated by mutual consent effective March 6, 2014. 

Until that date, he was granted the contractual payments. In connection with the mutual termination 

of his Executive Board mandate, Erich Stamminger received a Performance Bonus amounting to 

€ 482,710 for the 2013 financial year. In view of the short term until his departure, no Performance 

Bonus was granted for the 2014 financial year. It was further agreed with Erich Stamminger that 

he will receive two thirds of the LTIP Bonus which the Supervisory Board resolved in February 2015 

assuming his participation in the Plan from January 1, 2012 until December 31, 2014. In accordance 

with his service contract, Erich Stamminger will receive 75% and 50% of the Performance Bonus 

granted to him for the 2013 financial year at the end of March 2015 and March 2016, respectively, i.e. 

€ 362,032 and € 214,355. Erich Stamminger agreed not to work for a key competitor of the adidas 

Group  in  the  period  until  July  8,  2014.  In  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  his  service  contract, 

he was paid compensation in the amount of € 104,530 gross for this post-contractual competition 

prohibition. The monthly compensatory payment amounts to 50% of the last fixed monthly salary. 

The  claims  to  pension  payments  deriving  from  the  adidas  Management  Pension  Plan  and  the 

pension commitment dated March 6, 1997, as amended on March 1, 2011, remain unaffected.

Overall compensation 2014 in accordance with the German Corporate 
Governance Code (the ‘Code’)

Based on the Supervisory Board’s determination outlined above, the overall compensation of the 

Executive  Board  for  the  2014  financial  year  amounts  to  €  17.083  million  (2013:  €  6.500  million). 

see Table 03

Although the Executive Board was granted a Performance Bonus and LTIP Bonus well below the 

individual target bonuses as the targets set for the 2014 Performance Bonus and the LTIP Bonus 

were not achieved, the overall compensation increased significantly compared to the 2013 financial 

year. This increase is attributable to the payout of the LTIP Bonus resulting from the LTIP 2012/2014 

measured over a three-year period and to the increased number of Executive Board members. In 

addition,  the  service  costs  for  the  pension  commitments  of  Glenn  Bennett  and  Robin  J.  Stalker 

increased, as the targeted individual pension level was raised effective March 6, 2015. 

The recommendation of the Code to individually disclose the compensation components for each 

Executive Board member and to use the sample tables attached to the Code is implemented in the 

following.

Benefits granted in accordance with the Code

In  the  following  table,  the  benefits  granted  for  the  2013  and  2014  financial  years  are  disclosed 

including  other  benefits  and  service  costs,  and  also  including  the  maximum  and  minimum 

achievable compensation.

In  accordance  with  the  requirements  of  the  Code,  the  Performance  Bonus  is  disclosed  with  the 

amount  granted  in  case  of  100%  target  achievement.  Pursuant  to  the  recommendations  of  the 

Code, the LTIP Bonus resulting from the LTIP 2012/2014 measured over a three-year period is to be 

indicated with the pro rata temporis target amount of an ‘average probability scenario’ at the time 

of granting, whereas adidas AG takes the 100% target amount as the basis.

33

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportCompensation Report

/  01.6  /

02  /  Benefits granted  (€)

Benefits granted

Herbert Hainer 
CEO

Roland Auschel 
Executive Board member, Global Sales

Since October 1, 2013

2014

2013

2014 (min.)

2014 (max.)

2014

2013

2014 (min.)

2014 (max.)

Fixed compensation

1,500,000

1,481,989

1,500,000

1,500,000

Other benefits

Total

35,397

53,744

35,397

35,397

1,535,397

1,535,733

1,535,397

1,535,397

One-year variable compensation 1)

1,273,080

1,273,080

Multi-year variable compensation

1,540,000

1,540,000

1,540,000

1,540,000

0

0

0

1,909,620

2,310,000

2,310,000

  LTIP 2012/2014 2)

  Follow-up bonus 3)

Total

Service cost 4)

Overall compensation

4,679,313

4,680,578

1,866,233

6,085,853

1,910,467

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

4,348,477

4,348,813

1,535,397

5,755,017

1,519,931

330,836

331,765

330,836

330,836

390,536

550,000

19,931

569,931

400,000

550,000

550,000

n.a.

137,500

4,704

142,204

100,000

137,500

137,500

n.a.

379,704

97,612

477,316

550,000

19,931

569,931

0

0

0

n.a.

550,000

19,931

569,931

600,000

825,000

825,000

n.a.

569,931

1,994,931

390,536

390,536

960,467

2,385,467

Benefits granted

Glenn Bennett 
Executive Board member, Global Sales

Eric Liedtke 
Executive Board member, Global Brands

2014 5)

2013 6)

2014 (min.)

2014 (max.)

2014

2013

2014 (min.)

2014 (max.)

Since March 6, 2014

34

Fixed compensation

Other benefits

Total

One-year variable compensation 1)

Multi-year variable compensation

  LTIP 2012/2014 2)

  Follow-up bonus 3)

Total

Service cost 4)

546,029

15,761

561,790

370,292

839,726

839,726

n.a.

546,563

15,822

562,385

370,654

840,548

840,548

n.a.

546,029

15,761

561,790

0

0

0

546,029

15,761

561,790

555,438

1,259,589

1,259,589

n.a.

n.a.

409,946

13,130

423,076

333,333

437,500

437,500

n.a.

1,771,808

1,773,587

561,790

2,376,817

1,193,909

756,632

112,614

756,632

756,632

315,951

Overall compensation

2,528,440

1,886,201

1,318,422

3,133,449

1,509,860

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

409,946

13,130

423,076

0

0

0

n.a.

409,946

13,130

423,076

500,000

656,250

656,250

n.a.

423,076

1,579,326

315,951

315,951

739,027

1,895,277

Benefits granted

Robin J. Stalker 
Chief Financial Officer

Erich Stamminger 
Executive Board member, Global Brands

Until March 6, 2014

2014

2013

2014 (min.)

2014 (max.)

2014

2013

2014 (min.)

2014 (max.)

Fixed compensation

Other benefits

Total

One-year variable compensation 1)

Multi-year variable compensation

  LTIP 2012/2014 2)

  Follow-up bonus 3)

Total

Service cost 4)

605,000

18,617

623,617

402,730

770,000

770,000

n.a.

605,000

15,966

620,966

402,730

770,000

770,000

n.a.

605,000

18,617

623,617

0

0

0

605,000

18,617

623,617

604,095

1,155,000

1,155,000

n.a.

n.a.

1,796,347

1,793,696

623,617

2,382,712

907,791

240,980

907,791

907,791

Overall compensation

2,704,138

2,034,676

1,531,408

3,290,503

192,500

10,266

202,766

0

603,387

0

603,387

806,153

147,679

953,832

770,000

50,068

820,068

742,630

990,000

990,000

n.a.

2,552,698

157,369

2,710,067

192,500

10,266

202,766

0

192,500

10,266

202,766

0

603,387

603,387

0

603,387

806,153

147,679

953,832

0

603,387

806,153

147,679

953,832

1)  No Performance Bonus granted to Erich Stamminger for 2014 due to his resignation effective March 6, 2014. Contractually agreed Performance Bonus target amount 2014 for Eric Liedtke 

effective March 6, 2014 due to his appointment during the year.

2)  Contractually agreed LTIP Bonus target amount 2012/2014 due to the appointment of Roland Auschel (effective October 1, 2013) and Eric Liedtke (effective March 6, 2014) during the plan term. 

Contractually agreed LTIP Bonus target amount 2012/2014 due to the resignation of Erich Stamminger (effective March 6, 2014) during the plan term.

3)  Contractually agreed follow-up bonus for Erich Stamminger: € 362,032 for the period from March 6, 2014 to March 5, 2015, payable by the end of March 2015, and € 241,355 for the period from 

March 6, 2015 to March 5, 2016, payable by the end of March 2016.

4)  Increase of the service costs for Glenn Bennett and Robin J. Stalker for the 2014 financial year due to amendment of the Pension Agreements effective March 6, 2015, comprising the 2014 

service cost and the 2014 past service cost.

5) Exchange rate 1.3296 $/€ (annual average rate 2014).
6) Exchange rate 1.3283 $/€ (annual average rate 2013).

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportCompensation Report

/  01.6  /

Allocation in accordance with the Code

Pursuant  to  the  recommendations  of  the  Code,  the  fixed  compensation,  other  benefits  and  the 

service costs as well as the Performance Bonus are to be disclosed as an allocation for the financial 

year in which the compensation was granted. As stipulated by the Code, the LTIP Bonus resulting 

from the LTIP 2012/2014 measured over a three-year period is disclosed for the year in which the 

plan ends, i.e. for the 2014 financial year.

03  /  Allocation  (€)

Allocation

Fixed compensation

Other benefits

Total

One-year variable compensation 3)

Multi-year variable compensation

  LTIP 2012/2014 4)

  Follow-up bonus 5)

Total

Service cost 6)

Overall compensation

Allocation

Fixed compensation

Other benefits

Total

One-year variable compensation 3)

Multi-year variable compensation

  LTIP 2012/2014 4)

  Follow-up bonus 5)

Total

Service cost 6)

Herbert Hainer 
CEO

Roland Auschel 
Executive Board member, Global Sales

Glenn Bennett 
Executive Board member, Global Sales

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014 1)

2013 2)

Since October 1, 2013

1,500,000

35,397

1,535,397

700,194

3,234,000

3,234,000

n.a.

5,469,591

330,836

5,800,427

1,481,989

53,744

1,535,733

827,502

0

0

n.a.

2,363,235

331,765

2,695,000

550,000

19,931

569,931

220,000

481,250

481,250

n.a.

1,271,181

390,536

1,661,717

137,500

4,704

142,204

65,000

0

0

n.a.

207,204

97,612

304,816

546,029

15,761

561,790

203,660

1,763,425

1,763,425

n.a.

2,528,875

756,632

3,285,507

546,563

15,822

562,385

240,925

0

0

n.a.

803,310

112,614

915,924

35

Eric Liedtke 
Executive Board member, Global Brands

Robin J. Stalker 
Chief Financial Officer

Erich Stamminger 
Executive Board member, Global Brands

Since March 6, 2014

Until March 6, 2014

2014

409,946

13,130

423,076

183,333

306,250

306,250

n.a.

912,659

315,951

2013

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

2014

605,000

18,617

623,617

221,502

1,617,000

1,617,000

n.a.

2,462,119

907,791

3,369,910

2013

605,000

15,966

620,966

261,775

0

0

n.a.

882,741

240,980

1,123,721

2014

192,500

10,266

202,766

0

1,386,000

1,386,000

n.a.

1,588,766

147,679

1,736,445

2013

770,000

50,068

820,068

482,710

0

0

n.a.

1,302,778

157,369

1,460,147

Overall compensation

1,228,610

1) Exchange rate 1.3296 $/€ (annual average rate 2014).
2) Exchange rate 1.3283 $/€ (annual average rate 2013).
3)  No Performance Bonus granted to Erich Stamminger for 2014 due to his resignation effective March 6, 2014. Pro rata temporis Performance Bonus 2014 for Eric Liedtke effective March 6, 2014 

due to his appointment during the year.

4)  Pro rata temporis LTIP Bonus 2012/2014 due to the appointment of Roland Auschel (effective October 1, 2013) and Eric Liedtke (effective March 6, 2014) during the plan term. Pro rata temporis 

LTIP Bonus 2012/2014 due to the resignation of Erich Stamminger (effective March 6, 2014) during the plan term.

5)  Payout of the follow-up bonus to Erich Stamminger at the end of March 2015 and March 2016.
6)  Increase of the service costs for Glenn Bennett and Robin J. Stalker for the 2014 financial year due to amendment of the Pension Agreements effective March 6, 2015 comprising the 2014 

service cost and the 2014 past service cost.

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportCompensation Report

/  01.6  /

As a variable compensation component with long-term incentive effect, our Executive Board will be 

granted a new Long-Term Incentive Plan, also covering a three-year period, as of the 2015 financial 

year. 

Payments to former members of the Executive Board and their surviving 
dependants

In 2014, pension payments to former Executive Board members or to their surviving dependants 

amounted to € 3.458 million (2013: € 3.421 million). As at December 31, 2014, the provisions for 

pension entitlements of this group of persons totalled € 45.900 million (2013: € 41.454 million). The 

increase can mainly be attributed to a lowering of the underlying interest rate from 3.7% to 2.1%.

There  are  further  pension  commitments  towards  three  former  Executive  Board  members 

who  resigned  after  December  31,  2005,  which  are  covered  by  a  pension  fund  or  a  pension  fund 

in  combination  with  a  reinsured  pension  trust  fund.  From  this,  indirect  obligations  amounting 

to  €  13.576  million  (prior  year:  €  6.859  million)  arise  for  adidas  AG,  for  which  no  accruals  were 

established  due  to  financing  through  the  pension  fund  and  pension  trust  fund.  This  increase  is 

attributable to the resignation of Erich Stamminger and a lowering of the underlying interest rate.

The dynamisation of the pensions paid to former Executive Board members is effected in accordance 

with statutory regulations or regulations under collective agreements, unless a surplus from the 

pension fund is used for an increase in pension benefits after pension payments have already begun.

36

Review of Executive Board compensation

In 2014, the Supervisory Board had the Executive Board compensation system reviewed with regard 

to  appropriateness  by  an  independent  external  compensation  expert.  In  doing  so,  the  individual 

overall target annual compensation of the Executive Board members was examined in detail. The 

review found that the compensation meets the requirements of the German Stock Corporation Act, 

but that, compared to other companies, there is a need for action especially concerning the pension 

plans of the Executive Board members and that there is therefore room for a moderate increase, in 

order to thus ensure competitive compensation.

Compensation of the Supervisory Board

The  compensation  of  the  Supervisory  Board  members  is  regulated  by  §  18  of  the  company’s 

Articles of Association and is linked to the size of the company and to the responsibility and scope 

of  activities  of  the  Supervisory  Board  members.  After  the  end  of  the  respective  financial  year, 

the  members  receive  a  fixed  compensation  amount  for  their  function  as  well  as  compensation 

for  the  chairmanship  of  or  membership  in  committees,  in  accordance  with  the  Code.  Variable 

compensation is not granted in addition.  Supervisory Board members who have not been members 

of the Supervisory Board for the entire financial year receive a pro-rated amount of compensation. 

For the 2014 financial year, each individual member of the Supervisory Board received € 40,000 as 

fixed annual compensation; three times this amount was paid to the Chairman of the Supervisory 

Board  and  twice  this  amount  was  paid  to  each  Deputy  Chairperson.  Members  of  the  General 

Committee  and  of  the  Finance  and  Investment  Committee  received  additional  compensation  of 

€ 20,000 and members of the Audit Committee received additional compensation of € 40,000. In 

addition  to  the  fixed  compensation,  the  Chairman  of  the  General  Committee  and  of  the  Finance 

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportCompensation Report

/  01.6  /

and  Investment  Committee  received  annual  compensation  of  €  40,000,  while  the  Chairman  of 

the  Audit  Committee  received  €  60,000.  The  remuneration  paid  for  committee  chairmanship 

also  covers  the  membership  in  such  committee.  The  members  of  the  Steering  Committee,  the 

Mediation  Committee,  the  Nomination  Committee  and  committees  which  are  established  ad 

hoc do not receive additional compensation. If a Supervisory Board member is in more than one 

committee,  the  member  only  receives  compensation  for  his/her  task  in  the  committee  with  the 

highest compensation. The Supervisory Board members are reimbursed for all expenses incurred 

in connection with their mandates as well as for the VAT payable on their compensation, insofar as 

they charge for it separately.

The  total  compensation  paid  to  our  Supervisory  Board  in  the  2014  financial  year  amounted  to 

€ 0.92 million (2013: € 0.92 million).

At the Annual General Meeting on May 8, 2014, the shareholders resolved an increase of the fixed 

annual compensation from € 40,000 to € 50,000 as well as an attendance fee amounting to € 750 for 

each meeting requiring personal attendance with effect from the 2015 financial year. The structure 

concerning compensation for the Supervisory Board chairmanship and deputy chairmanship as well 

as chairmanship or membership of a committee set out in § 18 of the Articles of Association of the 

company remains unchanged.

Other benefits and additional commitments

The Supervisory Board members did not receive any loans or advance payments from adidas AG.

37

04  /  Compensation of the Supervisory Board members  (in €)

Supervisory Board members incumbent as at December 31, 2014

Igor Landau (Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Chairman of the General Comittee)

Sabine Bauer (Deputy Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board, Member of the General Committee)

Willi Schwerdtle (Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Member of the General Committee)

Dieter Hauenstein

Dr. Wolfgang Jäger (Member of the Audit Committee)

Dr. Stefan Jentzsch (Member of the Audit Committee)

Herbert Kauffmann (Chairman of the Audit Committee)

Katja Kraus 1)

Kathrin Menges 1)

Roland Nosko (Member of the General Committee)

Hans Ruprecht (Member of the Audit Committee)

Heidi Thaler-Veh

Supervisory Board members incumbent until the end of the Annual General Meeting on May 8, 2014

Alexander Popov 2)

Christian Tourres 2)

Total

1) First-time Supervisory Board member since the end of the Annual General Meeting held on May 8, 2014.
2) Supervisory Board member until the end of the Annual General Meeting held on May 8, 2014.

2014

2013

160,000

100,000

100,000

40,000

80,000

80,000

100,000

25,973

25,973

60,000

80,000

40,000

14,027

14,027

920,000

160,000

100,000

100,000

40,000

80,000

80,000

100,000

n.a.

n.a.

60,000

80,000

40,000

40,000

40,000

920,000

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual Report7

Our Share

/  01.7  /

Our Share

 1)

In  2014,  international  stock  market  performance  was  mixed,  characterised  by  volatile 

movements. While the DAX-30 increased slightly by 3%, the MSCI World Textiles, Apparel 

& Luxury Goods Index declined 4%. Following a strong outperformance versus the overall 

market  development  in  2013,  the  adidas  AG  share  faced  significant  pressure  in  2014, 

underperforming both indices and declining 38% versus the prior year. The share price 

was  negatively  impacted  as  a  result  of  the  Group’s  lowered  financial  outlook  for  2014. 

This adjustment was mainly due to the continued weakness in the golf market, negative 

economic  developments  in  Russia/CIS  as  well  as  ongoing  currency  headwinds.  Given 

Management’s confidence in the strength of the Group’s financial position and long-term 

aspirations, we intend to propose an unchanged dividend per share of € 1.50 at our 2015 

Annual General Meeting. 

Mixed international stock market development in 2014

In 2014, the performance of international stock markets was mixed, with European indices trading 

sideways,  while  US  equities  gained  strongly,  thereby  clearly  outperforming  international  indices. 

Ongoing expansionary ECB policy, robust US economic data as well as an accommodative monetary 

policy in China and Japan were key positive catalysts for international stock markets. In particular, 

the Fed’s signals of a patient approach to rising interest rates as well as robust leading US economic 

38

indicators, with the unemployment rate improving to a six-year low and monthly exports approaching 

new all-time highs, provided support for US equity markets. However, disappointing growth trends 

in  the  euro  area  as  well  as  geopolitical  risk  factors,  such  as  the  crisis  in  Ukraine,  remained  a 

key  headwind  for  equity  markets  during  2014.  In  addition,  negative  economic  trends  in  Asia  and 

emerging economies as well as the plunge in both the oil price and the Russian rouble weighed on 

investor sentiment and led to an overall volatile trading environment. Accordingly, while the DAX-30 

increased 3%, the MSCI World Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods Index declined 4% in 2014. The Dow 

see Table 01

Jones Index gained 10% during the period. 

adidas AG share price suffers considerably 

Following a strong outperformance versus the overall market development, the adidas AG share 

reached an all-time high at the end of 2013. As a result, the beginning of 2014 was characterised 

by  profit-taking  by  some  investors.  In  mid-January,  the  adidas  AG  share  reversed  its  previous 

weakness,  driven  by  several  positive  analyst  commentaries,  and  reached  a  new  all-time  high  of 

€  92.92  on  January  22,  2014.  However,  the  adidas  AG  share  suffered  strong  losses  during  the 

remainder of the first quarter following the publication of the adidas Group’s 2013 full year financial 

results on March 5, 2014. While full year 2013 results came in slightly above market expectations, 

the Group’s full year 2014 outlook disappointed most market participants. 

01  / 

 Historical performance of the adidas AG share and important indices  

at year-end 2014  (in %)

adidas AG

DAX-30

MSCI World Textiles,
Apparel & Luxury Goods

Source: Bloomberg.

1 year

3 years

5 years 

10 years

Since IPO

(38)

3

(4)

15

66

51

53

65

108

94

130

177

496

346

397

1)  This section is part of the audited 

Group Management Report.

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportOur Share

/  01.7  /

adidas AG share at a glance

02  /  Five-year share price development 1)   

|  Dec. 31, 2009 

Dec. 31, 2014  |

250

200

150

100

50

1) Index: December 31, 2009 = 100. 

 adidas AG 

 DAX-30 

 MSCI World Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods Index

39

03  /  The adidas AG share

Number of shares outstanding 1)

Basic earnings per share

Cash generated from operating activities per share

Year-end price

Year high

Year low

Market capitalisation 5)

Dividend per share

Dividend payout 5)

Dividend payout ratio 5)

Dividend yield

Shareholders’ equity per share 5)

Price-earnings ratio at year-end

2014

2013

Important indices

shares

204,327,044

209,216,186

2.72 2)

4.01 3)

€

€

€

€

€

3.36

57.62

92.92

53.89

€ in million

11,773

€

€ in million

%

%

€

%

1.50 4)

306

53.9 2)

2.6

27.53

21.2 2)

3.03

92.64

92.64

66.28

19,382

1.50

314

37.4 3)

1.6

26.24

23.1 3)

/ 
/ 

/ 

/ 

/ 
/ 

/ 

/ 

/ 

 DAX-30
 MSCI World Textiles,  
Apparel & Luxury Goods
 Deutsche Börse Prime 
Consumer 
 Dow Jones Sustainability  
Indices (World and Europe)
 FTSE4Good Index Series
 Euronext Vigeo  
(Eurozone 120, Europe 120, 
World 120)
 Ethibel Index  
(Pioneer and Excellence)
 ECPI Ethical Index  
(Euro and EMU)
 STOXX Global ESG Leaders

Average trading volume per trading day 6)

shares

1,356,914

842,318

 1) All shares carry full dividend rights.
2) Excluding goodwill impairment of € 78 million.
3) Excluding goodwill impairment of € 52 million.
4) Subject to Annual General Meeting approval.
5) Based on number of shares outstanding at year-end.
6) Based on number of shares traded on all German stock exchanges.

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportOur Share

/  01.7  /

During  the  second  quarter  of  2014,  the  adidas  AG  share  faced  additional  pressures,  mainly  as  a 

result of the overall equity market weakness. In particular, the continued depreciation of several 

emerging market currencies versus the euro as well as geopolitical risk factors, such as the crisis 

in Ukraine, negatively impacted the adidas AG share price development, given the adidas Group’s 

high percentage of sales in emerging markets. In addition, negative newsflow with regard to the golf 

market as well as unfavourable point-of-sale data in North America increased negative sentiment 

towards the adidas AG share in June. On July 31, the adidas Group lowered its financial outlook for 

2014 and postponed the delivery of its Route 2015 targets, mainly due to the continued weakness 

in the golf market, negative developments in Russia/CIS as well as ongoing currency headwinds, 

resulting  in  a  significant  share  price  decrease.  Following  the  publication  of  the  adidas  Group’s 

first half results on August 7, the adidas AG share suffered further losses, as market participants 

remained  concerned  about  the  Group’s  future  top-  and  bottom-line  development,  waiting  for 

clear signals of better execution before turning more constructive on the adidas AG share again. 

During  the  first  half  of  the  fourth  quarter  of  2014,  the  adidas  AG  share  recovered  and  gained 

steadily, supported by positive market feedback following the release of the nine months results 

on November 7, with both top and bottom line exceeding market expectations. In particular, robust 

sales  momentum  at  both  adidas  and  Reebok,  ongoing  strong  performances  in  Western  Europe 

and emerging markets as well as Management’s confirmation of the full year 2014 guidance was 

well received by market participants. However, towards the end of the year, the adidas AG share 

again came under pressure, following several analyst reports indicating further margin pressure 

in 2015, mainly due to the significant depreciation of the Russian rouble. As a result, the adidas AG 

40

share closed 2014 at € 57.62, representing a 38% decrease over the year. This implies a market 

capitalisation of € 11.8 billion at the end of 2014 versus € 19.4 billion at the end of 2013.

see Diagram 02
see Diagram 03

04  /  2014 adidas AG high and low share prices per month 1)  (in €)

| Jan 

Feb 

Mar 

Apr 

May 

Jun 

Jul 

Aug 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Dec |

2
9
.
2
9

9
8
.
2
8

3
7
.
6
8

2
0
.
1
8

90

80

70

60

50

0
4
.
3
8

4
3
.
5
7

0
6
.
9
7

7
5
.
5
7

0
3
.
9
7

4
6
.
6
7

0
5
.
8
7

6
8
.
2
7

7
3
.
4
7

1
4
.
9
5

0
3
.
0
6

0
5
.
5
5

3
0
.
2
6

9
0
.
7
5

6
8
.
9
5

9
8
.
3
5

2
7
.
5
6

7
2
.
6
5

4
7
.
3
6

4
1
.
5
5

 30-day moving average  ■ High and low share prices 

Source: Bloomberg.

1) Based on daily Xetra closing prices.

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual Report 
Our Share

/  01.7  /

Average daily trading volume increases strongly

During 2014, the average daily trading volume of the adidas AG share on all German stock exchanges 

(excluding bank trades) increased strongly to 1.4 million shares (2013: 0.8 million). The average daily 

trading volume of the adidas AG share on alternative trading systems, such as CHI-X, Turquoise 

and  BATS  Europe,  also  almost  doubled  to  0.9  million  shares  per  trading  day  (2013:  0.5  million). 

Share trading on OTC markets such as BOAT and EuroNext OTC decreased to 0.5 million shares per 

trading day (2013: 1.1 million). 

Level 1 ADR performs in line with common stock 

Our Level 1 ADR closed 2014 at US $ 34.51, representing a decrease of 46% versus the prior year 

level (2013: US $ 64.23). The more pronounced decrease of the Level 1 ADR price compared to the 

ordinary share price was due to the appreciation of the US dollar versus the euro at the end of 2014 

compared to year-end 2013. The number of Level 1 ADRs outstanding decreased to 5.9 million at 

year-end 2014 compared to 9.2 million at the end of 2013. The average daily trading volume more 

than doubled to 80,800 ADRs in 2014 (2013: 35,800). Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas runs 

the adidas AG Level 1 ADR Programme. Further information on our ADR Programme can be found 

www.adidas-group.com/adr

on our website.

adidas AG share member of important indices

The  adidas  AG  share  is  included  in  a  variety  of  high-quality  indices  around  the  world,  most 

importantly the DAX-30 and the MSCI World Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods Index. The DAX-30 is a 

see Table 03

blue chip stock market index consisting of the 30 major German companies trading on the Frankfurt 

Stock Exchange. The MSCI World Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods Index comprises our Group’s 

major  competitors.  At  December  31,  2014,  our  weighting  in  the  DAX-30,  which  is  calculated  on 

the basis of free float market capitalisation and twelve-month share turnover, decreased to 1.47% 

(2013: 2.36%). Our lower weighting compared to the prior year was mainly due to the decrease in 

market capitalisation of adidas AG which more than offset the increase in share turnover. Within 

the  DAX-30,  we  ranked  21  on  market  capitalisation  (2013:  16)  and  15  on  turnover  (2013:  17)  at 

year-end  2014.  Additionally,  in  recognition  of  our  social  and  environmental  efforts,  adidas  AG  is 

see Sustainability, p. 89

listed in several key sustainability indices.

Convertible bond closes the year at € 108.95

In  March  2012,  adidas  AG  successfully  issued  a  convertible  bond,  due  on  June  14,  2019,  for  an 

aggregate nominal amount of € 500 million. The bonds are not callable by the issuer or putable by 

see Note 18, p. 213

the bondholders until June 2017. The bonds are convertible into up to 6.06 million new or existing 

adidas AG shares. Proceeds from the offering have allowed the Group to further optimise its debt 

structure. The bonds were priced with a 0.25% annual coupon and a conversion premium of 40% 

above the reference price of € 59.61, resulting in an initial conversion price of € 83.46 per share. As 

a consequence of contractual provisions relating to dividend protection, the conversion price was 

adjusted to € 82.56 per share. This adjustment became effective on May 9, 2014. The convertible 

bond closed the year at € 108.95, below the prior year value level of € 129.96.

41

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportOur Share

/  01.7  /

Dividend proposal of € 1.50 per share

Given their confidence in the strength of the Group’s financial position and long-term aspirations, the 

adidas AG Executive and Supervisory Boards intend to again recommend paying a dividend of € 1.50 

to shareholders at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 7, 2015 (2013: € 1.50). Subject to the 

meeting’s approval, the dividend will be paid on May 8, 2015. The total payout of € 306 million (2013: 

€ 314 million) reflects a payout ratio of 53.9% of net income attributable to shareholders, excluding 

see Table 03

goodwill impairment losses, versus 37.4% in the prior year. While this is above our target ratio of 

between 20% and 40% of net income attributable to shareholders, it reflects our commitment to a 

reliable dividend policy aimed towards continuity. 

Shareholder return programme initiated

On  October  1,  2014,  adidas  AG  announced  a  multi-year  shareholder  return  programme  of  up  to 

€ 1.5 billion in total to be completed by December 31, 2017. The shareholder return programme will 

be executed primarily by buying back shares via the stock exchange under the authorisation given by 

the Annual General Meeting on May 8, 2014, for the period through to May 7, 2019. The authorisation 

covers the repurchase of up to 10% of the company’s share capital on the stock exchange, currently 

representing 20,921,618 shares, subject to advantageous market conditions. 

On December 15, 2014, adidas AG announced the completion of a first tranche of the share buyback 

programme.  The  total  number  of  shares  which  adidas  AG  bought  back  within  the  framework  of 

the first tranche of the share buyback programme in the period from November 7, 2014 up to and 

42

including  December  12,  2014  amounted  to  4,889,142  shares.  This  corresponds  to  2.34%  of  the 

company’s  nominal  capital.  The  average  purchase  price  per  share  was  €  61.36.  A  total  price  of 

€ 299,999,987 (excluding incidental purchasing costs) was paid to buy back the shares.

Strong international investor base

Based on our share register, we estimate that adidas AG currently has around 95,000 shareholders. 

In our latest ownership analysis conducted in February 2015, we identified around 93% of our shares 

outstanding.  Institutional  investors  represent  the  largest  investor  group,  holding  77%  of  shares 

outstanding. Undisclosed holdings, which also include private investors, account for 20%. Current 

members of the adidas Group Executive and Supervisory Boards hold less than 1% in total. Lastly, 

following the completion of the first tranche of our share buyback programme, adidas AG currently 

see Diagram 05

holds 2% of the company’s shares as treasury shares.

05  /  Shareholder structure by investor group 1)   

06  /  Shareholder structure by region 1)   

 3

 4

 2

2014

 1

Institutional investors

1 /  77% 
2 /  20%  Other, undisclosed holdings
3 / 
4 / 

2%  Treasury shares
<1% 

 Members of the adidas 
Group Executive and 
Supervisory Boards

 1

 6

 5

 4

 3

2014

 2

1) As of February 2015.

1) As of February 2015.

34%  North America

1 / 
2 /  23%  Rest of the world
16%  United Kingdom
3 / 
10%  Germany
4 / 
10%  Switzerland
5 / 
6 / 

7%  France

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportOur Share

/  01.7  /

In  terms  of  geographical  distribution,  the  North  American  market  currently  accounts  for  34%  of 

institutional  shareholdings,  followed  by  the  UK  with  16%  and  Switzerland  with  10%.  Identified 

German institutional investors hold 10% of shares outstanding and France accounts for 7%. 23% of 

see Diagram 06

institutional shareholders were identified in other regions of the world. 

Voting rights notifications published

All voting rights notifications received in 2014 and thereafter in accordance with §§ 21 section 1, 

25 section 1 and 25a of the German Securities Trading Act (Wertpapierhandelsgesetz – WpHG) can 

be viewed on our corporate website. Information on reportable shareholdings that currently exceed 

or fall below a certain threshold can also be found in the Notes section of this Annual Report.

Directors’ dealings reported on corporate website

The purchase or sale of adidas AG shares (ISIN DE000A1EWWW0) or related financial instruments, 

as defined by § 15a WpHG, conducted by members of our Executive or Supervisory Boards, by key 

www.adidas-group.com/voting_rights_notifications
see Note 26, p. 221

executives or by any person in close relationship with these persons, is reported on our website. In 

www.adidas-Group.com/directors_dealings

2014, adidas AG received five notifications pursuant to § 15a WpHG: Herbert Kauffmann, member 

of  the  adidas  AG  Supervisory  Board,  purchased  1,000  shares  on  August  7,  2014,  Herbert  Hainer, 

CEO  of  adidas  AG,  purchased  7,000  shares  on  August  12,  2014,  Robin  J.  Stalker,  CFO  of  adidas 

AG,  purchased  1,750  shares  on  August  12,  2014  and  Willi  Schwerdtle,  member  of  the  adidas  AG 

Supervisory Board, purchased a total of 1,615 shares in two transactions on November 11, 2014.

adidas AG share again receives strong analyst support

The adidas Group and the adidas AG share continued to receive strong analyst attention in 2014. 

Around  35  analysts  from  investment  banks  and  brokerage  firms  regularly  published  research 

reports  on  our  Group.  As  a  consequence  of  the  overall  adidas  AG  share  price  development 

in  2014,  the  vast  majority  of  analysts  updated  their  recommendations  as  well  as  target  prices 

during the twelve-month period. This is reflected in the recommendation split for our share as at 

December 31, 2014. 24% of analysts recommended investors to ’buy’ our share (2013: 74%). 57% 

advised to ‘hold’ our share (2013: 19%) and 19% of the analysts recommended to ‘sell’ our share 

(2013: 7%).

Successful Investor Relations activities

adidas  AG  strives  to  maintain  close  contact  to  institutional  and  private  shareholders  as  well  as 

analysts. In 2014, Management and the Investor Relations team spent 29 days on roadshows and 

also spent 17 days presenting at 12 national and international conferences.

In July 2014, the adidas Group Annual Report once again won the Best of Corporate Publishing (BCP) 

Award. This is the second time in three years that the adidas Group Annual Report has received this 

prestigious award. 

Extensive financial information available online

We offer extensive information around our share as well as the adidas Group’s strategy and financial 

results on our corporate website. Our event calendar lists all conferences and roadshows we attend 

www.adidas-group.com/investors

and provides all presentations for download. In addition to live webcasts of all major events such as 

our Analyst Conferences, the Annual General Meeting and Investor Days, we also offer webcasts of 

our quarterly conference calls. 

43

2014To Our Shareholdersadidas Group  / 2014 Annual Report 
P
U
O
R
G

R
U
O

02

OUR
G R O U P

G R O U P   M A N A G E M E N T   R E P O R T

02.1

02.2

02.3

02.4

02.5

02.6

02.7

02.8

G r o u p S t r a t e g y  

G l o b a l S a l e s S t r a t e g y   

G l o b a l B r a n d s S t r a t e g y 

O t h e r B u s i n e s s e s S t r a t e g y  

G l o b a l  O p e r a t i o n s 

R e s e a r c h a n d D e v e l o p m e n t  

E m p l o y e e s  

S u s t a i n a b i l i t y 

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G R O U P  M A N A G E M E N T  R E P O R T: 
This report contains the Group Management Report of the adidas Group,  
comprising adidas AG and its consolidated subsidiaries, and the  
Management Report of adidas AG.

 
 
 
1

Group Strategy

/  02.1  /

Group Strategy

The adidas Group strives to inspire and enable people to harness the power of sport in their 

lives. Inspired by our heritage, we know that a profound understanding of the consumer 

and  their  journey  in  sport  is  essential  to  achieving  this  goal.  To  anticipate  and  respond 

to their needs, we continuously strive to create a culture of innovation and creativity. By 

harnessing this culture together with our insights and knowledge of sport, we push the 

boundaries of products, services and processes to drive a long-term strategic advantage. 

This, in turn, will drive value creation for our company and our shareholders. 

Diverse brand portfolio

We are a sports company. Our brands are driven to create and innovate through a common passion 

for sport and a sporting lifestyle. To maximise our consumer reach, we have embraced a multi-brand 

strategy. Consumers want choice. Whether it is the athlete looking for the best possible equipment, 

or the lifestyle consumer searching for the next fashion trend, we are inspired to develop and create 

products, experiences and services that engage consumers in long-lasting relationships with our 

brands. This approach allows us to tackle opportunities from several perspectives, as both a mass 

and a niche player, providing distinct and relevant products to a wide spectrum of consumers. In 

this way, each brand is able to keep a unique identity and focus on its core competencies, while 

simultaneously providing our Group with a broad product offering, increasing our leverage in the 

see Global Brands Strategy, p. 53

46

marketplace.

Investments focused on highest-potential markets and channels 

As  a  Group,  we  target  strong  market  positions  in  all  markets  in  which  we  compete.  However, 

we  have  prioritised  our  investments  based  on  those  markets  which  offer  the  best  medium-  to 

long-term growth and profitability opportunities. In this respect, we place considerable emphasis 

on expanding our activities in the emerging markets as well as building our market share in the USA 

and Western Europe. 

No matter in which market we operate, we recognise that consumer buying behaviour and the retail 

landscape  are  unique.  Therefore,  to  fully  exploit  market  opportunities,  we  tailor  our  distribution 

strategy to present our brands to the consumer in the most impactful and seamless way. This is 

see Global Sales Strategy, p. 49

achieved by following a coordinated distribution through our omni-channel approach.

01  /  adidas Group strategic pillars

Brand Portfolio

Innovation

Markets/Channels

One Team

Supply Chain

Build and manage a 
diverse brand portfolio 
with distinctive 
brands covering 
consumers from sport 
 performance to sport 
lifestyle.

Maintain a culture of 
continuous innovation 
through improvements 
of products, services 
and processes.

Focus investment on 
the highest-potential 
markets and our 
distinct channel 
approach.

Develop a team that 
is grounded in our 
rich heritage, that 
is committed to the 
positive values found in 
sport – performance, 
passion, integrity and 
diversity – and that 
values sustainability.

Become closest to 
every consumer by 
building and managing 
a supply chain that 
quickly responds to 
changing market needs 
and supports multiple 
distinct business 
models.

Sustainable 
Company

We strive to be a 
sustainable company 
that recognises its 
responsibilities towards 
the environment, our 
employees and the 
people who make our 
products.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Group Strategy

/  02.1  /

Creating a flexible supply chain

Speed  and  agility  are  key  to  outpacing  the  competition,  providing  a  constant  flow  of  new  and 

relevant products for our consumers and high service levels for our customers. We are committed 

to meeting the full range of consumer needs by providing game-changing technical innovations for 

sport, creating and driving trends in streetwear through our sports-inspired lifestyle products, while 

ensuring constant product availability in the correct size and colour to the highest quality standards. 

A key strategic priority is to enable faster product creation and production by continuously improving 

our infrastructure, processes and systems. By sharing information from point of sale to source and 

vice versa, we strive to connect and more closely integrate the various elements of our supply chain, 

to enable quick reaction to changing consumer trends. To this end, we focus on building maximum 

flexibility  within  our  supply  chain.  While  leveraging  the  efficiency  of  common  infrastructure  and 

processes,  the  Group  strives  to  provide  tailored  solutions  for  all  our  business  models,  be  it  the 

see Global Operations, p. 66

wholesale or retail channels, or the performance-oriented or style-oriented businesses. 

Leading through innovation

Every adidas Group employee is responsible for driving innovation. Therefore, we foster a culture of 

challenging convention and embracing change, and we require all areas of the Group to generate 

at  least  one  new  innovation  or  meaningful  improvement  per  year.  In  particular,  we  believe  that 

technological  evolution  and  cutting-edge  design  in  our  products  are  essential  to  achieving 

sustainable  leadership  in  our  industry.  Beyond  this,  enhancing  services  for  our  customers  and 

implementing more efficient and effective internal processes are other areas where our organisation 

see Research and Development, p. 73
see Global Sales Strategy, p. 49

47

strives to innovate.

Develop a team grounded in our heritage in sport

Our culture is continuously shaped by influences from the past and the present as well as our future 

aspirations. We perpetuate the commitment of our founder, Adi Dassler, to the athlete and consumer, 

see Employees, p. 82

pride  in  what  we  do,  quality  and  love  of  sport.  We  win  as  a  team  through  open  communication, 

collaboration  and  our  shared  values  found  in  sport.  Therefore,  we  foster  a  corporate  culture  of 

  Shared values

performance,  passion,  integrity  and  diversity  by  creating  a  work  environment  that  stimulates 

innovation, team spirit and achievement based on strong leadership and employee engagement.

/  Performance
/  Passion
/  Integrity
/  Diversity

These are the adidas Group values. They 
help us to create brands that our consumers 
believe in, and they commit us to playing by 
the rules that society expects of a responsible 
company.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Group Strategy

/  02.1  /

Focusing on sustainability

Like any global business, the adidas Group must manage wide-ranging commercial and competitive 

pressure to deliver increased financial returns and growth. At the same time, we are accountable 

for our employees and have a high degree of responsibility towards the workers in our suppliers’ 

factories  and  also  for  the  environment.  We  are  committed  to  striking  the  balance  between 

shareholder  interests  and  the  needs  and  concerns  of  employees  and  workers,  as  well  as  the 

environment. We report publicly on the steps we take to have a more positive impact on society and 

see Sustainability, p. 89
www.adidas-group.com

the planet on our website.

Creating long-term shareholder value 

Creating long-term value for our shareholders through strong and consistent operating cash flow 

generation  drives  our  overall  decision-making  process.  Therefore,  we  are  focused  on  rigorously 

see Internal Group Management System, p. 98

managing  those  factors  under  our  control,  making  strategic  choices  that  will  drive  sustainable 

revenue and earnings growth, and ultimately operating cash flow. Across our operations, we pursue 

in particular the avenues for growth which we expect to be most value-enhancing, with particular 

emphasis  on  improving  brand  strength  and  Group  profitability.  In  addition,  rigorously  managing 

working  capital  and  optimising  our  capital  structure  remain  key  priorities  for  us.  Furthermore, 

we are committed to increasing returns to shareholders with above-industry-average share price 

see Our Share, p. 38

performance and dividends.

adidas Group new strategic goals to be announced in 2015

48

In November 2010, the Group unveiled its 2015 strategic business plan named ‘Route 2015’, which 

defined  strategies  and  objectives  for  the  period  up  to  2015.  Since  its  introduction,  the  plan  has 

resulted in significant improvements in many of our business areas. We have, for example, already 

over-achieved  our  target  of  increasing  the  share  of  revenues  from  controlled  space  activities  to 

see Glossary, p. 258

more  than  45%  by  2015.  In  addition,  we  have  multiplied  our  eCommerce  business  over  the  last 

couple of years and are well on track to achieving the targeted sales level of € 500 million through 

this  channel  by  2015.  We  have  also  successfully  expanded  our  fast  fashion  adidas  NEO  label, 

increasing revenues for this sub-brand to over € 800 million in 2014 and building valuable expertise 

in a vertical business model. Additionally, we have significantly reduced complexity on a Group level 

by streamlining the global product range, consolidating our warehouse base as well as harmonising 

above-market  service.  Furthermore,  our  Global  Operations  function  has  been  very  successful  in 

establishing  in-season  product  creation  capabilities  and  in  significantly  reducing  lead  times  for 

both footwear and apparel. These achievements have set new standards with regard to productivity, 

efficiency and flexibility within our supply chain. 

In  2014,  however,  mainly  due  to  the  continued  weakness  in  the  golf  market,  negative  economic 

developments  in  Russia/CIS  as  well  as  ongoing  currency  headwinds,  the  Group  postponed  the 

delivery of its top- and bottom-line Route 2015 targets. As a result, the Group has been undergoing a 

thorough review of its strategic priorities and organisational set-up throughout 2014 and early 2015. 

In a first step, to strengthen brand leadership as well as drive faster decision-making and more 

effective and efficient consumer-focused strategies and execution in the marketplace, Management 

initiated a reorganisation of the Global Brands and Global Sales structures. The Group will release 

the full details on its updated strategies at the end of March 2015.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014 
2

Global Sales Strategy 

/  02.2  /

Global Sales Strategy 

Global Sales drives the commercial performance of the adidas Group by building brand 

desire and by consistently meeting consumer needs across all touch points. Global Sales 

is  responsible  for  all  commercial  activities  of  the  adidas  and  Reebok  brands.  In  2014, 

we  reviewed  our  sales  strategy  to  enable  and  propel  a  heightened  consumer-centric 

omni-channel mindset. As the consumer environment becomes even more dynamic with 

trends quickly changing, we are also increasing our focus on anticipating these changes 

and responding with speed.

Market set-up consolidated 

All of our markets across the globe are managed by the Global Sales function and supported by a 

centralised Sales Strategy & Excellence team which was created in 2014. Our market organisations 

are responsible for driving sustainable and profitable market share growth while increasing brand 

desirability.  They  are  in  charge  of  all  our  distribution  channels  –  Wholesale  including  Franchise, 

Own Retail and eCommerce – within their geography. We tailor the way we serve our consumers 

according to the local needs. Our channel mix therefore varies across markets.

In  order  to  reduce  organisational  complexity  and  increase  consistency  in  execution,  in  2014,  we 

further consolidated our market structure by creating nine global markets. In the course of 2014, 

we for example successfully integrated all Western European markets. As a result, we have a fully 

consistent approach to our European key account partners as well as to our direct-to-consumer 

channels which are now operated by a single organisation.

We see significant growth opportunities for our brands across the globe. Western Europe, North 

America, Greater China and Russia/CIS are our key markets. We have initiated a major revamp of 

our business in North America. We are directing substantial resources into this key geography with 

the objective to increase desire for our brands and products, strengthen their relevance amongst 

US consumers and improve execution at the point of sale, thus achieving significant market share 

gains. In Greater China, we are further optimising the way we serve local consumers with the goal 

to become market leader. Given the economic and political uncertainty in Russia/CIS, we continue to 

closely monitor the developments in this region. We have adjusted our investment plans to account 

for  current  market  risks.  While  we  firmly  believe  in  the  long-term  potential  of  the  market,  the 

01  / 

 adidas Performance execution in Karstadt Sports  
Hamburg, Germany

49

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014 
Global Sales Strategy 

/  02.2  /

short-term fundamentals of the business have changed materially due to the rapid depreciation of 

the Russian rouble in 2014 and the considerable risk of further deterioration in consumer spending. 

Therefore,  we  have  and  will  continue  to  accelerate  our  real  estate  and  inventory  management 

initiatives. 

We  also  address  opportunities  in  growth  markets  including  Latin  America  and  other  emerging 

markets. Similarly to Western Europe, we have consolidated the organisation in Latin America. We 

will drive the Own Retail and eCommerce expansion to enable our ambitious growth plans in this 

region. In other emerging markets such as the Middle East and North Africa, Turkey or India, we will 

further exploit the potential of new and fast-growing markets across these regions with excellence 

in execution.

Adapting to changing consumer behaviour

Over  the  past  years,  we  identified  fundamental  changes  in  consumer  behaviour.  Our  findings 

led us to review our organisational set-up and to refine internal processes to better adapt to the 

ever-changing consumer environment. 

The  newly  created  Sales  Strategy  &  Excellence  team  embraces  an  omni-channel  approach  and 

mindset  as  it  combines  all  our  sales  channels  –  our  Wholesale  including  Franchise,  Own  Retail 

see Glossary, p. 258

and eCommerce business – under one roof. In the past, we had dedicated Centres of Excellence 

for  each  of  these  channels.  The  newly  formed  team  develops  the  omni-channel  sales  strategy 

50

and brings operational excellence to market organisations. The team is also focused on exploiting 

sales innovation to better serve our consumers. Resources have therefore been dedicated to digital 

innovation and the creation of new business models.

We are confident that our new set-up will elevate our brand activation across the globe. It is our 

ambition to deliver the best branded shopping experiences at all consumer touch points, exceeding 

both customer and consumer expectations and accelerating our growth.

02  / 

 adidas Performance Store 
Nuremberg, Germany

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014 
Global Sales Strategy    / 

/  02.2  /

Global Sales initiatives to focus on omni-channel approach

We  have  defined  long-term  priorities  and  established  initiatives  that  will  drive  growth,  our 

omni-channel approach and consumer experience:

/  Distribution

Global  Sales  defines  the  vision  and  role  for  each  channel  from  a  holistic  perspective  to  ensure 

success at the point of sale. 

Wholesale  and  Franchise:  To  achieve  profitable  market  share  growth  we  strive  to  establish 
long-term  partnerships  with  the  most  dynamic  retailers,  which  include  sporting  goods  chains, 

department stores, buying groups, lifestyle retail chains, e-tailers and franchisees. We will focus 

our  joint  efforts  on  early  trend  identification,  joint  campaign  planning,  shared  inventories  and 

seamless consumer journeys. A key emphasis will be on the execution at the point of sale with 

managed space playing a crucial part in this. 

Direct-to-consumer  (Own  Retail  and  eCommerce):  We  are  expecting  strong  growth  from  our 
direct-to-consumer channel in the upcoming years. Our Own Retail business is developing strongly 

thanks to ongoing traffic increases, more impactful brand activations and better conversion rates, 

driving solid comparable store growth across our store portfolio. We will be implementing a new, 

see Glossary, p. 258

differentiated  and  consistent  customer  service  model  in  all  stores  to  further  improve  the  retail 

metrics.  Concept  stores  will  continue  to  play  an  essential  role  in  building  and  sustaining  brand 

desirability.  In  2014,  we  introduced  our  new  HomeCourt  and  Neighbourhood  retail  concepts  at 

29 locations around the world. We will carry on rolling out these as well as other new formats (e.g. 

see Picture 02
see Picture 03

women’s) going forward. 

Our  eCommerce  business  has  experienced  exceptional  growth.  We  believe  that  this  growth 

will  continue  to  accelerate  due  to  changing  consumer  needs  and  behaviour.  We  will  boost  this 

growth by further enhancements of consumer experience across our sites on the various digital 

platforms  including  mobile.  Our  omni-channel  approach  will  also  make  eCommerce  even  more 

complementary to the other channels.

03  / 

 adidas Originals Store 
New York City

51

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014 
 
Global Sales Strategy    / 

/  02.2  /

Focus on key cities: Global metropolises such as London, Paris, New York, Los Angeles, Shanghai 
or  Tokyo  play  a  key  role  in  setting  consumer  trends.  We  have  therefore  developed  a  detailed 

omni-channel  action  plan  for  key  cities  across  the  globe.  It  sets  a  global  framework  for  how  to 

amplify brand desire in key cities. This enables us to address our target consumer communities in 

a more impactful way and supports us in targeting and better aligning our distribution within these 

adidas Online Store 
  www.adidas.com

Reebok Online Store 
  www.reebok.com

cities.

/  Omni-channel

Seamless transitions amongst all channels are crucial for enhancement of the consumer shopping 

experience. We invest heavily into infrastructure and processes that will enable us to implement 

omni-channel capabilities. For example, we piloted a ‘click and collect’ roll-out (consumers ordering 

online and picking up products in-store) at a number of stores in 2014. Furthermore, we are actively 

driving the integration of different consumer databases into a global CRM/loyalty programme. We 

are  also  dedicated  to  driving  omni-channel  consistency  across  all  consumer  touch  points.  This 

includes consistent messaging execution throughout the various physical points of sale as well as 

digital platforms.

/  Speed

Speed has always been a topic in our Route 2015 efforts and will remain a crucial topic for our next 

Strategic Business Plan. We will transform our sales processes significantly and we will increase 

the  share  of  product  created  closer  to  market.  Innovative  speed  models  in  our  supply  chain  will 

52

allow us to respond quickly to consumer needs. We will be able to take immediate action in response 

to changes to sell-out and fashion trends, even within the given season. This will create significant 

top-line and margin potential.

/ 

Innovation

With all the technological advances driving consumer behavioural changes in our industry, the need 

for exciting innovations in presenting and selling our products becomes increasingly important. We 

will  fuel  growth  through  greater  utilisation  of  technology,  creation  of  new  business  models  and 

analysis of ‘big data’ to generate actionable insights. Digital innovation in sales is one of the biggest 

building  blocks  to  win  the  consumer  and  we  will  be  working  with  external  and  non-traditional 

partners to execute some of these innovations. 

/  People

People  are  our  most  important  asset  and  we  aspire  to  have  the  best  team  in  our  industry.  We 

invest  in  the  development  of  our  employees  as  we  want  them  to  become  omni-channel  experts 

who understand both sales and brand management. We will develop a new training programme in 

2015 combining our comprehensive Wholesale and Retail programmes and adding omni-channel 

content.  Job  rotations  and  long-term  switches  between  channels,  functions  and  geographies  is 

something we strongly encourage our sales talents to participate in. We have also implemented a 

leadership and management system to ensure consistent people management and development 

across all our locations around the globe.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014 
3

Global Brands Strategy

/  02.3  /

Global Brands Strategy

Global  Brands  is  responsible  for  brand  positioning,  brand  strategy,  product  creation, 

innovation  and  all  the  product  and  brand  marketing  functions  of  the  adidas  and  Reebok 

brands.  The  primary  objective  of  this  portfolio  strategy  is  to  ensure  that  our  brands 

seize  market  share  and  category  opportunities  through  well-defined  and  coordinated 

go-to-market  strategies.  Each  brand  is  responsible  for  the  execution  of  its  strategic 

focus by creating a constant stream of innovative and desirable products and generating 

communication  strategies  that  connect  with  their  target  consumer  in  an  engaging  and 

compelling way. 

Driving the long-term development of adidas and Reebok

To secure long-term sustainable growth for the adidas Group, Global Brands is focused on driving 

the development of the adidas and Reebok brands. The overall strategic goal is to build brands that 

inspire and enable consumers to harness the power of sport in their lives. 

Areas within adidas and Reebok that were identified as key contributors and game changers for the 

adidas Group include: 

/ 

 Gaining sales and market share in the key global categories football, running and basketball with 

adidas Sport Performance.

/ 

/ 

/ 

 Expanding adidas Sport Style in fast fashion with the adidas NEO label.

 Maintaining adidas Originals’ strong momentum with the fashion-driven lifestyle consumer.

 Establishing Reebok as the leading fitness brand.

Global Brands also plays a key role in bringing efficiency initiatives to life, by focusing on speed, 

consistency and consumer focus. Among other things, we are striving to present adidas and Reebok 

in a more consistent way around the world in terms of ranges and pricing. In the long term, this 

should lead to range size efficiencies, higher levels of full-price sales and gross margin optimisation.

Focus on the consumer

The consumer and creating consumer desire for our products is at the heart of everything Global 

Brands  does.  By  constantly  developing  desirable  products  and  inspiring  brand  experiences,  we 

can drive sustainable and quality growth, building a strong reputation and loyalty with consumers. 

Moreover, we also understand that, in order to have credible and authentic connections to create 

such desirability with our consumers, we must have the right market segmentation strategy. As part 

of its function, Global Brands has mapped out our target consumer universe, which spans from our 

roots in sport, the ‘pure performer’, through to today’s style setters who have embraced sporting 

goods brands as part of their lifestyle. 

To be successful across consumer segments, we acknowledge that a strategy of mass production or 

mass marketing is no longer sufficient. Only by identifying and understanding consumers’ individual 

motivations and goals for doing sport, their lifestyle, their fitness level, where they are doing sport 

and their buying habits can we create meaningful products, services and experiences that build a 

lasting impression and brand loyalty. 

53

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Global Brands Strategy

/  02.3  /

Brand architecture and differentiation

We  believe  that  our  Group’s  multi-brand  portfolio  gives  us  an  important  competitive  advantage. 

Through  our  brand  portfolio,  we  seamlessly  cover  the  sports  and  consumer  segments  we  have 

defined  as  strategically  important  to  support  our  Group’s  ambition  to  inspire  and  engage  people 

to harness the power of sport in their lives. Our portfolio of brands provides a depth of experience 

and knowledge in the world’s most popular individual and team sports as well as fitness activities. 

Each brand and sub-brand is responsible for bringing its own distinct identity and positioning to life, 

through the creation of products, services and experiences that provide platforms and frameworks 

for  long-term  market  share  and  profitability  improvements.  While  adidas  and  Reebok  each  have 

unique  identities,  heritages,  technologies,  designs  and  reputations,  the  strategic  principles  and 

methods for driving future sales growth and profitability improvements are common to both. These 

include:

/ 

/ 

/ 

/ 

 Leadership in product innovation to inspire and excite the consumer. 

 Marketing and communication leadership to drive brand advocacy. 

 Activation and validation via a relevant set of promotion partnerships.

 Extending brand reach and appeal through strategic partnerships. 

adidas strategic positioning

No other brand has a more distinguished history and stronger connection with sport than adidas. 

As  a  true  global  brand  with  German  roots,  adidas’  mission  is  to  be  the  best  sports  brand  in  the 

54

world. One major lever to achieve this is the brand’s broad and unique sports product portfolio, with 

expertise  spanning  from  footwear,  apparel  and  equipment  for  professional  athletes  to  premium 

fashion. It allows adidas to address multiple consumer needs, exploit market opportunities from 

various angles as well as be less affected by one-dimensional market risks. adidas’ commitment to 

product innovation with clearly defined benefits and its rich heritage differentiates the brand from 

competitors and provides a solid platform for future growth.

01  / 

 adidas Sport Performance 
#therewillbehaters football campaign

02  / 

 adidas Sport Performance 
Ultra Boost running shoe

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Global Brands Strategy

/  02.3  /

adidas is mainly targeting competitive sports based on innovation and technology with adidas Sport 

Performance. This sub-brand is the multi-sport specialist. The target consumers range from sports 

participants at the highest level to those inspired by sport or who simply love sport. Everything at 

adidas reflects the spirit of Adi Dassler, the founder of the company. The main objective is simple: to 

make athletes better, with innovation at the heart of all adidas Sport Performance products. Football, 

running and basketball are our key strategic categories. However, to underline our credibility as the 

multi-sport specialist and leverage our brand strength, adidas also supports a wide range of other 

sports and sports activities such as training, outdoor, American football, rugby, tennis, baseball, 

handball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, swimming, cycling, boxing and wrestling. 

see Picture 01
see Picture 02

The adidas Originals sub-brand strives to take the brand’s unique heritage and design leadership to 

capture further potential in the sports lifestyle and fashion market. Streetwear and lifestyle sports 

fashion  represents  a  unique  opportunity  for  sporting  goods  companies.  To  be  successful  in  this 

market segment, brand credibility and heritage is an important prerequisite. These consumers are 

looking for substance and craft and are inspired by stories and designs, which we serve through the 

iconic Trefoil logo and with products such as the Stan Smith, Superstar, ZX and Samba. To ensure 

see Picture 03

sustainable success, adidas Originals has to keep up to date with and set trends as well as remain 

committed to serving consumer groups who are constantly looking for more options to express their 

individuality. 

As  part  of  our  market  segmentation  strategy  and  to  increase  our  appeal  to  a  younger,  more 

price-conscious generation of lifestyle consumers, the adidas NEO label was established to cater 

specifically to their needs. adidas NEO targets the young fashionable teen, aged between 14 and 

see Picture 04

55

19 years. These teens are ‘digital natives’ and live for now. They are ready to go, discovering their 

own way and style, and the NEO label is all about them. It is all about being open and engaged with 

this teenage consumer, enabling them to participate with the label and enjoy experiences that only 

NEO can provide, such as styling an outfit for Selena Gomez or being part of the NEO collection 

created especially for the New York Fashion Week. To ensure success, the NEO formula employs a 

‘fast fashion’ business model. This means quick reaction to emerging trends through shorter lead 

times and excellence in retail execution. 

03  / 

 adidas Originals 
2015 Superstar campaign

04  / 

 adidas NEO 
Fall/winter 2014/15 campaign

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adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Global Brands Strategy

/  02.3  /

Reebok strategic positioning

Reebok is an American-inspired global brand with a deep fitness heritage and the mission to design 

and create the best gear and experiences for the sport of fitness and for fitness athletes around the 

globe. Reebok strives to inspire people everywhere to be their absolute best – physically, mentally 

and socially. The ‘Fit Generation’ is Reebok’s inspiration and muse. These consumers live a fitness 

lifestyle  and  for  them  fitness  is  not  just  something  they  do,  it  is  who  they  are.  They  are  young, 

uninhibited, optimistic, brave and tribal, and they know that their bodies are the engine for a fulfilled 

life. Reebok connects with the Fit Generation through its ‘tough fitness’ mentality. Tough fitness is 

bigger than any diet or workout regimen, it is the gritty, ‘never back down’ attitude embodied by the 

Fit Generation consumer. 

Adding to its core mission, Reebok Classics leverages the brand’s fitness heritage and celebrates 

how the brand’s past shapes who it is and what it will become. Reebok Classics represents the roots 

of the brand in the sports lifestyle market. Understanding the multi-facets of fitness, from running 

to  yoga,  Reebok  applies  a  category-specific  approach.  The  key  categories,  called  ‘The  House  of 

Fitness’,  address  this  diversity:  Training,  Studio,  Reebok’s  newest  business  Combat  Training, 

Classics, Running and Walking.

Reebok provides specialised products for each of these categories, which allows Reebok to meet 

and engage with consumers, regardless of how they choose to stay fit. To drive commercial volumes 

for the brand, Reebok leverages its Royal and Kids offerings across its key categories. Royal offers 

56

trend-right casual footwear with optimal value for commercial distribution channels. Reebok Kids 

is  focused  on  fun  in  functionality,  driven  by  key  brand  product  innovation  takedowns  as  well  as 

innovative and style-right kids-only products.

Leadership in product innovation to excite and inspire the consumer

By  creating  inspiring  product  and  brand  experiences,  adidas  and  Reebok  strive  to  enhance  their 

positions as premium brands. This, in turn, is an important catalyst for sustaining and improving the 

brands’ gross margins, making continuous innovation an important enabler for future profitability 

improvements.  By  leveraging  the  extensive  R&D  expertise  within  the  Group,  adidas  and  Reebok 

continuously  challenge  the  boundaries  of  functionality  and  performance.  In  addition,  innovation 

plays a significant role in differentiating the adidas and Reebok product offerings in the minds of 

consumers.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Global Brands Strategy

/  02.3  /

At adidas, the brand innovates through a focus on key performance benefits. The R&D focus is on 

cushioning  and  energy  solutions,  lightweight,  body  temperature  management  and  digital  sports 

technologies as well as sustainable product innovation. This focus enables the development of clear 

performance technology platforms, such as Boost, Clima and miCoach. By serving these core benefits 

see Picture 05

through such scalable technology platforms, adidas aims to remain at the forefront of performance 

sport and further build on brand image. Additionally, at adidas, investments and research emphasis 

also include areas such as 3-D design, advanced materials and new manufacturing processes, e.g. 

machine knitting and 3-D printing. These areas offer potential to increase speed to market, bring 

new performance and design capabilities and support our position as a sustainability leader in the 

sporting goods industry.

At Reebok, the innovation focus is on fitness. The innovation and R&D priorities are on providing 

functional products in footwear and apparel that cater to evolving and new fitness activities. Areas 

of focus include specific products to meet the performance demands of Fit Generation consumers. 

Reebok  is  also  investing  in  material  development  to  support  body  temperature  control,  fit  and 

see Picture 06
see Research and Development, p. 73

durability.

05  / 

 adidas Sport Performance 
miCoach Fit Smart watch

06  / 

 Reebok  
Cardio Ultra studio shoe

57

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014 
Global Brands Strategy

/  02.3  /

Marketing and communication leadership

adidas and Reebok are focused on creating inspirational and innovative marketing capabilities that 

build brand equity and consumer advocacy. A key tenet of our marketing and communication strategy 

is to harness the emotion of sport and the benefits of a sporting lifestyle across all communication 

channels. Both adidas and Reebok regularly bring new global marketing concepts to life, which can 

be easily leveraged to create simple and powerful brand messages and support an array of product 

see Picture 07
see Picture 08

offerings. 

In addition, Global Brands also endeavours to ensure all of its brands are at the forefront of new 

communication techniques, particularly as information flow becomes faster and faster. To increase 

the pace and relevance of our brands’ communication with the consumer, digital marketing now 

acts  as  a  backbone  for  all  brand  marketing  activities.  Whether  through  social  networks,  mobile 

apps  or  digital  broadcast  mediums,  these  methods  are  providing  a  new  scope  of  consumer 

experience in real time. With consumers spending more time online, the adidas and Reebok digital 

strategies  allow  the  brands  to  move  from  campaign-based  communication  to  developing  deeper 

relationships with their respective target audience. In addition to adding significant value to all our 

communication efforts, our digital marketing and social interaction with consumers also provide the 

brands with accessible insights, learnings and measurable results, which in turn can be utilised to 

drive long-term brand equity.

To ensure our Group stays at the forefront of these developments, in 2014 both adidas and Reebok 

58

invested further in the digital space. To increase speed, bring greater consistency and drive higher 

levels  of  brand  activation  online,  adidas  established  digital  newsrooms  around  the  globe.  This 

served to better coordinate the brands’ online presence as well as leverage and magnify key brand 

initiatives throughout the year. For example, for the duration of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, adidas set 

up a newsroom in Rio de Janeiro called ‘Posto adidas’. Throughout the tournament, adidas created 

and shared content via its social media channels in real time, in highly debated moments during 

games or by giving fans exclusive insights into adidas’ player and federation partners. Reebok also 

created a global social centre at its headquarters in Canton. This centre and its team engaged with 

the Fit Generation consumer in the social world and will continue to enable Reebok to be part of the 

conversation in 2015. In addition, Reebok also opened the Reebok Production Studios, enabling the 

brand to become a constant creator of exciting and relevant content.

07  / 

 adidas  
Sport 15 brand campaign

08  / 

 Reebok 
Be More Human brand campaign

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Global Brands Strategy

/  02.3  /

Activation and validation via a relevant set of promotion partnerships

The utilisation of promotion partners such as federations, teams, leagues, events and individuals 

is an important part of validating and endorsing brand positioning, and an area to which the Group 

dedicates  significant  resources.  This  not  only  serves  as  a  vehicle  to  showcase  the  credentials  of 

adidas and Reebok products in the performance and fitness arenas, respectively, it also facilitates 

the extension of the adidas and Reebok brands in the sports-inspired lifestyle market. Both adidas 

and Reebok follow a partnership strategy geared to best reflect their respective positioning in the 

market. 

One of the guiding principles of adidas is to equip all athletes to achieve their ‘impossible’. As such, 

adidas brings its passion for great products to the biggest stages in the world, with sponsorship 

agreements for the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA EURO, the UEFA Champions League, the NBA, the 

see Picture 09

Boston  Marathon  and  the  IAAF  (International  Association  of  Athletics  Federations).  In  addition, 

adidas  has  an  extensive  roster  of  high-profile  sports  teams,  such  as  the  national  federations  of 

Germany, Spain, Argentina, Russia, Mexico, Colombia and Japan, as well as top clubs Real Madrid, 

AC  Milan,  Chelsea  FC,  FC  Bayern  Munich  and  –  starting  in  the  summer  of  2015  –  Manchester 

United  in  football,  the  New  Zealand  All  Blacks  and  France  in  rugby,  American  universities  such 

as UCLA, as well as high-profile individuals such as football stars Lionel Messi, Gareth Bale and 

James Rodriguez, basketball stars Derrick Rose, John Wall and Damian Lillard, marathon record 

holder Dennis Kimetto, American football quarterback Robert Griffin III, also known as ‘RG3’, and 

tennis  star  Caroline  Wozniacki.  In  addition,  adidas  also  has  a  number  of  strategic  partnerships 

and  collaborations  with  top  designers  and  design  studios,  such  as  with  Yohji  Yamamoto,  Stella 

McCartney, Jeremy Scott, Nigo and Porsche Design. The brand also has similar relationships with 

many of the most creative personalities from across the entertainment industry, including Kanye 

West, Pharrell Williams and Rita Ora.

To activate and validate its key concepts, Reebok is partnering with some of the most influential 

fitness  movements  and  organisations  and  accomplished  people  in  the  fitness  industry.  Reebok 

partnerships include those with the UFC, CrossFit (including the CrossFit Games), Spartan Race, 

see Picture 10

Les  Mills  and  Color  Run.  Additionally,  Reebok’s  partners  include  top  influencers  in  the  ‘tough 

fitness’  market  such  as  UFC  Champions  Jon  Jones,  Ronda  Rousey  and  Conor  McGregor  as  well 

as  CrossFit  all-stars  Rich  Froning  and  Camille  Leblanc-Bazinet.  Reebok  Classics  partners  with 

musicians, fashion leaders and artists to amplify activations and product validation in the lifestyle 

category, with ambassadors such as Kendrick Lamar and Melody Ehsani.

09  / 

 adidas 
FIFA World Cup

10  / 

 Reebok 
CrossFit Games

59

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group20144

Other Businesses Strategy   /  TaylorMade-adidas Golf Strategy

/  02.4  /

Other Businesses Strategy

Other Businesses primarily include the TaylorMade-adidas Golf and Reebok-CCM Hockey 

segments.  Each  of  these  segments  has  its  own  strategy  in  place  in  order  to  address  its 

specific target groups directly and further expand its market share. 

TaylorMade-adidas Golf Strategy

TaylorMade-adidas Golf’s mission is to be the world’s leading golf company in terms of sales and 

profitability. The company’s foundation for success and its priorities for long-term growth include:

/ 

 A  multi-brand  strategy  with  four  of  golf’s  most  respected  brands:  TaylorMade,  adidas  Golf, 

Adams Golf and Ashworth. 

 Focus on design and technologically advanced products.

 Validation  of  products  by  tour  professionals  competing  on  the  world’s  major  professional  golf 

tours. 

 A clear focus on marketing innovation and excellence in execution.

 Creation and execution of new retail initiatives as well as improving global distribution. 

/ 

/ 

/ 

/ 

Multi-brand approach levers the strength of four of golf’s most respected brands

Strategic priority  /   Multi-brand approach

60

TaylorMade-adidas  Golf  implements  a  multi-brand  strategy  with  four  well-defined  golf  brands 

under one roof:
/  TaylorMade is the market leader in the metalwood and iron categories, and is among the leaders 
in wedges, putters, balls and accessories. 
/  adidas Golf creates innovative products targeted at athletic, competitive-minded golfers seeking 
a  performance  edge  in  every  piece  of  equipment  they  choose,  including  footwear,  apparel  and 

accessories. 
/  Adams Golf adapts tour-proven technology to meet the needs of golfers seeking equipment that 
makes the game easier to play so every round is a great experience.
/  Ashworth  focuses  on  classically  rooted  products  that  deliver  style,  comfort  and  natural 
performance  to  the  golf  enthusiast,  complementing  adidas  Golf’s  athletic  high-performance 

positioning. 

Focus on design and technologically advanced products

Strategic priority  /   Design and innovation

One of TaylorMade-adidas Golf’s core objectives is to create the best performance golf products in 

the marketplace. This involves a clear and unrelenting commitment to innovation and technology. 

TaylorMade-adidas  Golf  strives  to  extend  its  industry-leading  position  by  introducing  the  most 

innovative  designs  and  technologically  advanced  products  to  the  market.  In  2014,  for  example, 

the SLDR irons and drivers were the leading products in the iron and metalwood categories, with 

see Picture 01

the latter being the number one driver on the tour for the 2013-2014 PGA Tour season. In 2014, 

the  focus,  however,  was  on  cleaning  up  retail  inventories,  especially  in  the  USA.  In  light  of  this, 

TaylorMade-adidas Golf strategically reduced the number of new product introductions compared 

see Info Box, p. 63

to previous years.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Other Businesses Strategy   /  TaylorMade-adidas Golf Strategy

/  02.4  /

/  TaylorMade: TaylorMade’s priority is to become the leader in each individual golf category. That 
means strengthening its position as the number one metalwood (drivers, fairway woods and hybrids) 

and iron brand and ascending to the top market position in wedges, putters, balls and accessories. 

From a market share perspective, the latter two categories in particular offer significant market 

share  and  growth  potential.  In  balls  for  example,  in  2014,  TaylorMade  launched  a  new  golf  ball: 

Project (a). This multi-year R&D project has resulted in a ball which has been specially engineered 

to promote more shot-stopping spin control for the average amateur.

/  adidas Golf: A key component of adidas Golf’s strategy is creating innovative products that are 
targeted to an athletic, competitive-minded golfer who is seeking a performance edge in every 

piece  of  footwear  and  apparel.  In  2014,  the  adizero  franchise  was  continued  with  the  second 

iteration with adizero One. This shoe incorporates a variety of cutting-edge technologies and is 

10% lighter than the original adizero golf shoe. adidas Golf’s strategy also includes strengthening 

its  year-round  apparel  offerings  by  adding  to  the  Clima  collection  with  ClimaChill  apparel, 

see Picture 02

engineered to regulate body temperatures with proprietary ClimaChill technology featuring small 

aluminium cooling dots.

/  Adams Golf: Adams Golf’s key strategy for growth is to adapt tour-proven technology to meet 
the  needs  of  golfers  seeking  equipment  that  makes  the  game  easier  to  play  and  thus  a  better 

experience. Additionally, Adams Golf uses its position as the number one hybrid brand on five of 

the world’s major professional golf tours, including the PGA Tour, to become the best-selling hybrid 

brand  worldwide.  Recent  product  introductions,  including  New  Idea  Tech  Hybrid  irons  that  are 

see Picture 03

61

designed  specifically  for  golfers  with  slower  swing  speeds,  are  examples  of  the  brand’s  product 

strategy to enhance the enjoyment of the game.

/  Ashworth:  Ashworth  focuses  on  re-establishing  the  brand’s  reputation  as  an  authentic  golf 
brand dedicated to bringing modern style to the golf course. Specific emphasis is put on bringing 

more consistency to Ashworth’s messaging and product. A good example of this is the Ashworth 

01  / 

 TaylorMade  
SLDR irons

02  / 

 adidas Golf  
ClimaChill golf apparel

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Other Businesses Strategy   /  TaylorMade-adidas Golf Strategy

/  02.4  /

Majors Series Apparel Collection which was the brand’s marketing focus in 2014, featuring a series 

of limited-edition golf shirts designed to commemorate the major victories of six of the company’s 

see Picture 04

Tour Staff professionals. This premium collection was a building block for more superior pieces with 

higher price points to debut from the brand in 2015.

Tour validation critical to showcasing equipment at the highest level

Strategic priority  /   Tour validation

Golfers of all levels are influenced by the equipment that the world’s best professional players play 

with  and  wear.  Hence,  TaylorMade-adidas  Golf’s  leadership  and  presence  on  the  world’s  major 

professional  golf  tours  is  imperative  to  increasing  brand  exposure  and  consumer  traction.  The 

strength of the TaylorMade-adidas Golf Tour Staff lies in the number and quality of its members, 

which  include  global  stars  such  as  2014  U.S.  Open  champion  Martin  Kaymer,  2013  U.S.  Open 

champion  Justin  Rose,  Dustin  Johnson,  Sergio  García,  Jason  Day  and  2010  U.S.  Open  champion 

Paula  Creamer.  In  addition,  dozens  more  tour  professionals  also  play  TaylorMade  metalwoods, 

helping  to  make  TaylorMade  the  number  one  driver  brand  on  the  world’s  six  major  tours  –  the 

PGA Tour, European Tour, Japan Tour, Champions Tour, Web.com Tour and LPGA Tour. The visibility 

and credibility that TaylorMade enjoys from this widespread use of its equipment is instrumental to 

brand and product awareness. 

Adams Golf likewise maintains a strong Tour Staff, having in 2014 added fan favourite Ernie Els to 

a team that already includes Robert Garrigus, Aaron Baddeley, Tom Watson and Bernhard Langer. 

62

Marketing innovation and excellence in execution

Strategic priority  /   Marketing innovation 

Innovative  and  effective  marketing  is  critical  to  TaylorMade-adidas  Golf’s  success.  Great  effort  is 

put into creating compelling messages spread widely through a variety of channels. This includes 

television,  print,  social  media,  point  of  sale,  demonstration  events  and  carefully  choreographed 

activities at professional tournaments. 

03  / 

 Adams Golf  
New Idea Tech Hybrid iron

04  / 

 Ashworth  
Majors Series apparel collection

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Other Businesses Strategy   /  TaylorMade-adidas Golf Strategy

/  02.4  /

Effective retail strategy leverages key accounts and assets

Strategic priority  /   Excellence in retail

TaylorMade-adidas Golf makes it a point to create compelling point-of-sale communications and 

displays designed to clearly educate the consumer on product benefits and advantages. Furthermore, 

there is a focus with key retail partners (key accounts) to ensure a consistent and excellent retail 

experience for the consumer. Core channels include green grass retailers, off-course golf specialty 

retailers and sporting goods retail formats with golf-specific departments. TaylorMade-adidas Golf 

also maintains a close relationship with more than 3,000 golf professionals across the USA, who 

act as brand ambassadors in their green grass golf shops, selling the products of all four brands 

and turning golfers into brand loyalists. Additionally, in emerging markets around the world, the 

company employs established adidas Group infrastructures to distribute products and drive growth. 

This  broad  global  presence  offers  significant  growth  and  leverage  opportunities  in  the  future, 

particularly for Adams Golf and Ashworth, where penetration is still low outside of the United States.

   TaylorMade-adidas Golf actively tackles the challenges in the golf market 

Management is convinced that TaylorMade-adidas Golf’s strategic approach as outlined above will 

support the company in extending its industry-leading position. The golf industry was weathering 

an extremely difficult year in 2014 and, as the biggest golf company in the world, TaylorMade-adidas 

Golf  was  severely  impacted.  We  have  therefore  taken  strategic  steps  to  stabilise  the  underper-

see Other Businesses Performance, p. 143

forming areas of our golf business. These include: 

63

/ 

 Strong  focus  on  inventory  management  in  2014.  Management  decided  to  take  a  leading  and 

responsible role for the industry clean-up of high retail inventory levels. 

/ 

 Realignment of key shipment and product launch cycles to more appropriately mirror market 

demand  patterns.  In  light  of  Management’s  efforts  to  shift  to  longer  product  launch  cycles, 

TaylorMade-adidas Golf strategically reduced the number of new product introductions compared 

to previous years.

/ 

 Implementation  of  a  restructuring  programme  to  align  the  organisation’s  overheads  to  match 

see Glossary, p. 258

future expectations in golf. This includes reducing our golf segment global workforce by 15% and 

integrating Adams Golf into TaylorMade’s offices in Carlsbad, California, to optimise efficiency 

and ensure product alignment. 

/ 

 Increased focus on direct-to-consumer business going forward.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Other Businesses Strategy   /  Reebok-CCM Hockey Strategy

/  02.4  /

Reebok-CCM Hockey Strategy

Reebok-CCM  Hockey  is  a  leading  designer  and  marketer  of  ice  hockey  equipment  and  related 

apparel  under  two  of  the  most  recognised  ice  hockey  brand  names:  Reebok  Hockey  and  CCM. 

Reebok-CCM Hockey equips more professional NHL hockey players than any other company and is 

also the official outfitter of high-profile leagues such as the NHL. Reebok-CCM Hockey’s strategy is 

to increase market share by leveraging its performance positioning and dedication to innovate for 

the leading athletes in the sport.

Focus on high-end performance

Reebok-CCM Hockey’s primary goal is to lead in the high-end performance segment of the ice hockey 

market. Reebok-CCM Hockey has therefore repositioned Reebok Hockey to focus on key categories 

where the brand has had success in the past while CCM is positioned across all segments and price 

tiers with a clear focus on performance. Strategic priorities for both brands include: 

/  Focus on innovative and technologically advanced products. 

/  Professional player validation. 

/  Focus on key categories to drive growth. 

/  Defined pricing strategy which reflects the brands’ positioning.

Product innovation key to brand positioning

Strategic priority  /   Product innovation

The  key  priority  for  Reebok-CCM  Hockey  is  to  design  and  market  innovative  and  technologically 

64

advanced products that give players the opportunity to perform at their highest levels on the ice. 

With an emphasis on continued product innovation, products incorporate proprietary and patented 

technological advances. The 2014 product launches are described in more detail below. 

Professional players to drive brand credibility 

Strategic priority  /   Professional player 

Reebok-CCM Hockey recognises that success with the consumer is heavily influenced by exposure 

validation

generated at the professional level. Product usage by some of the best players in the game validates 

Reebok-CCM Hockey’s product performance credentials, and both brands are highly visible among 

professional ice hockey leagues worldwide: 

/  Reebok-CCM Hockey has partnerships with the most important leagues in the industry. It is the 

exclusive licensee of jerseys for the National Hockey League (NHL), the American Hockey League 

see Glossary, p. 258

(AHL), the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) as well as eight European National and 60 Elite League 

teams.  Reebok-CCM  Hockey  is  also  the  official  equipment  supplier  of  the  United  States  Hockey 

League (USHL), the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) and numerous National Collegiate Athletic 

Association (NCAA) Division 1 institutions.
/  Reebok-CCM Hockey has formed endorsement partnerships with many of the best athletes in 

the world. Reebok Hockey is currently endorsed by NHL players such as Sidney Crosby, Marc-André 

Fleury and Corey Crawford. CCM’s roster of player endorsees includes John Tavares, Pavel Datsyuk, 

Matt Duchene and 2014 NHL Rookie of the Year Nathan MacKinnon.

Key strategic categories to drive growth

Strategic priority  /   Focus on key growth 

Reebok-CCM Hockey intends to accomplish growth through a continuous stream of product launches 

categories 

in its key category priorities: skates, sticks, goalie gear, protective/helmets and licensed apparel.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Other Businesses Strategy   /  Reebok-CCM Hockey Strategy

/  02.4  /

/  Skates:  The  focus  in  the  skate  category  is  to  drive  market  share  increases  through  products 
addressing critical performance aspects such as fit, weight and durability. In 2014, Reebok Hockey 

launched the new RibCor skate, currently being worn by Sidney Crosby, as well as many other pro 

players.  CCM  brought  back  the  legendary  Tacks  franchise  in  July  2014  with  the  new  CCM  Tacks 

see Picture 05

skate. It features the AttackFrame technology, designed with extra-stiff reinforcements in key areas 

of the foot, to help generate maximum acceleration on the ice.

/  Sticks: To drive future growth in the sticks category, Reebok-CCM Hockey focuses on developing 
new technologies that incorporate enhanced power, feel, flexibility and weight. While 2014 was used 

to reposition Reebok Hockey in the sticks category, CCM launched three sticks in the second half of 

2014, all focused on innovations and technologies to help players achieve their best performance 

on the ice: the Tacks stick, the RBZ SuperFast – developed in collaboration with TaylorMade – and 

see Picture 06

the CCM RibCor stick.

/  Goalie: In 2014, with the introduction of the Premier XLT line, Reebok Hockey further strengthened 
its position in the goalie sector. CCM introduced the new Retro Flex goalie line, which offers goalies 

unique colour options for their new gear. 

/  Protective:  In  2014,  CCM  launched  the  new  RBZ  protective  line,  which  features  even  lighter-
weight equipment while maintaining maximum protection. 

/  Licensed apparel: Reebok-CCM Hockey will strive to further leverage its league partnerships 
and exclusive uniform status to drive growth. In addition to official uniforms, Reebok-CCM Hockey 

will  take  advantage  of  its  status  as  the  official  NHL  locker  room  performance  apparel  supplier 

and its exclusive rights related to the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) for name and numbered 

apparel and headwear. 

More  information  on  these  and  other  products  can  be  found  in  the  Research  and  Development 

section.

Pricing strategy mirrors product positioning 

Reebok-CCM Hockey’s pricing strategy is consistent with its high-performance positioning in the 

sport. Through a commitment to product innovation, Reebok-CCM Hockey’s pricing strategy is to 

focus on the premium price segments but also to have a strong presence in all key price tiers. 

05  / 

 CCM  
Tacks skate

06  / 

 CCM  
RibCor sticks

65

see Research and Development, p. 73

Strategic priority  /   Pricing 

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group20145

Global Operations

/  02.5  /

Global Operations

Global  Operations  manages  the  development,  production  planning,  sourcing  and 

distribution of the majority of our products. The function continually strives to increase 

efficiency throughout the Group’s supply chain and ensure the highest standards in product 

quality and delivery performance for our customers and our own-retail and eCommerce 

activities at competitive costs. 

Clearly defined priorities for Global Operations 

The vision of Global Operations is to be closest to every consumer. The function strives to provide the 

right product to consumers – in the right size, colour and style, in the right place, at the right time, 

across  the  entire  range  of  the  Group’s  channels  and  brands.  Global  Operations  has  successfully 

taken  ownership  for  quality,  cost  and  availability  in  the  past  years  to  be  able  to  respond  most 

efficiently to the fast-changing requirements of consumers and customers.

Global  Operations  has  a  strong  track  record  for  establishing  state-of-the-art  infrastructure, 

processes  and  systems.  The  function  has  been  successfully  consolidating  and  improving  legacy 

structures, reducing complexity and cost for the Group in close collaboration with our IT function. 

Against  this  background,  the  Group  took  the  strategic  decision  in  2014  to  consolidate  the  IT  and 

supply chain functions in one area of responsibility within Global Operations. 

Global Operations focuses on delivering against five function-specific strategic priorities driven by 

several key initiatives: 

/ 

/ 

/ 

/ 

/ 

 Ensuring cost competitiveness and reducing product and supply chain costs.

 Providing  industry-leading  availability  and  enhancing  existing  logistics  services  to  create  a 

flexible and cost-efficient supply chain.

 Enabling later ordering, i.e. closer to the point of sale.

 Supporting the Group’s growth projects.

 Modernising infrastructure by building the necessary operational backbone.

66

By delivering on these initiatives, Global Operations will ensure our Group’s supply chain remains a 

competitive advantage in making us the partner of choice for our consumers and customers alike. 

This continues to be underlined by our strong ‘On-Time In-Full’ (OTIF) metric, a non-financial KPI 

see Internal Group Management System, p. 98

for our Group, measuring the adidas Group’s delivery performance towards our customers and our 

own-retail stores. In 2014, the adidas Group delivered 81% of its adidas and Reebok products ‘on 

time’ and ‘in full’ compared to 82% in the prior year. For 2015, Global Operations strives to maintain 

OTIF at a very strong level of around 80%. OTIF was measured for around 70% of all adidas and 

Reebok products in 2014. It is also planned to roll out OTIF to those markets that are currently not 

in scope, thereby increasing the overall share of adidas and Reebok products measured against ‘on 

time’ and ‘in full’. 

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Global Operations

/  02.5  /

Ensuring cost competitiveness

Strategic priority  /   Cost competitiveness 

Global  Operations  focuses  on  further  optimising  product  creation  through  an  efficient  and 

simplified  material  and  colour  selection  process.  This,  coupled  with  increased  automation  in 

manufacturing, will further enhance productivity, shorten lead times and improve overall quality. 

These improvements are expected to enhance profitability for the Group and ensure we provide our 

consumers with the best value proposition possible. 

In  the  area  of  manufacturing  excellence  for  footwear,  automation  represents  the  key  driver  for 

efficiencies. As part of this optimisation initiative, we support the implementation of state-of-the-art 

machinery  and  solutions,  such  as  computer  stitching,  high-frequency  cutting  and  automated 

production lines across factories, and we provide technical competency training to factory floor staff. 

The resulting improvements in the factories are both visible and tangible. With less manual labour 

required,  manufacturers  were  able  to  reduce  operating  space  and  energy  while  increasing  their 

right-first-time rate and optimising their operator utilisation. For apparel, our goal is to use the 

manufacturing excellence initiative to roll out modular production lines. In addition, we introduced 

Global  Sewing  Data  (GSD)  –  a  globally  recognised,  industry-leading  pre-determined  motion  time 

system. It is an accurate and consistent way to measure the standard production time or Standard 

Minute Value (SMV) of a product. 

Global Operations aims to further strengthen the Group’s overall price competitiveness. Therefore, 

in 2014, the function developed a new approach to material costing with increases in transparency 

on fabric cost structure. This new approach delivers valuable insights which are used in seasonal 

negotiations  with  our  suppliers  and  allocation  decisions.  At  the  same  time,  it  helps  us  further 

optimise level-loading within our factories. 

01  /  Global Operations in go-to-market process

Global Operations

Marketing

Design

Product 
Development

Sourcing

Supply Chain 
Management

Sales Subsidiaries

Briefing

Concept

Product creation

Manufacturing

Distribution

Sales

Centre of Excellence

Processes and infrastructure of the future

67

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Global Operations

/  02.5  /

Providing industry-leading availability

Strategic priority  /   Product availability 

Over the past years, Global Operations has built new supporting system solutions that use SAP as 

a basis to standardise, automate, bundle and execute market processes and system functionalities. 

The  roll-out  of  these  systems  and  processes  is  a  prerequisite  to  enable  enhanced  value-added 

services (e.g. labelling, price tags and RFID tags) at our factories and distribution centres. These 

are also critical for our flexible make-to-stock service, which aims to improve product availability 

and inventory utilisation by planning and building inventory buffers at different locations further up 

the supply chain. 

Other capabilities that the function has built include an increased level of transparency on inbound 

transportation in our supply chain. This allows for timely and accurate instructions on delivery times, 

planning and purchasing, resulting in a reduction of workload and increased customer satisfaction. 

Another important aspect is the introduction of the capability to transfer inventory between locations 

in a more automated manner. 

Enabling later ordering

Enabling later ordering is a cross-functional priority in Global Operations focused on allowing our 

customers and own-retail network to order products closer to the time of sale, thereby facilitating 

buying decisions that are based on better market knowledge.

The  initiative  for  reducing  standard  lead  times  focuses  on  shortening  production  lead  times  on 

68

footwear and apparel to 60 days. This will allow us to align sales processes across the brands and 

improve efficiencies. The majority of adidas footwear and apparel is already on 60 days. 

Strategic priority  /   Later ordering 

In 2014, Global Operations launched the strategic initiative ‘Digital Creation’. One main objective 

of this initiative is to increase the speed and efficiency of product creation by using digital instead 

of physical product samples (virtualisation technology). The initiative was successfully introduced 

see Glossary, p. 258

for footwear in 2014 and will be rolled out for apparel in 2015, thereby significantly reducing the 

production of physical product samples in the creation process. 

see Sustainability, p. 89

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Global Operations

/  02.5  /

Supporting the Group’s growth initiatives

Strategic priority  /   Support growth initiatives 

Global Operations supports the Group’s key growth projects. Over the past years, our focus has been 

on the following projects:

/  adidas NEO label: Global Operations contributes to establish a fast in-season creation process 
for the adidas NEO label. This includes expanding the company’s fashion source base and enabling 

articles on creation-to-shelf timelines of three months and less for all product divisions. In 2014, 

the function developed 2.4 million units based on this newly established process, representing a 

see Global Brands Strategy, p. 53

significant increase compared to the prior year (2013: 1.5 million units).

/  eCommerce  and  customisation:  Global  Operations  provides  support  in  further  harmonising 
customisation processes and systems. It has clearly defined supply chain capabilities that enable 

the demand growth for the customisation business and have supported the evaluation of existing 

see Global Brands Strategy, p. 53

customisation processes for adidas and Reebok footwear. 

Modernising the Group’s infrastructure 

Strategic priority  /   Modernise infrastructure 

Global Operations continues to focus on building the required infrastructure, processes and systems 

to  support  the  Group’s  growth  plans.  This  includes  further  process  simplification,  consolidation 

of legacy systems and distribution structures, as well as the creation of state-of-the-art systems 

required to support new business demands. 

In  2014,  Global  Operations  focused  on  further  stabilising  and  optimising  processes  in  those 

distribution centres which were opened in the previous year, particularly the Central Distribution 

Centre near Osnabrueck in Germany. Also, 2014 saw the go-live of important distribution facilities 

such as the newly opened distribution centre in Tianjin, China. 

The  vast  majority  of  our  facilities  operate  a  standardised  warehouse  management  system  which 

continues to be rolled out to all new and existing warehouses in the operations network.

69

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Global Operations

/  02.5  /

Majority of production through independent suppliers

To  minimise  production  costs,  we  outsource  almost  100%  of  production  to  independent  third-

party  suppliers,  primarily  located  in  Asia.  While  we  provide  them  with  detailed  specifications  for 

production and delivery, these suppliers possess excellent expertise in cost-efficient, high-volume 

production of footwear, apparel and hardware. The latest list of our suppliers can be found on our 

www.adidas-group.com/sustainability

website. 

The adidas Group also operates a limited number of own production and assembly sites in the USA 

(4), Canada (3) and Germany (1). In order to ensure the high quality that consumers expect from 

our products, we enforce strict control and inspection procedures at our suppliers and in our own 

factories. In addition, we promote adherence to social and environmental standards throughout our 

see Sustainability, p. 89

supply chain. 

Global Operations manages product development, sourcing and distribution for adidas and Reebok 

as well as for adidas Golf and Ashworth. Due to the specific sourcing requirements in their respective 

fields of business, TaylorMade, Reebok-CCM Hockey, Adams Golf and the Sports Licensed Division 

are not serviced through Global Operations, but instead utilise their own purchasing organisations. 

In order to quickly seize short-term opportunities in their local market or react to trade regulations, 

Group  subsidiaries  may  also  source  from  selected  local  suppliers  outside  the  realm  of  Global 

Operations. Local purchases, however, account only for a minor portion of the Group’s total sourcing 

volume.

70

Number of manufacturing partners increases

In 2014, Global Operations worked with 340 independent manufacturing partners (2013: 322). Of 

our independent manufacturing partners, 83% were located in Asia, 9% in the Americas and 7% in 

Europe. Less than 1% of our manufacturing partners were located in Africa. 27% of all suppliers 

see Diagram 02

were located in China. 

Vietnam share of footwear production increases

96% of our total 2014 footwear volume for adidas, Reebok and adidas Golf was produced in Asia 

(2013: 96%). Production in Europe and the Americas combined accounted for 4% of the sourcing 

volume (2013: 4%). Vietnam represents our largest sourcing country with 39% of the total volume 

see Diagram 03

(2013: 35%), followed by China with 27% (2013: 31%) and Indonesia with 23% (2013: 24%). In 2014, 

our  footwear  suppliers  produced  approximately  258  million  pairs  of  shoes  (2013:  256  million 

pairs). Our largest footwear factory produced approximately 11% of the footwear sourcing volume 

see Diagram 04

(2013: 11%). 

02  /  Suppliers by region 1)

 3 4

 2

2014

 1

1 /  83%  Asia
2 / 
3 / 
4 /  < 1%  Africa

9%  Americas
7%  Europe

1)  Figures include adidas, Reebok, adidas Golf and Ashworth, but exclude local sourcing 

partners, sourcing agents, subcontractors, second-tier suppliers and licensee factories.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Global Operations

/  02.5  /

China remains largest source country for apparel

In 2014, we sourced 93% of the total apparel volume for adidas, Reebok, adidas Golf and Ashworth 

from Asia (2013: 92%). Europe remained the second-largest apparel sourcing region, representing 

5%  of  the  volume  (2013:  5%).  The  Americas  accounted  for  2%  of  the  volume  (2013:  3%).  China 

see Diagram 05

is the largest source country, representing 31% of the produced volume (2013: 32%), followed by 

Cambodia with 16% (2013: 12%) and Vietnam with 13% (2013: 12%). In total, our suppliers produced 

approximately  309  million  units  of  apparel  in  2014  (2013:  292  million  units).  The  largest  apparel 

see Diagram 06

factory produced approximately 11% of this apparel volume in 2014 (2013: 11%). 

In addition, Reebok-CCM Hockey sourced around 3 million units of apparel in 2014. The majority 

of this volume was also produced in Asia, while small portions were sourced from the Americas 

(particularly Canada) and Europe. 

The Sports Licensed Division sourced approximately 20 million units of apparel and 12 million units 

of  headwear  (2013:  21  million  and  11  million,  respectively).  The  majority  of  purchased  apparel 

products were sourced as unfinished goods from Latin America (71%) and Asia (29%) (2013: 70% 

and 30%, respectively), and were subsequently finished in our own facilities in the USA. The vast 

majority of headwear sourced was finished products manufactured in Asia (more than 99%). 

03  /  Footwear production by region 1)

04  /  Footwear production 1)  (in million pairs)

71

 2 3

2014

 1

1 / 
2 / 
3 / 

96%  Asia
3%  Americas
1%  Europe

2014

2013

2012

2011

1) Figures include adidas, Reebok and adidas Golf.

1) Figures include adidas, Reebok and adidas Golf.

05  /  Apparel production by region 1)

06  /  Apparel production 1) 2)  (in million units)

 2  3

2014

 1

1 /  93%  Asia
2 / 
3 / 

5%  Europe
2%  Americas

2014

2013

2012

2011

258

256

240

239

309

292

262

267

1) Figures include adidas, Reebok, adidas Golf and Ashworth.

1) Figures include adidas, Reebok, adidas Golf and Ashworth.
2)  2011–2013 restated due to a reclassification of certain apparel accessories from 

apparel to hardware. 

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Global Operations

/  02.5  /

6

China share of hardware production declines 

In  2014,  78%  of  adidas  and  Reebok  branded  hardware  products,  such  as  balls  and  bags,  was 

produced in Asia (2013: 79%). European countries accounted for 22% (2013: 21%). China remained 

see Diagram 07

our  largest  source  country,  accounting  for  38%  of  the  sourced  volume  (2013:  42%),  followed  by 

Turkey and Pakistan with 20% and 13%, respectively (2013: 19% and 10%, respectively). The total 

hardware  sourcing  volume  was  approximately  99  million  units  (2013:  94  million  units),  with  the 

see Diagram 08

largest factory accounting for 11% of production. 

TaylorMade  sourced  99%  of  their  hardware  volumes  from  Asia  (2013:  99%).  The  vast  majority  of 

golf  club  components  were  manufactured  by  suppliers  in  Asia  (China,  Vietnam  and  Taiwan)  and 

assembled in Asia, the USA and Europe. 

Reebok-CCM Hockey sourced 87% of their hardware volumes from Asia (2013: 86%). In addition, 

Reebok-CCM Hockey sourced a portion of hardware products in the Americas.

07  /  Hardware production by region 1)

08  /  Hardware production 1) 2)  (in million units)

72

 2

2014

 1

1 /  78%  Asia
2 /  22%  Europe

2014

2013

2012

2011

99

94

93

96

1) Figures include adidas, Reebok and adidas Golf.

1) Figures include adidas, Reebok and adidas Golf.
2)  2011–2013 restated due to a reclassification of certain apparel accessories from 

apparel to hardware. 

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group20146

Research and Development

/  02.6  /

Research and Development

Creating innovative products to meet the needs of professional and everyday athletes and 

consumers is a prerequisite to strengthening our market position in the sporting goods 

industry. In a rapidly changing world, our culture and passion for innovation and consistent 

investment  in  research  and  development  (R&D)  is  essential  to  the  development  of  new 

product concepts, processes and production methods that are beneficial to our business 

objectives and our long-term sustainability ambitions. 

R&D an integral part of the product and user experience creation process

R&D  within  the  adidas  Group  follows  a  decentralised  approach.  In  line  with  their  strategic  and 

long-term  visions  and  distinctive  positioning,  each  brand  runs  its  own  R&D  activities.  However, 

fundamental research as well as expertise and competencies in sustainable product creation are 

shared across the Group. 

For the adidas brand, R&D is closely integrated with the sourcing, design and product marketing 

functions.  At  the  beginning  of  the  product  creation  process,  marketing  defines  a  development 

priority, which, in recent years, has increasingly included sustainability targets. This is derived on a 

case-by-case basis from a combination of consumer research and feedback, competition analysis 

and own product testing.

Based  on  this,  employees  in  our  so-called  FUTURE  teams  analyse  new  materials,  production 

processes  and  scientific  research  to  increase  the  exchange  and  scope  of  idea  generation.  Their 

scope  also  extends  to  areas  such  as  consumer  insights  and  social  media.  This  helps  promote  a 

holistic and innovation-focused culture which gives deeper consumer insights, while also fuelling 

creativity and synergies across the organisation. To identify innovative materials as well as integrate 

sustainability, cost and production process aspects into the development phase, the FUTURE teams 

are in close contact with our sourcing and material teams within product development who, in turn, 

work closely with our suppliers. 

Once  conceptualised,  new  product  technologies  are  engineered  using  state-of-the-art  systems. 

Furthermore,  by  embracing  entirely  new  production  technology  and  material  approaches, 

product creation and development can be decoupled from traditional processes. Extensive virtual 

prototype testing and engineering loops are carried out on every technology, which promotes faster 

development  phases  as  well  as  improved  concept  and  quality,  while  simultaneously  reducing 

physical  material  and  resource  requirements.  Once  a  new  product  technology  is  deemed  viable, 

it is produced as a physical sample. These samples are then comprehensively tested by a broad 

range of users, including top athletes. Only when these comprehensive tests have been successful 

are the technologies handed over to product marketing, which commercialises the technology to a 

final product. 

73

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Research and Development

/  02.6  /

01  /  Major R&D activities and locations

Main activities

Major locations

The adidas FUTURE team is divided into groups that focus on performance footwear, 
apparel and hardware innovation, within which there are individual product 
focus categories. The teams are closely integrated with associated functions and 
resources to increase efficiencies and flexibility in all aspects of innovation and 
technology development.

Dedicated innovation development centres in Asia, working closely with these 
teams, concentrate on the realisation of concepts through functional product 
develop ment as part of the creation process. These centres are important in 
terms of develop ment efficiencies, as product and technology development 
takes place in real production environments.

R&D teams at Reebok create footwear, apparel and hardware with the primary 
emphasis being on fitness. Teams are structured along the brand’s category 
priorities. In addition, there are certain cross-category groups such as the Reebok 
Advanced Concepts (RAC) team, which ensures specific concepts can be taken right 
through from initial idea to production.

Collaboration partners at Advanced Development Centres in China and Vietnam 
focus on new technology developments, cutting-edge materials and treatments 
as well as manufacturing solutions.

Global Development 
Centre
(FUTURE)

Herzogenaurach, 
Germany

Global Development 
Centre
(FUTURE)

Portland/
Oregon, USA

Product Creation 
Centre

Product Creation 
Centre

Shanghai, China

Tokyo, Japan

Global Development 
and Testing Centre

Canton/ 
Massachusetts,  
USA

Advanced Develop- 
ment Centre

Fuzhou, China

Development and 
Testing Centre

Ho Chi Minh,  
Vietnam

adidas

Reebok

74

TaylorMade-adidas Golf

TaylorMade-adidas Golf’s R&D team is focused on continuously designing and 
 developing industry-leading products. The team is structured according to the 
different product categories in golf.

Global Development 
and Testing Centre

Carlsbad/ 
California,  
USA

Reebok-CCM Hockey

The R&D team at Reebok-CCM Hockey is dedicated to continuously creating state-
of-the-art ice hockey equipment designed to improve the experience for both profes-
sional and recreational players. R&D teams are category-specific, combining the 
design, engineering and product management functions. The goal of this structure 
is to create category expertise and improve speed to market.

Development and 
Testing Centre

Montreal/
Quebec, Canada

Selective purchase of external R&D expertise

In addition to its internal R&D efforts, the adidas Group also purchases a limited amount of R&D 

expertise from well-established research partners. This strategy allows for greater flexibility and 

faster  access  to  know-how.  Moreover,  this  accelerates  the  rate  at  which  knowledge  is  built  up 

internally and across the Group. To increase efficiency and protect research results, collaborations 

are  usually  long-term  and  exclusive.  Major  adidas  relationships  exist  with  the  University  of 

Calgary,  Canada,  the  University  of  Michigan  and  Oregon  State  University,  USA,  the  University  of 

Loughborough, UK, the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, RWTH Aachen University, the University 

of Bayreuth and the University of Freiburg, Germany.

In addition, the adidas Group participates in a collaborative initiative called ‘Speedfactory’, which 

is a research project under the umbrella of the Industry 4.0 initiative of the German government. 

It  focuses  on  a  new  era  of  autonomic  robotic  manufacturing  by  combining  state-of-the-art 

information and communication technologies (ICT) with industrial production, innovative products 

and skill-intensive electronic services. Research topics include production logistics, cognitive basic 
technologies, human-machine interaction and 3-D industrial applications. Within Speedfactory, the 
adidas Group is reviewing the whole process chain from raw material to the final product. Since 
2014,  we  are  combining  and  integrating  new  materials  and  process  technologies  into  software 
solutions to enable automated and flexible production solutions. More information on Speedfactory 
can be found on our website. 

www.adidas-group.com/en/group/stories/
adidas-future-manufacturing

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Research and Development

/  02.6  /

In 2014, Reebok maintained its long-term biomechanics research relationships with Arizona State 

University and the University of Las Vegas. R&D of Reebok hard goods equipment in partnership 

with  Loughborough  University  also  continued  in  2014.  In  addition,  Reebok  continued  a  research 

initiative on wearable electronics with the University of Ottawa. 

TaylorMade-adidas Golf continued its long-term cooperation with researchers at the University of 

Calgary in 2014, identifying the players’ ground interaction style and functional requirements for 

footwear. 

Active trademark and patent protection policy

To  capitalise  on  the  Group’s  R&D  achievements,  we  seek  patent  protection  for  our  innovations. 

We also own a substantial portfolio of registered trademarks for the Group’s brands and related 

proprietary names. As part of our business policy, we enforce the Group’s trademarks and patents 

see Risk and Opportunity Report, p. 154

by monitoring the marketplace for infringements and taking action to prevent them. This includes 

a vigorous anti-counterfeiting programme. We also have comprehensive processes, and undertake 

significant  research,  to  avoid  infringement  of  third-party  intellectual  property  rights.  As  we  use 

a  wide  range  of  different  technologies  in  our  products,  we  are  not  dependent  upon  any  single 

technology, or any patent rights related to any single technology.

Highly skilled technical personnel

Our  R&D  departments  comprise  experienced  and  multi-skilled  people  from  different  areas  of 

technical  expertise  and  from  diverse  cultural  backgrounds.  Product  designers,  engineers  and 

sports scientists as well as material engineering experts focus on product development. Process 

and production specialists also form an essential part of our product development competencies. 

Other  professional  backgrounds  include  software  development,  electronic  engineering,  Finite 

Element Analysis, advanced CAD design and kinesiology. 

The  number  of  people  employed  in  the  Group’s  R&D  activities  at  December  31,  2014,  was  985, 

compared to 992 employees in the prior year. This represents 2% of total Group employees. In 2015, 

we expect the number of R&D employees to remain stable.

Initiatives to further streamline product creation process

We aim at improving our ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences more quickly, flexibly and 

efficiently. We achieve this by facilitating the direct interaction with and involvement of our suppliers 

in product creation, quality control, product testing and commercialisation. In 2014, we continued to 

enhance our computer simulation research platform to further reduce the time to market of product 

innovations.  This  software  system,  with  its  advanced  material  and  design  capabilities,  allows  for 

more creativity in the design phase and significantly improves the level of product detailing. While 

increasing  speed  and  reducing  the  need  for  physical  product  samples  and  testing  in  the  R&D 

process, the benefits also translate into other Group commercial and efficiency initiatives. Advanced 

3-D models contributed to the Group’s cross-functional virtualisation project, where between 2010, 

see Global Operations, p. 66

when  this  project  began,  and  year-end  2014  we  reduced  the  number  of  manufactured  physical 

samples by over 18%. An additional benefit of creating virtual assets is their application in other 

areas, such as e-commerce, computer games, virtual merchandising and digital communication. 

75

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Research and Development

/  02.6  /

R&D expenses at prior year level

R&D  expenses  include  expenses  for  personnel  and  administration,  but  exclude  other  costs,  for 

example  those  associated  with  the  design  aspect  of  the  product  creation  process.  In  2014,  as  in 

see Note 02, p. 197

prior years, all R&D costs were expensed as incurred. adidas Group R&D expenses from continuing 

operations increased 2% to € 126 million from € 124 million in the prior year. Personnel expenses 

represent the largest portion of R&D expenses, accounting for almost 75% of total R&D expenditure. 

In 2014, R&D expenses represented 2.0% of other operating expenses (2013: 2.0%). R&D expenses 

see Table 02

as a percentage of sales from continuing operations remained stable at 0.9% (2013: 0.9%). 

Successful commercialisation of technological innovations

We  believe  developing  industry-leading  technologies  and  user  experiences  is  only  one  aspect  of 

being  an  innovation  leader.  Even  more  important  is  the  successful  commercialisation  of  those 

technological  innovations.  The  awards  we  attained  in  2014  highlight  our  technology  leadership 

see Table 04

within the sporting goods industry. 

As in prior years, the majority of adidas Group sales were generated with products newly introduced 

in  the  course  of  2014.  New  products  tend  to  have  a  higher  gross  margin  compared  to  products 

which have been in the market for more than one season. As a result, newly launched products 

contributed over-proportionately to the Group’s net income in 2014. We expect this development to 

see Subsequent Events and Outlook, p. 146

continue in 2015 as our launch schedule includes a full pipeline of innovative products. 

76

02  /  Key R&D metrics 1) 2)

R&D expenses  
(€ in millions)

R&D expenses  
(in % of net sales)

R&D expenses  
(in % of other operating expenses)

R&D employees

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

126

0.9

2.0

985

124

0.9

2.0

992

128

115

102

0.9

2.1

0.9

2.1

0.8

2.0

1,035

1,029

1,002

1) 2014 and 2013 reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the Rockport business.
2) 2011 restated according to IAS 8. Prior years are not restated.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Research and Development

/  02.6  /

Successful product launches across all major adidas categories

In  2014,  adidas  sales  were  again  driven  by  the  latest  product  offerings,  with  products  launched 

during the course of the year accounting for 78% of brand sales (2013: 74%). Only 2% of sales were 

generated with products introduced three or more years ago (2013: 3%). 

03  /  Major product launches in 2014 

Product

adizero f50 Crazylight football boot

Football World Cup Battle Pack 

Brazuca Final Rio – Official Match Ball for the World Cup Final

miCoach Smart Ball football

Predator Instinct football boot 

Messi icon football range

New 11 Pro football boot

Energy Boost 2.0 running shoe

Pure Boost running shoe 

adizero Boston Boost running shoe

ClimaHeat Rocket Boost running shoe

Crazylight Boost basketball shoe

John Wall basketball shoe

D Rose 5 basketball shoe

ClimaChill training apparel

ClimaHeat training collection

ClimaCool Boat Breeze outdoor shoe

Terrex ClimaHeat outdoor apparel

Originals Stan Smith shoe

Originals ZX Flux shoe

Originals by Topshop collection

Originals and The Farm collection

Originals #miZXFLUX photo app

Pharrell Williams x adidas Originals collection

adidas Originals by Rita Ora collection

ZQuick running shoe 

Z-Jet running shoe

All Terrain running shoe

CrossFit Nano 4.0 training shoe

Skyscape women's walking shoe

Les Mills studio collection

Dance and yoga collection

Cardio Ultra studio shoe

Reebok Pump limited anniversary editions 

Project (a) golf balls

Tour Preferred wedges

Ultimate driving iron UDI

RSi irons

adizero One golf shoe

XTD iron set

Pro Series hybrids 

RibCor skate

Goalie XLT equipment 

Resistance helmet

Tacks skate and stick

CCM RBZ SuperFast stick powered by TaylorMade

Brand

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

Reebok

Reebok

Reebok

Reebok

Reebok

Reebok

Reebok

Reebok 

Reebok

TaylorMade

TaylorMade

TaylorMade

TaylorMade

adidas Golf 

Adams Golf

Adams Golf

Reebok Hockey 

Reebok Hockey 

CCM

CCM

CCM

77

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Research and Development

/  02.6  /

The adidas brand introduced numerous major product innovations in 2014. These included:

/ 

 Back in 2013, adidas launched its groundbreaking material innovation called Boost, in partnership 

with BASF. Boost is an industry-first cushioning technology designed to deliver maximum energy 

return, responsiveness and comfort to athletes. Following its successful launch in the running 

category over the course of 2013, Boost was integrated into additional running silhouettes as 

well as other sports categories in 2014. For example, adidas introduced Boost to the basketball 

category with the new Crazylight Boost and D Rose 5 Boost signature basketball shoe. Boost 

basketball technology underwent comprehensive testing for over a year with top NCAA and NBA 

players.  All  athletes  participated  through  high-performance  drills  and  game  simulations  and 

gave universally positive feedback, consistently preferring the Boost version of a shoe compared 

to a standard EVA alternative. Boost was also integrated into other categories, such as training, 

snowboarding and baseball. 

/ 

 In 2014, adidas launched a revolution in active cooling technology, the adidas ClimaChill apparel 

range. The range incorporates an innovative fabric using titanium and 3-D aluminium cooling 

spheres, which are strategically located to correspond with the warmest area of the body, cooling 

skin down upon contact. The groundbreaking SubZero flat yarn contains titanium and is woven 

throughout the inside of each ClimaChill jersey, delivering up to 36% more cooling capacity. 

/ 

 In addition, in the second half of 2014, adidas introduced the ClimaHeat range, which has been 

engineered for athletes who require power insulation for training in cold weather. The hollow-

fibre  fabrics  are  engineered  with  yarns  that  are  built  to  have  a  hollow  core,  allowing  higher 

amounts of warm air to be trapped, which ensures greater insulation without adding additional 

78

weight. The fibres provide advanced moisture control by wicking sweat away from the body and 

transporting it to the outer surface of the fabric.

/ 

 The introduction of the world’s first knitted football boot, the adidas Samba Primeknit, as well 

as  the  adidas  Primeknit  FS,  the  world’s  first  all-in-one  knitted  football  boot  and  sock  hybrid, 

marked the latest chapter in a rich history of revolutionary adidas football products and further 

cemented  Primeknit  as  one  of  the  key  technologies  at  the  heart  of  adidas  innovation.  The 

unique ‘sock silhouette’ design provides a bespoke second-skin feel that offers the perfect fit 

from toe to calf. The one-piece design and strong light yarns of the Primeknit FS provide new 

levels of flexibility and comfort with stability and strength equal to that of conventional boots. The 

advanced production techniques used to make Primeknit also allow for the one-layer upper to be 

constructed with zones catering to various performance needs, ensuring that both football boots 

meet the requirements of all aspects of the game.

/ 

 The adidas miCoach Smart Ball is a Bluetooth Smart and app-enabled football with integrated 

in-built sensors that track the ball’s movement for football kicking training through an automated 

coaching system. The Smart Ball relays data on how hard the ball has been struck, offers visual 

flight trajectories, depicts ball spin and shows impact points via the adidas miCoach Smart Ball 

app. This data can then be used to help train players, providing coaching instructions on how to 

alter kicking technique. 

/ 

 The #miZXFLUX app from adidas Originals has taken sneaker customisation to the next level, 

with a bespoke personal touch. Using the app on an iOS or Android phone, users can upload new 

images or photographs and apply them to the ZX Flux’s upper. Once the design is selected, a 360° 

3-D preview allows users to rotate, scale and position their design until it is just right, with the 

ability to then save and share their designs on social networks and more.

More information on these and other products can be found in the Global Brands Strategy section.

see Global Brands Strategy, p. 53

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Research and Development

/  02.6  /

Reebok introduces new technology platforms

In  2014,  Reebok’s  latest  products  continued  to  generate  the  majority  of  Reebok’s  sales,  with  an 

estimated 73% of footwear sales coming from products launched in 2014 (2013: 59%). Only 15% of 

footwear product sales relate to products introduced three or more years ago (2013: 12%). 

In 2014, Reebok presented several key product introductions. Some of the highlights included:

/ 

 The Reebok ZQuick was brought to market in 2014 and was designed to mimic technology found 

in  Z-rated  tyres.  ZQuick  is  engineered  with  a  softer  compound  and  cut-groove  geometry  to 

maximise ground contact area. The ZSeries of footwear will continue in 2015, especially with the 

highly anticipated launch of the ZPump Fusion. 

/ 

 In  training,  Reebok  continued  to  expand  its  CrossFit  Nano  technology  platform  with  a  new 

version, the 4.0. The shoe contains an all-new based mesh for enhanced breathability as well as 

re-engineered multi-density Duracage for lightweight upper protection. 

/ 

 Reebok also introduced Checklight, a groundbreaking impact indicator for use in contact sports 

and  activities.  It  has  flexible  electronics  and  motion  sensors  to  accurately  measure  direct 

accelerations in real time and provide actionable objective measurement of impact force. 

More information on these and other products can be found in the Global Brands Strategy section.

see Global Brands Strategy, p. 53

Innovation a key success factor for TaylorMade-adidas Golf

At TaylorMade-adidas Golf, current products (i.e. products launched in the last 18 months, which is 

the typical product life cycle in golf) represented 66% of total hardware sales in 2014 (2013: 81%). 

Products that had been brought to market three or more years ago accounted for 7% of sales in 

2014 (2013: 5%). 

Despite a challenging market environment in the golf industry, TaylorMade-adidas Golf retained its 

status as the world’s leading golf company in 2014, with market leadership in key categories such as 

metalwoods. However, in light of the Group’s efforts to clean retail inventories and the shift to longer 

product launch cycles, TaylorMade-adidas Golf made a strategic decision to reduce the number of 

new product introductions compared to previous years. Among the highlight product launches in 

2014 were:

/ 

 Supplementing the SLDR driver introduced in the summer of 2013, in 2014 TaylorMade added 

SLDR-S  woods  and  the  SLDR  irons.  With  extremely  low  and  forward  weight  distribution,  the 

SLDR–S woods are able to deliver less spin and a higher launch angle when lofted up, producing 

significant distance gain for all players. The SLDR irons are designed for better players using the 

new sole slot technology. 

/ 

 Launched at the end of 2014, the RSi1 and RSi2 irons feature new face slots in addition to sole 

slots and are filled with a soft polymer, resulting in more distance consistency, while keeping 

the noticeably higher trajectory with a steeper angle of descent for soft landing of a slotted iron.

More information on these and other products can be found in the TaylorMade-adidas Golf Strategy 

section.

see TaylorMade-adidas Golf Strategy, p. 60

79

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Research and Development

/  02.6  /

Reebok-CCM Hockey innovates in sticks and skates

At Reebok-CCM Hockey, products launched in 2014 accounted for 60% of global sales (2013: 53%). 

Only 16% of sales were generated with products introduced three or more years ago (2013: 11%).

Reebok-CCM Hockey product launches in 2014 included:

/ 

 2014 marked the return of the legendary Tacks sub-brand to CCM skates and sticks. The Tacks 

skate is powered by an AttackFrame featuring extra-stiff composite reinforcements to provide 

more explosive strides. 

/ 

 CCM launched the CCM RBZ SuperFast stick powered by TaylorMade. The RBZ stick worked on 

in conjunction with TaylorMade features Speed Pocket technology to maximise puck speed. In 

addition, CCM introduced the RibCor 40K stick. 

/ 

 Another major launch for CCM was the Resistance helmet developed in collaboration with the 

renowned  Neurotrauma  Impact  Science  Laboratory  at  the  University  of  Ottawa.  The  helmet 

features a Rotational Energy Dampening System and impact pods to better manage rotational 

and linear impacts.

/ 

 Reebok Hockey launch highlights in 2014 included the RibCor ice hockey skate. Designed with an 

agility profile, the RibCor skate includes key technologies such as The Pump for customisation 

and the new Black SpeedBlade for a harder, longer-lasting edge. 

More information on these and other products can be found in the Reebok-CCM Hockey Strategy 

section. 

80

Ambitious 2015 R&D targets

see Reebok-CCM Hockey Strategy, p. 64

Our Group remains committed to maintaining a full and innovative product pipeline, bringing new 

groundbreaking technologies and evolutions of concepts to the market each year. This way, we want 

see Group Strategy, p. 46

to further drive product leadership across all brands and increase consumer desire. 

In  2015,  cushioning  and  energy  solutions,  lightweight  and  digital  sports  technologies  as  well 

as  sustainable  product  innovation  will  continue  to  be  at  the  forefront  of  adidas  R&D  activities. 

Additionally, investments and research emphasis will also include areas such as new manufacturing 

processes and advanced materials to drive the development of revolutionary products and industry-

changing  manufacturing  approaches  as  we  aim  to  position  the  brand  as  both  a  technology  and 

sustainability leader in the sporting goods industry. 

Reebok’s  R&D  activities  in  2015  will  continue  to  centre  on  the  brand’s  strategy  and  focus  on  its 

technology  pillars,  including  ZSeries,  The  Pump,  DMX  Moving  Air,  Skyscape,  Smoothfit,  ZigTech, 

RealFlex and Checklight.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Research and Development

/  02.6  /

TaylorMade-adidas  Golf’s  development  efforts  will  reinforce  industry  leadership  by  enhancing 

golfers’ performance through a focus on technologies which increase distance for woods combining 

improvements in low and forward weight distribution with new flexible sole pocket design which 

provides  more  consistent  distance  for  irons  with  a  combination  of  sole  and  face  slots.  Finally, 

developing new golf balls able to fly under lower spin conditions to maximise driver distance will 

also be a key part of TaylorMade-adidas Golf’s research efforts in 2015.

Reebok-CCM Hockey R&D efforts will focus on introducing new technologies and, at the same time, 

advancing existing product platforms with a focus on performance skates and sticks. Reebok-CCM 

Hockey will also continue its collaboration with TaylorMade-adidas Golf and its university research 

partners.

More information on 2015 product initiatives can be found in our outlook section.

see Subsequent Events and Outlook, p. 146

04  /  2014 product awards

Brand

Category

Product

Award

adidas

adidas

Running

Running

adidas

Running

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

Reebok

Reebok

Reebok

Running

Running

Running

miCoach

miCoach

Training

Outdoor

Originals

Porsche Design Sport  
by adidas

Porsche Design Sport  
by adidas

Porsche Design Sport  
by adidas

Training

Training

Training

adizero Adios Boost running shoe

2014 Editor’s Choice Award / Runner's World Magazine (UK)

Supernova Sequence Boost 
running shoe

Supernova Glide 6 & 7 running 
shoes

2014 Best Update / Runner's World Magazine (UK)

2014 Editor’s Choice Award / Runner's World Magazine (UK)

81

Pure Boost running shoe 

Best Sneaker of 2014 / complex magazine (US)

adizero Boston Boost 5 running 
shoe

Award for Best Renovation by Fortius / The Running Network (US)

Response Boost running shoe

Best Shoe of 2014 / Running Product Reviews

Smart Run watch

Smart Ball football

adidas by Stella McCartney Pure 
Boost Dark Space

Best of the Best in Product Design / Red Dot Award 2014 

Honoree for Best of Innovation / 2015 Consumer Electronics Show (CES)

Award for Best Sneaker / Vegan Fashion Award / Peta (Germany)

Terrex AllAlpine Concept jacket

OutDoor Industry Award 2014 / OutDoor Show Friedrichshafen

Stan Smith shoe

BOUNCE:S4 shoe

Shoe of the Year / WWD Footwear News

Award for Outstanding Product Design / 2014 Red Dot Award  
Awards for High Quality, Design and Ergonomics / Plus X Award 
Award for Best Product of the Year / Plus X Award

Wool Mix jacket

Awards for High Quality and Design / Plus X Award

Functional Knit jacket

Awards for High Quality and Design / Plus X Award

CrossFit Sprint TR training shoe

Best Sneaker 2014 / Fitness Magazine (US)

CrossFit Nano 3.0 training shoe

Best Strength Training Shoe / Men's Health (US)

Checklight

Award for Best New Product / 2014 Corporate Entrepreneur Awards  
Fast Company Innovation by Design Award / Fast Company Magazine 
Award for Product Design in Sports & Fitness Category / Red Dot Award 2014 
Award for Best Consumer Product / The Wearables 2014

TaylorMade Golf

SLDR driver

Editor's Hot List Gold Award 2014 / Golf Digest Hot List

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group20147

Employees

/  02.7  /

Employees

Becoming  the  leader  in  the  sporting  goods  industry  depends  upon  the  dedication, 

knowledge and performance of our employees and excellence of our leaders. As such, we 

place  considerable  effort  into  creating  a  work  environment  that  stimulates  innovation, 

team spirit, engagement and achievement. 

Human Resources to support the achievement of the Group’s strategic targets

In  2014,  adidas  Group  Human  Resources  continued  to  drive  organisational  strategies  through 

its  initiatives  and  programmes  comprising  four  strategic  areas  of  focus:  ‘Leadership’,  ‘People’, 

‘Capabilities’  and  ‘Efficiencies’.  2015  activity  will  focus  on  sustaining  existing  programmes  and 

reorienting  for  future  strategy,  under  the  leadership  of  Karen  Parkin,  our  new  Chief  Human 

Resources Officer, in order to actively contribute to the success of our new Strategic Business Plan.

Commitment to leadership excellence

We focus on elevating our leaders’ strengths, in particular how leaders create the right environment 

for our employees to be inspired, committed and motivated. 

Strategic area  /   Leadership
Development of leadership talent 

We therefore continue to have a strong focus on investing in the way we work and lead across our 

global leadership teams. At the beginning of 2014, over 85 global leadership teams (700 leaders) 

82

took part in a ‘Leadership Journey’. These journeys include intensive sessions of self-reflection of 

mindsets, and 360° feedback. The focus during the remainder of the year was to sustain the journey 

and embed in daily leadership routines.

Enabling employees to reach their personal best

To  reach  their  personal  best,  our  Group’s  employees  are  offered  a  wide  variety  of  learning 

opportunities,  building  on  their  strengths,  improving  their  skills  and  overcoming  their  own 

challenges. Our highest priority is to match individual employee aspirations with our organisational 

needs.  As  such,  we  continue  to  build  our  integrated  talent  management  process,  incorporating 

performance,  succession,  development  and  learning  opportunities  to  enable  our  employees  to 

reach their potential at every stage of their career.

Strategic area  /   People
Talent, performance and succession management 

Talent management: The quality of current and future talent and leadership within the adidas Group 
is key to our success. With specifically designed talent management tools, we identify talents at 

all levels of our Group who have the potential to become future leaders or key players within the 

organisation. In order to prepare them for more complex future roles, they participate in targeted 

see Diagram 01

development programmes and have tailored individual development plans. 

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Employees

/  02.7  /

These comprise:

/ 

 Executive Development Programme (EDP): a global, cross-functional programme for employees 

who show potential for the executive level. The programme is centrally managed and takes place 

every second year. It was not carried out in 2014 (2013: 49 participants). 

/ 

 Management Development Programme (MDP): a global programme which is executed regionally. 

This programme is tailored to employees from different functional areas and brands who show 

potential for director positions. In 2014, we had 87 employees participating in this programme 

(2013: 89).

/ 

 People Manager Development Programme (PDP): a global programme which is executed locally. 

The programme targets employees at a professional level who show potential to become team 

leads or senior managers. In 2014, 114 employees participated in this programme (2013: 114).

In addition, we offer tailored graduate programmes. The Business Management Programme (BMP), 

a  24-month  international,  cross-functional  and  cross-brand  programme,  is  aimed  at  attracting 

professionals  with  MBA  degrees  and  three  to  five  years  of  work  experience.  The  goal  of  this 

programme  is  to  prepare  them  for  future  management  positions  within  our  Group.  At  year-end 

2014, six employees were participating in the BMP globally (2013: 6).

The Functional Trainee Programme (FTP) is an 18-month programme providing graduates with an 

international background and excellent educational credentials the opportunity to start a functional 

career within the adidas Group. The programme comprises six three-month assignments in various 

departments. At least one of these assignments takes place abroad. At year-end 2014, we employed 

41 participants in our global FTP (2013: 57).

Our development programmes are complemented by apprenticeship and internship programmes. 

The  adidas  Group  apprenticeship  offers  young  people  who  want  to  join  our  Group  directly  out  of 

school  the  opportunity  to  gain  business  experience  in  a  two-  to  three-year  rotation  programme. 

The  programme  includes  vocational  training  in  retail,  industrial  management  and  IT,  as  well  as 

integrated study programmes. At the end of 2014, we employed 60 apprentices in Germany (2013: 

59)  and  52  integrated  study  programme  students  (2013:  62).  Our  global  internship  programme 

offers students three to six months of work experience within the adidas Group. At the end of 2014, 

we employed 524 interns in Germany (2013: 532). 

01  /  Development and training framework

Executive

Manager

Professional

Talent Development ‘Fit for Tomorrow’

Executive Development Programme (EDP)

Management Development Programme (MDP)

People Manager Development Programme (PDP)

Business Management Programme (BMP)

Functional Trainee Programme (FTP)

83

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Employees

/  02.7  /

Performance management: To further drive a high-performance culture within the adidas Group, 
we use a performance management approach called ‘The Score’. It brings target setting, employee 

development  and  performance  appraisal  under  one  common  process.  While  building  on  our  key 

values  of  performance  management,  The  Score  also  brings  focus,  simplicity  and  alignment  in 

setting  team  and  individual  targets.  Each  employee  is  evaluated  and  receives  feedback  at  least 

twice a year, and employee development planning is further supported by the process and system 

solution. 

Succession  management:  The  adidas  Group  succession  management  approach  aims  to  ensure 
stability and certainty in business continuity. We achieve this through a globally consistent succession 

plan which covers successors for director level positions and above, including the Board positions 

of the Group. These positions and the respective potential successors are regularly discussed by 

senior management and our global HR leadership teams. The succession reviews create a clear 

picture of the successors’ readiness and outlines the necessary development actions. Based upon 

this  information,  we  ensure  individual  development  plans  are  in  place  to  prepare  successors  for 

their potential next steps. We also use the successor information to create dynamic talent pools. All 

information is consolidated in a succession management risk analysis. 

Remuneration system based on performance 

We are committed to rewarding our employees with compensation and benefit programmes that 

are  competitive  in  the  marketplace.  Remuneration  throughout  the  Group  comprises  fixed  and 

84

variable monetary compensation, non-monetary rewards, as well as other intangible benefits. The 

cornerstone of our rewards programme is our Global Salary Management System, which is used as 

a basis for establishing and evaluating the value of employees’ positions and salaries in a market-

driven and performance-oriented way. In addition to a fixed base salary, we offer our employees 

various variable compensation components. 

Strategic area  /   People
Performance-driven remuneration system

Bonus programme: In order to allow our employees to participate in the Group’s success, and to 
reward  them  for  their  target  achievement,  we  have  a  global  bonus  programme.  To  further  drive 

our performance culture on the organisational as well as individual level, this programme provides 

an incentive influenced by both corporate performance (actual financial results measured against 

Group  and  market  targets)  as  well  as  individual  performance  (measured  in  the  performance 

management approach, The Score). 

Profit participation programme: For employees at our Group headquarters and our other locations 
in  Germany  who  do  not  participate  in  the  bonus  programme,  we  have  a  profit  participation 

programme called the ‘Champions’ Bonus’.

Long-term  incentive  programmes:  In  order  to  encourage  sustainable  financial  results,  retain 
our  top  leadership  and  promote  continuous  commitment,  the  adidas  Group  offers  a  Long-Term 

Incentive Plan (LTIP) for leaders and Executive Board members. Other benefits include our 401(k) 

retirement plans in the USA and the adidas Group pension plan for our employees in Germany. In 

2014, 3,572 employees participated in the latter (2013: 2,315).

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Employees

/  02.7  /

Our Group subsidiaries also grant a variety of benefits to employees, depending upon locally defined 

practices and country-specific regulations and norms.

Creating an attractive work environment

We aim to offer our employees an attractive work environment. In this context, the following aspects 

Strategic area  /   People
Our objective: To be the employer of choice

play a central role:

Global mobility: As a global company with less than 10% of our employees located in Germany, we 
actively encourage global talent mobility and offer our employees the opportunity to gain international 

experience  through  a  variety  of  assignment  programmes  and  international  placements.  Besides 

offering  our  employees  the  possibility  of  pursuing  an  international  career,  our  global  mobility 

programme  enables  us  to  better  fulfil  consumer  needs  around  the  world.  We  comprehensively 

reviewed and further developed our mobility programme in 2014. 

Work-life integration: We aim to harmonise the commercial interests of the adidas Group with the 
professional,  private  and  family  needs  of  our  employees.  Our  Work-Life  Integration  Programme 

includes flexible work time and place, people development and leadership competence related to 

work-life integration, as well as family-oriented services. In addition to providing flexible working 

arrangements, teleworking, sabbaticals and parent/child offices, we have had a child-care facility 

at our company premises in Canton, USA, since 2002 and a day-care centre for 110 children at our 

headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany, since 2013. 

Diverse sports activities for employees: We offer our employees a wide range of sports activities 
at our major sites. Employees in Herzogenaurach, Portland, Canton and at other subsidiaries have 

access to a company gym and numerous other sports facilities. Our Company Sports department in 

Herzogenaurach also organises various team and individual sports activities. In 2014, the Company 

Sports department in Germany offered 335 courses and 45 events, which were attended by more 

than 6,500 participants (2013: > 6,000).

02  /  Key employee statistics 1)

Total number of employees

Total employees (in %)

Male

Female

Management positions (in %)

Male

Female

Average age of employees (in years) 2)

Average length of service (in years)

1) Figures reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the Rockport business.
2) At year-end.

2014

2013

53,731

49,808

50%

50%

72%

28%

30

5

51%

49%

72%

28%

30

4

85

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Employees

/  02.7  /

Diverse work environment: Diversity is one of the adidas Group’s four core values. We understand 
that it takes people with different ideas, strengths, interests and cultural backgrounds to ensure 

we achieve our goals. A high degree of diversity is already represented within our workforce. At our 

Group’s global headquarters, for example, we have employees from almost 80 nations. 

In addition to the internationality of our workforce, we believe that diversity in the form of mixed 

leadership teams contributes to the strength of our company, and we are committed to bringing 

this  to  life.  We  have  joined  other  DAX-30  companies  in  an  effort  to  increase  the  proportion  of 

women in management. We defined the specific target of increasing the proportion of women in 

management to 32% by the end of 2017 (2014: 28% worldwide). To reach this, we have strongly 

increased the proportion of women in our leadership development programmes to over 35%. In 

our  global  internal  Women’s  Networking  Group,  women  can  support,  coach  and  advise  other 

women, and promote female career development across the company. Following the Supervisory 

Board election in 2014, the number of female Supervisory Board members increased from two 

see Corporate Governance Report including the 
Declaration on Corporate Governance, p. 20

members to four. 

Additional diversity initiatives include: 

/ 

 The adidas Group is an active member of the ‘Charta der Vielfalt’ (‘Diversity Charter’) in Germany 

in order to share our best-practice knowledge regarding awareness of diversity and inclusion in 

the work environment. 

/ 

 We  have  regular  events  highlighting  diversity  as  a  key  topic,  e.g.  on  the  occasion  of  our  2014 

86

Diversity Day, addressing up-to-date diversity topics with internal and external presenters. 

/ 

 We continued our support of the LGBT community and built up our LGBT network in 2014, which 

see Glossary, p. 258

is driven by our employees. 

Employee engagement: To ensure that we will achieve our ambitious strategic targets we need an 
engaged and motivated workforce. The adidas Group regularly carries out employee engagement 

surveys in order to measure the engagement and motivation of our employees. The results of these 

surveys are a non-financial KPI for our Group. They enable us to develop the right focus and future 

see Internal Group Management System, p. 98

people strategies across our organisation. The results of our first two global engagement surveys, 

03  /  Awards

The Candidate Experience Award/ 
The Talent Board

trendence School Leavers 
Barometer/Germany’s Top 100 
Employers

The World’s Most Attractive 
Employers/Universum

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Employees

/  02.7  /

conducted  in  2010  and  2013,  were  stable  at  a  rate  comparable  to  the  average  engagement  level 

of our survey provider’s client database. In 2013, improvements were achieved in specific scores 

relating  to  performance  management  and  learning  and  development  opportunities.  In  2014,  the 

adidas Group continued to act on the findings of the second employee engagement survey as well 

as subsequent follow-up analysis. Globally coordinated Results to Action teams (R2A) have been 

formed across all departments in order to address our employees’ feedback. We aim to improve 

the overall engagement score in our next employee engagement survey, which will be conducted 

in 2016.

Employer of choice: Our ‘employer of choice’ status continues to garner worldwide recognition and 
enables us to attract, retain and engage industry-leading talent to sustain the company’s success 

see Diagram 03

and  growth.  In  2014,  adidas  Group  locations  around  the  world  leveraged  our  employer  brand 

attributes  for  attraction,  retention  and  engagement  strategies.  In  2014,  this  work  contributed  to 

driving 4 million visitors to our career site, with 1.5 million job views and over 300,000 applications 

worldwide. This work has also enabled us to recruit some of the industry’s top talent. 

Online platforms to drive employee collaboration and learning

We believe that a robust and state-of-the-art internal communication platform is essential for driving 

employee engagement and fostering learning as well as open collaboration within our organisation. 

We  use  an  enterprise  collaboration  platform  called  ‘a-LIVE’,  which  brings  the  intranet,  online 

collaboration platforms and important system applications under one roof. It allows departments 

and teams to quickly build and edit their own internal collaboration and communication platforms 

and  connects  users  across  departments  as  well  as  locations.  It  encourages  employees  to  share 

knowledge,  collaborate  and  discuss  current  topics.  In  addition,  we  have  established  an  ‘Ask  the 

Management’  platform  on  our  intranet,  enabling  employees  to  openly  address  questions  to  our 

senior leaders which are then answered promptly. 

Strategic area  /   Capabilities
Internal collaboration and e-learning

87

04  /  Number of employees by function 1)   

Own retail

Sales

Logistics

Marketing

Central functions and administration

Production

Research & development

IT

Total

2014

2013

Employees 2)

Full-time  
equivalents 3)

Employees 2)

Full-time  
equivalents 3)

31,803

25,135   

27,477

21,694

3,936

6,009

3,990

4,536

1,360

985

1,112

3,815   

5,545   

3,841   

4,282   

1,287   

924   

1,088   

4,457

5,945

3,844

4,540

1,501

992

1,052

4,271

5,405

3,701

4,275

1,437

948

1,028

53,731

45,917

49,808

42,758

1) At year-end. Figures reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the Rockport business. 
2) Number of employees on a headcount basis.
3)  Number of employees on a full-time equivalent basis. Due to the high share of part-time employees in our Retail segment,  

this figure is lower than the number of employees counted on a headcount basis.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Employees

/  02.7  /

2014 also saw the global launch of the adidas Group ‘Learning Campus’ and with that the activation 

of a state-of-the-art learning platform that provides opportunities for both e-learning and sharing 

knowledge. Employees are able to access and share content 24/7 in a virtual environment. 

Commitment to drive efficiency through HR processes

Strategic area  /   Efficiencies

We are committed to establishing lean, system-supported HR processes to unleash efficiency gains 

while continuing to support employees with quality service. In 2014, therefore, we laid the foundation 

for a global adidas HR Services model, designed core processes, systems and tools and carried out 

pilot programmes for the model at our headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany. 

Global employee base further increases 

On December 31, 2014, the Group had 53,731 employees, which represents an increase of 8% versus 

49,808 in the previous year. This development is primarily related to the expansion of the Group’s 

own-retail store base, particularly in emerging markets globally. An overview of the development of 

our employee base in the past ten years can be found in our ten-year overview. 

see Table 04
see Ten-Year Overview, p. 254

On  a  full-time  equivalent  basis,  our  Group  had  45,917  employees  on  December  31,  2014  (2013: 

42,758). Due to the high share of employees working on a part-time basis in the Retail segment, this 

see Table 04

figure is lower than the figure reported on a headcount basis. Personnel expenses for continuing 

operations increased slightly to € 1.842 billion in 2014 (2013: € 1.833 billion), representing 13% of 

see Note 32, p. 235

Group sales (2013: 13%). 

88

05  /  Employees by function 1)

06  /  Employees by region 1)

 6 7 8

 5

 4

 3

 2

2014

 1

1 /  59%  Own retail
2 / 
3 / 

11%  Logistics
9% 

 Central functions & 
 administration 

4 / 
5 / 
6 / 
7 / 
8 / 

7%  Sales
7%  Marketing
3%  Production
2% 
2%  Research & development

IT

 1

 6

 5

 4

 3

2014

 2

1 /  33% 

 European Emerging 
Markets

2 / 
3 / 
4 / 
5 / 
6 / 

24%  North America 
21%  Western Europe
8%  Greater China
8%  Latin America 
6%  Other Asian Markets

1) At year-end.

1) At year-end.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014 
 
 
8

Sustainability

/  02.8  /

Sustainability

The  adidas  Group  is  responsible  and  accountable  for  developing  and  implementing 

sustainable business practices that adhere to our operational needs as well as our social 

and  environmental  obligations.  We  therefore  continuously  engage  with  our  various 

stakeholders with the goal of enhancing the social and environmental performance of the 

Group. Our activities in this area are based on a comprehensive Group-wide sustainability 

strategy.

Sustainability strategy founded on four pillars 

The adidas Group’s sustainability strategy is rooted in the Group’s values – performance, passion, 

integrity  and  diversity  –  and  addresses  those  issues  we  have  identified  as  most  material  for  our 

PEOPLE

PRODUCT

business model. It is built on the achievements and learnings from previous years, while taking into 

account the societal landscape and future global trends.

The four pillars of our sustainability strategy are: 

/ 

/ 

/ 

/ 

 People: We positively influence the lives of our employees, factory workers and people living in 
the communities where we have a business presence.
 Product: We find better ways to create our products – mainly through innovation, increased use 
of more sustainable materials and efficiencies.
 Planet:  We  reduce  the  environmental  footprint  of  both  our  own  operations  and  our  suppliers’ 
factories.
 Partnership: We engage with critical stakeholders and collaborate with partners to improve our 
industry.

Supply chain as the core of our sustainability programme 

We have a responsibility to our employees and the workers in our suppliers’ factories as well as 

the  environment.  Malpractice  in  these  areas,  in  particular  human  rights  violations  and  dubious 

employment practices, can have a significant impact on the reputation and operational efficiency 

of  our  Group  and  our  suppliers.  Therefore,  covering  labour  rights,  health  and  safety  as  well  as 

environmental protection at our own sites and our suppliers’ factories is of the highest importance 

to us. 

OUR 4 PILLARS OF
SUSTAINABILITY

PLANET

PARTNERSHIP

89

Strategic pillar  /   People
Responsibility to workers in our suppliers’ factories 

Careful  supplier  selection:  To  improve  working  conditions  throughout  our  supply  chain,  Global 
Operations  works  closely  with  our  SEA  (Social  and  Environmental  Affairs)  team  on  supplier 

see Global Operations, p. 66

selection. The SEA team assesses all potential new suppliers, and orders can only be placed with a 

new supplier if SEA approval has been granted. 

Defined rules and standards in the supply chain: We have defined rules and standards embedding 
our  own  corporate  values  as  well  as  those  that  society  expects  of  global  businesses.  These 

standards follow International Labour Organization (ILO) and United Nations conventions relating 

to  human  rights  and  employment  practices,  as  well  as  the  model  code  of  conduct  of  the  World 

Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI). We have condensed our rules into a publicly 

available supplier code of conduct that we call our ‘Workplace Standards’. These Standards help 
us  select  manufacturing  partners  and  serve  as  guiding  principles  in  the  early  identification  and 
treatment of potential issues of concern at our suppliers’ sites. 

www.adidas-group.com/s/workplace-standards

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Sustainability

/  02.8  /

To  illustrate  how  suppliers  should  implement  our  Standards,  we  have  created  a  set  of  detailed 

guidelines  for  use  in  factory  settings,  which  demonstrate  our  expectations  for  fair,  healthy,  safe 

workplace conditions and environmentally sound factory operations. The guidelines are updated on 

www.adidas-group.com/s/standards-and-policies

a regular basis and are publicly available on our website. They are also used to determine suppliers’ 

compliance with our Standards and to advise and train our suppliers in improving their social and 

environmental performance. 

Monitoring  and  rating  our  factories:  The  SEA  team  assesses  compliance  with  the  Workplace 
Standards by means of factory inspections. Our auditors check performance against a customised 

risk  list  for  each  factory  that  is  monitored.  The  methodology  is  linked  to  a  factory  rating  which 

measures  the  effectiveness  of  compliance  systems  and  the  work  of  their  administrators.  A  KPI 

rating tool helps us evaluate six fundamental elements of social compliance covering management 

commitment, the quality of management systems in place, worker-management communication, 

training delivered, transparent reporting and measurement of compliance activities. According to 

the results, suppliers are assessed with a compliance rating (C rating) score between 1 and 5 (with 

see Table 01

5 being the best rating). The latest results show that, in 2014, 64% of our direct suppliers achieved 

a 3C (good) or better rating (2013: 54%). We have thus already achieved our target for 2015 to have 

60% of our direct suppliers meet a 3C (good) rating or better under our social compliance KPI rating. 

With this approach, we encourage our suppliers to take responsibility for their own performance 

including reporting of key social and health and safety indicators. These ratings are a non-financial 

KPI  for  our  Group.  They  also  enable  us  to  precisely  determine  training  needs  at  our  suppliers’ 

see Internal Group Management System, p. 98 

90

factories. 

During 2014, we conducted 1,299 factory visits (2013: 1,489 visits) involving different types of audits, 

trainings  and  meetings  with  factory  management  as  well  as  employees  at  various  levels  in  our 

see Diagram 02

supply chain. We have seen more supplier factories qualifying for self-governance status (factories 

that  have  reached  4C  or  5C  status)  which  means  that  factories  have  proven  to  operate  effective 

human resources, health and safety as well as environmental management systems by themselves. 

Because of their high compliance performance, factory audits were slightly reduced at these factory 

facilities.  In  addition  to  our  own  monitoring  activities,  we  value  independent  and  unannounced 

assessment by third parties to demonstrate the credibility of and provide verified information about 

our programme to stakeholders. As a member of the Fair Labor Association (FLA), the adidas Group 

is  subject  to  external  assessment  by  independent  monitors,  participation  in  the  FLA  third-party 

complaint system and public reporting. The monitoring programme of the adidas Group has been 

accredited by the FLA twice since joining the organisation 15 years ago. During this period, more 

than 300 independent assessments have been conducted at adidas Group suppliers.

01  /  Compliance ratings

Grade

KPI score band

Performance description

1C

2C

3C

4C

5C

0–29%

30–59%

60–79%

80–89%

90–100%

There are numerous severe non-compliance issues and no compliance management and compliance practices in place. 
The factory has been given notice that business will be terminated unless there is immediate improvement.

There are some non-compliance issues and no compliance management systems. However, there are some effective 
compliance practices being delivered.

There are minor non-compliance issues. The factory has compliance management systems and some effective 
compliance practices in place.

Generally, there are no non-compliance issues. The factory has compliance management systems in place, and most of 
the components are effective.

There are no non-compliance issues and all of the factory's management systems and practices are well delivered and 
effective.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Sustainability

/  02.8  /

Encouraging self-governance and achieving sustainable compliance: We help our core business 
partners in establishing management systems with internationally recognised standards such as 

ISO  14001  for  environmental  management  or  OHSAS  18000  for  health  and  safety  management 

systems.  We  believe  that  good  management  systems  help  factories  improve  their  day-to-day 

operations,  support  the  process  of  self-governance  and  continuously  enhance  their  social  and 

environmental  performance.  We  help  them  build  and  strengthen  human  resources  systems  to 

maintain  proper  working  conditions,  including  factory  grievance  systems  to  routinely  find  and 

fix  non-compliance  issues.  Furthermore,  by  enforcing  employment  standards  at  the  sites  of  our 

manufacturing suppliers, we empower workers to protect their own rights and take an active role 

in decision-making. 

Training our suppliers to achieve sustainable compliance: As part of the adidas Group’s continuous 
efforts to achieve more effective and sustainable practices within its supply chain, the Group has 

initiated  a  system  of  multi-level  and  cross-functional  training  sessions  together  with  its  global 

supplier network. Our SEA team not only offers specific training courses and workshops for factory 

supervisors  and  managers  to  help  them  apply  our  Standards  and  implement  best  practices  but 

also promotes the establishment of structures that actively involve workers and management of 

our suppliers as well as local employee associations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). 

In  order  to  strengthen  personnel  capacities  throughout  our  company,  our  SEA  team  similarly 

organises  workshops  for  licensees,  agents  and  adidas  Group  business  entities.  In  this  way,  the 

consideration of fair working conditions becomes a routine part of our business activities. In 2014, 

the SEA team conducted 131 training sessions and workshops (2013: 148). We offered more group 

trainings, i.e. training sessions for more than one supplier instead of individual training sessions. 

That  way,  we  have  been  able  to  achieve  higher  efficiencies  and  provide  opportunities  for  cross-

see Diagram 03

learning and best-practice sharing among suppliers.

02  /  Number of factory visits

03  /  Number of trainings

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

1,299 1)

1,489

1,564

1,591

1,451

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

1)  With more supplier factories qualifying for self-governance status (factories that have 
reached 4C or 5C status), factory audits were slightly reduced at these factory facilities.

1)  In 2014, we offered more group trainings instead of individual training sessions.  

As a result, we have been able to achieve higher efficiencies.

91

131 1)

148

172

170

193

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Sustainability

/  02.8  /

Warning-letter  system  to  enforce  compliance:  Where  a  manufacturing  supplier  is  performing 
poorly in terms of Workplace Standards compliance, we work closely with them to find solutions. 

However,  when  we  find  ongoing  and  serious  instances  of  non-compliance  as  well  as  a  lack  of 

commitment from factory management to address the issues, we send out a formal warning letter 

including  a  notification  to  factory  management  that  their  business  relationship  with  the  adidas 

Group is in jeopardy. Overall, three warning letters result in a termination. In 2014, we terminated 

our business relationship with 13 suppliers for compliance reasons (2013: 9 terminations).

Revised adidas Group Code of Conduct for employees

The adidas Group’s reputation is one of its key business assets and is fundamental to long-term 

success. All employees are expected to act with fairness and responsibility as well as in compliance 

with relevant laws and regulations while carrying out their tasks. In order to maintain good corporate 

governance, we have adopted the adidas Group Code of Conduct as part of our internal Global Policy 

Strategic pillar  /   People
Our employees

Manual.

In 2014, the adidas Group significantly revised its existing Code of Conduct and organised various 

activations to familiarise its employees with the Code. In addition, a training plan ensures that all 

employees and relevant third parties understand and adhere to the Group’s compliance and ethics 

requirements.

Supporting communities with dedicated approach

92

For  many  years,  the  adidas  Group  has  been  actively  supporting  communities  through  various 

programmes such as the ongoing support from the adidas brand through its corporate volunteering 

programmes  managed  by  the  adidas  Fund,  Reebok‘s  track  record  in  supporting  human  rights 

groups or TaylorMade-adidas Golf‘s long-standing programme supporting charities.

Strategic pillar  /   People
Community engagement

All our programmes are built on three complementary pillars – community involvement, employee 

engagement and corporate giving – determined by local cultural, economic and social factors. 

Programmes on Group level are supplementary programmes led by our SEA team. They include 

activities at Group headquarters, relief operations and projects in suppliers’ countries. For more 

www.adidas-group.com/s/community-engagement

information please see our website.

Sustainability in our product creation process 

One key goal of our sustainability strategy is to reduce the overall environmental impact of materials 

used in our products. We aim to find materials that reduce waste or have less of an impact throughout 

their whole life cycle. The adidas Group has various initiatives in place that help to achieve its goal 

of increasing the usage of recycled and sustainable materials. 

Strategic pillar  /   Product
Product creation

Sustainable materials: Environmentally preferred materials have replaced conventional materials 
in many of our footwear and apparel products. In addition, we strive to continuously broaden the 

range of more sustainable products by developing environmentally friendly product solutions and 

using innovative materials. 

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Sustainability

/  02.8  /

One example is our commitment to use 100% ‘sustainable cotton’ (Better Cotton, certified organic 

cotton or any other form of sustainably produced cotton that is currently available or might be in 

www.bettercotton.org

future) in all our products by 2018. More information about sustainable cotton can be found on our 

website.

www.adidas-group.com/s/product-materials

Sustainable product construction: The number of adidas products that have integrated sustainability 
considerations  has  grown  continuously  in  recent  years.  This  growth  is  supported  by  ongoing 

innovation in the area of sustainable product construction and manufacturing techniques, such as 

the revolutionary DryDye technology or the low-waste initiative. DryDye is a polyester fabric dyeing 

see Glossary, p. 258

process that uses no water, 50% fewer chemicals and 50% less energy than the traditional fabric 

dyeing  process.  The  low-waste  initiative  produces  footwear  with  fewer  parts,  recycled  materials 

and maximum pattern efficiency, aiming to reduce material waste. For example, in footwear, we 

took on the challenge of creating a performance shoe with the least amount of waste possible. The 

result was the Element Voyager, a streamlined, simplified running shoe that reached 95% pattern 

efficiency in the upper and contains 60% fewer components than a traditional running shoe. 

Virtual technologies:  We  increasingly  use  virtual  technologies  to  reduce  the  quantity  of  physical 
samples required to design and sell new products. Virtualising processes help us save resources 

and  money  by  reducing  material  waste,  transportation  and  distribution  costs.  And  with  fewer 

samples being transported by airfreight, we are also reducing our carbon emissions.

Control and monitoring of restricted substances: We have specified clear standards for the use 
of  restricted  substances  that  follow  the  strictest  local  regulations  and  best  practice  standards 

for consumer care and safety. These standards are mandatory for all business partners and are 

updated  regularly  based  on  findings  in  our  ongoing  dialogue  with  scientific  organisations.  They 

cover general requirements for eco-labels and green seals (e.g. ÖKO-Tex Standard 100, Toxproof 

TÜV  Rheinland)  for  footwear,  apparel  and  hardware  products.  Both  our  own  quality  assurance 

laboratories  and  external  testing  institutes  are  used  to  constantly  monitor  material  samples  to 

ensure supplier compliance with these requirements. Materials that do not meet our standards and 

specifications are rejected. 

In order to further guide our suppliers with input chemical chemistry selection, we partnered up 

with bluesign technologies in 2014 and are going to implement their chemical data management 

system,  the  bluefinder.  With  this,  our  suppliers  select  best-in-class  chemicals,  so  that  they  can 

produce materials using chemicals that are included in the database. 

93

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Sustainability

/  02.8  /

Improving our environmental footprint at our own sites

Based  on  an  analysis  of  our  environmental  impacts  in  different  areas  of  operation,  we  have  put 

our Environmental Strategy in place. A part of our Environmental Strategy is the ‘Green Company’ 

initiative, which is targeted to substantially improve the environmental footprint of our own sites. 

One  of  the  key  goals  is  to  operate  certified  environmental  management  systems  at  major  sites 

of the adidas Group. Overall, by 2015, we aim to reduce the relative carbon emissions at our own 

sites by 30%. By the end of 2014, 13 major sites of the adidas Group had certified environmental 

Strategic pillar  /   Planet
Environmental management at own sites 

management systems in place. Around 20% of the adidas Group’s workforce is located at these sites. 

www.adidas-group.com/s/green-company

Further information can be found on our website.

Driving environmental improvements in our supply chain

In our supply chain, activities focus on helping suppliers establish sound environmental management 

systems  at  their  manufacturing  plants  to  best  reduce  their  negative  environmental  impacts.  We 

have  guidelines  and  training  programmes  in  place  for  our  suppliers,  using  the  environmental 

performance of our own production sites as best practice examples. 

Strategic pillar  /   Planet
Environmental management in the supply chain

The majority of our footwear sourcing volume is produced in factories which are OHSAS 18000 and/

or ISO 14001 certified. The remaining part of our footwear sourcing volume is produced in factories 

that have management systems in place but have not yet been certified. All footwear factories are 

regularly assessed against the adidas Group’s standards on environment and workplace health and 

safety. We use ‘Environmental Key Performance Indicators’ to track the progress of environmental 

94

efforts  undertaken  by  our  strategic  suppliers.  Furthermore,  we  have  established  a  database  to 

collect environmental data from the factories of our core suppliers. A range of other activities have 

been implemented to reduce our carbon footprint in the supply and distribution chain. 

Reducing our chemical footprint through a chemical management programme 

As  part  of  our  Environmental  Strategy  we  have  a  chemical  management  programme  in  place 

ensuring the continuous improvement of our chemical footprint. The programme comprises four 

Strategic pillar  /   Planet
Chemical management 

elements: 

/ 

 Product safety: Back in 1998, the company pioneered a Restricted Substances Policy for product 
materials,  prohibiting  the  use  of  chemicals  considered  as  harmful  or  toxic,  which  is  updated 

annually. Ever since, we have continued to develop and update our policies which ban or restrict 

/ 

chemicals in our products.
 Environmental audits: Over the years, we have developed a series of guidelines for suppliers 
with comprehensive and detailed standards on handling, storage and disposal of chemicals as 

well as standards for waste water treatment and effluents. These guidelines are the basis for 

factory inspections and assessments conducted by our Social & Environmental Affairs team and 

external  auditors.  In  2014,  the  company  conducted  122  environmental  audits  at  its  suppliers’ 

/ 

factories (2013: 149).
 Chemical input:  In  addition  to  the  bluesign  technologies  bluefinder  introduced  in  2014,  which 
guides our suppliers in selecting the right chemicals, we have committed to being 90% PFC-free 

in our products as of June 15, 2014 and to phasing out the use of long-chain PFCs by no later 

than January 1, 2015. As a further step, we have committed to being 99% PFC-free by no later 

than December 31, 2017. Chemical management on site will continue to be monitored through 

the adidas Group’s environmental audits. 

www.adidas-group.com/s/restricted-substances

www.adidas-group.com/s/environmental-guidelines

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014Sustainability

/  02.8  /

/ 

 Disclosure: As part of our approach in enhancing disclosure practices and transparency within our 
supply chain, the adidas Group has actively promoted reputable platforms such as the Institute of 

Public and Environmental Affairs (IPE) China Water Pollution Map and China Air Pollution Map. 

The adidas Group had disclosed 99% of the China-based ‘wet processes’ on the IPE platform by 

the end of 2014. Subsequently, the company has committed to achieve the disclosure of 50% of 

all ‘wet processes’ across its global supply chain by no later than December 31, 2015, and at least 

80% by no later than July 1, 2016, via the IPE Detox platform. 

Engaging with a variety of stakeholders globally

At the adidas Group, we openly engage with numerous stakeholders, involving them in key social 

and environmental decisions that shape day-to-day operations. Through active participation in, for 

example, the Better Cotton Initiative, the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, the Leather Working Group 

and the AFIRM Working Group, we work closely with leading companies from a variety of sectors to 

develop sustainable business approaches and to debate social and environmental topics on a global 

level. This is also supported by our membership in organisations such as the World Federation of 

the  Sporting  Goods  Industry  (WFSGI),  the  Fair  Factories  Clearinghouse  (FFC)  and  the  Fair  Labor 

Association  (FLA).  In  addition,  we  build  awareness,  capacity  and  knowledge  of  laws  and  rights 

among  factory  management  and  workers  by  partnering  with  leading  providers  such  as  the  EHS 

Academy in China and the IAO’s Better Work programme. 

A key element of our transparent communication is the disclosure of our global supplier factory list 

on our corporate website. The list, which we have published since 2007, includes the factories that 

manufactured products for specific events such as the 2014 and 2010 FIFA World Cup as well as the 

London 2012 Olympic Games.

Ongoing external recognition for our sustainability efforts 

We have continuously received positive recognition from international institutions, rating agencies, 

NGOs  and  socially  responsible  investment  analysts  for  our  sustainability  programme.  In  2014, 

adidas  AG  was  again  represented  in  a  variety  of  high-profile  sustainability  indices.  For  the  15th 

consecutive time, adidas AG was selected to join the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI), the 

world’s first global sustainability index family tracking the performance of the leading sustainability-

driven companies worldwide. In the sector ‘Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods’, adidas AG scored 

industry-best  ratings  in  the  categories  Supply  Chain  Management,  Product  Stewardship  and 

Stakeholder Engagement. An overview of all sustainability indices in which adidas AG is included 

can be found in the adjacent info box. Furthermore, in 2014, the adidas Group was again included 

in the list of The Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World (Global 100 Index), ranking 

eighth.  Launched  in  2005,  this  list  is  unveiled  each  year  at  the  World  Economic  Forum  in  Davos, 

Switzerland, by Corporate Knights, a Canadian media and investment advisory company. The Global 

100 Index is one of the most extensive data-driven corporate sustainability assessments in existence 

and is based on quantitative sustainability indicators covering economic, environmental as well as 

social aspects. 

Strategic pillar  /   Partnership
Engaging with stakeholders 

95

   adidas AG in sustainability 
indices

/   Dow Jones Sustainability Indices  

(World and Europe) 
/   FTSE4Good Index Series 
/   Euronext Vigeo Indices  

(World 120, Europe 120 and Eurozone 120)

/   Ethibel Sustainability Index  
(Pioneer and Excellence) 

/   ECPI Euro Ethical Index (Euro and EMU)
/   STOXX Global ESG Leaders

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Our Group2014FINANCIAL
R E V I E W

G R O U P   M A N A G E M E N T   R E P O R T

03.1

03.2

I n t e r n a l G r o u p M a n a g e m e n t S y s t e m  

G r o u p B u s i n e s s P e r f o r m a n c e  
Economic and Sector Development 
Income Statement 
 Statement of Financial Position and  
Statement of Cash Flows 
Treasury 
Financial Statements and Management Report of adidas AG 
 Disclosures pursuant to § 315 Section 4 and § 289 Section 4  
of the German Commercial Code 

03.3

B u s i n e s s P e r f o r m a n c e b y S e g m e n t  

  Wholesale Business Performance 
  Retail Business Performance  
Other Businesses Performance 

03.4

S u b s e q u e n t E v e n t s a n d O u t l o o k  

Subsequent Events 
Outlook 

03.5

R i s k a n d O p p o r t u n i t y R e p o r t 

Strategic Risks 
Operational Risks 
Legal & Compliance Risks 
Financial Risks 
Strategic and Operational Opportunities 
Financial Opportunities 

03.6

M a n a g e m e n t A s s e s s m e n t o f   P e r f o r m a n c e ,   

R i s k s  a n d O p p o r t u n i t i e s , a n d O u t l o o k  

9 8

10 3

103

106

115

121

127

131

13 6

136

139

143

14 6

146

146

15 4

163

165

170

171

178

180

18 1

G R O U P  M A N A G E M E N T  R E P O R T: 
This report contains the Group Management Report of the adidas Group,  
comprising adidas AG and its consolidated subsidiaries, and the  
Management Report of adidas AG.

W
E
I
V
E
R

L
A

I
C
N
A
N

I

F

03

V

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1

Internal Group Management System

/  03.1  /

Internal Group Management System

The adidas Group’s principal financial goal for increasing shareholder value is maximising 

operating cash flow. We strive to achieve this goal by continually improving our top- and 

bottom-line  performance  while  at  the  same  time  optimising  the  use  of  invested  capital. 

Our  Group’s  planning  and  controlling  system  is  therefore  designed  to  provide  a  variety 

of tools to assess our current performance and to align future strategic and investment 

decisions to best utilise commercial and organisational opportunities.

Operating cash flow as Internal Group Management focus

We  believe  operating  cash  flow  is  the  most  important  driver  to  increase  shareholder  value.  To 

see Glossary, p. 258

support  this,  Group  Management  focuses  on  four  major  financial  key  performance  indicators 

(KPIs).  Increasing  net  sales  and  operating  profit  are  the  main  contributors  to  improve  operating 

see Diagram 01

cash flow. In addition, strict management of operating working capital and value-enhancing capital 

expenditure are beneficial for operating cash flow development. As a result, in order to maximise 

operating cash flow generation across our organisation, management of our operating segments 

have  responsibility  for  improving  net  sales  and  operating  profit  as  well  as  optimising  operating 

working capital and capital expenditure. In addition, in order to keep senior management focused 

on long-term performance improvements, we have KPIs in place, which measure the development 

of the business units over a multi-year period. 

98

01  /  Financial key performance indicators (KPIs) of the adidas Group

Net sales

Operating profit

Change in operating working capital

Capital expenditure 1)

1) Less depreciation and amortisation.

Operating cash flow

Operating margin as important measure of operational progress

Operating margin (defined as operating profit as a percentage of net sales) is our Group’s key focus 

measure to drive and improve our operational performance. It highlights the quality of our top line 

and operational efficiency. The primary drivers central to enhancing operating margin are as follows:

adidas Group financial KPIs  /    

Net sales and operating profit

/  Sales and gross margin development: Management focuses on identifying and exploiting growth 
opportunities  that  not  only  provide  for  future  top-line  improvements,  but  also  have  potential  to 

increase gross margin. Major levers for enhancing our Group’s sales and gross margin include: 

/ 

/ 

/ 
/ 

 Optimising our product mix.

 Minimising clearance activities.

 Improving the quality of distribution, with a particular focus on controlled space.
 Realising supply chain efficiency initiatives.

see Glossary, p. 258

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewInternal Group Management System

/  03.1  /

/  Operating  expense  control:  Management  puts  high  emphasis  on  tightly  controlling  operating 
expenses to leverage the Group’s sales growth through to the bottom line. This requires a particular 

focus on ensuring flexibility in the Group’s cost base. Marketing working budget is one of our largest 

see Glossary, p. 258

operating expenses and at the same time one of the most important mechanisms for driving top-line 

growth  sustainably.  Therefore,  we  are  committed  to  improving  the  utilisation  of  our  marketing 

expenditure. This includes concentrating our communication efforts on key global brand initiatives 

and focusing our promotion spend on well-selected partnerships with top events, leagues, clubs 

athletes and artists. 

We also aim to increase operational efficiency and tightly manage operating overhead expenses. 

see Glossary, p. 258

In this respect, we regularly review our operational structure – streamlining business processes, 

eliminating redundancies and leveraging the scale of our organisation. These measures may also 

be supplemented by short-term initiatives such as temporarily curtailing operational investments, 

for example staff hiring. 

Furthermore, we carefully analyse the different mix effects which impact the Group’s profit ratios, as 

our business performance differs significantly across geographical markets, business models and 

sales channels. The strategic implications and decisions taken in this respect are a key element of 

our strategic planning efforts, ensuring clarity and focus of the organisation to balance and broaden 

the Group’s future earnings stream and sustainably increase the Group’s operating margin. 

Tight operating working capital management

Due to a comparatively low level of fixed assets required in our business, the efficiency of the Group’s 

balance  sheet  depends  to  a  large  degree  on  our  operating  working  capital  management.  In  this 

context, our key metric is operating working capital as a percentage of net sales. Monitoring the 

development of this metric facilitates the measurement of our progress in improving the efficiency 

of our business cycle. 

We  strive  to  proactively  manage  our  inventory  levels  to  meet  market  demand  and  ensure  fast 

replenishment.  Inventory  ageing  is  controlled  tightly  to  reduce  inventory  obsolescence  and 

to  minimise  clearance  activities.  As  a  result,  inventory  days  lasting  is  an  important  metric  as  it 

measures the average number of days goods remain in inventory before being sold, highlighting 

the efficiency of capital locked up in products. To optimise capital tied up in accounts receivable, 

we strive to improve collection efforts in order to reduce the Days of Sales Outstanding (DSO) and 

improve the ageing of accounts receivable. Likewise, we strive to optimise payment terms with our 

suppliers to best manage our accounts payable.

adidas Group financial KPIs  /    

Change in operating working capital

99

Group Management Report – Financial Review2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportInternal Group Management System

/  03.1  /

Capital expenditure targeted to maximise future returns

adidas Group financial KPIs  /    

Improving  the  effectiveness  of  the  Group’s  capital  expenditure  is  another  lever  to  maximise  our 

Capital expenditure

operating cash flow. We control capital expenditure with a top-down, bottom-up approach. In a first 

step, Group management defines focus areas and an overall investment budget based on investment 

requests from various functions within the organisation. Our operating segments then align their 

initiatives within the scope of assigned priorities and available budget. We evaluate potential return 

on planned investments utilising the net present value method. Risk is accounted for, adding a risk 

premium  to  the  cost  of  capital  and  thus  reducing  our  estimated  future  earnings  streams  where 

appropriate. By means of scenario planning, the sensitivity of investment returns is tested against 

changes  in  initial  assumptions.  For  large  investment  projects,  timelines  and  deviations  versus 

budget are monitored on a monthly basis throughout the course of the project.

The  final  step  of  optimising  return  on  investments  is  our  selective  post-mortem  reviews,  where 

larger projects in particular are evaluated and learnings are documented to be available for future 

capital expenditure decisions.

Non-financial key performance indicators 

In addition to the Group’s major financial KPIs to assess the current performance and operational 

success of the adidas Group, as outlined above, we have identified a set of non-financial KPIs that 

help us track our progress in areas that are critical for our long-term success but are, however, not 

directly reflected in the Group’s financial statements. These non-financial KPIs are assessed on a 

100

regular basis and managed by the respective Group functions. Non-financial KPIs include market 

share  and  consumer  insight  tracking,  our  customer  delivery  performance  (On-Time  In-Full),  our 

employee engagement and a set of KPIs in the area of our sustainability performance.

Market share: Maintaining and enhancing brand image and reputation through the creation of strong 
brand identities is crucial for sustaining and driving revenue and profit growth. It is also an important 

credential as we extend our brands into new categories and regions. Therefore, mainly on a market 

and category level, we invest in primary qualitative and quantitative research such as trend scouting, 

consumer  surveys  and  market  share  data  to  determine  brand  and  category  strength.  Measures 

that are regularly tracked include market shares, brand awareness, likeability and purchase intent. 

see Management Assessment of Performance, 
Risks and Opportunities, and Outlook, p. 181

These efforts are supported by global market research and consumer insight teams.

02  /  Key financial metrics

Gross margin

Operating margin

Average operating  
working capital

=

=

=

1) Excluding acquisitions and finance leases.

Gross profit

Net sales

× 100

Operating working capital
in % of net sales

Operating profit

Net sales

× 100

Capital expenditure 1)

Average operating
working capital

Net sales

× 100

 Additions of property, plant and 
equipment plus intangible assets

=

=

Sum of operating working
capital at quarter-end

4

Net cash/Net borrowings

=

  Cash and cash equivalents 
+  short-term financial assets 
–  short-term borrowings 
–  long-term borrowings

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial Review 
 
 
 
 
Internal Group Management System

/  03.1  /

Backlogs  and  sell-through  data:  To  manage  demand  planning  and  anticipate  our  future 
performance, backlogs comprising orders received up to nine months in advance of the actual sale 

see Glossary, p. 258

are monitored closely. However, due to the growing share of own retail in our business mix as well 

as fluctuating order patterns among our customers, order books are less indicative of anticipated 

revenues for the adidas Group compared to the past. Therefore, qualitative feedback from our retail 

partners on the sell-through success of our collections at the point of sale as well as data received 

see Subsequent Events and Outlook, p. 146

from our own-retail activities is becoming even more important. 

On-Time In-Full (OTIF): OTIF measures the adidas Group’s delivery performance towards customers 
and  our  own-retail  stores.  Managed  by  our  Global  Operations  function,  OTIF  assesses  to  what 

degree customers received what they ordered and if they received it on time. It helps our Group to 

investigate improvement potential in the area of order book management and logistics processes. It 

therefore also helps us to improve our delivery performance, which is a major aspect when it comes 

to customer satisfaction. The OTIF assessment covers both the adidas and Reebok brands for our 

see Global Operations, p. 66

two biggest channels, Wholesale and Retail, in most of our key markets. 

Employee engagement: To measure the level of engagement and motivation of all our employees, 
the adidas Group carries out employee engagement surveys. The surveys aim to provide key insight 

into how well as an employer we are doing in engaging our employees. It thus enables us to develop 

the right focus and future people strategies across our organisation. We aim to improve the overall 

see Employees, p. 82

engagement score in our next employee engagement survey, which will be conducted in 2016. 

Sustainability performance: We have a strong commitment to enhance the social and environmental 
performance of our Group. By doing so, we firmly believe we will not only improve the Group’s overall 

reputation, but also increase our economic value. We have therefore implemented a comprehensive 

sustainability programme under which we regularly review our performance. We closely monitor 

see Sustainability, p. 89

our sustainability targets and have set ourselves clear milestones. A major focus lies on monitoring 

and rating our factories with regard to compliance with our Workplace Standards and rating the 

effectiveness of compliance systems. A rating tool helps us evaluate six fundamental elements of 

social compliance. We have a strong track record in sustainability reporting, with our Sustainability 

Progress Report being an integral part of this. All our social and environmental publications, which 

see Sustainability, p. 89
www.adidas-group.com/en/sustainability/
reporting-policies-and-data/sustainability-reports

include more details and additional data, are provided on our corporate website.

101

Group Management Report – Financial Review2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual Report 
Internal Group Management System

/  03.1  /

Structured performance measurement system

We have developed an extensive performance measurement system, which utilises a variety of tools 

to measure the performance of the adidas Group. The Group’s key performance indicators as well 

as  other  important  financial  metrics  are  monitored  and  compared  against  initial  targets  as  well 

as rolling forecasts on a monthly basis. When negative deviations exist between actual and target 

see Glossary, p. 258

numbers,  we  perform  a  detailed  analysis  to  identify  and  address  the  cause.  If  necessary,  action 

plans are implemented to optimise the development of the Group’s operating performance. We also 

benchmark the Group’s financial results with those of our major competitors on a regular basis. To 

assess current sales and profitability development, management analyses sell-through information 

from our own-retail activities as well as short-term replenishment orders from retailers. 

Taking  into  account  year-to-date  performance  as  well  as  opportunities  and  risks,  the  Group’s 

full  year  financial  performance  is  forecasted  four  times  a  year.  In  this  respect,  also  backlogs, 

sell-through  data,  feedback  from  customers  and  own-retail  stores  are  assessed  as  available. 

Finally,  as  a  further  early  indicator  for  future  performance,  the  results  of  any  relevant  recent 

market and consumer research are assessed as available. 

Enhanced integrated business planning and management approach

In  order  to  further  optimise  profitability  and  working  capital  efficiency  as  well  as  operating  cash 

flow  development,  2014  saw  the  continuation  of  the  Group-wide  Integrated  Business  Planning 

initiative (IBP). This initiative focuses on developing and forming an enhanced forecasting approach 

102

by  aligning  processes  and  timelines  of  major  business  functions  such  as  marketing,  sales  and 

operations at a market and global level. The centre-point of this approach is to improve the reliability 

of future business planning, leading to a new efficiency level of order book building and conversion. 

This, in turn, is expected to lead to improving full-margin business.

The whole process is set up in a rhythm and timeframe to facilitate full cross-functional alignment 

and forecasting clarity in advance of important business decision processes – in particular those 

related  to  product  pricing,  range  building,  material  purchasing  or  production  capacity  fixing.  To 

create a seamless flow between achieving our strategic objectives and implementing operational 

plans,  we  follow  a  rolling  two-year  time  horizon.  This  ensures  more  focus  on  the  mid-term 

perspective, while at the same time highlighting relevant information around short-term business 

events and volatilities. All target-setting is fully embedded into the integrated planning process and 

communicated in advance of all relevant business milestones.

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial Review2

Group Business Performance   /  Economic and Sector Development

/  03.2  /

Group Business Performance

In  2014,  adidas  Group  results  were  significantly  impacted  by  a  challenging  golf  market, 

negative  currency  effects  and  a  weakening  of  consumer  sentiment  in  Russia/CIS. 

Currency-neutral  sales  for  the  Group’s  continuing  operations  increased  6%  as  a  result 

of  strong  growth  in  Wholesale  and  Retail.  In  euro  terms,  adidas  Group  revenues  grew 

2% to € 14.534 billion from € 14.203 billion in 2013. The Group’s gross margin decreased 

1.7 percentage points to 47.6% (2013: 49.3%), mainly due to negative currency effects, higher 

input costs, increased clearance activities in Russia/CIS as well as lower product margins 

at TaylorMade-adidas Golf. In 2014, the adidas Group incurred goodwill impairment losses 

of  €  78  million  (2013:  €  52  million).  These  one-off  expenses  were  non-cash  in  nature 

and  did  not  affect  the  adidas  Group’s  liquidity.  Excluding  goodwill  impairment  losses, 

the  Group’s  operating  profit  from  continuing  operations  declined  22%  to  €  961  million 

compared  to  €  1.233  billion  in  2013,  representing  an  operating  margin  of  6.6%,  down 

2.1  percentage  points  compared  to  the  prior  year  (2013:  8.7%).  This  development  was 

primarily due to the negative effects from the lower gross margin as well as higher other 

operating  expenses  as  a  percentage  of  sales.  The  Group’s  net  income  from  continuing 

operations,  excluding  goodwill  impairment  losses,  decreased  22%  to  €  642  million.  In 

2014, the adidas Group incurred losses from discontinued operations of € 68 million (2013: 

gains from discontinued operations of € 17 million). As a result, net income attributable to 

shareholders from continuing and discontinued operations excluding goodwill impairment 

losses was down 32% to € 568 million (2013: € 839 million). Basic and diluted earnings per 

share from continuing and discontinued operations excluding goodwill impairment losses 

decreased 32% to € 2.72 from € 4.01 in 2013.

Economic and Sector Development

Global economy expands 2.6% in 2014

In 2014, the global economy grew at a lower rate than initially projected, with global gross domestic 

product  (GDP)  modestly  strengthening  2.6%.  This  weaker  than  expected  global  recovery  mainly 

reflects  accommodative  monetary  policies,  declining  commodity  prices  and  weak  international 

trade. Growth in major economies was disparate and developing countries recorded disappointing 

results, driven by lower external demand, political uncertainties and domestic policy tightening. 

GDP in Western Europe grew 1.3% in 2014. While the UK gathered momentum and recorded robust 

expansion, the economies in the euro area grew only slightly after two years of recession. Most of 

the region’s economies were characterised by low inflationary pressures, relatively robust export 

activity and stable consumer spending. At the same time, high unemployment levels and lacklustre 

investment spending played a major role in the stuttering recovery.

European emerging markets recorded GDP growth of 2.3%. The deceleration from previous years 

was mainly the result of political unrest in Russia/Ukraine, sanctions and high inflationary pressures 

which resulted in lower consumer and investment spending. The further weakening of the rouble 

together with the continuous decline in oil prices put additional constraints on Russia’s growth.

103

Group Management Report – Financial Review2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Business Performance   /  Economic and Sector Development

/  03.2  /

The US economy grew modestly in 2014, expanding 2.4%, despite a contraction in the first quarter. 

The  recovery  was  supported  by  the  Fed’s  very  accommodative  monetary  policy.  In  addition,  an 

improving labour market and the decline in oil prices stimulated higher real household income, but 

a further appreciation of the US dollar may put the currently robust exports at risk.

Asia remained the fastest-growing region with 3.9% GDP growth, although this reflects a slowdown 

compared  to  previous  years.  In  China,  growth  slowed  marginally  to  7.5%  as  policy  measures 

introduced in an effort to control financial vulnerabilities were largely offset by growth-stimulating 

provisions to cushion the slowdown. Japan fell short of expectations with only 0.2% growth as the 

economy  was  unable  to  recover  from  the  government’s  sales  tax  increase  in  April,  and  exports 

remained sluggish despite the weakness of the yen. India emerged from two years of more modest 

growth,  expanding  5.5%  in  2014.  This  mainly  reflects  increasing  export  momentum  and  a  sharp 

decline in inflation. 

In  Latin  America,  GDP  development  dropped  to  1.0%  with  divergences  across  the  region.  While 

Central  America  remained  strong,  influenced  by  the  strengthening  activity  in  the  USA,  South 

America  recorded  a  sharp  slowdown  in  economic  activity.  In  Brazil,  declining  commodity  prices, 

contracting investments and election uncertainty drove a steep decline in growth. In Argentina, hard 

currency scarcity drove a contraction in economic activity. 

Global sporting goods sector continues to grow

104

In  2014,  the  global  sporting  goods  industry  grew  at  robust  rates,  supported  by  rising  consumer 

spending  in  the  emerging  markets.  The  industry  benefited  particularly  from  the  world’s  largest 

sporting  event,  the  FIFA  World  Cup  in  Brazil.  The  e-commerce  channel  continued  to  see  rapid 

expansion,  as  retailers  leveraged  a  wide  variety  of  commercial  opportunities  across  mobile 

technologies and social media. From a category perspective, basketball continued to enjoy strong 

momentum,  while  running  grew  at  a  slower  pace  but  with  modest  improvements  at  year-end. 

Activities relating to the 2014 FIFA World Cup supported sales momentum in the football category 

throughout the year. In the outdoor category, the overall weakness in 2014 was reversed during the 

fall/winter season. 

01  /  Regional GDP development 1)  (in %)

Global 2)

Western Europe 3)

European emerging 
markets 3)

USA 2)

Asia 3) 4)

Latin America 3)

5

4

3

2

1

0

–1

■ 2012  ■ 2013  ■ 2014

1) Real, percentage change versus prior year; 2012 and 2013 figures restated compared to prior year.
2) Source: World Bank.
3) Source: HSBC.
4) Includes Japan and Area Pacific.

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial Review 
 
Group Business Performance   /  Economic and Sector Development

/  03.2  /

Western  Europe  saw  a  solid  increase  in  the  industry’s  size,  partly  owing  to  the  importance  of 

football and the large number of teams from this region that qualified for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. 

Similarly, in many European emerging markets the significance of football and particularly Russia’s 

participation in Brazil supported the sector’s expansion.

In North America, the sporting goods industry grew modestly. The strong performance of the US 

team during the FIFA World Cup helped fuel strong football sales. Basketball footwear as well as 

apparel continued to be in strong demand, outperforming casual footwear and outdoor products. 

While the golf market was challenging through major parts of the year, as excess supply in retail 

channels  led  to  the  continuation  of  a  highly  promotional  environment,  fewer  overall  product 

launches led to a more healthy retail landscape and cleaner inventory levels at the end of the year.

02  / 

 Quarterly unemployment rate by region 1)   

03  / 

 Quarterly development of Consumer Price Index 1)   

(in % of total active population)

(by region)

Q4 2013

Q1 2014

Q2 2014

Q3 2014

Q4 2014

Q4 2013

Q1 2014

Q2 2014

Q3 2014

Q4 2014

USA 2)

Euro area 3)

Japan 4)

China 5)

Russia 6)

Brazil 7)

7.0

11.8

3.7

4.1

5.6

4.3

6.6

11.7

3.6

4.1

5.4

5.0

6.2

11.5

3.7

4.1

4.9

4.8

6.1

11.5

3.6

4.1

4.9

4.9

5.7

11.4

3.4

4.1

5.3

4.3

USA 2)

Euro area 3)

Japan 4)

China 5)

Russia 6)

Brazil 7)

1.5

0.8

1.6

2.5

6.5

5.9

1.5

0.5

1.6

2.4

6.9

6.2

2.1

0.5

3.6

2.3

7.8

6.5

1.7

0.3

3.2

1.6

8.0

6.8

0.8

(0.2)

2.4

1.5

11.4

6.4

105

1) Quarter-end figures.
2) Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
3) Source: Eurostat.
4) Source: Japan Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
5) Source: China National Bureau of Statistics.
6) Source: Russia Federal Service of State Statistics.
7) Source: Brazil Institute of Geography and Statistics. 

1) Quarter-end figures.
2) Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
3) Source: Eurostat.
4) Source: Japan Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
5) Source: China National Bureau of Statistics.
6) Source: Russia Federal Service of State Statistics.
7) Source: Brazil Institute of Geography and Statistics. 

04  / 

 Quarterly consumer confidence development 1)   

(by region)

USA 2)

Euro area 3)

Japan 4)

China 5)

Russia 6)

Brazil 7)

Q4 2013

Q1 2014

Q2 2014

Q3 2014

Q4 2014

77.5

(13.5)

40.0

102.3

(11.0)

111.2

83.9

(9.3)

36.9

107.9

(11.0)

108.8

86.4

(7.5)

40.5

104.7

(6.0)

106.3

89.0

(11.4)

39.6

105.4

(7.0)

109.7

93.1

(10.9)

37.5

105.8

(18.0)

109.2

1) Quarter-end figures.
2) Source: Conference Board.
3) Source: European Commission.
4) Source: Economic and Social Research Institute, Government of Japan.
5) Source: China National Bureau of Statistics.
6) Source: Russia Federal Service of State Statistics.
7) Source: Brazil National Confederation of Industry.

Group Management Report – Financial Review2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Business Performance   / 

Income Statement

/  03.2  /

05  /  Exchange rate development 1)  (€ 1 equals)

06  /  2014 oil price development 1)  (in US $ per barrel)

Average
rate
2013

1.3283

0.8492

129.58

42.298

8.1674

USD

GBP

JPY

RUB

CNY

Q1 2014

Q2 2014

Q3 2014

Q4 2014

1.3788

0.8282

142.42

49.205

8.4825

1.3658

0.8015

138.44

45.933

8.4035

1.2583

1.2141

0.7773

0.7789

138.11

145.23

49.560

68.303

7.7417

7.4291

Average
rate
2014

1.3296

0.8066

140.44

50.737

8.1919

100

70

40

|  Jan. 1, 2014 

Dec. 31, 2014  |

1) Spot rates at quarter-end.

1) West Texas Intermediate Cushing crude oil. 

Source: Bloomberg.

In  Asia,  rising  disposable  incomes  and  consumer  spending  promoted  expansion  of  the  sporting 

goods  industry.  This  trend  was  particularly  evident  in  China,  supporting  healthy  industry  sales 

growth,  especially  in  the  lower-tier  cities.  In  India,  the  size  of  the  sector  continued  to  expand  at 

double-digit rates.

The sporting goods industry in Latin America benefited from low unemployment levels and higher 

wages. Furthermore, given the significance of football in this region, the industry’s momentum was 

accelerated by sales relating to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

106

Income Statement

Focus on continuing operations

Due  to  the  existence  of  a  concrete  plan  to  sell  the  Rockport  operating  segment,  all  income  and 

expenses of the Rockport operating segment are reported as discontinued operations at year-end 

2014. For the sake of clarity, all figures related to the 2013 and 2014 financial years in this report 

refer to the Group’s continuing operations unless otherwise stated. 

On  January  23,  2015,  the  adidas  Group  entered  into  a  definitive  agreement  to  sell  its  Rockport 

operating  segment  to  a  new  entity  formed  by  Berkshire  Partners  and  New  Balance  as  part  of 

ongoing efforts to better focus on our core activities. The transaction, which is subject to customary 

closing conditions, is expected to be completed later in 2015. 

adidas Group currency-neutral sales increase 6% in 2014

In 2014, Group revenues increased 6% on a currency-neutral basis, driven by a double-digit sales 

increase  in  Retail  and  mid-single-digit  growth  in  Wholesale.  Currency  translation  effects  had  a 

negative impact on sales in euro terms. Group revenues grew 2% to € 14.534 billion in 2014 from 

see Diagram 07

€ 14.203 billion in 2013.

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewGroup Business Performance   / 

Income Statement

/  03.2  /

Group sales increase driven by strong growth in Wholesale and Retail

In  2014,  currency-neutral  Wholesale  revenues  increased  6%.  While  sales  at  adidas  grew  at  a 

mid-single-digit rate, revenues at Reebok remained stable compared to the prior year. Currency-

neutral Retail sales were up 21% versus the prior year as a result of double-digit sales increases at 

adidas and Reebok. Revenues in Other Businesses were down 19% on a currency-neutral basis, due 

to double-digit sales declines at TaylorMade-adidas Golf. Currency translation effects had a negative 

impact on segmental sales in euro terms. Wholesale revenues increased 3% to € 9.376 billion in 

2014 from € 9.100 billion in 2013. Retail sales rose 11% to € 3.842 billion versus € 3.446 billion 

in the prior year. Sales in Other Businesses declined 21% to € 1.316 billion (2013: € 1.657 billion).

Currency-neutral sales grow in nearly all regions

In 2014, currency-neutral adidas Group sales grew in all regions except North America. Revenues 

in  Western  Europe  increased  8%  on  a  currency-neutral  basis,  driven  by  strong  sales  growth  in 

Germany, the UK, France and Spain. In European Emerging Markets, Group sales were up 19% on 

a  currency-neutral  basis,  with  double-digit  sales  increases  in  all  of  the  region’s  major  markets. 

Currency-neutral sales for the adidas Group in North America decreased 6%, mainly due to sales 

declines in the USA. Sales in Greater China increased 10% on a currency-neutral basis. Currency-

neutral revenues in Other Asian Markets grew 2%, driven by sales increases in South Korea and 

India. In Latin America, sales grew 19% on a currency-neutral basis with double-digit increases in 

most markets, in particular Argentina, Mexico and Brazil. Currency translation effects had a mixed 

see Table 11

impact on regional sales in euro terms.

07  /  Net sales 1) 2)  (€ in millions)

08  /  Net sales by quarter 1)  (€ in millions)

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

14,534

14,203

14,883

13,322

11,990

Q4 2014
Q4 2013

Q3 2014
Q3 2013

Q2 2014
Q2 2013

Q1 2014
Q1 2013

1)  2014 and 2013 reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the 

1)  Figures reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the 

Rockport business.

2) 2011 restated according to IAS 8 in the 2012 consolidated financial statements.

Rockport business.

09  /  Net sales by region 1)

10  /  Net sales by segment  

 5

 4

 6

 1

2014

 3

 2

1 /  28%  Western Europe
2 /  20%  North America
3 / 
4 / 
5 / 
6 / 

14%  Other Asian Markets
13%  European Emerging Markets
12%  Greater China
11%  Latin America

 3

 2

2014

 1

1 /  65%  Wholesale
26%  Retail
2 / 
9%  Other Businesses 1)
3 / 

1)  Figures reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the 

1)  Figures reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the 

Rockport business.

Rockport business.

107

3,610
3,391

4,044
3,807

3,400
3,314

3,480
3,690

Group Management Report – Financial Review2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Business Performance   / 

Income Statement

/  03.2  /

Currency-neutral Group sales up in footwear and apparel

In 2014, currency-neutral footwear sales increased 5%, mainly due to double-digit sales growth in 

the running category and at adidas NEO. Sales at adidas Originals were up at a high-single-digit 

rate. Apparel revenues grew 12% on a currency-neutral basis. This development reflects double-

digit growth in the football and running categories as well as at adidas Originals and at adidas NEO. 

Currency-neutral  hardware  sales  were  down  9%  compared  to  the  prior  year.  This  was  primarily 

due  to  significant  declines  at  TaylorMade-adidas  Golf,  which  more  than  offset  double-digit  sales 

increases in the football and training categories. Currency translation effects had a negative impact 

see Table 12

on sales in euro terms.

Cost of sales increases

Cost of sales is defined as the amount we pay to third parties for expenses associated with producing 

and delivering our products. In addition, own-production expenses are also included in the Group’s 

cost of sales. However, these expenses represent only a very small portion of total cost of sales. 

11  /  Net sales by region 1)  (€ in millions)

108

Western Europe

European Emerging Markets

North America

Greater China

Other Asian Markets

Latin America

Total 2)

1) Figures reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the Rockport business.
2) Rounding differences may arise in totals.

12  /  Net sales by product category 1)  (€ in millions)

2014

2013

Change

Change 
(currency-neutral)

 4,112 

 1,932 

 2,972 

 1,811 

 2,085 

 1,622 

 3,777 

 1,867 

 3,203 

 1,655 

 2,135 

 1,568 

 14,534 

 14,203 

9%

4%

(7%)

9%

(2%)

3%

2%

8%

19%

(6%)

10%

2%

19%

6%

2014

2013

Change

Change 
(currency-neutral)

Footwear

Apparel

Hardware

Total 2)

6,658

6,279

1,597

14,534

6,587

5,811

1,806

14,203

1%

8%

(12%)

2%

1) Figures reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the Rockport business.
2) Rounding differences may arise in totals.

13  /  Net sales by product category 1)

14  /  Gross profit 1) 2)  (€ in millions)

 3

2014  1

 2

46%  Footwear

1 / 
2 /  43%  Apparel
3 / 

11%  Hardware

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

5%

12%

(9%)

6%

6,924

7,001

7,103

6,329

5,730

1)  Figures reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the 

1)  2014 and 2013 reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the 

Rockport business.

Rockport business.

2) 2011 restated according to IAS 8 in the 2012 consolidated financial statements.

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewGroup Business Performance   / 

Income Statement

/  03.2  /

In 2014, cost of sales was € 7.610 billion, representing an increase of 6% compared to € 7.202 billion 

in 2013. This development was due to the growth of our business as well as increases in input costs 

as a result of higher labour costs. 

Group gross margin down 1.7 percentage points

In 2014, gross profit for the adidas Group decreased 1% to € 6.924 billion versus € 7.001 billion in the 

see Diagram 14

prior year. The gross margin of the adidas Group decreased 1.7 percentage points to 47.6% in 2014 

(2013: 49.3%). This development was mainly due to negative currency effects as well as higher input 

see Diagram 15

costs. In addition, increased clearance activities particularly in Russia/CIS as well as lower margins 

at TaylorMade-adidas Golf contributed to the gross margin decline. 

Royalty and commission income declines

Royalty  and  commission  income  for  the  adidas  Group  decreased  1%  to  €  102  million  in  2014 

compared to € 103 million in the prior year. On a currency-neutral basis, royalty and commission 

income was also down 1%, mainly as a result of lower licensee sales at brand adidas.

Other operating income decreases 

Other operating income includes items such as gains from the disposal of fixed assets and releases 

of  accruals  and  provisions  as  well  as  insurance  compensation.  In  2014,  other  operating  income 

decreased  3%  to  €  138  million  (2013:  €  142  million),  mainly  comprising  the  release  of  other 

see Note 30, p. 234

operational provisions. 

15  /  Gross margin 1) 2)  (in %)

16  /  Gross margin by quarter 1)  (in %)

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

47.6

49.3

47.7

47.5

47.8

Q4 2014
Q4 2013

Q3 2014
Q3 2013

Q2 2014
Q2 2013

Q1 2014
Q1 2013

1)  2014 and 2013 reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the 

1)  Figures reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the 

Rockport business.

2) 2011 restated according to IAS 8 in the 2012 consolidated financial statements.

Rockport business.

17  /  Other operating expenses 1) 2)  (€ in millions)

18  /  Other operating expenses 1) 2)  (in % of net sales)

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

6,203

2014

6,013

2013

6,150

2012

5,567

2011

5,046

2010

109

44.9
47.5

47.4
49.3

49.2
50.1

49.2
50.2

42.7

42.3

41.3

41.8

42.1

1)  2014 and 2013 reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the 

1)  2014 and 2013 reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the 

Rockport business.

Rockport business.

2) 2011 restated according to IAS 8 in the 2012 consolidated financial statements.

2) 2011 restated according to IAS 8 in the 2012 consolidated financial statements.

Group Management Report – Financial Review2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Business Performance   / 

Income Statement

/  03.2  /

Other operating expenses as a percentage of sales up 0.3 percentage points

Other operating expenses, including depreciation and amortisation, consist of items such as sales 

working budget, marketing working budget and operating overhead costs. In 2014, other operating 

see Glossary, p. 258
see Diagram 17

expenses increased 3% to € 6.203 billion (2013: € 6.013 billion), as a result of higher expenditure 

related  to  the  expansion  of  the  Group’s  own-retail  activities  as  well  as  an  increase  in  sales  and 

see Note 31, p. 234

marketing  working  budget  expenditure.  As  a  percentage  of  sales,  other  operating  expenses 

increased 0.3 percentage points to 42.7% from 42.3% in 2013. 

see Diagram 18

Sales working budget as a percentage of sales increases 0.2 percentage points

Sales  working  budget  consists  of  expenses  to  support  the  Group’s  sell-through  development. 

Expenditures  relate  to  advertising  and  promotion  initiatives  at  the  point  of  sale  as  well  as  store 

furniture and fixtures. As sales working budget expenses are channel specific, they are allocated 

to the Group’s operating segments. In absolute terms, sales working budget expenditure increased 

12% to € 375 million in 2014 from € 336 million in the prior year. This development was mainly a 

result of higher expenditure related to the expansion of the Group’s own-retail activities. By brand, 

adidas sales working budget increased 13% to € 287 million compared to € 253 million in the prior 

year. Sales working budget for Reebok grew 12% to € 60 million at year-end (2013: € 53 million). 

The Group’s sales working budget as a percentage of sales increased 0.2 percentage points to 2.6% 

see Diagram 20

(2013: 2.4%).

Marketing working budget as a percentage of sales grows 0.4 percentage points

110

Marketing  working  budget  consists  of  items  such  as  expenses  for  promotion  partnerships, 

advertising and public relations. As marketing working budget expenses are not distribution channel 

specific,  they  are  not  allocated  to  the  segments.  In  absolute  terms,  marketing  working  budget 

increased  7%  to  €  1.548  billion  in  2014  (2013:  €  1.451  billion)  due  to  higher  expenditure  at  both 

adidas and Reebok. By brand, the adidas marketing working budget grew 9% to € 1.245 billion from 

€ 1.147 billion in 2013. Marketing working budget of the Reebok brand was up 6% to € 160 million 

(2013: € 150 million). The Group’s marketing working budget as a percentage of sales increased 

see Diagram 21

0.4 percentage points to 10.6% (2013: 10.2%). 

19  /  Other operating expenses by area 1)  (€ in millions)

Sales working budget

Marketing working budget

Marketing overhead

Sales force

Logistics

Research & development

Central administration

Total

■ 2014  ■ 2013

1) Figures reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the Rockport business.

2014

2013

375

336

1,548

1,451

427

420

1,915

1,815

763

126

753

124

1,050

1,114

6,203

6,013

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial Review 
Group Business Performance   / 

Income Statement

/  03.2  /

Operating overhead expenses as a percentage of sales decrease  
0.3 percentage points

Group operating overheads include overhead costs related to marketing, logistics, sales and R&D 

as well as central administration. Almost half of the operating overhead expenses are related to 

personnel costs. In absolute terms, operating overhead expenses grew 1% to € 4.280 billion in 2014 

versus € 4.226 billion in 2013. This was primarily a result of the expansion of the Group’s own-retail 

activities, more than offsetting a decrease in central administration costs. As a percentage of sales, 

operating overhead expenses declined 0.3 percentage points to 29.4% (2013: 29.8%).

Number of Group employees up 8%

At the end of December 2014, the Group employed 53,731 people. This represents an increase of 8% 

versus the prior year level of 49,808. New hirings related to the expansion of the Group’s own-retail 

store base were the main driver of this development. On a full-time equivalent basis, the number of 

see Employees, p. 82

employees increased 7% to 45,917 at the end of 2014 (2013: 42,758).

EBITDA decreases 14%

The Group’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation as well as impairment 

losses/reversal  of  impairment  losses  on  property,  plant  and  equipment  and  intangible  assets 

(EBITDA)  decreased  14%  to  €  1.283  billion  in  2014  (2013:  €  1.496  billion).  Depreciation  and 

see Diagram 22

amortisation expense for tangible and intangible assets (excluding impairment losses/reversal of 

impairment losses) increased 10% to € 309 million in 2014 (2013: € 281 million). This development 

is mainly due to an increase in property, plant and equipment. In accordance with IFRS, intangible 

assets with indefinite useful lives (goodwill and trademarks) are tested annually and additionally 

when  there  are  indications  of  potential  impairment.  In  this  connection,  impairment  of  intangible 

assets with unlimited useful lives was incurred in 2014. 

20  /  Sales working budget 1) 2)  (in % of net sales)

21  /  Marketing working budget 1) 2)  (in % of net sales)

2014

2013

2012

2011

2.6

2.4

2.0

2.5

2014

2013

2012

2011

111

10.6

10.2

10.1

10.2

1)  2014 and 2013 reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the 

1)  2014 and 2013 reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the 

Rockport business.

Rockport business.

2) 2011 restated according to IAS 8 in the 2012 consolidated financial statements.

2) 2011 restated according to IAS 8 in the 2012 consolidated financial statements.

22  /  EBITDA 1) 2)  (€ in millions)

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

1,283

1,496

1,445

1,199

1,159

1)  2014 and 2013 reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the 

Rockport business.

2) 2011 restated according to IAS 8 in the 2012 consolidated financial statements.

Group Management Report – Financial Review2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Business Performance   / 

Income Statement

/  03.2  /

Goodwill impairment in an amount of € 78 million

As a result of the annual impairment test, the adidas Group has impaired goodwill and recorded a 

€ 78 million pre-tax charge as at December 31, 2014 (2013: € 52 million). This charge was related to 

the Retail cash-generating unit Russia/CIS. As a result, the goodwill of this cash-generating unit is 

completely impaired. The impairment losses were mainly caused by adjusted growth assumptions 

due to the significant deterioration of the Russian rouble. In 2013, goodwill impairment losses of 

€ 23 million were recognised within the Wholesale cash-generating unit Iberia. Within the Retail 

cash-generating unit North America, goodwill impairment losses of € 29 million were recognised in 

2013. Both impairment losses were mainly caused by adjusted growth assumptions and an increase 

in the country-specific discount rates. The impairment losses in both years were non-cash in nature 

see Note 02, p. 197

and do not affect the adidas Group’s liquidity.

Operating margin excluding goodwill impairment declines to 6.6%

Group operating profit declined 25% to €  883  million in 2014 versus €  1.181  billion in 2013. The 

operating  margin  of  the  adidas  Group  decreased  2.2  percentage  points  to  6.1%  (2013:  8.3%). 

Excluding the goodwill impairment losses, operating profit was down 22% to € 961  million from 

see Diagram 23

€  1.233  billion  last  year,  representing  an  operating  margin  of  6.6%,  down  2.1  percentage  points 

(2013:  8.7%).  This  development  was  primarily  due  to  the  negative  effects  from  the  lower  gross 

see Diagram 25

margin as well as higher other operating expenses as a percentage of sales.

Financial income down 27%

112

Financial income declined 27% to € 19 million in 2014 from € 26 million in the prior year, due to a 

decrease in interest income.

Financial expenses down 28%

Financial expenses decreased 28% to € 67 million in 2014 (2013: € 94 million). This development 

was the result of a decrease in both negative exchange rate effects as well as interest expenses.

see Note 33, p. 235

see Diagram 26
see Note 33, p. 235

23  /  Operating profit 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)  (€ in millions)

24  /  Operating profit by quarter 1)  (€ in millions)

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

961

1,233

1,185

953

894

Q4 2014 2)
Q4 2013 3)

Q3 2014
Q3 2013

Q2 2014
Q2 2013

Q1 2014
Q1 2013

38
85

399
457

218
247

306
445

1)  2014 and 2013 reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the 

1)  Figures reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the 

Rockport business.

2) 2014 exluding goodwill impairment of € 78 million. 
3) 2013 excluding goodwill impairment of € 52 million. 
4) 2012 excluding goodwill impairment of € 265 million. 
5) 2011 restated according to IAS 8 in the 2012 consolidated financial statements.

Rockport business.

2) Excluding goodwill impairment of € 78 million. 
3) Excluding goodwill impairment of € 52 million. 

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial Review 
Group Business Performance   / 

Income Statement

/  03.2  /

Income before taxes excluding goodwill impairment down 22%

Income before taxes (IBT) for the adidas Group decreased 25% to € 835 million from € 1.113 billion 

in 2013. IBT as a percentage of sales declined 2.1 percentage points to 5.7% in 2014 (2013: 7.8%). 

Excluding the goodwill impairment losses, IBT was down 22% to € 913 million from € 1.165 billion 

in 2013 and, as a percentage of sales, decreased 1.9 percentage points to 6.3 % from 8.2% in the 

see Diagram 27

prior year.

Net income from continuing operations excluding goodwill impairment  
declines 22%

The Group’s net income from continuing operations decreased 27% to € 564 million in 2014 from 

€  773  million  in  2013.  Excluding  the  goodwill  impairment  losses,  net  income  from  continuing 

operations was down 22% to € 642 million (2013: € 825 million). The Group’s tax rate increased 

1.9 percentage points to 32.5% in 2014 (2013: 30.5%), mainly due to a less favourable earnings mix. 

Excluding the goodwill impairment losses, the effective tax rate grew 0.5 percentage points to 29.7% 

see Note 34, p. 236

from 29.2% in 2013. 

Losses from discontinued operations total € 68 million

In 2014, the Group incurred losses from discontinued operations of € 68 million, net of tax, related 

to the Rockport operating segment, which is planned to be divested during the course of 2015 (2013: 

gains from discontinued operations of € 17 million). Losses from discontinued operations in 2014 

were mainly due to the loss recognised on the measurement to fair value less cost to sell, net of tax, 

in the amount of negative € 82 million, partly offset by income from Rockport’s operating activities 

see Note 03, p. 206

113

of € 14 million.

25  /  Operating margin 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)  (in %)

26  /  Financial expenses 1)  (€ in millions)

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

6.6

8.7

8.0

7.2

7.5

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

1)  2014 and 2013 reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the 

1) 2011 restated according to IAS 8 in the 2012 consolidated financial statements.

Rockport business.

2) 2014 exluding goodwill impairment of € 78 million. 
3) 2013 excluding goodwill impairment of € 52 million. 
4) 2012 excluding goodwill impairment of € 265 million. 
5) 2011 restated according to IAS 8 in the 2012 consolidated financial statements.

27  / 

Income before taxes 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)  (€ in millions)

28  / 

Income before taxes by quarter 1)  (€ in millions)

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

913

1,165

1,116

869

806

Q4 2014 2)
Q4 2013 3)

Q3 2014
Q3 2013

Q2 2014
Q2 2013

Q1 2014
Q1 2013

1)  2014 and 2013 reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the 

1)  Figures reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the 

Rockport business.

2) 2014 exluding goodwill impairment of € 78 million. 
3) 2013 excluding goodwill impairment of € 52 million. 
4) 2012 excluding goodwill impairment of € 265 million. 
5) 2011 restated according to IAS 8 in the 2012 consolidated financial statements.

Rockport business.

2) Excluding goodwill impairment of € 78 million. 
3) Excluding goodwill impairment of € 52 million. 

67

94

105

115

113

25
68

392
436

203
232

294
430

Group Management Report – Financial Review2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Business Performance   / 

Income Statement

/  03.2  /

Net income attributable to shareholders excluding goodwill impairment  
down 32%

The Group’s net income attributable to shareholders, which in addition to net income from continuing 

operations includes net income from discontinued operations, decreased to € 490 million in 2014 

from € 787 million in 2013. This represents a decline of 38% versus the prior year level. Excluding 

the  goodwill  impairment  losses,  net  income  attributable  to  shareholders  decreased  32%  to 

see Diagram 29

€ 568 million (2013: € 839 million). 

Earnings per share from continuing and discontinued operations excluding 
goodwill impairment reach € 2.72

Basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations declined 27% to € 2.67 in 

2014 (2013: € 3.68). Excluding the goodwill impairment losses, basic and diluted EPS from continuing 

operations decreased 22% to € 3.05 last year from € 3.93 in 2013. The Group’s basic and diluted EPS 

from  continuing  and  discontinued  operations  amounted  to  €  2.35  (2013:  €  3.76),  representing  a 

see Note 35, p. 238

decrease of 37%. Excluding goodwill impairment losses, basic and diluted EPS from continuing and 

discontinued operations were down 32% to € 2.72 (2013: € 4.01). The weighted average number of 

see Diagram 31

shares used in the calculation was 208,776,457 (2013: 209,216,186).

29  / 

 Net income attributable to shareholders 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)   

30  / 

 Net income attributable to shareholders by quarter 1)   

(€ in millions)

(€ in millions)

114

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

568

839

791

613

567

Q4 2014 2)
Q4 2013 3)

Q3 2014
Q3 2013

Q2 2014
Q2 2013

Q1 2014
Q1 2013

1)  Includes continuing and discontinued operations.
2) 2014 exluding goodwill impairment of € 78 million. 
3) 2013 excluding goodwill impairment of € 52 million. 
4) 2012 excluding goodwill impairment of € 265 million. 
5) 2011 restated according to IAS 8 in the 2012 consolidated financial statements.

1)  Includes continuing and discontinued operations.
2) Excluding goodwill impairment of € 78 million. 
3) Excluding goodwill impairment of € 52 million. 

31  /  Diluted earnings per share 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)  (in €)

32  /  Diluted earnings per share by quarter 1)  (in €)

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2.72

4.01

3.78

2.93

2.71

Q4 2014 2)
Q4 2013 3)

Q3 2014
Q3 2013

Q2 2014
Q2 2013

Q1 2014 4)
Q1 2013

1)  Includes continuing and discontinued operations.
2) 2014 exluding goodwill impairment of € 78 million. 
3) 2013 excluding goodwill impairment of € 52 million. 
4) 2012 excluding goodwill impairment of € 265 million. 
5) 2011 restated according to IAS 8 in the 2012 consolidated financial statements.

1)  Includes continuing and discontinued operations.
2) Excluding goodwill impairment of € 78 million. 
3) Excluding goodwill impairment of € 52 million. 
4) Weighted average number of shares: 215,233,140.

(62)
42

282
316

144
172

204
308

(0.30)
0.20

1.35
1.51

0.69
0.82

0.96
1.47

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewGroup Business Performance   /  Statement of Financial Position and  Statement of Cash Flows

/  03.2  /

Statement of Financial Position and  
Statement of Cash Flows

Accounting policy

The Group’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with the International 

Financial  Reporting  Standards  (IFRS),  as  adopted  by  the  EU.  In  2014,  new  standards  and 

interpretations  and  amendments  to  existing  standards  and  interpretations  were  applicable.  The 

see Note 01, p. 196

changes mainly require additional disclosures in the Group’s financial statements.

Planned Rockport divestiture impacts balance sheet items

At December 31, 2014, all assets and liabilities of the Rockport operating segment are presented 

as assets and liabilities classified as held for sale due to the existence of a concrete plan to sell this 

operating segment. At the end of 2014, assets of € 260 million and liabilities of € 46 million were 

allocated to the Rockport operating segment. However, a restatement of the 2013 balance sheet 

see Note 03, p. 206

items is not allowed under IFRS. 

33  /  Structure of statement of financial position 1)  (in % of total assets)

Assets (€ in millions)

Cash and cash equivalents

Accounts receivable

Inventories

Fixed assets

Other assets

■ 2014  ■ 2013

1) For absolute figures see adidas AG Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, p. 190.

34  /  Structure of statement of financial position 1)  (in % of total liabilities and equity)

Liabilities and equity (€ in millions)

Short-term borrowings

Accounts payable

Long-term borrowings

Other liabilities

Total equity

■ 2014  ■ 2013

1) For absolute figures see adidas AG Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, p. 190.

2014

2013

12,417 

11,599 

13.6% 13.7%

15.7% 15.6%

20.3% 22.7%

35.0% 35.7%

15.4% 12.3%

2014

2013

12,417 

11,599 

2.3%

5.9%

13.3% 15.7%

12.8%

5.6%

26.4% 25.5%

45.2% 47.3%

115

Group Management Report – Financial Review2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Business Performance   /  Statement of Financial Position and Statement of Cash Flows 

/  03.2  /

Assets

At the end of December 2014, total assets increased 7% to € 12.417 billion versus € 11.599 billion 

in the prior year, as a result of an increase in current as well as in non-current assets. The share of 

see Diagram 35

current assets and non-current assets within total assets remained unchanged at 59% and 41% at 

the end of December 2014 (2013: 59% and 41%). 

Total  current  assets  increased  7%  to  €  7.347  billion  at  the  end  of  December  2014  compared  to 

€  6.857  billion  in  2013.  Cash  and  cash  equivalents  increased  6%  to  €  1.683  billion  at  the  end  of 

December 2014 from € 1.587 billion in the prior year, as net cash generated from operating activities 

was only partly offset by net cash used in investing and financing activities. Currency effects had 

a  positive  impact  on  cash  and  cash  equivalents  in  an  amount  of  €  50  million.  Group  inventories 

see Note 09, p. 209

decreased 4% to € 2.526 billion at the end of December 2014 versus € 2.634 billion in 2013. On a 

currency-neutral basis, inventories decreased 1%, mainly as a result of the transfer of Rockport 

inventories to assets classified as held for sale. Inventories from continuing operations decreased 

see Diagram 36

1%  (+2%  currency-neutral),  reflecting  the  Group’s  focus  on  inventory  management.  Short-term 

financial assets declined 88% to € 5 million at the end of December 2014 from € 41 million in 2013. 

see Note 06, p. 207

This development was driven by the decrease in short-term cash investments. Group receivables 

increased 8% to € 1.946 billion at the end of December 2014 (2013: € 1.809 billion). On a currency-

see Note 07, p. 208

neutral basis, receivables were up 2%. Receivables from continuing operations increased 10% (+5% 

currency-neutral), reflecting the growth of our business during the fourth quarter of 2014. Other 

see Diagram 37

current  financial  assets  more  than  doubled  to  €  398  million  at  the  end  of  December  2014  from 

116

€  183  million  in  2013.  This  development  was  driven  by  an  increase  in  the  fair  value  of  financial 

see Note 08, p. 208

35  /  Total assets 1)  (€ in millions)

36  / 

Inventories 1)  (€ in millions)

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

12,417

2014

11,599

2013

11,651

2012

11,237

10,618

2011

2010

1) 2011 restated according to IAS 8 in the 2012 consolidated financial statements.

1) 2011 restated according to IAS 8 in the 2012 consolidated financial statements.

37  /  Accounts receivable 1)  (€ in millions)

38  / 

 Accounts payable 1)  (€ in millions)

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

1,946

2014

1,809

2013

1,688

2012

1,595

1,667

2011

2010

1) 2011 restated according to IAS 8 in the 2012 consolidated financial statements.

1) 2011 restated according to IAS 8 in the 2012 consolidated financial statements.

2,526

2,634

2,486

2,502

2,119

1,652

1,825

1,790

1,887

1,694

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewGroup Business Performance   /  Statement of Financial Position and Statement of Cash Flows 

/  03.2  /

instruments. Other current assets decreased 16% to € 425 million at the end of December 2014 

from € 506 million in 2013, mainly due to the decrease in prepayments. 

see Note 10, p. 209

Total non-current assets grew 7% to € 5.070 billion at the end of December 2014 from € 4.742 billion 

in  2013.  Fixed  assets  increased  5%  to  €  4.346  billion  at  the  end  of  December  2014  versus 

€ 4.144 billion in 2013. Fixed assets include property, plant and equipment, goodwill, trademarks 

and other intangible assets as well as long-term financial assets. Additions of € 569 million were 

primarily  related  to  the  continued  expansion  of  our  own-retail  activities,  investments  into  the 

Group’s logistics infrastructure and IT systems, the acquisition of Luta Ltd. as well as the further 

development  of  the  Group’s  headquarters  in  Herzogenaurach.  In  addition,  in  2014  the  Group 

acquired its North American Distribution Centre in Spartanburg, South Carolina (USA), which was 

previously leased. Currency translation effects of € 290 million also contributed to the increase in 

fixed assets. Additions were partly offset by depreciation and amortisation of € 333 million, goodwill 

impairment of € 78 million, disposals of € 23 million as well as the reclassification of the net book 

value of Rockport fixed assets to assets classified as held for sale of € 224 million. The majority 

of  goodwill  is  primarily  related  to  the  acquisition  of  the  Reebok  business  in  2006.  At  the  end  of 

December 2014, goodwill decreased 3% to € 1.169 billion from € 1.204 billion in the prior year. The 

decrease is mainly related to goodwill impaired of € 78 million, in connection with the Group’s retail 

see Note 02, p. 197
see Note 13, p. 211

cash-generating  unit  Russia/CIS,  caused  by  adjusted  growth  assumptions  due  to  the  significant 

deterioration of the Russian rouble. Other non-current financial assets grew 40% to € 42 million at 

see Note 16, p. 213

the end of December 2014 from € 30 million in 2013.

39  /  Shareholders’ equity 1)  (€ in millions)

40  /  Operating working capital 1)  (€ in millions)

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

5,624

5,489

5,304

5,137

4,616

Q4 2014
Q4 2013

Q3 2014
Q3 2013

Q2 2014
Q2 2013

Q1 2014
Q1 2013

1) 2011 restated according to IAS 8 in the 2012 consolidated financial statements.

1)  Figures reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the 

Rockport business.

41  / 

 Average operating working capital 1) 2)  (in % of net sales)

117

2,821
2,618

3,689
3,273

3,213
2,895

3,280
3,324

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

22.4

21.3

20.0

20.4

20.8

1)  2014 and 2013 reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the 

Rockport business.

2) 2011 restated according to IAS 8 in the 2012 consolidated financial statements.

Group Management Report – Financial Review2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Business Performance   /  Statement of Financial Position and Statement of Cash Flows 

/  03.2  /

Liabilities and equity

Total  current  liabilities  decreased  7%  to  €  4.378  billion  at  the  end  of  December  2014  from 

€ 4.732 billion in 2013. Accounts payable were down 9% to € 1.652 billion at the end of December 

2014 versus € 1.825 billion in 2013. On a currency-neutral basis, accounts payable decreased 11%, 

see Diagram 38

partly as a result of the transfer of Rockport accounts payable to liabilities classified as held for sale. 

Accounts payable from continuing operations decreased 8% (-10% currency-neutral), reflecting the 

lower sourcing activity during the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to the prior year. At the end of 

December 2014, other current financial liabilities decreased 20% to € 91 million from € 113 million 

in  2013,  primarily  as  a  result  of  the  decrease  in  the  negative  fair  value  of  financial  instruments. 

see Note 19, p. 215

Short-term  borrowings  declined  58%  to  €  288  million  at  the  end  of  December  2014  (2013: 

€  681 million).  The  repayment  of  the  Group’s  Eurobond,  which  matured  in  July  2014,  was  partly 

offset  by  an  increase  in  bank  borrowings.  Other  current  provisions  were  up  4%  to  €  470  million 

at the end of December 2014 versus € 450 million in 2013. This primarily relates to an increase in 

provisions for warranties and returns. Currency translation effects of € 14 million also contributed 

to the increase in other current provisions. Current accrued liabilities grew 9% to € 1.249 billion at 

see Note 20, p. 215

the end of December 2014 from € 1.147 billion in 2013, mainly due to an increase in accruals for 

customer discounts. Currency translation effects of € 61 million also contributed to the increase in 

see Note 21, p. 216

current accrued liabilities. Other current liabilities were up 4% to € 287 million at the end of 2014 

from € 276 million in 2013, mainly due to an increase in tax liabilities other than income taxes. 

see Note 22, p. 216

118

42  /  Capital expenditure by segment

43  /  Capital expenditure by region

 4

 3

2014

 2

 1

1 /  58%  HQ/Consolidation
2 / 
3 / 
4 / 

24%  Retail
13%  Wholesale

5%  Other Businesses

 6

 5

 4

 3

 1

2014

 2

1 /  37%  North America
2 /  27%  Western Europe
3 / 
4 / 
5 / 
6 / 

14%  Greater China
7%  European Emerging Markets
7%  Other Asian Markets
7%  Latin America

44  /  Capital expenditure by type

45  /  Net borrowings/EBITDA 1)

 4

2014

 1

 3

 2

1 /  55%  Other
2 / 
3 / 
4 / 

9% 

IT

24%  Own-retail activities
12%  Retailer support

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

0.1

(0.2)

(0.3)

(0.1)

0.2

1)  2014 and 2013 reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the 

Rockport business.

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial Review 
 
 
Group Business Performance   /  Statement of Financial Position and Statement of Cash Flows 

/  03.2  /

Total  non-current  liabilities  increased  75%  to  €  2.422  billion  at  the  end  of  December  2014  from 

€ 1.386 billion in the prior year. Long-term borrowings increased to € 1.584 billion at the end of 

December  2014  from  €  653  million  in  the  prior  year.  This  development  was  primarily  due  to  the 

see Note 18, p. 213

issuance of two Eurobonds with an overall volume of € 1 billion. 

Shareholders’  equity  increased  2%  to  €  5.624  billion  at  the  end  of  December  2014  versus 

€ 5.489 billion in 2013. The net income generated during the last twelve months, positive currency 

see Diagram 39

translation effects of € 106 million as well as an increase in hedging reserves of € 210 million were 

the main contributors to this development. This was partly offset by the dividend of € 314 million 

paid to shareholders for the 2013 financial year as well as the repurchase of treasury shares in an 

amount of € 300 million. The Group’s equity ratio at the end of December 2014 decreased to 45.3% 

see Note 26, p. 221

compared to 47.3% in the prior year.

Operating working capital

Operating working capital increased 8% to € 2.821 billion at the end of December 2014 compared to 

see Glossary, p. 258

€ 2.618 billion in 2013. Operating working capital from continuing operations increased 12% (+13% 

currency-neutral). This was mainly due to the increase in accounts receivable, reflecting the growth 

see Diagram 40

of  our  business  during  the  fourth  quarter  of  2014,  as  well  as  lower  accounts  payable  at  the  end 

of  2014.  Average  operating  working  capital  as  a  percentage  of  sales  from  continuing  operations 

see Diagram 41

increased 1.0 percentage points to 22.4% (2013: 21.3%).

Investment analysis

Capital  expenditure  is  defined  as  the  total  cash  expenditure  for  the  purchase  of  tangible  and 

intangible assets (excluding acquisitions). Group capital expenditure increased 16% to € 554 million 

in  2014  (2013:  €  479  million).  Capital  expenditure  in  property,  plant  and  equipment  amounted 

to  €  504  million  and  was  thus  above  the  prior  year  level  of  €  427  million.  The  Group  invested 

€  50  million  in  intangible  assets,  representing  a  4%  decrease  compared  to  the  prior  year  (2013: 

€ 52 million). Depreciation and amortisation excluding impairment losses/reversal of impairment 

losses of tangible and intangible assets increased 10% to € 309 million in 2014 (2013: € 281 million). 

The majority of the Group’s capital expenditure was recorded in HQ/Consolidation, accounting for 

58% (2013: 52%), and was mainly related to investments in the Group’s logistics infrastructure 

and  deployment  of  IT  systems.  The  Retail  segment  accounted  for  24%  of  the  Group’s  capital 

see Diagram 42

expenditure  (2013:  29%).  Investments  primarily  related  to  the  expansion  of  our  store  base  for 

the adidas and Reebok brands, particularly in emerging markets. Expenditure in the Wholesale 

segment accounted for 13% of total capital expenditure (2013: 13%). Capital expenditure in Other 

Businesses accounted for 5% of total expenditure (2013: 6%). From a regional perspective, capital 

expenditure in North America accounted for 37% (2013: 16%) of the Group’s capital expenditure, 

followed by Western Europe with 27% (2013: 41%), Greater China with 14% (2013: 13%), European 

Emerging  Markets  with  7%  (2013:  17%),  Other  Asian  Markets  with  7%  (2013:  7%)  and  Latin 

see Diagram 43

America with 7% (2013: 6%).

119

Group Management Report – Financial Review2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Business Performance   /  Statement of Financial Position and Statement of Cash Flows 

/  03.2  /

Liquidity analysis

In  2014,  net  cash  generated  from  operating  activities  increased  to  €  701  million  (2013: 

€ 634 million). Net cash generated from continuing operating activities increased to € 694 million 

(2013:  €  608  million),  primarily  as  a  result  of  lower  operating  working  capital  requirements  as 

well as lower income taxes paid, partly offset by a decline in income before taxes. Net cash used 

in investing activities more than doubled to € 537 million (2013: € 243 million). Net cash used in 

continuing investing activities also more than doubled to € 531 million (2013: € 237 million), mainly 

as a result of lower proceeds from the sale of short–term financial assets. The majority of investing 

activities in 2014 related to spending for property, plant and equipment, such as investments in the 

furnishing and fitting of stores in our Retail segment as well as investments in the Group’s logistics 

infrastructure  and  IT  systems.  Net  cash  used  in  financing  activities  totalled  €  118  million  (2013: 

€ 439 million). The repayment of the Group’s Eurobond of € 500 million, the dividend of € 314 million 

paid to shareholders as well as the repurchase of treasury shares in the amount of € 300 million 

were partly offset by proceeds from the issuance of two Eurobonds in an amount of € 990 million. 

Exchange rate effects positively impacted the Group’s cash position by € 50 million in 2014 (2013: 

negative impact of € 35 million). As a result of all these developments, cash and cash equivalents 

see Diagram 46

increased € 96 million to € 1.683 billion at the end of December 2014 compared to € 1.587 billion 

at the end of December 2013. Net borrowings at December 31, 2014 amounted to € 185 million, 

compared  to  net  cash  of  €  295  million  in  2013,  representing  a  decrease  of  €  479  million.  This 

see Treasury, p. 121

development is mainly a result of higher capital expenditure during 2014 as well as the utilisation 

of  cash  for  the  first  tranche  of  our  share  buyback  programme  in  an  amount  of  €  300  million. 

120

Currency translation had a positive effect of € 36 million on net borrowings. The Group’s ratio of net 

see Diagram 45

borrowings over EBITDA amounted to 0.1 at the end of December 2014 (2013: –0.2).

Operating cash flow, as described in the Internal Group Management System, decreased 36% to 

€ 530 million in 2014 from € 827 million in the prior year. The decrease was mainly due to a lower 

see Internal Group Management System, p. 98

operating profit as well as higher capital expenditure.

46  /  Change in cash and cash equivalents  (€ in millions)

Cash and cash 
 equivalents at the 
end of 2013

Net cash generated 
from operating 
activities

Net cash used 
in investing activities

Net cash used  
in financing activities

Effect of exchange 
rates

Cash and cash 
 equivalents at the 
end of 2014

701

(537)

1,587

(118)

50

1,683

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewGroup Business Performance   /  Treasury

/  03.2  /

Off-balance sheet items

The Group’s most significant off-balance sheet items are commitments for promotion and advertising 

as  well  as  operating  leases,  which  are  related  to  own-retail  stores,  offices,  warehouses  and 

equipment. The Group has entered into various operating leases as opposed to property acquisitions 

in  order  to  reduce  exposure  to  property  value  fluctuations.  Minimum  future  lease  payments  for 

operating  leases  were  €  1.711  billion  at  December  31,  2014,  compared  to  €  1.669  billion  at  the 

end  of  December  2013,  representing  an  increase  of  3%.  At  the  end  of  December  2014,  financial 

see Note 28, p. 226

commitments  for  promotion  and  advertising  increased  37%  to  €  5.193  billion  in  2014  (2013: 

€ 3.791 billion), mainly as a result of the long-term promotion contract concluded with Manchester 

see Note 38, p. 243

United F.C. 

Treasury

Group financing policy

In order to be able to meet the Group’s payment commitments at all times, the major goal of our 

financing  policy  is  to  ensure  sufficient  liquidity  reserves,  while  at  the  same  time  minimising  the 

Group’s financial expenses. The operating activities of our Group segments and markets and the 

resulting cash inflows represent the Group’s main source of liquidity. Liquidity is planned on a rolling 

monthly basis under a multi-year financial and liquidity plan. This comprises all consolidated Group 

companies. Our in-house bank concept takes advantage of any surplus funds of individual Group 

companies to cover the financial requirements of others, thus reducing external financing needs 

and optimising our net interest expenses. By settling intercompany transactions via intercompany 

financial accounts, we are able to reduce external bank account transactions and thus bank charges. 

Effective  management  of  our  currency  exposure  and  interest  rate  risks  are  additional  goals  and 

responsibilities of our Group Treasury department. 

Treasury system and responsibilities

Our  Group’s  Treasury  Policy  governs  all  treasury-related  issues,  including  banking  policy  and 

approval  of  bank  relationships,  financing  arrangements  and  liquidity/asset  management, 

currency and interest risk management as well as the management of intercompany cash flows. 

Responsibilities are arranged in a three-tiered approach:

/ 

 The Treasury Committee consists of members of the Executive Board and other senior executives 

who decide on the Group’s Treasury Policy and provide strategic guidance for managing treasury-

related  topics.  Major  changes  to  our  Treasury  Policy  are  subject  to  the  prior  approval  of  the 

Treasury Committee.
 The Group Treasury department is responsible for specific centralised treasury transactions and 

/ 

for the global implementation of our Group’s Treasury Policy.

/ 

 On a subsidiary level, where applicable and economically reasonable, local managing directors 

and  financial  controllers  are  responsible  for  managing  treasury  matters  in  their  respective 

subsidiaries. Controlling functions on a Group level ensure that the transactions of the individual 

business units are in compliance with the Group’s Treasury Policy.

121

Group Management Report – Financial Review2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Business Performance   /  Treasury

/  03.2  /

Centralised treasury function

In accordance with our Group’s Treasury Policy, all worldwide credit lines are directly or indirectly 

managed by the Group Treasury department. Portions of those lines are allocated to the Group’s 

subsidiaries and backed by adidas AG guarantees. As a result of this centralised liquidity management, 

the Group is well positioned to allocate resources efficiently throughout the organisation. The Group’s 

debt is generally unsecured and may include standard financial covenants, which are reviewed on a 

quarterly basis. We maintain good relations with numerous partner banks, thereby avoiding a high 

dependency on any single financial institution. Banking partners of the Group and our subsidiaries 

are required to have at least a BBB+ long-term investment grade rating by Standard & Poor’s or an 

equivalent rating by another leading rating agency. Only in exceptional cases are Group companies 

authorised to work with banks with a lower rating. To ensure optimal allocation of the Group’s liquid 

see Risk and Opportunity Report, p. 154

financial resources, subsidiaries transfer excess cash to the Group’s headquarters in all instances 

where it is legally and economically feasible. In this regard, the standardisation and consolidation of 

the Group’s global cash management and payment processes, including automated domestic and 

cross-border cash pools, is a key priority for Group Treasury. In 2014, we successfully implemented 

see Glossary, p. 258

a new in-house bank module in order to further automate intra-Group settlements. 

Group financial flexibility

The  adidas  Group’s  financial  flexibility  is  ensured  by  the  availability  of  unutilised  credit  facilities 

of € 1.846 billion at the end of 2014 (2013: € 2.026 billion). These include a committed syndicated 

loan  facility  of  €  500  million  as  well  as  bilateral  credit  lines  at  different  banks  of  €  1.346  billion 

122

(2013: € 1.526 billion). The syndicated loan facility has a remaining time to maturity of five years. 

We monitor the ongoing need for available credit lines based on the current level of debt as well as 

future financing requirements.

Successful issuance of two Eurobonds

2014  saw  the  successful  issuance  of  two  Eurobonds  with  an  overall  volume  of  €  1  billion.  The 

seven-year Eurobond of € 600 million matures on October 8, 2021 and has a coupon of 1.25%. The 

twelve-year Eurobond of € 400 million matures on October 8, 2026 and has a coupon of 2.25%. With 

see Note 18, p. 213

this transaction, we have taken the opportunity of a low interest rate environment in the Eurobond 

market to further strengthen the Group’s financing mix while increasing the overall duration.

Bilateral credit lines decrease

At the end of 2014, bilateral credit lines declined 8% to € 1.520 billion compared to € 1.652 billion 

in the prior year, as a result of the issuance of two Eurobonds. Committed and uncommitted credit 

lines represent approximately 15% and 85% of total short-term bilateral credit lines, respectively 

see Diagram 49

(2013: 22% and 78%).

Standard financial covenants

In  the  case  of  our  committed  credit  facilities,  we  have  entered  into  various  covenants.  These 

covenants  may  include  limits  on  the  disposal  of  fixed  assets,  the  amount  of  debt  secured  by 

liens, cross default provisions and change of control. In addition, certain financial arrangements 

contain  equity  ratio  covenants,  minimum  equity  covenants  as  well  as  net  loss  covenants.  If  we 

failed to meet any covenant and were unable to obtain a waiver from a majority of partner banks, 

borrowings would become due and payable immediately. As at December 31, 2014, we were in 

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewGroup Business Performance   /  Treasury

/  03.2  /

full  compliance  with  all  of  our  covenants,  with  ample  coverage  above  all  stipulated  minimum 

requirements. As a result of our cash flow expectations, we are fully confident we will continue to 

be compliant with these covenants going forward. We believe that cash generated from operating 

see Subsequent Events and Outlook, p. 146

activities, together with access to external sources of funds, will be sufficient to meet our future 

operating and capital needs.

47  /  Total credit facilities  (€ in millions)

Bilateral  
credit facilities
Syndicated  
loan facility

Private placements

Eurobond

Convertible bond

Total

■ 2014  ■ 2013

48  / 

 Remaining time to maturity of available facilities  (€ in millions)

< 1 year

1 to 3 years

3 to 5 years

> 5 years

Total

■ 2014  ■ 2013

49  /  Bilateral credit lines  (€ in millions)

Committed

Uncommitted

Total

■ 2014  ■ 2013

2014

2013

1,520

1,652

500

218

990

471

500

248

500

460

3,699

3,360

2014

2013

1,615

2,207

123

971

990

193

960

0

3,699

3,360

2014

2013

235

370

1,285

1,282

1,520

1,652

123

Group Management Report – Financial Review2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Business Performance   /  Treasury

/  03.2  /

Gross borrowings increase

Gross borrowings increased 40% to € 1.873 billion at the end of 2014 from € 1.334 billion in the 

prior year. This increase is mainly due to the issuance of two Eurobonds with an overall volume of 

see Diagram 51

€ 1 billion, which more than offset the repayment of the Eurobond of € 500 million which matured 

in  July  2014.  Bank  borrowings  (incl.  commercial  paper)  amounted  to  €  194  million  compared  to 

€ 126 million in the prior year. At the end of 2014, commercial paper of € 20 million was outstanding 

(2013: € 0 million). Private placements decreased 12% to € 218 million in 2014 (2013: € 248 million). 

Convertible bonds outstanding increased 2% to € 471 million from € 460 million in the prior year, as 

a result of accruing the debt component. At issuance in 2012, the convertible bond was split – after 

see Diagram 56

deducting the issuance costs – into the equity component amounting to € 55 million and the debt 

component  amounting  to  €  441  million.  The  debt  component  is  accrued  to  its  nominal  value 

amounting to € 500 million until 2017 by use of the effective interest method. The total amount of 

bonds outstanding at the end of 2014 was € 1.461 billion (2013: € 960 million). 

Euro dominates currency mix 

The vast majority of our Group’s gross borrowings are denominated in euros and US dollars. At the 

end of 2014, gross borrowings denominated in euros accounted for 80% of total gross borrowings 

(2013: 76%). The share of gross borrowings held in US dollars decreased slightly to 12% (2013: 

see Diagram 50

14%).

124

50  /  Currency split of gross borrowings  (€ in millions)

EUR

USD

All others

Total

■ 2014  ■ 2013

51  / 

 Remaining time to maturity of gross borrowings  (€ in millions)

< 1 year

1 to 3 years

3 to 5 years

> 5 years

Total

■ 2014  ■ 2013

2014

2013

1,491

1,016

218

164

193

125

1,873

1,334

2014

2013

288

123

471

990

681

193

460

0

1,873

1,334

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewGroup Business Performance   /  Treasury

/  03.2  /

Debt maturity profile improves

With the issuance of two Eurobonds, our debt maturity profile improved over the course of 2014. 

In  2015,  assuming  unchanged  maturities,  debt  instruments  of  €  288  million  will  mature.  This 

see Diagram 51

compares to € 681 million which matured during the course of 2014. 

Interest rate decreases 

The  weighted  average  interest  rate  on  the  Group’s  gross  borrowings  decreased  to  3.1%  in  2014 

(2013: 3.8%). This development is mainly due to the repayment of both the Eurobond of € 500 million 

see Diagram 54

and a private placement of € 56 million, which carried higher interest rates. Fixed-rate financing 

represented 90% of the Group’s total gross borrowings at the end of 2014 (2013: 91%). Variable-rate 

financing accounted for 10% of total gross borrowings at the end of the year (2013: 9%).

Net debt position of € 185 million

The Group ended the year with a net debt position of € 185 million, compared to a net cash position 

of € 295 million at the end of the prior year, representing a decrease of € 479 million. Higher capital 

see Diagram 52

expenditure than originally planned negatively influenced this development. In addition, during 2014 

we utilised cash for the first tranche of our share buyback programme in an amount of € 300 million, 

which contributed to the net debt position. Currency effects had a positive impact of € 36 million on 

net debt development. 

52  /  Net cash/(net borrowings)  (€ in millions)

53  /  Net cash/(net borrowings) by quarter 1)  (€ in millions)

125

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

 (185)

295

448

90

(221)

Q4 2014
Q4 2013

Q3 2014
Q3 2013

Q2 2014
Q2 2013

Q1 2014
Q1 2013

1) At end of period.

54  / 

Interest rate development 1)  (in %)

55  /  Financial leverage  (in %)

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

1) Weighted average interest rate of gross borrowings.

3.1

3.8

4.4

4.9

5.1

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

(185)
295

(543)
(180)

(454)
(94)

(254)
(180)

3.3

(5.4)

(8.5)

(1.7)

4.8

Group Management Report – Financial Review2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Business Performance   /  Treasury

/  03.2  /

56  /  Financing structure 1)  (€ in millions)

Cash and short-term financial assets

Bank borrowings 

Commercial paper

Private placements

Eurobond

Convertible bond

Gross total borrowings

Net cash

1) Rounding differences may arise in totals.

2014

2013

1,688

1,629

174

20

218

990

471

1,873

(185)

126

0

248

500

460

1,334

295

57  / 

Issued bonds at a glance  (in millions)

Issued bonds

Volume

Coupon

Maturity

US private placement

US private placement

Convertible bond

126

Eurobond

Eurobond

USD 115

USD 150

EUR 500

EUR 600

EUR 400

fixed

fixed

fixed

fixed

fixed

2015

2016

2019

2021

2026

Effective currency management a key priority

As a globally operating company, the adidas Group is exposed to currency risks. Therefore, effective 

currency  management  is  a  key  focus  of  Group  Treasury,  with  the  aim  of  reducing  the  impact  of 

currency fluctuations on non-euro-denominated net future cash flows. In this regard, hedging US 

dollars is a central part of our programme. This is a direct result of the Group’s Asian-dominated 

sourcing, which is largely denominated in US dollars. In 2014, Group Treasury managed a net deficit 

see Global Operations, p. 66

of around US $ 5.6 billion related to operational activities (2013: US $ 5.2 billion). Thereof, around 

US $ 2.8 billion were against the euro (2013: US $ 2.6 billion). As governed by the Group’s Treasury 

Policy, we have established a hedging system on a rolling basis up to 24 months in advance, under 

which the vast majority of the anticipated seasonal hedging volume is secured approximately six 

months prior to the start of a season. As a result, we have almost completed our anticipated hedging 

needs  for  2015  as  of  year-end  2014  and  have  already  started  hedging  our  exposure  for  2016.  In 

2015, the positive effect from a more favourable EUR/USD conversion rate is expected to be more 

than  offset  by  less  favourable  conversion  rates  in  emerging  markets,  especially  Russia.  The  use 

or  combination  of  different  hedging  instruments,  such  as  forward  exchange  contracts,  currency 

options  and  swaps,  protects  us  against  unfavourable  currency  movements.  The  use  of  currency 

see Risk and Opportunity Report, p. 154

options allows the Group to benefit from future favourable exchange rate developments.

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial Review 
Group Business Performance   /  Financial Statements and Management Report of adidas AG

/  03.2  /

Financial Statements and Management Report 
of adidas AG

adidas  AG  is  the  parent  company  of  the  adidas  Group.  It  includes  operating  business  functions, 

primarily  for  the  German  market,  as  well  as  corporate  headquarter  functions  such  as  Global 

Marketing, Group Treasury, Taxes, Legal and Finance. It also administers the shareholdings of the 

company.

Operating activities and capital structure of adidas AG

The majority of the operating business of adidas AG consists of the sale of merchandise to retailers 

and own-retail activities.

In addition to its own trading activities, the results of adidas AG are significantly influenced by its 

holding  function  for  the  adidas  Group.  This  is  reflected  primarily  in  currency  effects,  transfer  of 

costs for services provided, interest result and income from investments in affiliated companies.

The opportunities and risks as well as the future development of adidas AG largely reflect those of 

the adidas Group.

see Subsequent Events and Outlook, p. 146
see Risk and Opportunity Report, p. 154

The asset and capital structure of adidas AG is significantly impacted by its holding and financing 

function  for  the  Group.  For  example,  47%  of  total  assets  in  2014  related  to  financial  assets, 

which primarily consist of shares in affiliated companies. Intercompany accounts, through which 

transactions between affiliated companies are settled, represent another 30% of total assets and 

43% of total liabilities and equity as at December 31, 2014.

Preparation of accounts

Unlike  the  consolidated  financial  statements  of  the  adidas  Group,  which  are  in  conformity  with 

the  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  (IFRS),  as  adopted  by  the  European  Union  as 

at  December  31,  2014,  the  following  financial  statements  of  adidas  AG  have  been  prepared  in 

accordance with the rules set out in the German Commercial Code (Handelsgesetzbuch – HGB). 

Income Statement

58  / 

 Statement of income in accordance with HGB (Condensed) 1)  (€ in millions)

127

Net sales

Total output

Other operating income

Cost of materials

Personnel expenses

Depreciation and amortisation

Other operating expenses

Operating profit

Financial result

Taxes

Net income

Retained earnings brought forward

Withdrawals from other revenue reserves

Retained earnings

1) Rounding differences may arise in totals.

2014

2013

2,142

2,142

647

(600)

(398)

(91)

1,954

1,954

1,165

(532)

(357)

(81)

(1,581)

(1,981)

119

128

(71)

176

110

21

307

168

43

(111)

100

324

0

424

Group Management Report – Financial Review2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Business Performance   /  Financial Statements and Management Report of adidas AG

/  03.2  /

59  /  adidas AG net sales 1)  (€ in millions)

Royalty and commission income

adidas Germany

Foreign subsidiaries

Y-3

Other revenues

Total

1) Rounding differences may arise in totals.

Net sales increase 10%

2014

2013

1,177

798

96

51

20

1,088

701

103

44

18

2,142

1,954

Sales  of  adidas  AG  comprise  external  revenues  from  adidas  and  Reebok  products  generated  by 

adidas  Germany,  external  revenues  from  Y-3  products  as  well  as  Group-internal  revenues  from 

foreign subsidiaries. Reported revenues also include royalty and commission income, mainly from 

affiliated companies, and other revenues. In 2014, adidas AG net sales grew 10% to € 2.142 billion 

(2013: € 1.954 billion). This growth is mainly due to an increase in royalty income from affiliated 

see Table 59

companies as well as higher sales at adidas Germany. 

Other operating income down 44% 

128

In 2014, other operating income of adidas AG decreased 44% to € 647 million (2013: € 1.165 billion). 

This was primarily due to a decline in income from currency conversion.

Other operating expenses decrease 20%

Other operating expenses of adidas AG declined 20% to € 1.581 billion in 2014 (2013: € 1.981 billion). 

This decrease was largely due to a decline in losses from currency translation, which more than 

offset  an  increase  in  cost  transfers  within  the  Group  as  well  as  an  increase  in  expenditure,  in 

particular depreciation of accounts receivable as well as legal and consultancy expenses. 

Depreciation and amortisation increases 12%

Depreciation and amortisation for adidas AG rose 12% to € 91 million in 2014 (2013: € 81 million), 

mainly as a result of the depreciation and amortisation of software and buildings. 

Operating profit declines 29%

In 2014, operating profit decreased 29% to € 119 million (2013: € 168 million). This was mainly due 

to the decline in other operating income as well as the increase in cost of materials and personnel 

expenses.

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewGroup Business Performance   /  Financial Statements and Management Report of adidas AG

/  03.2  /

Financial result improves strongly

The  financial  result  of  adidas  AG  improved  to  €  128  million  in  2014  from  €  43  million  in  2013. 

This increase is due to lower interest paid to affiliated companies as well as higher income from 

investments  in  affiliated  companies  in  an  amount  of  €  170  million  (2013:  €  102  million).  This 

includes the recognition of the dividend of the subsidiary in Korea in the same reporting period (date 

of resolution: February 12, 2015) in an amount of € 72 million.

Net interest expense of adidas AG declined 29% to € 44 million in 2014 (2013: € 62 million). This was 

mainly due to lower interest paid to affiliated companies. 

Net income grows 76%

Income from ordinary activities increased 17% to € 247 million in 2014 from € 211 million in 2013. 

This  development  is  mainly  attributable  to  the  improved  financial  result,  which  more  than  offset 

lower operating profit. Net income, after taxes of € 71 million, was € 176 million in 2014 and was 

thus above the prior year level (2013: € 100 million). 

Balance Sheet

60  / 

 Balance sheet in accordance with HGB (Condensed) 1)  (€ in millions)

Assets

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Financial assets

Fixed assets

Inventories

Receivables and other assets

Cash and cash equivalents, securities

Current assets

Prepaid expenses

Total assets

Equity and liabilities

Shareholders’ equity

Provisions

Liabilities and other items

Total equity and liabilities

1) Rounding differences may arise in totals.

129

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

129

419

3,503

4,051

38

2,312

934

3,284

80

7,415

2,051

390

4,974

7,415

148

304

3,476

3,928

29

1,928

736

2,693

73

6,694

2,489

393

3,812

6,694

Group Management Report – Financial Review2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Business Performance   /  Financial Statements and Management Report of adidas AG

/  03.2  /

Total assets increase 11%

At the end of December 2014, total assets grew 11% to € 7.415 billion compared to € 6.694 billion in 

the prior year. This was mainly a result of an increase in receivables and other assets in an amount 

of € 384 million. 

Shareholders’ equity decreases 18%

Shareholders’  equity  declined  18%  to  €  2.051  billion  at  the  end  of  December  2014  compared  to 

€ 2.489 billion in the prior year. This decrease was mainly due to the buyback of treasury shares and 

lower retained earnings in 2014 compared to the prior year. Accordingly, the equity ratio declined 

to 28%.

Provisions down 1% 

Provisions decreased 1% to € 390 million at the end of 2014 (2013: € 393 million). 

Liabilities and other items up 30%

Liabilities and other items increased 30% to € 4.974 billion at the end of 2014 (2013: € 3.812 billion). 

This  increase  primarily  resulted  from  the  issuance  of  two  Eurobonds  with  an  overall  volume  of 

€ 1 billion.

Cash inflow from operating activities reflects net income

adidas AG generated a positive cash flow from operating activities of € 61 million (2013: € 89 million). 

130

The change versus the prior year was mainly a result of higher payables to affiliated companies. 

Net cash outflow from investment activities was € 221 million (2013: € 115 million). This is largely 

attributable to capital expenditure for tangible and intangible fixed assets of € 195 million. Financing 

activities resulted in a cash inflow of € 359 million (2013: cash outflow of € 287 million). The net cash 

inflow from financing activities relates to the issuance of two Eurobonds. This was partly offset by 

the dividend payment of € 314 million and the buyback of shares in an amount of € 300 million. As a 

result of all these developments, cash and cash equivalents of adidas AG increased to € 934 million 

at the end of December 2014 compared to € 736 million at the end of December 2013. 

adidas  AG  has  a  committed  syndicated  loan  facility  of  €  500  million,  which  was  unutilised  at 

year-end 2014.

see Treasury, p. 121

adidas AG is able to meet its financial commitments at all times. 

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewGroup Business Performance   /  Disclosures pursuant to § 315 Section 4 and § 289 Section 4 of the German Commercial Code

/  03.2  /

Disclosures pursuant to § 315 Section 4 and 
§ 289 Section 4 of the German Commercial Code

Composition of subscribed capital

The  nominal  capital  of  adidas  AG  amounts  to  €  209,216,186  (as  at  December  31,  2014)  and  is 

divided into the same number of registered no-par-value shares with a pro-rata amount in the 

nominal  capital  of  €  1  each  (‘shares’).  Pursuant  to  §  4  section  9  of  the  Articles  of  Association, 

shareholders’  claims  to  the  issuance  of  individual  share  certificates  are,  in  principle,  excluded. 

Each share grants one vote at the Annual General Meeting. All shares carry the same rights and 

obligations. As at December 31, 2014, adidas AG holds 4,889,142 treasury shares, which however 

do not confer any rights to the company in accordance with § 71b German Stock Corporation Act 

see Note 25, p. 221

(Aktiengesetz – AktG).

In  the  USA,  we  have  issued  American  Depositary  Receipts  (ADRs).  ADRs  are  deposit  certificates 

of non-US shares that are traded instead of the original shares on US stock exchanges. Two ADRs 

see Our Share, p. 38

equal one share.

Restrictions on voting rights or transfer of shares

We are not aware of any contractual agreements with adidas AG or other agreements restricting 

voting  rights  or  the  transfer  of  shares.  Based  on  the  Code  of  Conduct  in  conjunction  with  an 

internal guideline of adidas AG, however, particular lock-up periods do exist for members of the 

Executive Board with regard to the purchase and sale of adidas AG shares. These lock-up periods 

are connected with the publication of quarterly and full year results. Such lock-up periods also exist 

for employees who have access to yet unpublished financial results. 

In addition, restrictions of voting rights may exist pursuant, inter alia, to § 136 AktG or for treasury 

shares pursuant to § 71b AktG as well as due to capital market regulations, in particular pursuant to 

§§ 21 et seq. German Securities Trading Act (Wertpapierhandelsgesetz – WpHG).

Shareholdings in share capital exceeding 10% of voting rights

We have not been notified of, and are not aware of, any direct or indirect shareholdings in the share 

capital of adidas AG exceeding 10% of the voting rights. 

Shares with special rights 

There are no shares bearing special rights. In particular, there are no shares with rights conferring 

powers of control. 

Voting right control if employees have a share in the capital

Like  all  other  shareholders,  employees  who  hold  adidas  AG  shares  exercise  their  control  rights 

directly in accordance with statutory provisions and the Articles of Association. 

Executive Board appointment and dismissal 

Pursuant to § 6 of the Articles of Association and § 84 AktG, the Supervisory Board is responsible 

for  determining  the  exact  number  of  members  of  the  Executive  Board,  for  their  appointment 

and dismissal as well as for the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The adidas AG 
Executive Board, which, as a basic principle, comprises at least two members, currently consists 
of  the  CEO  as  well  as  four  further  members.  Executive  Board  members  may  be  appointed  for  a 
maximum period of five years. Such appointments may be renewed and the terms of office may be 
extended, provided that no term exceeds five years.

see Executive Board, p. 10

131

Group Management Report – Financial Review2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Business Performance   /  Disclosures pursuant to § 315 Section 4 and § 289 Section 4 of the German Commercial Code

/  03.2  /

The Supervisory Board may revoke the appointment of an individual as member of the Executive 

Board or CEO for good cause, such as gross negligence of duties or a vote of no confidence by the 

Annual General Meeting. As adidas AG is subject to the regulations of the German Co-Determination 

Act  (Mitbestimmungsgesetz  –  MitbestG),  the  appointment  of  Executive  Board  members  and  also 

their  dismissal  requires  a  majority  of  at  least  two  thirds  of  the  Supervisory  Board  members 

(§ 31 MitbestG). If such a majority is not established in the first vote by the Supervisory Board, the 

Mediation Committee has to present a proposal which, however, does not exclude other proposals. 

The appointment or dismissal is then made in a second vote with a simple majority of the votes cast 

by the Supervisory Board members. Should the required majority not be established in this case 

either, a third vote, again requiring a simple majority, must be held in which, however, the Chairman 

of the Supervisory Board has two votes. 

Furthermore,  the  Fuerth,  Germany,  local  court  shall,  pursuant  to  §  85  section  1  AktG,  in  urgent 

cases,  make  the  necessary  appointment  upon  application  by  any  party  involved,  if  the  Executive 

Board does not have the required number of members. 

Amendments to the Articles of Association 

Pursuant  to  §  179  section  1  sentence  1  AktG,  the  Articles  of  Association  of  adidas  AG  can,  in 

principle,  only  be  amended  by  a  resolution  passed  by  the  Annual  General  Meeting.  Pursuant  to 

§ 21 section 3 of the Articles of Association in conjunction with § 179 section 2 sentence 2 AktG, 

the Annual General Meeting of adidas AG principally resolves upon amendments to the Articles of 

132

Association with a simple majority of the votes cast and with a simple majority of the nominal capital 

represented when passing the resolution. If mandatory legal provisions stipulate a larger majority 

of voting rights or capital, this is applicable. When it comes to amendments solely relating to the 

wording, the Supervisory Board is, however, authorised to make these modifications in accordance 

with § 179 section 1 sentence 2 AktG in conjunction with § 10 section 1 of the Articles of Association. 

Authorisations of the Executive Board

The authorisations of the Executive Board are regulated by §§ 76 et seq. AktG in conjunction with 

§ 7 of the Articles of Association. The Executive Board is responsible, in particular, for managing the 

company and represents the company judicially and extra-judicially.

Authorisation of the Executive Board to issue shares 

The  authorisation  of  the  Executive  Board  to  issue  shares  is  regulated  by  §  4  of  the  Articles  of 

Association and by statutory provisions: 

Authorised Capital

/ 

 Until June 30, 2016, the Executive Board is authorised to increase the nominal capital, subject to 

Supervisory Board approval, by issuing new shares against contributions in kind once or several 

times by no more than € 25,000,000 altogether (Authorised Capital 2013/II).

/ 

 Until June 30, 2018, the Executive Board is authorised to increase the nominal capital, subject to 

Supervisory Board approval, by issuing new shares against contributions in cash once or several 

times by no more than € 50,000,000 altogether (Authorised Capital 2013/I).

/ 

 Until June 30, 2018, the Executive Board is authorised to increase the nominal capital, subject to 
Supervisory Board approval, by issuing new shares against contributions in cash once or several 
times by no more than € 20,000,000 altogether (Authorised Capital 2013/III).

Subject to Supervisory Board approval, shareholders’ subscription rights may be excluded in certain 
cases for each of the above-mentioned authorisations.

see Note 25, p. 221

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewGroup Business Performance   /  Disclosures pursuant to § 315 Section 4 and § 289 Section 4 of the German Commercial Code

/  03.2  /

Contingent Capital

/ 

 The nominal capital of the company is conditionally increased by up to € 36,000,000 (Contingent 

Capital  2010).  The  Contingent  Capital  serves  the  purpose  of  granting  holders  or  creditors 

of  bonds  that  were  issued  based  on  the  resolution  of  the  Annual  General  Meeting  on  May  6, 

2010 subscription or conversion rights relating to no more than a total of 36,000,000 shares in 

compliance with the corresponding conditions of the bonds. 

On  March  14,  2012,  following  the  approval  of  the  Supervisory  Board,  the  Executive  Board  issued 

a  convertible  bond,  excluding  shareholders’  subscription  rights,  thus  making  partial  use  of  the 

authorisation granted by the Annual General Meeting on May 6, 2010. However, the shares will only 

be issued insofar as bondholders make use of their conversion rights. The total number of shares 

to be issued to bondholders in case of full conversion currently amounts to up to 6,056,447 shares.

Moreover,  the  authorisation  to  issue  bonds  with  warrants  and/or  convertible  bonds  granted  on 

May 6, 2010 was cancelled by resolution of the Annual General Meeting on May 8, 2014.

/ 

 Furthermore, the nominal capital of the company is conditionally increased by up to € 12,500,000 

(Contingent  Capital  2014).  The  Contingent  Capital  serves  the  purpose  of  granting  holders  or 

creditors of bonds that were issued based on the resolution of the Annual General Meeting on 

May  8,  2014  subscription  or  conversion  rights  relating  to  no  more  than  a  total  of  12,500,000 

shares in compliance with the corresponding conditions of the bonds. Based on the authorisation 

granted by the Annual General Meeting on May 8, 2014, the Executive Board is authorised, subject 

to  Supervisory  Board  approval,  to  issue  bonds  with  warrants  and/or  convertible  bonds  in  an 

aggregate nominal value of up to € 1 billion with or without a limited term, against contributions 

in cash once or several times until May 7, 2019, and to guarantee bonds issued by subordinated 

Group companies. The Executive Board is also authorised, subject to Supervisory Board approval, 

to exclude shareholders’ subscription rights for fractional amounts and to exclude shareholders’ 

subscription rights insofar as this is necessary for granting subscription rights to which holders or 

creditors of previously issued bonds are entitled. Furthermore, the Executive Board is authorised, 

subject to Supervisory Board approval, to also exclude shareholders’ subscription rights if the 

issue price of the bonds is not significantly below the hypothetical market value of these bonds 

and the number of shares to be issued does not exceed 10% of the nominal capital. The issuance 

of new shares or the use of treasury shares must be taken into account when calculating the limit 

of 10% in certain other specific cases.

The Executive Board has so far not utilised the authorisation to issue bonds with warrants and/or 

convertible bonds granted by the Annual General Meeting on May 8, 2014.

133

Group Management Report – Financial Review2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Business Performance   /  Disclosures pursuant to § 315 Section 4 and § 289 Section 4 of the German Commercial Code

/  03.2  /

Authorisation of the Executive Board to repurchase shares

The authorisations of the Executive Board to repurchase adidas AG shares arise from §§ 71 et seq. 

AktG  and,  as  at  the  balance  sheet  date,  from  the  authorisation  granted  by  the  Annual  General 

Meeting on May 8, 2014.

/  Until  May  7,  2019,  the  Executive  Board  is  authorised  to  repurchase  adidas  AG  shares  of  up 

to  an  amount  totalling  10%  of  the  nominal  capital  at  the  date  of  the  resolution  (or,  as  the  case 

may be, a lower amount of nominal capital at the date of utilisation of the authorisation) for any 

lawful  purpose  and  within  the  legal  framework.  The  authorisation  may  be  used  by  the  company 

but also by its subordinated Group companies or by third parties on account of the company or its 

subordinated Group companies or third parties assigned by the company or one of its subordinated 

Group companies. 

The  repurchase  will  be  carried  out  via  the  stock  exchange,  through  a  public  invitation  to  submit 

sale offers, through a public repurchase offer, or through granting tender rights to shareholders. 

Furthermore, the authorisation sets out the lowest and highest nominal value that may be granted 

in each case.

The purposes for which adidas AG shares repurchased based on this authorisation may be used are 

set out in Item 8 of the Agenda for the Annual General Meeting held on May 8, 2014. The shares may 

in particular be used as follows:

134

/ 

 They  may  be  sold  via  the  stock  exchange,  through  a  public  share  purchase  offer  made  to  all 

shareholders or sold otherwise against cash (limited to 10% of the nominal capital taking into 

account certain offsets) at a price not significantly below the stock market price of shares with 

the same features.

/ 

 They  may  be  offered  and  assigned  as  consideration  for  the  direct  or  indirect  acquisition  of 

companies, parts of companies, participations in companies or other economic assets or within 

the scope of company mergers.

/ 

 They may be offered and sold as consideration for the acquisition of industrial property rights or 

intangible property rights or for the acquisition of licences relating to such rights, also through 

subordinated Group companies.

/ 

 They may be used for purposes of meeting the subscription or conversion rights or obligations 

or the company’s right to delivery of shares arising from bonds with warrants and/or convertible 

bonds issued by the company or its subordinated Group companies.

/ 

 They may be cancelled without the cancellation, or the execution thereof, requiring an additional 

resolution of the Annual General Meeting. 

Furthermore,  the  shares  may  be  assigned  to  members  of  the  Executive  Board  as  compensation 

by way of a stock bonus subject to the provision that resale by the Executive Board members shall 

only be permitted following a retention period of at least three years from the date of assignment. 

Responsibility in this case lies with the Supervisory Board.

In  case  of  utilisation  of  shares  for  the  above-mentioned  purposes,  except  for  the  cancellation  of 

shares, shareholders’ subscription rights are excluded. 

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewGroup Business Performance   /  Disclosures pursuant to § 315 Section 4 and § 289 Section 4 of the German Commercial Code

/  03.2  /

The Supervisory Board may determine that transactions based on this authorisation may only be 

carried out subject to the approval of the Supervisory Board or one of its committees.

In the year under review, the Executive Board partly utilised the authorisation to repurchase treasury 

shares. In the period from November 7, 2014 up to and including December 12, 2014, adidas AG 

bought back 4,889,142 shares via the stock exchange.

/ 

In the scope of the authorisation resolved by the Annual General Meeting on May 8, 2014, the 

Executive  Board  is  furthermore  authorised  to  conduct  the  share  buyback  also  by  using  equity 

derivatives  which  are  arranged  with  a  credit  institution  or  financial  services  institution  in  close 

conformity with market conditions. adidas AG may acquire call options issued for physical delivery 

and/or sell put options or use a combination of call and put options or other equity derivatives if the 

option conditions ensure that these shares are only delivered if they were purchased in compliance 

with  the  equality  principle.  All  share  purchases  using  the  aforementioned  equity  derivatives  are 

limited to a maximum value of 5% of the nominal capital existing at the date on which the resolution 

was adopted by the Annual General Meeting (or, as the case may be, a lower amount of nominal 

capital at the date of utilisation of the authorisation). The term of the options may not exceed 18 

months  and  must  furthermore  be  chosen  in  such  a  way  that  the  shares  are  acquired  upon  the 

exercise of the options no later than May 7, 2019. The authorisation furthermore sets out the lowest 

and highest nominal value that may be granted in each case. 

For excluding subscription rights as well as for the use and cancellation of shares purchased using 

equity derivatives, the general provisions adopted by the Annual General Meeting (set out above) are 

applicable accordingly.

Change of control/compensation agreements

Material  agreements  entered  into  by  adidas  AG  containing  a  change-of-control  clause  relate  to 

financing  agreements.  In  the  case  of  a  change  of  control,  these  agreements,  in  accordance  with 

common practice, entitle the creditor to termination and early calling-in of any outstanding amounts. 

No  compensation  agreements  exist  between  adidas  AG  and  members  of  the  Executive  Board  or 

employees relating to the event of a takeover bid.

135

Group Management Report – Financial Review2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual Report3

Business Performance by Segment   /  Wholesale Business Performance

/  03.3  /

Business Performance by Segment

The  adidas  Group  has  divided  its  operating  activities  into  Wholesale,  Retail  and  Other 

Businesses. The Wholesale segment comprises the adidas and Reebok business activities 

with  retailers.  The  Retail  segment  comprises  the  own-retail  and  e-commerce  activities 

of  the  adidas  and  Reebok  brands.  The  financial  results  of  TaylorMade-adidas  Golf, 

Reebok-CCM Hockey and Other Centrally Managed Brands, which comprise brands such as 

Y-3 and Five Ten, are aggregated under Other Businesses.

Wholesale Business Performance

Wholesale full year results

In 2014, sales in the Wholesale segment increased 6% on a currency-neutral basis. This development 

was driven by strong growth at adidas, while Reebok revenues remained stable versus the prior year. 

Currency translation effects negatively impacted segmental revenues in euro terms. Sales in the 

see Table 01

Wholesale segment grew 3% to € 9.376 billion from € 9.100 billion in 2013.

Wholesale gross profit increased 1% to € 3.911 billion from € 3.884 billion in 2013. Gross margin 

in the Wholesale segment decreased 1.0 percentage points to 41.7% in 2014 from 42.7% in 2013. 

see Table 01

136

The positive effect from a more favourable product mix was more than offset by negative currency 

effects  following  the  devaluation  of  currencies  such  as  the  Argentine  peso  and  Brazilian  real 

as  well  as  a  less  favourable  pricing  mix.  By  brand,  the  adidas  wholesale  gross  margin  declined 

0.9 percentage points to 43.3% (2013: 44.2%). The wholesale gross margin for the Reebok brand 

decreased 2.4 percentage points to 28.6% (2013: 31.0%).

01  /  Wholesale at a glance  (€ in millions)

Net sales

Gross profit

Gross margin

Segmental operating profit 

Segmental operating margin

02  /  Wholesale net sales by region  (€ in millions)

Western Europe

European Emerging Markets

North America

Greater China

Other Asian Markets

Latin America

Total 1)

1) Rounding differences may arise in totals. 

2014

2013

Change

9,376

3,911

41.7%

3,100

33.1%

9,100

3,884

42.7%

3,082

33.9%

3%

1%

(1.0pp)

1%

(0.8pp)

2014

2013

Change

3,156

625

1,485

1,516

1,401

1,193

9,376

2,940

545

1,633

1,403

1,368

1,210

9,100

7%

15%

(9%)

8%

2%

(1%)

3%

Change 
(currency-
neutral)

7%

23%

(8%)

8%

6%

14%

6%

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewBusiness Performance by Segment   /  Wholesale Business Performance

/  03.3  /

Segmental operating expenses in Wholesale primarily relate to sales working budget expenses as 

well as expenditure for sales force, administration and logistics. In euro terms, segmental operating 

expenses were up 1% to € 810 million versus € 802 million in 2013. This was primarily due to higher 

sales working budget expenses. Segmental operating expenses as a percentage of sales decreased 

0.2 percentage points to 8.6% (2013: 8.8%). 

Segmental operating profit increased 1% to € 3.100 billion versus € 3.082 billion in the prior year. 

Segmental operating margin declined 0.8 percentage points to 33.1% (2013: 33.9%), as the positive 

effect of lower segmental operating expenses as a percentage of sales was more than offset by the 

see Table 01

gross margin decline.

Wholesale development by region

In 2014, currency-neutral sales for the Wholesale segment increased in all regions except North 

America.  Currency-neutral  revenues  in  Western  Europe  were  up  7%,  mainly  due  to  strong  sales 

increases  in  Germany,  the  UK,  France,  Poland  and  Spain.  Currency-neutral  sales  in  European 

Emerging Markets rose 23%, as a result of double-digit growth in all of the region’s major markets. 

Currency-neutral  Wholesale  sales  in  North  America  were  down  8%  due  to  declines  in  the  USA. 

Revenues in Greater China increased 8% on a currency-neutral basis. Sales in Other Asian Markets 

grew 6% on a currency-neutral basis, driven by increases in South Korea, Japan and India. In Latin 

America,  currency-neutral  sales  were  up  14%,  supported  by  double-digit  sales  growth  in  most 

markets, in particular Argentina, Mexico and Chile. Currency translation effects had a mixed impact 

see Table 02

on regional sales in euro terms.

137

03  /  Wholesale net sales by region

04  /  Wholesale net sales by brand

 6

 5

 1

 4

2014

 3

 2

1 / 
2 / 
3 / 
4 / 
5 / 
6 / 

34%  Western Europe
16%  North America
16%  Greater China
15%  Other Asian Markets
13%  Latin America

7%  European Emerging Markets

 3

 2

2014

1 / 
2 / 

66%  adidas Sport Performance
24% 
 adidas Originals &  
Sport Style

 1

3 / 

11%  Reebok

Group Management Report – Financial Review2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual Report 
 
Business Performance by Segment   /  Wholesale Business Performance

/  03.3  /

Wholesale development by brand

In  2014,  adidas  Sport  Performance  wholesale  revenues  grew  6%  on  a  currency-neutral  basis. 

This  development  was  mainly  driven  by  double-digit  sales  increases  in  the  football  and  running 

categories. Currency translation effects had a negative impact on revenues in euro terms. adidas 

Sport Performance sales increased 3% to € 6.147 billion (2013: € 5.970 billion).

Currency-neutral  adidas  Originals  &  Sport  Style  wholesale  revenues  increased  7%  in  2014, 

primarily driven by double-digit sales increases at adidas NEO. Currency translation effects had a 

negative impact on revenues in euro terms. adidas Originals & Sport Style sales increased 5% to 

€ 2.264 billion (2013: € 2.156 billion).

In 2014, Reebok wholesale revenues remained stable on a currency-neutral basis, as sales growth 

in the fitness training, walking and studio categories was offset by declines in fitness running and 

Classics.  Currency  translation  effects  had  a  negative  impact  on  revenues  in  euro  terms.  Reebok 

sales were down 5% to € 1.000 billion from €1.050 billion in the prior year. 

05  /  Wholesale net sales by quarter  (€ in millions)

06  /  Wholesale gross margin by quarter  (in %)

138

Q4 2014
Q4 2013

Q3 2014
Q3 2013

Q2 2014
Q2 2013

Q1 2014
Q1 2013

07  / 

 Wholesale segmental operating profit by quarter    

(€ in millions)

Q4 2014
Q4 2013

Q3 2014
Q3 2013

Q2 2014
Q2 2013

Q1 2014
Q1 2013

2,217
2,052

2,717
2,553

2,085
2,014

2,357
2,481

Q4 2014
Q4 2013

Q3 2014
Q3 2013

Q2 2014
Q2 2013

Q1 2014
Q1 2013

663
632

929
926

670
632

838
893

39.7
40.7

41.8
43.9

41.3
41.1

43.8
44.3

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewBusiness Performance by Segment   /  Retail Business Performance 

/  03.3  /

Retail Business Performance 

Retail full year results

In 2014, Retail revenues increased 21% on a currency-neutral basis as a result of double-digit sales 

growth at both adidas and Reebok. Concept stores, factory outlets and concession corners were all 

see Glossary, p. 258

up at double-digit rates versus the prior year. eCommerce grew 72% on a currency-neutral basis. 

Currency  translation  effects  negatively  impacted  segmental  revenues  in  euro  terms.  Sales  grew 

11%  to  €  3.842  billion  from  €  3.446  billion  in  the  prior  year.  Currency-neutral  comparable  store 

see Table 08

sales increased 9% versus the prior year, as a result of sales growth across all store formats as 

well as all regions.

see Glossary, p. 258

Retail gross profit rose 6% to € 2.281 billion from € 2.143 billion in 2013. Gross margin in the Retail 

segment decreased 2.8 percentage points to 59.4% from 62.2% in 2013. The positive effect from a 

see Table 08

more favourable product mix was more than offset by a less favourable pricing mix. In particular, the 

devaluation of the Russian rouble versus the euro and the US dollar was a major headwind in 2014. 

By brand, the adidas retail gross margin was down 2.8 percentage points to 60.3% (2013: 63.1%), 

while Reebok’s retail gross margin decreased 3.3 percentage points to 54.1% (2013: 57.4%). 

Segmental operating expenses in Retail primarily relate to personnel and rent expenses as well as 

the sales working budget. In 2014, segmental operating expenses increased 10% to € 1.608 billion 

from € 1.465 billion in 2013. This was mainly a result of higher expenses related to the expansion 

of the Group’s store base, particularly in emerging markets. Higher sales working budget expenses 

also  contributed  to  this  development.  Segmental  operating  expenses  as  a  percentage  of  sales 

decreased 0.7 percentage points to 41.8% (2013: 42.5%). 

08  /  Retail at a glance  (€ in millions)

Net sales

Gross profit

Gross margin

Segmental operating profit

Segmental operating margin

09  /  Retail net sales by region  (€ in millions)

Western Europe

European Emerging Markets

North America

Greater China

Other Asian Markets

Latin America

Total 1)

1) Rounding differences may arise in totals.

2014

2013

Change

3,842

2,281

59.4%

673

17.5%

3,446

2,143

62.2%

678

19.7%

11%

6%

(2.8pp)

(1%)

(2.1pp)

2014

2013

Change

673

1,284

732

270

463

419

545

1,297

639

216

406

344

3,842

3,446

23%

(1%)

15%

25%

14%

22%

11%

Change 
(currency-
neutral)

23%

18%

15%

26%

19%

39%

21%

139

Group Management Report – Financial Review2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual Report 
Business Performance by Segment   /  Retail Business Performance 

/  03.3  /

Segmental operating profit decreased 1% to € 673 million in 2014 versus € 678 million in the prior 

year.  Segmental  operating  margin  declined  2.1 percentage  points  to  17.5%  (2013:  19.7%),  as  the 

positive effects of lower segmental operating expenses as a percentage of sales were more than 

see Table 08

offset by the decline in gross margin.

Retail development by region

Currency-neutral  Retail  sales  increased  at  a  double-digit  rate  in  all  regions.  Retail  revenues  in 

Western Europe grew 23% on a currency-neutral basis, mainly due to double-digit sales increases in 

the UK, France, Germany and Spain. Sales in European Emerging Markets rose 18% on a currency-

neutral  basis,  as  a  result  of  double-digit  growth  in  all  markets.  Currency-neutral  Retail  sales  in 

North America grew 15%, due to double-digit growth in both the USA and Canada. Retail revenues 

in Greater China increased 26% on a currency-neutral basis. Sales in Other Asian Markets grew 

19% on a currency-neutral basis, driven by double-digit growth in Japan and South Korea. In Latin 

America, currency-neutral Retail sales grew 39%, with double-digit sales increases in all markets, 

in particular in Argentina, Colombia and Brazil. Currency translation effects had a mixed impact on 

see Table 09

regional sales in euro terms.

Retail development by brand

In  2014,  adidas  Group  Retail  sales  increased  at  a  double-digit  rate  at  both  adidas  and  Reebok. 

Currency-neutral adidas Sport Performance revenues grew 22% in the period, mainly due to double-

digit growth in the football, training and running categories. adidas Originals & Sport Style sales 

140

also rose 22% on a currency-neutral basis, driven by double-digit sales increases at both adidas 

Originals and adidas NEO. Currency-neutral Reebok sales were 14% higher compared to the prior 

year, driven by double-digit growth in the fitness training and Classics categories. Comparable store 

sales for the adidas brand increased 10% on a currency-neutral basis, while Reebok comparable 

store  sales  grew  1%  on  a  currency-neutral  basis.  Currency  translation  effects  had  a  negative 

impact on revenues in euro terms. adidas Sport Performance own-retail sales increased 13% to 

€ 2.112 billion in 2014 from € 1.875 billion in 2013. adidas Originals & Sport Style own-retail sales 

were also up 13% to € 1.153 billion from € 1.020 billion in 2013. Own-retail sales of Reebok branded 

products grew 5% to € 578 million (2013: € 549 million).

Retail store development

At  December  31,  2014,  the  adidas  Group  Retail  segment  operated  2,913  stores  compared  to  the 

prior year-end level of 2,740. This represents a net increase of 173 stores. Of the total number of 

stores, 1,616 were adidas and 446 were Reebok branded (December 31, 2013: 1,557 adidas stores, 

404  Reebok  stores).  In  addition,  the  adidas  Group  Retail  segment  operated  851  factory  outlets 

(December 31, 2013: 779). During 2014, the Group opened 409 new stores, 236 stores were closed 

and 145 stores were remodelled.

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewBusiness Performance by Segment   /  Retail Business Performance 

/  03.3  /

Retail development by store format

Concept  store  revenues  include  sales  from  adidas  and  Reebok  concept  stores.  In  2014,  concept 

store revenues grew 20% on a currency-neutral basis, as a result of double-digit increases at both 

adidas and Reebok. Currency-neutral comparable concept store sales were up 12%. In 2014, the 

Group opened 251 new concept stores, 166 concept stores were closed. As a result, the number of 

concept stores increased by 85 to 1,746 at the end of 2014 (December 31, 2013: 1,661), of which 1,409 

were related to the adidas brand and 337 to the Reebok brand. Currency translation effects had a 

see Table 16

negative impact on sales in euro terms. Concept store sales increased 7% to € 1.686 billion in 2014 

from € 1.573 billion in 2013.

Factory outlet revenues include sales from adidas and Reebok factory outlets. In 2014, factory outlet 

revenues grew 13% on a currency-neutral basis. Sales increased at a double-digit rate at adidas, 

while Reebok sales grew at a low-single-digit rate. Comparable factory outlet sales increased 5% 

on  a  currency-neutral  basis.  In  2014,  the  Group  opened  126  and  closed  54  factory  outlets.  As  a 

result,  the  number  of  factory  outlets  increased  by  72  to  851  at  the  end  of  2014  (December  31, 

2013:  779).  Currency  translation  effects  had  a  negative  impact  on  sales  in  euro  terms.  Factory 

see Table 16

outlet sales increased 6% to € 1.602 billion in 2014 from € 1.507 billion in 2013.

Concession corner revenues include adidas and Reebok concession corners. In 2014, sales from 

concession corners increased 17% on a currency-neutral basis. While adidas sales grew at a double-

digit rate, revenues at Reebok increased at a mid-single-digit rate. Currency-neutral comparable 

sales from concession corners grew 13%. In 2014, the Group opened 32 concession corners and 

10  /  Retail net sales by region

11  /  Retail net sales by store format

 1

 6

 5

 4

2014

 3

 2

1 /  33%  European Emerging Markets
2 / 
3 / 
4 / 
5 / 
6 / 

19%  North America
18%  Western Europe
12%  Other Asian Markets
11%  Latin America
7%  Greater China

 3  4

2014  1

 2

1 /  44%  Concept stores
2 /  42%  Factory outlets
3 / 
4 / 

11%  eCommerce
3%  Concession corners

12  /  Retail net sales by quarter  (€ in millions)

13  /  Retail gross margin by quarter  (in %)

Q4 2014
Q4 2013

Q3 2014
Q3 2013

Q2 2014
Q2 2013

Q1 2014
Q1 2013

1,043
934

1,047
923

958
867

794
722

Q4 2014
Q4 2013

Q3 2014
Q3 2013

Q2 2014
Q2 2013

Q1 2014
Q1 2013

141

59.2
61.0

58.1
61.5

60.5
65.4

59.9
60.7

Group Management Report – Financial Review2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual Report 
 
Business Performance by Segment   /  Retail Business Performance 

/  03.3  /

14  / 

 Retail segmental operating profit by quarter   

(€ in millions)

Q4 2014
Q4 2013

Q3 2014
Q3 2013

Q2 2014
Q2 2013

Q1 2014
Q1 2013

181
166

207
195

180
216

105
101

closed 16. As a result, the number of concession corners increased by 16 to 316 at the end of 2014 

(December 31, 2013: 300), of which 207 were related to the adidas brand and 109 to the Reebok 

see Table 16

brand. Currency translation effects had a negative impact on sales in euro terms. Concession corner 

sales increased 15% to € 133 million in 2014 (2013: € 115 million).

eCommerce revenues include e-commerce operations of the adidas and Reebok brands. In 2014, 

sales from adidas and Reebok e-commerce platforms were up 72% on a currency-neutral basis. 

Sales increased at strong double-digit rates at both adidas and Reebok. Currency translation effects 

had a negative impact on sales in euro terms. eCommerce revenues grew 69% to € 422 million from 

142

€ 250 million in 2013.

15  /  Retail number of stores by store format   

Concept stores

Factory outlets

Concession  
corners

Total

■ 2014  ■ 2013

2014

2013

1,746

1,661

851

316

779

300

2,913

2,740

16  /  Retail number of stores development

2013

Opened

Closed

Opened (net)

2014

Total

Concept  
stores

Factory  
outlets

Concession 
corners

2,740

1,661

409

236

173

251

166

85

2,913

1,746

779

126

54

72

851

300

32

16

16

316

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial Review 
Business Performance by Segment   /  Other Businesses Performance

/  03.3  /

Other Businesses Performance

Other Businesses full year results

In 2014, revenues of Other Businesses decreased 19% on a currency-neutral basis, due to double-

digit sales declines at TaylorMade-adidas Golf. Sales at Reebok-CCM Hockey grew at a high-single-

digit  rate,  and  revenues  of  Other  Centrally  Managed  Brands  increased  at  a  double-digit  rate. 

Currency translation effects negatively impacted revenues in euro terms. Sales of Other Businesses 

see Table 17

declined 21% to € 1.316 billion (2013: € 1.657 billion).

Other Businesses gross profit was down 31% to € 457 million in 2014 versus € 660 million in 2013. 

Gross margin decreased 5.1 percentage points to 34.7% (2013: 39.8%). This development was mainly 

see Table 17 

due to significantly lower product margins at TaylorMade-adidas Golf as a result of ongoing efforts 

to  clean  retail  inventories,  particularly  in  the  USA,  as  well  as  the  strategic  decision  to  postpone 

product launches planned for 2014.

Segmental operating expenses in Other Businesses primarily relate to expenditure for sales force 

and  administration  as  well  as  sales  working  budget  expenses  for  TaylorMade-adidas  Golf  and 

Reebok-CCM Hockey. In 2014, segmental operating expenses decreased 1% to € 203 million from 

€ 205 million in 2013 despite restructuring charges for the streamlining of the TaylorMade-adidas 

Golf organisation. Segmental operating expenses as a percentage of sales increased 3.0 percentage 

points to 15.4% (2013: 12.4%). 

17  /  Other Businesses at a glance 1)  (€ in millions)

Net sales

Gross profit

Gross margin

Segmental operating profit

Segmental operating margin

2014

2013

Change

1,316

457

34.7%

254

19.3%

1,657

660

39.8%

455

27.4%

(21%)

(31%)

(5.1pp)

(44%)

(8.1pp)

1) Figures reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the Rockport business.

18  /  Other Businesses net sales by region 1)  (€ in millions)

Western Europe

European Emerging Markets

North America

Greater China

Other Asian Markets

Latin America

Total 2)

2014

2013

Change

282

23

755

25

221

10

291

24

931

36

361

14

1,316

1,657

(3%)

(5%)

(19%)

(32%)

(39%)

(31%)

(21%)

Change 
(currency-
neutral)

(5%)

7%

(18%)

(31%)

(35%)

(20%)

(19%)

1) Figures reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the Rockport business.
2) Rounding differences may arise in totals.

143

Group Management Report – Financial Review2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportBusiness Performance by Segment   /  Other Businesses Performance

/  03.3  /

Segmental  operating  profit  decreased  44%  to  €  254  million  in  2014  versus  €  455  million  in  the 

prior year. Segmental operating margin was down 8.1 percentage points to 19.3% from 27.4% in 

2013. This was a result of the gross margin decrease as well as the negative impact from higher 

see Table 17

segmental operating expenses as a percentage of sales.

Other Businesses development by region

In  2014,  currency-neutral  sales  of  Other  Businesses  decreased  in  most  regions.  Revenues  in 

Western Europe were down 5% on a currency-neutral basis due to double-digit sales declines at 

TaylorMade-adidas  Golf,  which  more  than  offset  double-digit  sales  increases  at  Other  Centrally 

Managed  Brands.  Revenues  at  Reebok-CCM  Hockey  decreased  at  a  low-single-digit  rate.  Sales 

in  European  Emerging  Markets  increased  7%  on  a  currency-neutral  basis.  Strong  double-digit 

sales  growth  at  Reebok-CCM  Hockey  was  partly  offset  by  sales  declines  at  TaylorMade-adidas 

Golf. Currency-neutral sales in North America were down 18%, due to double-digit decreases at 

TaylorMade-adidas  Golf.  Revenues  at  Reebok-CCM  Hockey  increased  at  a  high-single-digit  rate, 

while sales at Other Centrally Managed Brands grew at a double-digit rate. Revenues in Greater 

China, Other Asian Markets and Latin America decreased 31%, 35% and 20%, respectively, due to 

double-digit sales decreases at TaylorMade-adidas Golf. Currency translation effects had a mixed 

see Table 18

impact on regional sales in euro terms.

Other Businesses development by segment

In  2014,  TaylorMade-adidas  Golf  revenues  decreased  28%  on  a  currency-neutral  basis.  The 

144

pronounced  decrease  is  due  to  TaylorMade-adidas  Golf’s  strategic  decision  to  clean  retail 

inventories in the golf market and postpone product launches planned for 2014. This resulted in 

double-digit sales declines in metalwoods and irons in 2014. Currency translation effects negatively 

impacted TaylorMade-adidas Golf sales in euro terms. Revenues decreased 29% to € 913 million 

from € 1.285 billion in the prior year.

19  /  Other Businesses net sales by region 1)

20  /  Other Businesses net sales by segment 1)

 6 5

 4

2014

 3

 2

 1

21%  Western Europe
17%  Other Asian Markets

1 /  57%  North America
2 / 
3 / 
4 / 
5 / 
6 / 

2%  European Emerging Markets
2%  Greater China
1%  Latin America

 3

 2

2014

 1

69%  TaylorMade-adidas Golf

1 / 
2 /  20%  Reebok-CCM Hockey
3 / 

 Other Centrally Managed 
Brands

10% 

1)  Figures reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the 

1)  Figures reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the 

Rockport business.

Rockport business.

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewBusiness Performance by Segment   /  Other Businesses Performance

/  03.3  /

Currency-neutral  Reebok-CCM  Hockey  sales  were  up  7%.  This  increase  is  mainly  due  to  growth 

in key categories such as sticks and protective equipment as well as in hockey apparel. Currency 

translation  effects  negatively  impacted  sales  in  euro  terms.  Reebok-CCM  Hockey  revenues 

increased 4% to € 269 million in 2014 from € 260 million in 2013.

Other Centrally Managed Brands revenues increased 19% on a currency-neutral basis, driven by 

double-digit  growth  at  Y-3,  Five  Ten  and  Porsche  Design  Sport  by  adidas.  Currency  translation 

effects had a negative impact on sales in euro terms. Revenues in Other Centrally Managed Brands 

also increased 19% to € 134 million in 2014 (2013: € 112 million).

21  / 

 Other Businesses net sales by quarter 1)   

22  / 

 Other Businesses gross margin by quarter 1)   

(€ in millions)

(in %)

Q4 2014
Q4 2013

Q3 2014
Q3 2013

Q2 2014
Q2 2013

Q1 2014
Q1 2013

350
405

280
332

357
433

329
487

Q4 2014
Q4 2013

Q3 2014
Q3 2013

Q2 2014
Q2 2013

Q1 2014
Q1 2013

31.2
37.5

32.7
32.4

36.9
42.3

37.9
44.6

1)  Figures reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the 

1)  Figures reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the 

Rockport business.

Rockport business.

145

23  / 

 Other Businesses segmental operating profit 
by quarter 1)  (€ in millions)

Q4 2014
Q4 2013

Q3 2014
Q3 2013

Q2 2014
Q2 2013

Q1 2014
Q1 2013

62
107

42
56

79
127

71
165

1)  Figures reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the 

Rockport business.

Group Management Report – Financial Review2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual Report4

Subsequent Events and Outlook

/  03.4  /

Subsequent Events and Outlook

In 2015, despite a high degree of economic uncertainty in Russia/CIS and the Middle East, 

we expect global economic growth to increase. This will be supported by a more favourable 

labour market development as well as low financing and energy costs, which are forecasted 

to positively impact consumer spending, providing a positive backdrop for the continued 

growth and expansion of the sporting goods industry. Through the extensive pipeline of 

new and innovative products at all brands and the positive effects from increased brand-

building activities, tight control of inventory levels and strict cost management, we project 

top- and bottom-line improvements in our Group’s financial results in 2015. We forecast 

adidas Group sales to increase at a mid-single-digit rate on a currency-neutral basis, with 

growth expected at all brands. Given the recent strengthening of major currencies versus 

the  euro,  most  notably  the  US  dollar  and  the  Chinese  renminbi,  currency  translation  is 

expected to have a positive impact on our top-line development in reported terms. Group 

gross  margin  is  expected  to  be  significantly  impacted  by  adverse  currency  movements 

and  is  forecasted  to  be  at  a  level  between  47.5%  and  48.5%.  Group  operating  margin  is 

expected to be at a level between 6.5% and 7.0%. As a result, we project net income from 

continuing operations to increase at a rate of 7% to 10%. 

146

Subsequent Events

Divestiture of Rockport segment 

On January 23, 2015, the adidas Group announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement 

to sell its Rockport business for a total consideration of up to US $ 280 million, most of which will 

be  paid  in  cash  with  the  remainder  comprised  of  notes.  With  this  divestiture,  the  Group  aims  to 

better focus on core activities. The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, is 

see Note 04, p. 207
see Note 11, p. 209

expected to be completed later in 2015. 

Outlook

Forward-looking statements

This Management Report contains forward-looking statements that reflect Management’s current 

view with respect to the future development of the adidas Group. The outlook is based on estimates 

that  we  have  made  on  the  basis  of  all  the  information  available  to  us  at  this  point  in  time.  In 

addition,  such  forward-looking  statements  are  subject  to  uncertainties  as  described  in  the  Risk 

and Opportunity Report, which are beyond the control of the adidas Group. In case the underlying 

see Risk and Opportunity Report, p. 154

assumptions turn out to be incorrect or described risks or opportunities materialise, actual results 

and developments may materially deviate (negatively or positively) from those expressed by such 

statements.  The  adidas  Group  does  not  assume  any  obligation  to  update  any  forward-looking 

statements made in this Management Report beyond statutory disclosure obligations.

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewSubsequent Events and Outlook

/  03.4  /

Global economy to grow in 2015 1)

Global GDP growth is projected to increase moderately to 3.0% in 2015. At 2.2%, developed economies 

are  expected  to  grow  slightly  faster  than  last  year,  supported  by  improving  labour  markets  and 

low financing costs. Growth in developing countries should benefit from the strengthened recovery 

in  high-income  markets  and  accelerate  somewhat  in  2015.  Oil  prices  are  foreseen  to  remain 

low,  encouraging  global  growth  and  resulting  in  more  divergent  outlooks  for  oil-exporting  and 

oil-importing countries. 

In  Western  Europe,  external  demand  is  likely  to  improve  slightly,  and  consumer  spending  is 

expected to remain resilient as a result of stronger real wages from declining oil prices. Financial 

fragmentation as well as high unemployment and unresolved fiscal challenges in some countries 

are  forecasted  to  dampen  the  recovery.  As  a  result,  the  region’s  GDP  is  expected  to  expand  at 

around the same rate as in the previous year (2014: 1.3%). In Germany, private consumer demand 

will prevail as the major driver of growth, which is however projected to be held back by subdued 

investment spending. 

European emerging markets are expected to grow at a moderate pace of 1.5% in 2015, as persistent 

political  tensions  and  uncertainty  will  slow  down  investment  spending,  while  further  currency 

devaluations, high inflationary pressures and low real wages will impact private household demand. 

Such  a  high-risk  scenario  would  particularly  affect  Russia’s  economy,  which  is  forecasted  to 

contract 3.0% this year. 

In the USA, private consumption is projected to remain the major source of growth supported by 

declining energy prices. While the strong US dollar will dampen export activity, investment spending 

is expected to increase. As a result, the US economy is forecasted to grow 3.2% in 2015.

Asia’s GDP is projected to increase 4.2% in 2015. With the exception of Japan, growth is expected 

to  remain  relatively  high  during  the  year,  supported  by  healthy  industrial  activity,  manageable 

inflationary  pressures  and  significant  wage  increases.  China  should  remain  the  fastest-growing 

economy,  forecasted  to  expand  7.3%,  with  external  demand  picking  up  and  private  consumption 

remaining stable. While Japan is predicted to continue to grow at subdued levels, modestly profiting 

from  low  oil  prices,  India  is  expected  to  drive  growth  through  private  domestic  demand  and 

strengthened investment.

In Latin America, GDP growth is expected to increase somewhat to 1.2% in 2015, with exports and 

investment  supporting  expansion.  Positive  performance  in  several  countries  will  offset  the  slow 

recovery of the largest economies, e.g. Brazil and Argentina, where currency fluctuations and the 

unfavourable job market conditions with its negative implications for household consumption will 

drive the forecasted decline in economic activity. 

1) Sources: World Bank, HSBC Global Research.

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Sporting goods industry expansion to continue in 2015

In the absence of any major economic shocks, we expect the global sporting goods industry to grow 

at a low- to mid-single-digit rate in 2015, in spite of the non-recurrence of major sporting events that 

took place in 2014, such as the FIFA World Cup in Brazil and the Winter Olympic Games in Russia. 

Consumer spending on sporting goods in the emerging economies is expected to grow faster than 

in  the  more  developed  markets.  Many  sporting  goods  retailers  will  continue  to  move  to  a  more 

omni-channel business model, and e-commerce and investment in digital will remain growth areas. 

In Western Europe, the expected growth of consumer confidence and real wages should positively 

impact  domestic  demand  in  the  sporting  goods  industry,  in  contrast  to  the  European  emerging 

markets,  where  the  projected  decline  in  real  wages  from  lower  oil  prices  and  the  geopolitical 

tensions  in  Russia  and  Ukraine  provide  additional  potential  risk  of  depressing  sentiment  and 

economic activity, which might negatively impact private consumption and growth in the sporting 

goods industry.

In  the  USA,  industry  growth  rates  are  expected  to  be  ahead  of  the  economy’s  overall  growth. 

E-commerce channels are forecasted to remain strong, particularly via mobile. The trend towards 

high-performance  technical  footwear  and  apparel  looks  set  to  continue.  Retro  silhouettes  are 

projected to remain strong across a variety of categories, including basketball and tennis. The US 

golf market is expected to face continuing structural challenges.

148

In Greater China, strong wage growth and domestic consumption are predicted to propel sporting 

goods  sales  in  2015.  The  trend  and  market  share  shift  towards  international  brands  is  expected 

to  continue.  In  Japan,  the  government’s  stimulus  programmes  are  forecasted  to  drive  modest 

improvements in consumer sentiment and spending, despite subdued real wages. Most of the other 

Asian markets, especially India, are projected to see robust sporting goods sales growth in 2015.

In Latin America, after a year of healthy growth owing to the importance of football in this region 

and  the  sales  momentum  gained  from  the  2014  FIFA  World  Cup  in  Brazil,  headwinds  from  high 

inflation, unfavourable labour market conditions and adverse currency fluctuations are expected to 

have negative implications for household consumption in the region’s largest economies, e.g. Brazil 

and Argentina, also slowing down growth in the sporting goods industry. 

01  /  adidas Group 2015 outlook 1)

Currency-neutral sales development (in %):

mid-single-digit rate increase

Gross margin

Operating margin

47.5% to 48.5%

6.5% to 7.0%

Net income from continuing operations

increase at a rate of 7% to 10%

Average operating working capital in % of sales

Capital expenditure

Store base

Gross borrowings

moderate decline

around € 600 million

net decrease by around 70 stores

moderate decline

1) Figures reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the Rockport business.

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewSubsequent Events and Outlook

/  03.4  /

adidas Group currency-neutral sales to increase at a mid-single-digit rate in 2015

We expect adidas Group sales to increase at a mid-single-digit rate on a currency-neutral basis in 

2015. Despite a high degree of uncertainty regarding the economic outlook and consumer spending 

in Russia/CIS, the positive sales development will be supported by rising consumer confidence in 

most geographical areas. In particular, Group sales development will be favourably impacted by a 

significantly improved top-line development at TaylorMade-adidas Golf as well as ongoing robust 

momentum at both adidas and Reebok. This, as well as the further expansion and improvement of 

our controlled space initiatives, will more than offset the non-recurrence of sales related to the 2014 

FIFA World Cup. Currency translation is expected to positively impact our top-line development in 

reported terms, given the recent strengthening of major currencies such as the US dollar and the 

Chinese renminbi versus the euro.

Currency-neutral combined sales of adidas and Reebok expected to increase 
in most geographical areas 

In  2015,  we  expect  currency-neutral  combined  revenues  of  adidas  and  Reebok  to  increase  in  all 

our geographical areas except Russia/CIS. In Western Europe, despite the non-recurrence of the 

2014 FIFA World Cup, which provided a positive stimulus in the region during the year, the gradual 

improvement in the macroeconomic environment as well as the build-up to the UEFA EURO 2016 

towards  the  end  of  the  year  will  positively  impact  sales  development  in  this  region.  As  a  result, 

we  forecast  currency-neutral  combined  sales  of  adidas  and  Reebok  in  Western  Europe  to  grow 

at a mid-single-digit rate, with both brands contributing to the sales increase. In North America, 

currency-neutral combined sales of adidas and Reebok are projected to grow at a low- to mid-single-

digit  rate.  We  expect  robust  top-line  improvements  at  adidas,  as  the  brand  will  strengthen  its 

visibility in the marketplace by stepping up marketing investments as well as improving the overall 

product offering in major categories such as running, basketball and Originals. Currency-neutral 

Reebok sales are projected to be below the prior year level as a result of Reebok’s efforts to further 

streamline the brand’s factory outlet business in North America. In Greater China, currency-neutral 

combined sales of adidas and Reebok are forecasted to increase at a high-single-digit rate, as we 

expect the strong sales momentum to continue in 2015, with both brands contributing to the increase. 

This development will be supported by further expanding and solidifying our distribution footprint in 

the market. In Russia/CIS, the low level of consumer confidence and consumer spending will weigh 

on the overall sales development in the region and the adidas brand in particular. In addition, sales 

performance will be negatively impacted by a reduction of the store base in the market. As a result, 

currency-neutral combined sales of adidas and Reebok in Russia/CIS are expected to decline. In 

Latin America, the robust positioning of the adidas and Reebok brands is expected to more than 

compensate  for  the  non-recurrence  of  the  positive  impetus  from  sales  associated  with  the  2014 

FIFA World Cup. As a result, we project currency-neutral combined sales of adidas and Reebok in 

Latin America to increase at a low- to mid-single-digit rate, with both brands contributing to this 

development. In Japan, last year’s increase in the consumption tax rate continues to dampen growth 

prospects in the region. Consequently, currency-neutral combined sales of adidas and Reebok are 

forecasted to grow at a low-single-digit rate, with sales at both brands projected to be above the prior 

year level. Lastly, in the region Middle East, Africa and other Asian markets, we expect currency-

neutral combined sales of adidas and Reebok to grow at a high-single-digit rate, driven by markets 

such as South Korea and Southeast Asia, where both adidas and Reebok enjoy strong momentum.

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/  03.4  /

Currency-neutral Wholesale revenues to grow at a mid-single-digit rate

We project currency-neutral Wholesale revenues to increase at a mid-single-digit rate compared 

to  the  prior  year,  with  sales  increases  at  both  adidas  and  Reebok.  Our  growth  expectations  are 

supported by our order backlog development as well as positive retailer and trade show feedback. 

adidas Group currency-neutral Retail sales are projected to be around the prior year level. While 

comparable  store  sales  are  expected  to  remain  stable  compared  to  the  prior  year,  the  Group 

expects a net decrease of its store base of around 70 adidas and Reebok stores in 2015. We plan to 

open around 220 new stores, depending on the availability of desired locations. Approximately 290 

stores will be closed over the course of the year, primarily in Russia/CIS. Around 100 stores will be 

remodelled. 

Currency-neutral sales of Other Businesses to grow at a double-digit rate

In 2015, revenues of Other Businesses are expected to increase at a double-digit rate on a currency-

neutral basis, driven by double-digit currency-neutral sales increases at TaylorMade-adidas Golf. 

After  a  year  characterised  by  high  inventory  levels  and  discounting  activities,  TaylorMade-adidas 

Golf will see major product launches in core categories such as metalwoods and irons throughout 

the year. In addition, new product introductions in footwear should support growth at TaylorMade-

adidas Golf. Currency-neutral sales at Reebok-CCM Hockey are expected to grow at a mid-single-

digit  rate,  supported  by  new  product  introductions  in  the  key  categories  skates  and  protective 

equipment. 

150

Group gross margin expected to be negatively impacted by currency movements 

In 2015, the adidas Group gross margin is forecasted to be at a level between 47.5% and 48.5% (2014: 

47.6%). Higher product margins at TaylorMade-adidas Golf as a result of lower levels of clearance 

activity  as  well  as  a  more  favourable  pricing  and  product  mix  at  both  adidas  and  Reebok  are 

expected to positively influence the Group’s gross margin development. However, adverse currency 

movements  in  emerging  markets,  in  particular  in  Russia/CIS,  are  expected  to  negatively  impact 

the Group’s gross margin development. The wider than usual target corridor reflects the currently 

persisting high degree of uncertainty regarding future currency movements. 

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewSubsequent Events and Outlook

/  03.4  /

Group other operating expenses as a percentage of sales around prior year level 

In 2015, the Group’s other operating expenses as a percentage of sales are expected to be around 

the prior year level (2014: 42.7%). Sales and marketing working budget as a percentage of sales 

is projected to increase versus the prior year. Given the robust momentum at adidas and Reebok, 

we will step up marketing and point-of-sale investments in 2015 to secure and drive faster growth 

rates  and  market  share  gains,  particularly  in  developed  markets  such  as  North  America  and 

Western Europe. As part of these marketing efforts, both adidas and Reebok launched major brand 

campaigns at the beginning of the year. Operating overhead expenditure as a percentage of sales is 

forecasted to be around the level recorded in 2014. 

We expect the number of employees within the adidas Group to increase versus the prior year level. 

The adidas Group will continue to spend around 1% of Group sales on research and development 

in 2015. Areas of particular focus include cushioning and energy solutions, lightweight and digital 

sports  technologies  as  well  as  sustainable  product  innovation.  Additionally,  investments  and 

research  emphasis  will  also  include  areas  such  as  new  manufacturing  processes  and  advanced 

materials  to  drive  the  development  of  innovative  products  and  industry-changing  manufacturing 

see Research and Development, p. 73

approaches. 

Operating margin to be between 6.5% and 7.0%

In 2015, we expect the operating margin for the adidas Group to be at a level between 6.5% and 7.0% 

(2014 excluding goodwill impairment losses: 6.6%). This development will be strongly influenced by 

currency movements. 

Net income from continuing operations to increase at a rate of 7% to 10%

Net  income  from  continuing  operations  is  projected  to  increase  at  a  rate  of  7%  to  10%,  thus 

outpacing the Group’s expected top-line development (2014: net income from continuing operations 

of € 642 million). Interest rate expenses in 2015 are forecasted to remain at the prior year level, as 

the positive effects from lower interest rates as a result of the issuance of two Eurobonds will be 

offset by higher debt levels. Net foreign exchange losses in the financial result are also expected to 

be at a similar level compared to the prior year. The Group’s tax rate is expected to be at a level of 

around 29.5% and thus more favourable compared to the 2014 effective tax rate excluding goodwill 

impairment losses of 29.7%.

Average operating working capital as a percentage of sales to decrease 
moderately

In  2015,  average  operating  working  capital  as  a  percentage  of  sales  is  expected  to  decrease 

moderately compared to the prior year level (2014: 22.4%). This is mainly due to working capital 

improvements we expect to achieve as we move through the year. 

151

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/  03.4  /

Capital expenditure of around € 600 million 

In  2015,  capital  expenditure  is  expected  to  increase  to  a  level  of  around  €  600  million  (2014: 

€ 554 million). Investments will mainly focus on adidas and Reebok controlled space initiatives in 

emerging markets as well as in Western Europe and North America. These investments will account 

for the majority of total capital expenditure in 2015. Other areas of investment include the Group’s 

logistics  infrastructure  as  well  as  the  further  development  of  the  adidas  Group  headquarters  in 

Herzogenaurach. All investments within the adidas Group in 2015 are expected to be fully financed 

through cash generated from operating activities. 

Excess cash to be used to support growth initiatives

In  2015,  we  expect  continued  positive  cash  flow  from  operating  activities.  Cash  will  be  used  to 

finance  working  capital  needs,  investment  activities,  dividend  payments  as  well  as  the  Group’s 

share buyback programme. We intend to largely use excess cash to invest in our growth activities, in 

particular the further expansion and improvement of our controlled space initiatives. In 2015, gross 

borrowings of € 288 million will mature. In order to ensure long-term flexibility, we aim to maintain 

a ratio of net borrowings over EBITDA of less than two times as measured at year-end (2014: 0.1).

Efficient liquidity management in place for 2015 and beyond 

Efficient  liquidity  management  remains  a  priority  for  the  adidas  Group  in  2015.  We  focus  on 

continuously anticipating the operating cash flows of our Group segments, as this represents the 

main source of liquidity within the Group. Liquidity is planned on a rolling monthly basis under a 

152

multi-year financial and liquidity plan. Long-term liquidity is ensured by continued positive operating 

see Treasury, p. 121

cash flows and sufficient financial flexibility through unused credit facilities.

Management to propose dividend of € 1.50

The adidas AG Executive and Supervisory Boards intend to again recommend paying a dividend of 

€ 1.50 to shareholders at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 7, 2015 (2013: € 1.50). This 

reflects their confidence in the strength of the Group’s financial position and long-term aspirations. 

Subject to shareholder approval, the dividend will be paid on May 8, 2015. Based on the number of 

shares outstanding at the end of 2014, the total payout of € 306 million (2013: € 314 million) reflects 

a payout ratio of 53.9% of net income attributable to shareholders, excluding goodwill impairment 

losses, versus 37.4% in the prior year. While this is above the Group’s dividend payout corridor of 

between 20% and 40% of net income attributable to shareholders, it reflects our commitment to a 

consistent, shareholder-oriented dividend policy.

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewSubsequent Events and Outlook

/  03.4  /

03  /  Major 2015 product launches  

Product

A totally new F50 football boot

Newly designed Predator Nitrocharge and 11 Pro football boots 

New F50 Messi football boot

Ultra Boost running shoe 

Supernova Glide 7 running shoe 

Springblade problade running shoe

ClimaHeat Rocket Boost running shoe 

J Wall 2 basketball shoe

D Rose 773 IV basketball shoe

D Lillard basketball shoe

Crazylight Boost prime basketball shoe 

adidas x Marvel Avengers collection 

ClimaChill training collection

Manchester United licensed products

Terrex Agravic outdoor line

Terrex Boost outdoor shoe 

Originals Superstar shoe

Originals ZX Flux shoe

Originals Tubular shoe

Originals Stan Smith shoe

Originals x Rita Ora line

ZPump Fusion TR running shoe

Nano 5.0 training shoe

UFC uniform collection

Skyscape Runaround 2.0 shoe

Ventilator OG shoe

Ventilator Reflective shoe

R15 driver

Aeroburner metalwood

Aeroburner fairway woods

adipower sport Boost golf shoe

Red hybrid

R-Series sticks

Tacks protective and gloves

RibCor skates

Ultra Tacks sticks

JetSpeed skates

Brand

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

Reebok

Reebok

Reebok

Reebok

Reebok

Reebok

TaylorMade

TaylorMade

TaylorMade

adidas Golf 

Adams Golf

Reebok Hockey 

CCM 

CCM

CCM

CCM

153

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Risk and Opportunity Report

/  03.5  /

Risk and Opportunity Report

The adidas Group continuously explores and develops opportunities to sustain earnings 

and  drive  long-term  increases  in  shareholder  value.  We  acknowledge  that  in  our  daily 

business  we  are  exposed  to  various  risks  and  that  it  is  necessary  to  take  certain  risks 

in  order  to  be  competitive  and  ensure  sustainable  success.  Our  risk  and  opportunity 

management  principles  and  system  provide  the  framework  for  our  Group  to  conduct 

business in a well-controlled environment.

Risk and opportunity management principles

We  define  risk  as  the  potential  occurrence  of  an  external  or  internal  event  (or  series  of  events) 

that may negatively impact our ability to achieve the Group’s business objectives or financial goals. 

Opportunity is defined as the potential occurrence of an external or internal event (or series of events) 

that can positively impact the Group’s ability to achieve its business objectives or financial goals. We 

have summarised risks in four main categories: Strategic, Operational, Legal & Compliance and 

Financial. Opportunities are classified in two main categories: Strategic & Operational and Financial.

Risk and opportunity management system

The  adidas  AG  Executive  Board  has  the  overall  responsibility  to  operate  an  effective  risk  and 

opportunity  management  system  that  ensures  comprehensive  and  consistent  management 

154

of  all  material  risks  and  opportunities.  The  Group  Risk  Management  department  coordinates 

the  execution  and  further  development  of  the  adidas  Group’s  risk  and  opportunity  management 

system and is the owner of the centrally managed risk and opportunity management process on 

behalf of the adidas AG Executive Board. The adidas AG Supervisory Board has the responsibility 

to monitor the effectiveness of the Group’s risk management system. These duties are undertaken 

by the Supervisory Board’s Audit Committee. In addition, the Group Internal Audit department also 

includes an assessment of the effectiveness of risk management processes and compliance with 

the  Group  Risk  Management  Policy  as  part  of  its  regular  auditing  activities  with  selected  adidas 

Group subsidiaries or functions each year.

To  facilitate  effective  risk  and  opportunity  management,  we  implemented  an  integrated  risk  and 

opportunity  management  system,  which  is  based  on  the  integrated  frameworks  for  enterprise 

risk management and internal controls developed and published by the Committee of Sponsoring 

Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  (COSO).  Additionally,  it  has  been  adapted  to  more 

appropriately  reflect  the  structure  as  well  as  company  and  management  culture  of  the  adidas 

Group.  This  system  focuses  on  the  identification,  evaluation,  handling,  monitoring  and  reporting 

of  risks  and  opportunities.  The  key  objective  of  the  risk  and  opportunity  management  system  is 

to  protect  and  further  grow  shareholder  value  through  an  opportunity-focused  but  risk-aware 

decision-making framework. Our Group Risk Management Policy, which is available on our intranet, 

outlines  the  principles,  processes,  tools,  risk  areas,  key  responsibilities,  reporting  requirements 

and communication timelines within our Group. 

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewRisk and Opportunity Report

/  03.5  /

Risk  and  opportunity  management  is  a  Group-wide  activity  which  utilises  critical  day-to-day 

management  insight  from  both  global  and  local  business  units  and  functions.  Our  risk  and 

opportunity management process contains the following components:

/  Risk and opportunity identification: The adidas Group continuously monitors the macroeconomic 
environment, developments in the sporting goods industry, as well as internal processes, to identify 

risks and opportunities as early as possible. Our Group-wide network of Risk Owners (i.e. all direct 

reports  to  the  adidas  AG  Executive  Board,  including  the  Managing  Directors  of  all  our  markets) 

ensures effective identification of risks and opportunities. The Group Risk Management department 

has defined a catalogue of potential risk areas (Risk Universe) to assist Risk Owners in identifying 

and categorising risks and opportunities. 

The Risk Owners use various instruments in the risk and opportunity identification process, such 

as primary qualitative and quantitative research including trend scouting, consumer surveys as well 

as feedback from our business partners and controlled space network. These efforts are supported 

by global market research and competitor analysis. Through this process, we seek to identify the 

markets,  categories,  consumer  target  groups  and  product  styles  which  show  most  potential  for 

future growth at a local and global level. Equally, our analysis focuses on those areas that are at risk 

of saturation or exposed to increased competition or changing consumer tastes. However, our risk 

and opportunity identification process is not only limited to external risk factors or opportunities; 

it also includes an internal perspective that considers processes, projects, human resources and 

compliance aspects. 

01  /  adidas Group risk and opportunity management system 

Supervisory and Executive Boards

Group Risk Management
Risk Management Policy & Methodology/Support

Risk Owners

155

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/  03.5  /

/  Risk and opportunity evaluation: In order to manage risks and opportunities in an effective way, 
we  evaluate  identified  risks  and  opportunities  individually  according  to  a  systematic  evaluation 

methodology, which is applied consistently and allows adequate prioritisation as well as allocation 

of resources. Risk and opportunity evaluation is also part of the Risk Owners’ responsibility. The 

Group  Risk  Management  department  supports  and  guides  the  Risk  Owners  in  the  evaluation 

process. According to our risk and opportunity management methodology, risks and opportunities 

are evaluated by looking at two dimensions: the potential (financial) impact and the likelihood that 

this  impact  materialises,  both  considering  the  upcoming  twelve-month  period.  This,  however, 

does  not  mean  that  the  respective  Risk  Owners  are  only  looking  at  risks  from  a  short-term 

perspective. Their assessment also includes a mid-term (12 to 24 months) and long-term (beyond 

24  months)  perspective.  The  potential  impact  is  evaluated  by  utilising  five  categories:  marginal, 

minor,  moderate,  significant  and  major.  These  categories  represent  quantitative  or  equivalent 

qualitative  measurements.  The  quantitative  measurements  are  based  on  the  potential  financial 

effect on the relevant income statement metrics (operating profit, financial result or tax expenses). 

Qualitative measurements used are, for example, the degree of media exposure or additional senior 

management attention needed. Likelihood represents the possibility that a given risk or opportunity 

may  materialise  with  the  specific  impact.  The  likelihood  of  individual  risks  and  opportunities  is 

evaluated on a percentage scale divided into five categories: unlikely, possible, likely, probable and 

see Table 02

highly probable.

156

02  /  Corporate risk evaluation categories

Highly probable

> 85%

Material risks

Probable

50% – 85%

Likely

30% – 50%

d
o
o
h
i
l
e
k
L

i

Possible

15% – 30%

Unlikely

< 15 %

Marginal

Minor

Moderate

Significant

Major

Financial 
equivalent 1)

≤ € 1 million

€ 1 million –  
€ 10 million

€ 10 million –  
€ 50 million

€ 50 million –  
€ 100 million

≥ € 100 million

Qualitative 
equivalent

Almost no media 
coverage

Limited local media 
coverage

Local and limited 
national media coverage

National and limited 
international media 
coverage

Extensive international 
media coverage

Almost no senior 
management attention

Less than 5% additional 
senior management 
attention

5 – 10% additional senior 
management attention

10 – 20% additional 
senior management 
attention

Over 20% additional 
senior management 
attention

1) Based on operating profit, financial result or tax expenses.

Potential impact

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewRisk and Opportunity Report

/  03.5  /

When assessing risks, we consider two perspectives: the gross risk and the net risk. While the gross 

risk reflects the inherent (‘worst-case’) risk before any mitigating action, the net risk reflects the 

residual (‘expected’) risk after all mitigating action. On the one hand, this approach allows for a good 

understanding of the impact of mitigating action taken, and on the other hand it provides the basis 

for scenario analysis. Our assessment of risks presented in this report only reflects the net risk 

perspective. We measure the actual financial impact of high-level risks that materialised against 

the  original  assessment  on  a  yearly  basis.  In  this  way,  we  ensure  continuous  monitoring  of  the 

accuracy of risk evaluations across the Group, which enables us to continuously improve evaluation 

methodology based on our findings. 

In  assessing  the  potential  effect  from  opportunities,  each  opportunity  is  appraised  with  respect 

to  viability,  commerciality  and  potential  risks.  This  approach  is  applied  to  longer-term  strategic 

prospects but also to shorter-term tactical and opportunistic initiatives at both the Group and, more 

extensively, the market and brand level. In contrast to the risk evaluation, only the net perspective 

exists for assessing opportunities.

/  Risk  and  opportunity  handling:  Risks  and  opportunities  are  treated  in  accordance  with  the 
Group’s risk and opportunity management principles as described in the Group Risk Management 

Policy.  Risk  Owners  are  in  charge  of  developing  and  implementing  appropriate  risk-mitigating 

action and exploiting opportunities within their area of responsibility. In addition, the Risk Owners 

need to determine a general risk handling strategy for the identified risks, which is either risk 

avoidance, risk reduction with the objective to minimise (financial) impact and/or likelihood, risk 

transfer to a third party or risk acceptance. The decision on the implementation of the respective 

risk  handling  strategy  also  takes  into  account  the  costs  in  relation  to  the  effectiveness  of  any 

planned mitigating action if applicable. The Group Risk Management department works closely 

with the Risk Owners to monitor the continuous progress of planned mitigating action and assess 

the viability of already implemented mitigating action.

/  Risk  and  opportunity  monitoring  and  reporting:  Our 
management system aims to increase the transparency of Group risks and opportunities. As both 

integrated  risk  and  opportunity 

risks and opportunities are subject to constant change, Risk Owners not only monitor developments 

but also the adequacy and effectiveness of the current risk handling strategy on an ongoing basis. 

Regular risk reporting consists of a two-step reporting stream supported and facilitated by a globally 

used Group-wide IT solution that was implemented in 2011. Firstly, on a quarterly basis, Risk Owners 

are required to report to Group Risk Management risks with a possible gross impact rating of at least 

moderate or a net impact rating of at least minor, both regardless of the likelihood of materialising. 

Risk owners are also required to report all opportunities with an impact rating of at least minor. 

Secondly, Group Risk Management aggregates the reported risks and opportunities and, also on 

a quarterly basis, provides the adidas AG Executive Board with a consolidated Group-wide report 

based on the Risk Owners’ input, which highlights substantial individual risks and opportunities as 

well as, on an aggregated level, key areas of risk and opportunity. 

Material changes in previously reported risks and/or newly identified risks with a potential net impact 

of at least moderate, and any issues identified which due to their material nature require immediate 

reporting to the Executive Board, are also reported outside the regular quarterly reporting stream 
on an ad hoc basis.

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Compliance management system  
(adidas Group Fair Play Compliance Framework)

At  the  adidas  Group,  we  consider  compliance  with  the  law  as  well  as  external  and  internal 

regulations  to  be  imperative.  Every  employee  is  required  to  act  ethically  and  in  compliance  with 

the  law  as  well  as  with  external  and  internal  regulations  while  executing  the  Group’s  business. 

Violations must be avoided under all circumstances. As a company with worldwide operations and 

more than 50,000 employees, however, the Group accepts that it will never be possible to exclude 

compliance violations with absolute certainty. 

Both the adidas Group Fair Play Compliance Framework and our risk and opportunity management 

system are closely aligned and both are overseen by the Group’s Chief Compliance Officer who reports 

directly to the Group’s Chief Executive Officer. Together, these systems create the organisational 

requirements for Group-wide awareness of the respective governing law and of our internal rules 

and guidelines as well as for ensuring their observance. We see compliance as all-encompassing, 

spanning  all  business  functions  throughout  the  entire  value  chain,  from  supply  chain  through  to 

the end consumer. As a result, the identification, analysis and evaluation of potential compliance 

risks are essential for our risk and opportunity management process. The Group Risk Management 

department works closely with the Risk Owners and responsible Compliance Officers to conduct a 

see Legal & Compliance Risks, p. 170

systematic assessment of key compliance risks on a quarterly basis. 

The  Group’s  compliance  management  system  is  based  on  the  OECD  Principles  of  Corporate 

158

Governance. It refers to the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and is designed to: 

/ 

 Support  the  achievement  of  qualitative  and  sustainable  growth  through  good  corporate 

governance practice. 

 Reduce and mitigate the risk of financial losses or damage caused by non-compliant conduct. 

 Protect  and  further  enhance  the  value  and  reputation  of  the  Group  and  its  brands  through 

compliant conduct. 

 Preserve diversity by fighting harassment and discrimination. 

 Contribute to continuous improvement in all aspects of the Group’s business.

/ 

/ 

/ 

/ 

Our  Fair  Play  Code  of  Conduct,  which  is  applicable  in  all  regions  and  business  areas,  stipulates 

guidelines for behaviour in everyday work and is available both on our website and on our intranet. 

The  Code  of  Conduct  is  the  cornerstone  of  our  compliance  management  programme  which  is 

founded on three pillars: prevention, detection and response. 

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewRisk and Opportunity Report

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Prevention includes, for example, training such as the web-based Code of Conduct training (which 

is  mandatory  for  all  employees  worldwide),  general  data  protection  training  and  an  anti-trust 

training programme (for employees who are exposed to customers and competitors) incorporating 

web-based training and face-to-face training workshops. 

To ensure timely detection of potential infringements of statutory regulations or internal guidelines, 

we have implemented whistleblowing procedures which allow employees to either report concerns 

over wrongdoing/potential compliance violations internally (e.g. directly to their supervisor, to the 

Chief  Compliance  Officer  or  other  Compliance  Officers,  the  relevant  HR  manager  or  the  Works 

Council)  or  externally  via  an  independent,  confidential  reporting  hotline  and  email  service.  The 

hotline  (Fair  Play  hotline)  is  available  around  the  clock,  seven  days  a  week  and  can  be  called 

free  of  charge  in  over  60  countries  worldwide.  In  addition,  our  Group  Internal  Audit  and  Profit 

see Glossary, p. 258

Protection departments conduct regular audits and investigations to detect potential incidents of 

non-compliance. In case of reported or suspected compliance violations, ad hoc investigations may 

be undertaken as well. 

Appropriate  and  timely  response  to  compliance  violations  is  essential.  Therefore,  we  have 

established a global network of local Compliance Officers reporting directly to the Chief Compliance 

Officer of the Group as dedicated contact persons to whom complaints and information concerning 

compliance  violations  can  be  reported.  We  track,  monitor  and  report  potential  incidents  of 

non-compliance  worldwide  using  a  web-based  reporting  solution,  which  can  be  accessed  by  all 

Compliance  Officers  across  the  Group.  Appropriate  sanction  mechanisms  (including  termination 

of employment) are used to react promptly to possible compliance violations. Insights gained from 

the investigation of past violations are used to continuously improve the compliance management 

system. 

The Chief Compliance Officer regularly reports to the Executive Board on the further development 

of the compliance programme and on major compliance cases, which are also reported to the Audit 

Committee. Further, he reports to the Audit Committee at one of its meetings at least once a year 

concerning the contents and the further development of the compliance programme.

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Description of the main features of the internal control and risk management 
system relating to the consolidated financial reporting process pursuant to 
§ 315 section 2 no. 5 German Commercial Code (Handelsgesetzbuch – HGB)

The internal control and risk management system relating to the consolidated financial reporting 

process  of  the  adidas  Group  represents  a  process  embedded  within  the  Group-wide  corporate 

governance  system.  It  aims  at  providing  reasonable  assurance  regarding  the  reliability  of  the 

Group’s external financial reporting by ensuring Group-wide compliance with statutory provisions, in 

particular the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and internal consolidated financial 

reporting policies (Group Finance Manual). We regard the internal control and risk management 

system  as  a  process  based  on  the  principle  of  segregation  of  duties,  encompassing  various 

sub-processes  in  the  areas  of  Accounting,  Controlling,  Taxes,  Treasury,  Planning,  Reporting  and 

Legal, focusing on the identification, assessment, treatment, monitoring and reporting of financial 

reporting  risks.  Clearly  defined  responsibilities  are  assigned  to  each  distinct  sub-process  in  the 

various areas. In a first step, the internal control and risk management system serves to identify and 

assess as well as to limit and control risks identified in the consolidated financial reporting process 

which might result in our consolidated financial statements not being in conformity with internal 

and external regulations.

Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICoFR) serves to provide reasonable assurance regarding 

the reliability of reporting and compliance with applicable laws and regulations despite identified 

financial reporting risks. To monitor the effectiveness of ICoFR, the Group Internal Audit department 

160

and  the  Group  Policies  &  Internal  Controls  department  regularly  review  accounting-related 

processes. Additionally, as part of the year-end audit, the external auditor selects and examines 

internal controls, including the IT systems, to assess their effectiveness. The Audit Committee of the 

adidas AG Supervisory Board also monitors the effectiveness of ICoFR. However, due to limitations 

of ICoFR, even with appropriate and functional systems absolute certainty about the effectiveness 

of ICoFR cannot be guaranteed.

All Group companies are required to comply with consolidated financial reporting policies (Group 

Finance Manual), which are available to all employees involved in the financial reporting process 

through  the  Group-wide  intranet.  We  update  the  Group  Finance  Manual  on  a  regular  basis, 

dependent on regulatory changes and internal developments. Changes to the Group Finance Manual 

are promptly communicated to all Group companies. Clear policies serve to limit employees’ scope 

of discretion with regard to recognition and valuation of assets and liabilities, thus reducing the risk 

of inconsistent accounting practices within the Group. We aim to ensure compliance with the Group 

Finance  Manual  through  continuous  adherence  to  the  four-eyes  principle  in  accounting-related 

processes. In addition, the local manager responsible for the accounting process within the Group 

companies  and  the  respective  local  Managing  Director  confirm  adherence  to  the  Group  Finance 

Manual and International Financial Reporting Standards in a signed representation letter, which is 

provided to Group Accounting on a quarterly basis. 

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewRisk and Opportunity Report

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The accounting for Group companies is conducted either locally or by an adidas Group Shared Service 

Centre. Most of the IT ERP systems used are based on a Group-wide standardised SAP system. Some 

Group companies use Navision-based ERP software. As part of an initiative aimed at harmonising 

our system infrastructure (One ERP), we will also introduce an SAP-based ERP system within these 

Group companies in the medium term. Following approval by the Finance Director of the respective 

Group company, the local financial statements are transferred into a central consolidation system 

based on SAP SEM-BCS. At Group level, the regularity and reliability of the financial statements 

prepared by Group companies are reviewed by Group Accounting and Controlling. These measures 

include automated validation in the system as well as creation of reports and analyses to ensure data 

integrity and adherence to reporting logic. In addition, differences between current year and prior 

year financial data as well as budget figures are analysed on a distribution channel and market level. 

If necessary, the Group seeks the opinion of independent experts to review business transactions 

that  occur  infrequently  and  not  on  a  routine  basis.  After  ensuring  data  plausibility,  the  centrally 

coordinated and monitored consolidation process begins, running automatically on SAP SEM-BCS. 

Controls within the individual consolidation steps, such as those relating to the consolidation of debt 

or of income and expenses, are conducted both manually and system-based, using automatically 

created consolidation logs. Any inadequacies are remedied manually by systematically processing 

the individual errors and differences and are reported back to the Group companies. After finalisation 

of all consolidation steps, all items in the consolidated income statement and in the consolidated 

statement of financial position are analysed with respect to trends and variances. Unless already 

otherwise clarified, the Group companies are asked to explain any identified material deviations.

All financial systems used are protected against malpractice by means of appropriate authorisation 

concepts,  approval  concepts  and  access  restrictions.  Access  authorisations  are  reviewed  on 

a  regular  basis  and  updated  if  required.  The  risk  of  data  loss  or  outage  of  accounting-related  IT 

systems is minimised by Group IT through central control and monitoring of virtually all IT systems, 

centralised management of change processes and regular data backups.

Group’s governance structures and processes enhanced in 2014

In 2014, we made further improvements to the Group’s governance structures and processes. We 

launched a completely overhauled Code of Conduct (our Fair Play Code of Conduct), updated our 

web-based Code of Conduct training and introduced a Fair Play mobile phone application available 

for download for the Group’s employees. Regarding risk and opportunity management, the Group 

Risk  Management  department  held  training  sessions  and  workshops  with  Risk  Owners  and 

revamped the Risk Universe after benchmarking the Group’s risk and opportunity categories with 

those reported by the Group’s main competitors and retail partners. 

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This report focuses on what we perceive as the Group’s material risks with the exception of interest 

rate risks and financing and liquidity risks. Material risks are all risks which were assessed with a 

major impact as well as all risks with an impact rating of significant and a likelihood rating of at least 

possible. The update of the Risk Universe affected the consolidation and aggregation of risks. As a 

result, some risks illustrated in this report may not be fully comparable with risks presented in last 

see Table 03

year’s report. The assessment of all risks is shown in the risks overview table.

03  /  Corporate risk overview

Strategic risks

Macroeconomic, socio-political and regulatory risks

Risks related to risk and control environment

Risks related to media and stakeholder activities

Competition risks

Risks related to organisational structure and change

162

Operational risks

Business partner risks

Own-retail risks

Hazard risks

IT risks

Project risks

Inventory risks

Marketing risks

Risks related to product assortment, innovation and design

Logistics risks

Legal & Compliance risks

Risks related to competition, trade, customs and tax regulations

Product quality risks

Fraud and corruption risks

Risks related to product counterfeiting and imitation

Significant

Financial risks

Currency risks

Risks related to impairment of goodwill/other intangible assets

Credit risks

Interest rate risks

Financing and liquidity risks

Major

Major

Major

Minor

Minor

Potential impact

Change  
(2013 rating)

Likelihood

Change  
(2013 rating)

Major

Major

Significant

Significant

Significant

Major

Major

Major

Major

Major

Significant

Significant

Significant

Significant

Major

Major

Major

Possible

Possible

Likely

Likely

Likely

Possible

Unlikely

Unlikely

Unlikely

Unlikely

Likely

Likely

Likely

 (Moderate)

 (Major)

Possible

 (Significant)

 (Significant)

Unlikely

Unlikely

Unlikely

Likely

Likely

Possible

Unlikely

Likely

Unlikely

 (Unlikely)

 (Possible)

 (Possible)

 (Possible)

 (Possible)

 (Possible)

 (Unlikely)

 (Unlikely)

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewRisk and Opportunity Report   /  Strategic Risks

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Strategic Risks

Macroeconomic, socio-political and regulatory risks

Growth in the sporting goods industry is highly dependent on consumer spending and consumer 

confidence. Economic downturns and socio-political factors such as military conflicts, civil unrest, 

nationalisation  or  expropriation,  in  particular  in  regions  where  the  Group  is  highly  represented, 

therefore  pose  a  significant  risk  to  the  Group’s  business  activities  and  top-  and  bottom-line 

performance. In addition, substantial changes in the regulatory environment (e.g. trade restrictions, 

social  security  systems,  minimum  wages,  tax  legislation,  economic  and  political  sanctions,  etc.) 

could lead to potential sales shortfalls or cost increases. 

To mitigate these macroeconomic, socio-political and regulatory risks, the Group strives to balance 

sales  across  key  global  regions  and  also  between  developed  and  emerging  markets.  We  also 

continuously monitor the macroeconomic, political and regulatory landscape in all our key markets 

to anticipate potential problem areas, so that we are able to quickly adjust our business activities 

accordingly  upon  any  change  in  conditions.  Potential  adjustments  may  be  changes  in  product 

prices, closures of own-retail stores, more conservative product purchasing, tight working capital 

management and an increased focus on cost control. In addition, by building on our leading position 

within the sporting goods industry, we actively engage in supporting policymakers and regulators 

to liberalise global trade, curtail trade barriers and proactively adapt to significant changes in the 

regulatory environment.

Risks related to risk and control environment

Failure to identify and actively manage substantial risks and to implement and maintain adequate 

internal  controls  across  the  Group  could  result  in  incorrect  decisions,  higher  costs,  compliance 

violation and fraud and also cause reputational damage. Inadequate design, implementation and 

maintenance  of  the  compliance  management  system  may  result  in  insufficient  prevention  and 

detection of, as well as response to, compliance violations and unethical behaviour. This could trigger 

fines or penalties, increased cost and management liability as well as reputational damage for the 

Group. Furthermore, a lack of documentation, training and enforcement of policies, processes and 

procedures could result in a lack of risk awareness among the Group’s employees and facilitates 

improper behaviour and compliance violations. 

In  order  to  adequately  manage  these  risks,  we  continuously  review  and  further  develop  our 

Group-wide  risk  management  system,  compliance  management  system  and  internal  control 

network. In addition, we maintain a Global Policy Manual that illustrates all relevant Group policies 

and  is  freely  accessible  to  all  employees  via  the  Group’s  intranet.  This  is  supported  by  regular 

employee  training  (e.g.  Code  of  Conduct,  anti-trust,  workplace  safety,  etc.).  We  also  document 

key  business  processes  to  create  transparency  and  enable  the  implementation  of  proper  control 

mechanisms.

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Risks related to media and stakeholder activities

The  adidas  Group  faces  considerable  risk  if  we  are  unable  to  uphold  high  levels  of  consumer 

awareness, affiliation and purchase intent for our brands. Adverse media coverage on our products 

or business practices as well as negative social media discussion may significantly hurt the Group’s 

reputation and brand image, lead to public misperception of the Group’s business performance and 

eventually result in a sales slowdown. Similarly, certain activities on the part of key stakeholders 

(e.g.  non-governmental  organisations,  governmental  institutions,  etc.)  could  cause  reputational 

damage, distract top management and disrupt business activities. 

To  mitigate  these  risks,  we  pursue  proactive,  open  communication  and  engagement  with  key 

stakeholders (e.g. consumers, media, non-governmental organisations, the financial community, 

etc.) on a continuous basis. In addition, we have established clear crisis communication processes 

to ensure a quick and effective response to adverse developments. On a case-by-case basis, we also 

seek external advice from experts in communication and stakeholder management. We have also 

defined clear mission statements, values and goals for all our brands. These form the foundation 

of our product and brand communication strategies. Furthermore, we continue to invest significant 

marketing resources to build brand equity and foster consumer awareness. 

Competition risks

Strategic  alliances  amongst  competitors  and/or  retailers,  the  increase  of  retailers’  own  private 

label  businesses  and  intense  competition  for  consumers  and  promotion  partnerships  from 

164

well-established industry peers and new market entrants (e.g. new brands, vertical retailers) pose a 

substantial risk to the adidas Group. This could lead to harmful competitive behaviour, such as price 

wars in the marketplace or bidding wars for promotion partnerships. Sustained pricing pressure 

in one of the Group’s key markets could threaten the Group’s sales and profitability development. 

Aggressive competitive practices could also drive increases in marketing costs and market share 

losses, thus hurting the Group’s profitability and market position. 

To  mitigate  competition  risks,  we  continuously  monitor  and  analyse  competitive  and  market 

information in order to be able to anticipate unfavourable changes in the competitive environment 

rather than reacting to such changes. This enables us to proactively adjust our marketing and sales 

activities when needed. We also pursue a strategy of entering into long-term agreements with key 

promotion partners such as FIFA, FC Bayern Munich or Lionel Messi, as well as adding new partners 

to  refresh  and  diversify  our  portfolio,  e.g.  Manchester  United,  UFC,  James  Rodriguez  or  Andrew 

Wiggins. In addition, our product and communication initiatives are designed to drive market share 

growth and to strengthen our brands’ market position. 

see Global Brands Strategy, p. 53
see Other Businesses Strategy, p. 60

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Risks related to organisational structure and change

The  Group  operates  in  a  dynamic  and  fast-changing  competitive  environment.  Therefore, 

organisational  flexibility  and  the  ability  to  adapt  quickly  to  new  competitive  circumstances 

are  critical  to  remain  successful.  A  complex  organisational  structure  and  unclear  roles  and 

responsibilities across the Group can lead to untimely or sub-optimal decision-making, inefficient 

and  ineffective  processes  and,  consequently,  higher  costs.  Improper  planning  and  execution  of 

reorganisation  initiatives  may  reduce  employee  engagement,  cause  business  disruption  and 

result  in  higher  costs.  A  high  frequency  in  organisational  changes  could  cause  fatigue  among 

the  workforce  and  lead  to  reduced  efficiency  and  productivity.  Inadequate  change  management 

could  lead  to  non-acceptance  of  changes  by  the  workforce,  lower  employee  engagement  and 

inefficiencies. 

We mitigate these risks by frequent, open and transparent communication with our employees. Our 

Executive Board members as well as the senior management team across the Group hold regular 

‘town hall’ meetings to update employees on organisational changes and openly explain the reasons 

for  change.  To  adequately  manage  change  and  to  ensure  clarity  about  roles  and  responsibilities 

throughout the organisation, we also utilise internal and external experts in project management, 

change  management  and  communication,  who  actively  educate  and  engage  the  workforce  to 

embrace and support new organisational structures and processes. 

Operational Risks

Business partner risks

The adidas Group interacts and enters into partnerships with various third parties such as retail 

partners, distributors, licensees, joint venture partners, suppliers, service providers or promotion 

see Glossary, p. 258

partners. As a result, the Group is exposed to a multitude of business partner risks. 

165

Failure  to  cement  and  maintain  strong  relationships  with  retailers,  for  example,  could  have 

substantial negative effects on our wholesale activities and thus the Group’s business performance. 

Losing important customers in key markets due to sub-par relationship management would result 

in significant sales shortfalls. In a few individual markets, we work with distributors or strategic 

partners  whose  approach  might  differ  from  our  own  distribution  practices  and  standards,  which 

could also negatively impact the adidas Group’s business performance. Similarly, failure to maintain 

strong relationships with suppliers or service providers could negatively impact the Group’s sales and 

profitability. Injuries to promotion partners, e.g. individual athletes, or weak on-field performance 

on  the  part  of  sponsored  teams  or  athletes  could  reduce  their  consumer  appeal  and  eventually 

result in lower sales and attractiveness of our brands. Risks may also arise from a dependence on 

particular suppliers, customers or service providers. Over-reliance on a supplier for a substantial 

portion of the Group’s product volume, or over-dependence on a particular customer, increases the 

Group’s vulnerability to delivery and sales shortfalls and could lead to significant margin pressure. 

Business partner default or other disruptive events such as strikes may negatively affect the Group’s 

business activities and result in additional costs and liabilities as well as lower sales for the Group. 

Unethical  or  non-compliant  business  practices  on  the  part  of  business  partners  could  have  a 

negative spill-over effect on the Group’s reputation, lead to higher costs or liabilities and disrupt 
business activities. 

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To mitigate business partner risks, the Group has implemented various measures. For example, to 

reduce the risk of business interruption, we work with business partners who demonstrate reliability, 

quality and innovation. Furthermore, in order to minimise any potential negative consequences such 

as a violation of our Workplace Standards by our suppliers, we enforce strict control and inspection 

procedures  at  our  suppliers  and  also  demand  adherence  to  social  and  environmental  standards 

throughout  our  supply  chain.  In  addition,  we  have  selectively  bought  insurance  coverage  for  the 

see Sustainability, p. 89

risk of business interruptions caused by physical damage to suppliers’ premises. To ensure strong 

relationships  with  retailers,  the  Group  is  committed  to  delivering  outstanding  customer  service 

and providing our retail partners with the support and tools to establish and maintain a mutually 

successful  business  relationship.  Customer  relationship  management  is  not  only  a  key  activity 

for our sales force but also of highest importance for our Group’s top executives and second-line 

management.  To  reduce  dependency  on  any  particular  business  partner,  the  Group  follows  a 

strategy of diversification. In this context, the Group works with a broad network of suppliers and, 

for the vast majority of its products, does not have a single-sourcing model. We also utilise a broad 

see Glossary, p. 258

distribution strategy which includes further expanding our controlled space activities to reduce the 

risk of over-reliance on particular key customers. Specifically, no single customer accounted for 

more  than  10%  of  Group  sales  in  2014.  In  addition,  we  work  with  a  broad  portfolio  of  promotion 

partners including individual athletes, club teams, federations or associations in numerous sports. 

Own-retail risks

New own-retail stores require considerable up-front investment in furniture and fixtures as well 

166

as  ongoing  maintenance.  In  addition,  own-retail  activities  often  require  longer-term  lease  or 

rent commitments. Retail also employs significantly more personnel in relation to sales than our 

wholesale  business.  The  higher  portion  of  fixed  costs  compared  to  our  wholesale  business  may 

cause  a  larger  profitability  impact  in  cases  of  significant  sales  declines.  Success  in  own  retail  is 

predominantly  related  to  the  skills  and  performance  of  our  employees.  High  turnover  of  staff  as 

well  as  a  lack  of  the  required  skills  and  qualifications  of  own-retail  employees  could  negatively 

affect sales and profitability. Ineffective or inconsistent leadership and an inadequate culture with 

respect to operating own-retail stores with commercial expertise may also contribute to suboptimal 

business  performance.  In  addition,  delayed  openings  or  poorly  executed  store  operations  could 

lead  to  sales  shortfalls  and  also  negatively  affect  brand  image.  Furthermore,  inability  to  secure 

appropriate store locations may result in a worse than expected sales development. 

The  Group  reduces  these  risks  by  applying  various  measures.  For  example,  the  vast  majority  of 

our new lease contracts have durations of between five and ten years. In addition, store openings 

are  managed  according  to  a  standardised  Group-wide  business  plan  model,  taking  into  account 

our year-long own-retail experience and best practices from around the world. Store performance 

is  measured  by  a  retail  scorecard  consisting  of  nine  quantitative  key  performance  indicators. 

Underperforming  stores  are  reorganised,  remodelled  or  closed,  as  appropriate.  Furthermore, 

we run multiple training initiatives for own-retail employees at all levels, from store assistant to 

top  management.  At  the  same  time,  we  constantly  monitor  staff  turnover  and  actively  manage 

succession and career development to reduce attrition. 

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewRisk and Opportunity Report   /  Operational Risks

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Hazard risks

The  adidas  Group  is  exposed  to  external  risks  such  as  natural  disasters,  unfavourable  weather 

conditions,  epidemics,  fire,  accidents  and  malicious  acts.  Physical  damage  to  our  own  or  our 

suppliers’ premises, production units, warehouses and stock in transit can lead to property damage 

and business interruption. 

These  risks  are  mitigated  by  loss  prevention  measures  such  as  working  with  reliable  suppliers 

and logistics providers who guarantee high safety standards. In addition to the insurance coverage 

we  have  secured,  the  Group  has  implemented  loss  prevention  (e.g.  sprinklers  in  facilities)  and 

contingency  plans  to  quickly  recover  business  activities  in  order  to  minimise  potential  negative 

effects.

IT risks

Key business processes, including product marketing, order management, warehouse management, 

invoice  processing,  customer  support  and  financial  reporting,  are  all  dependent  on  IT  systems. 

A  significant  systems  outage  or  application  failure  could  result  in  considerable  disruptions  to 

our  business.  Virus  or  malware  attacks  could  also  lead  to  systems  disruption  and  may  result  in 

the loss of business-critical and/or confidential information. Theft or leakage of confidential and 

sensitive information or data (e.g. product data, employee data, consumer data, etc.) could lead to 

reputational damage, penalties and higher costs.

To mitigate these risks, our IT organisation proactively engages in system preventive maintenance, 

service  continuity  planning  and  adherence  to  applicable  IT  policies.  Data  security  is  managed 

by  restricting  user  access  based  on  job  description  and  adhering  to  data  protection  regulations. 

Additional  security  measures  such  as  anti-virus  software  and  firewalls  are  designed  to  further 

protect  our  systems  and  critical  information.  We  perform  multiple  backups  at  alternating  data 

centre locations for the Group’s core Enterprise Resource Planning System (ERP) on a daily basis. In 

addition, for the ERP system, our contingency solution allows us to quickly switch to a remote site if 

necessary – without any loss of data. System security, controls and reliability are regularly reviewed 

and tested by the Group’s Internal Audit department. 

Project risks

To  effectively  support  further  business  growth  and  improve  efficiency,  the  Group  continuously 

invests  in  new  projects  such  as  the  creation,  implementation  and  expansion  of  IT  systems  and 

distribution centres or the construction of office buildings. Ineffective project management could 

delay the execution of critical projects and lead to higher expenditures. Inadequate project planning 

and  controlling  as  well  as  executional  mistakes  could  cause  inefficiencies,  delays  or  business 

disruption,  resulting  in  higher  costs  and  sales  shortfalls.  Inappropriate  project  governance, 

prioritisation and oversight of the project portfolio may lead to suboptimal resource allocation and 

undesired project results.

We manage projects utilising reviews by project teams as well as project steering committees to 

ensure  that  the  progress,  quality  and  costs  of  those  projects  are  regularly  evaluated.  To  ensure 

true end-to-end management of key projects for the Group, we have established a cross-functional 

programme  board  under  the  leadership  of  the  Group’s  Executive  Board  member  responsible  for 

Global Operations. This approach allows early detection of project risks and quick implementation 
of corrective action or timely cancellation of projects with a low chance of success. 

167

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Inventory risks

As we place initial production orders around six months in advance of delivery, the adidas Group 

is exposed to inventory risks relating to misjudging consumer demand at the time of production 

planning. A sudden decline in demand has the potential to cause excess inventories for the Group 

as well as in the marketplace. This can have negative implications for our financial performance, 

including product returns, higher levels of clearance activity and inventory obsolescence as well as 

reduced liquidity due to higher operating working capital requirements. 

Similarly, a sudden increase in demand can lead to product shortfalls at the point of sale. In this 

situation, our Group faces the risk of missed sales opportunities and/or customer and consumer 

disappointment,  which  could  lead  to  a  reduction  in  brand  loyalty  and  hurt  our  reputation  as  an 

On-Time In-Full supplier. In addition, the Group faces potential profitability impacts from additional 

costs such as airfreight in efforts to speed up replenishment.

In  order  to  mitigate  these  risks,  we  actively  manage  inventory  levels,  for  example  by  continuous 

monitoring of stock levels as well as centralising stock holding and clearance activities. We also 

continuously  strive  to  improve  our  forecasting  and  material  planning  processes.  To  that  end, 

in  2014,  we  continued  to  focus  on  our  integrated  business  planning  capabilities.  In  addition,  our 

see Internal Group Management System, p. 98

Global  Operations  function  offers  sophisticated  and  tailored  replenishment  models  in  order  to 

shorten order-to-delivery times, ensuring availability of products while avoiding excess inventories. 

Furthermore, we are combining our global supply chain management and IT functions, to increase 

see Global Operations, p. 66

168

supply  chain  agility  and  reliability  by  leveraging  real-time  data  analytics,  thus  ensuring  product 

availability that meets consumer expectations.

Marketing risks

Flawless  execution  of  marketing  activities  is  critical  to  the  success  of  the  Group  and  its  brands. 

Therefore, unaligned product creation, range development, go-to-market or brand communication 

processes could lead to higher costs, suboptimal sales performance and the inability to resonate 

with  the  consumer  as  desired.  Poorly  executed  marketing  activities  may  also  result  in  negative 

media coverage and hurt brand image. Similarly, inadequate or insufficient investment in brand-

building could negatively affect our ability to maintain brand momentum and our competitive edge 

in the marketplace. 

In 2014, as a result of the Group’s recent reorganisation aimed at strengthening ‘brand leadership’, 

our marketing organisation was given significantly broader responsibility along the entire product 

cycle, which will ensure closer alignment between the different functions, provide more consistency 

in  execution  and  enable  faster  decision-making.  Through  continuous  planning  and  collaboration 

within the marketing organisation and also cross-functionally, we enable both consumer relevance 

and  operational  excellence.  For  example,  the  new  department  ‘Concepts-to-Consumer’  will 

implement simpler and faster operations due to a direct flow of communications to each market, 

merging our product footprint and the ‘look & feel’.

In addition, we clearly prioritise spending in marketing initiatives and promotion partnerships by 

strategic relevance to ensure an appropriate return on investment.

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewRisk and Opportunity Report   /  Operational Risks

/  03.5  /

Risks related to product assortment, innovation and design

Innovative  and  attractive  products  generate  strong  sales  and,  more  importantly,  create  a  halo 

effect  for  other  products.  Fulfilling  the  highest  standards  in  terms  of  product  quality  and  safety 

is  critical  to  sustainable  commercial  success  and  forms  an  integral  part  of  the  product  design 

and  development  phase.  The  speed  with  which  new  product  technologies  and  fresh  designs  are 

brought to market is decisive for maintaining competitive advantage. Failure to create innovative 

products with cutting-edge design and strong consumer appeal could lead to a slowdown in brand 

momentum, lower brand attractiveness and, as a result, sales shortfalls and market share losses. 

Insufficient  investment  in  innovation  and  design  capabilities  could  negatively  affect  the  Group’s 

competitive position in the marketplace and negatively impact top-line development. In addition, a 

lack of breadth and depth of our product ranges as well as an inappropriate price/value relationship 

in our products may negatively affect the Group’s top- and bottom-line performance. 

Therefore,  we  continue  to  invest  in  innovation  and  design  processes  as  well  as  the  recruitment 

and retention of creative and innovative talent. In this context, we will open a new design studio in 

Brooklyn, New York/USA in 2015. To ensure we identify and quickly adapt to changing consumer 

see Research and Development, p. 73

preferences, we utilise extensive primary and secondary research tools and focus on streamlining 

research and development processes to speed up the time to market. Stringent product life cycle 

management enables us to keep our product offering fresh and cutting-edge. 

Logistics risks

As  a  global  company  with  business  operations  in  numerous  countries,  the  Group  requires 

well-functioning logistics processes, from the supplier to our distribution centres and subsequently 

to  the  customer.  Any  interruption  of  these  processes  could  negatively  affect  our  ability  to  fulfil 

orders and deliver products, leading to higher inventory levels, sales shortfalls, additional costs and 

deterioration of customer relationships. Inability to secure transportation or warehousing capacity, 

errors by employees as well as malfunctions in IT logistics systems could all disrupt the flow of 

goods. 

To mitigate these risks, we continuously monitor the global transportation market in order to be 

able to quickly adapt to changes in the transportation environment and secure required capacity. We 

work closely with multiple logistics service providers to guarantee transportation of our products to 

the desired destinations. In addition, we buy insurance coverage against theft or physical damage 

during  transportation  and  storage.  Furthermore,  in  case  of  malfunctioning  logistics  systems  or 

warehouse  processes,  we  actively  re-prioritise  the  allocation  of  products  to  minimise  damage 

caused.

169

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/  03.5  /

Legal & Compliance Risks

Risks related to competition, trade, customs and tax regulations

Numerous  laws  and  regulations  regarding  competition,  trade,  customs  and  taxes  affect  the 

adidas  Group’s  business  practices  worldwide.  Non-compliance  with  regulations  concerning  fair 

competition, pricing, advertising, product imports (including calculation of customs values) or taxes 

could lead to substantial financial penalties and additional costs as well as negative media coverage 

and therefore reputational damage. 

To  proactively  manage  such  risks,  we  constantly  seek  expert  advice  from  specialised  law  or  tax 

advisory firms and provide subject-matter training to our employees (e.g. competition law training). 

In  addition,  our  internal  legal,  customs  or  tax  departments  advise  our  operational  management 

teams to ensure appropriate and compliant business practices. Furthermore, we work closely with 

customs authorities and governments worldwide to make sure we adhere to customs and import 

regulations and obtain the required clearance of products to fulfil sales demand. In order to reduce 

the  financial  risk,  we  also  create  provisions  in  our  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  the 

relevant accounting regulations to account for potential disputes with customs or tax authorities. 

Product quality risks

The adidas Group faces a risk of selling defective products, which may result in injury to consumers 

and/or brand and product image impairment. We mitigate this risk by employing dedicated teams 

170

that monitor the quality of our products on all levels of the supply chain through rigorous testing 

prior to production, close cooperation with suppliers throughout the manufacturing process, random 

testing after retail delivery, open communication about defective products and quick settlement of 

product liability claims when necessary. In 2014, we voluntarily recalled two Reebok-CCM Hockey 

products – an elbow pad and a goalie neck guard – in North America because they did not meet the 

Group’s high product quality standards. 

Fraud and corruption risks

We face the risk that our employees and Executive Board breach rules and standards that guide 

appropriate  and  responsible  business  behaviour.  This  includes  the  risks  of  fraud,  financial 

misstatements  or  manipulation,  bribery  and  corruption.  Our  Group’s  Fair  Play  Compliance 

Framework helps us manage these risks in a proactive way and enables us to prevent, detect and 

adequately respond in case of fraudulent or corrupt behaviour. Our Global Policy Manual provides a 

framework for basic work procedures and processes and our Fair Play Code of Conduct stipulates 

that  every  employee  shall  act  ethically  in  compliance  with  the  laws  and  regulations  of  the  legal 

systems where they conduct Group business. All of our employees have to participate in a special 

Code of Conduct training. In addition, our Compliance Officers across the Group guide and advise our 

operating managers regarding fraud and corruption topics. Furthermore, we utilise controls such 

as segregation of duties in IT systems and data analytics technology to prevent or detect fraudulent 

activities. Whenever reasonable, we actively investigate and, in case of unlawful conduct, we work 

with state authorities to ensure rigorous enforcement of criminal law. 

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewRisk and Opportunity Report   /  Financial Risks

/  03.5  /

Risks related to product counterfeiting and imitation

As  popular  consumer  brands  which  rely  on  technological  and  design  innovation  as  defining 

characteristics, the Group’s brands are frequent targets for counterfeiting and imitation. To reduce 

the loss of sales and the potential damage to brand reputation resulting from counterfeit products, 

the adidas Group makes use of extensive legal protection (generally through registration) and works 

closely  with  law  enforcement  authorities,  investigators  and  external  legal  counsel.  Although  we 

have stepped up measures such as product security labelling with our authorised suppliers, the 

development of these measures remains a key priority on an ongoing basis. In 2014, around twelve 

million counterfeit adidas Group products were seized worldwide (2013: ten million). 

Financial Risks

Currency risks

Currency  risks  for  the  adidas  Group  are  a  direct  result  of  multi-currency  cash  flows  within  the 

Group.  Furthermore,  translation  impacts  from  the  conversion  of  non-euro-denominated  results 

into  our  Group’s  functional  currency,  the  euro,  might  lead  to  a  material  negative  impact  on 

our  Group’s  financial  performance.  The  biggest  single  driver  behind  this  risk  results  from  the 

mismatch of the currencies required for sourcing our products versus the denominations of our 

sales. The vast majority of our sourcing expenses are in US dollars, while sales are denominated 

in other currencies to a large extent – most notably the euro. Our main exposures are presented 

in the table. The exposure from firm commitments and forecasted transactions was calculated on 

see Table 04

a one-year basis.

In line with IFRS 7 requirements, we have calculated the impact on net income and shareholders’ 

equity based on changes in our most important currency exchange rates. The calculated impacts 

mainly  result  from  changes  in  the  fair  value  of  our  hedging  instruments.  The  analysis  does  not 

include effects that arise from the translation of our foreign entities’ financial statements into the 

Group’s  reporting  currency,  the  euro.  The  sensitivity  analysis  is  based  on  the  net  balance  sheet 

exposure,  including  intercompany  balances  from  monetary  assets  and  liabilities  denominated 

in  foreign  currencies.  Moreover,  all  outstanding  currency  derivatives  were  re-evaluated  using 

hypothetical foreign exchange rates to determine the effects on net income and equity. The analysis 

was performed on the same basis for both 2013 and 2014. 

Based  on  this  analysis,  a  10%  increase  in  the  euro  versus  the  US  dollar  at  December  31,  2014 

would have led to a € 7 million increase in net income. The more negative market values of the US 

dollar hedges would have decreased shareholders’ equity by € 188 million. A 10% weaker euro at 

December 31, 2014 would have led to a € 8 million decrease in net income. Shareholders’ equity 

would  have  increased  by  €  233  million.  The  impacts  of  fluctuations  of  the  US  dollar  against  the 

see Table 05

Russian rouble and of the euro against the British pound and the Japanese yen on net income and 

shareholders’ equity are also included in accordance with IFRS requirements.

171

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However, many other financial and operational variables that could potentially reduce the effect of 

currency fluctuations are excluded from the analysis. For instance: 

/ 

/ 

 Interest rates, commodity prices and all other exchange rates are assumed constant.

 Exchange rates are assumed at a year-end value instead of the more relevant sales-weighted 

average figure, which we utilise internally to better reflect both the seasonality of our business 

and intra-year currency fluctuations.

/ 

 The underlying forecasted cash flow exposure (which the hedge instrument mainly relates to) is 

not required to be revalued in this analysis.

/ 

 Operational issues, such as potential discounts to key accounts, which have high transparency 

regarding  the  impacts  of  currency  on  our  sourcing  activities  (due  to  their  own  private  label 

sourcing efforts), are also excluded from this presentation. 

Utilising  a  centralised  currency  risk  management  system,  our  Group  hedges  currency  needs  for 

projected sourcing requirements on a rolling basis up to 24 months in advance. Our goal is to have 

see Treasury, p. 121

the vast majority of our hedging volume secured six months prior to the start of a given season. In 

rare instances, hedges are contracted beyond the 24-month horizon. The Group also largely hedges 

balance sheet risks. Due to our strong global position, we are able to partly minimise currency risk 

by utilising natural hedges. 

Nevertheless, our gross US dollar cash flow exposure after natural hedges calculated for 2015 was 

roughly € 5.2 billion at year-end 2014, which we hedged using forward exchange contracts, currency 

172

options and currency swaps. Our Group’s Treasury Policy allows us to utilise hedging instruments, 

see Table 04

such as currency options or option combinations, which provide protection from negative exchange 

rate fluctuations while – at the same time – retaining the potential to benefit from future favourable 

exchange rate developments in the financial markets.

As  2015  hedging  has  almost  been  completed,  it  is  clear  that  the  EUR/USD  conversion  rate  will 

improve  compared  to  2014.  However,  this  positive  effect  is  expected  to  be  more  than  offset  by 

less  favourable  exchange  rates  in  the  emerging  markets  (in  particular  Russia).  Volume  forecast 

variances, currency volatility and an increasing portion of our business in emerging markets, where 

currencies have depreciated rapidly in 2014 and at the beginning of 2015, will expose the adidas 

Group to substantial currency effects in 2015. Our financial targets set for 2015 take these trends 

see Subsequent Events and Outlook, p. 146

into consideration. 

Risks related to impairment of goodwill/other intangible assets

As a result of various acquisitions in the past, our balance sheet carries book values of approximately 

€  1.2  billion  in  goodwill  and  €  1.6  billion  in  other  intangible  assets  (including  trademarks). 

Deterioration in the business performance, and particularly in future business prospects, as well as 

significant exchange rate fluctuations could require corrections of these book values by incurring 

impairment  charges.  In  addition,  increases  in  market  interest  rates  could  trigger  increases 

in  discount  rates  used  in  our  impairment  test  for  goodwill  and  require  impairment  charges.  An 

see Note 02, p. 197

impairment charge would be a purely accounting, non-cash effect impacting the Group’s operating 

result. 

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewRisk and Opportunity Report   /  Financial Risks

/  03.5  /

04  / 

 Exposure to foreign exchange risk 1)  (based on notional amounts, € in millions)

USD

RUB

GBP

JPY

As at December 31, 2014

Exposure from firm commitments and forecasted 
transactions

Balance sheet exposure including intercompany exposure

Total gross exposure

Hedged with other cash flows

Hedged with currency options

Hedged with forward contracts

Net exposure

As at December 31, 2013

Exposure from firm commitments and forecasted 
transactions

Balance sheet exposure including intercompany exposure

Total gross exposure

Hedged with other cash flows

Hedged with currency options

Hedged with forward contracts

Net exposure

1) Rounding difference may arise in totals.

(4,890)

(393)

(5,283)

99

278

3,128

(1,778)

(3,811)

(358)

(4,169)

87

425

2,604

(1,053)

521

13

534

372

5

377

(355)

179

(345)

32

318

13

331

(14)

317

348

106

454

370

(7)

363

(107)

347

(298)

65

362

6

368

(47)

(209)

112

173

05  /  Sensitivity analysis of foreign exchange rate changes  (€ in millions)

USD

RUB

GBP

JPY

As at December 31, 2014

Equity

Net income

Equity

Net income

As at December 31, 2013

Equity

Net income

Equity

Net income

EUR +10%

USD +10%

EUR +10%

EUR +10%

(188)

7

– 

4

29

(1)

27

0

EUR –10%

USD –10%

EUR –10%

EUR –10%

233

(8)

– 

(4)

(35)

1

(33)

0

EUR +10%

USD +10%

EUR +10%

EUR +10%

(176)

2

– 

(8)

21

1

17

0

EUR –10%

USD –10%

EUR –10%

EUR –10%

214

(3)

– 

7

(25)

(1)

(20)

0

Group Management Report – Financial Review2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportRisk and Opportunity Report   /  Financial Risks

/  03.5  /

Credit risks

A credit risk arises if a customer or other counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its 

contractual  obligations.  The  adidas  Group  is  exposed  to  credit  risks  from  its  operating  activities 

and  from  certain  financing  activities.  Credit  risks  arise  principally  from  accounts  receivable  and, 

to a lesser extent, from other third-party contractual financial obligations such as other financial 

assets, short-term bank deposits and derivative financial instruments. Without taking into account 

see Note 29, p. 228

any  collateral,  the  carrying  amount  of  financial  assets  and  accounts  receivable  represents  the 

maximum exposure to credit risk.

At  the  end  of  2014,  there  was  no  relevant  concentration  of  credit  risk  by  type  of  customer  or 

geography.  Our  credit  risk  exposure  is  mainly  influenced  by  individual  customer  characteristics. 

Under the Group’s credit policy, new customers are analysed for creditworthiness before standard 

payment  and  delivery  terms  and  conditions  are  offered.  Tolerance  limits  for  accounts  receivable 

are also established for each customer. Both creditworthiness and accounts receivable limits are 

monitored on an ongoing basis. Customers that fail to meet the Group’s minimum creditworthiness 

are, in general, allowed to purchase products only on a prepayment basis. 

Other activities to mitigate credit risks include retention of title clauses as well as, on a selective 

basis, credit insurances, accounts receivable sales without recourse and bank guarantees. 

Objective  evidence  that  financial  assets  are  impaired  includes,  for  instance,  significant  financial 

174

difficulty of the issuer or debtor, indications of the potential bankruptcy of the borrower and the 

disappearance of an active market for a financial asset because of financial difficulties. The Group 

utilises allowance accounts for impairments that represent our estimate of incurred credit losses 

with respect to accounts receivable. 

Allowance accounts are used as long as the Group is satisfied that recovery of the amount due is 

possible. Once this is no longer the case, the amounts are considered irrecoverable and are directly 

written off against the financial asset. The allowance consists of two components: 

(1)  an allowance established for all receivables dependent on the ageing structure of receivables 

past due date and

(2)  a  specific  allowance  that  relates  to  individually  assessed  risk  for  each  specific  customer  – 

irrespective of ageing. 

At the end of 2014, no Group customer accounted for more than 10% of accounts receivable. 

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewRisk and Opportunity Report   /  Financial Risks

/  03.5  /

The Group Treasury department arranges currency, commodity and interest rate hedges, and invests 

cash, with major banks of a high credit standing throughout the world. adidas Group companies are 

authorised  to  work  with  banks  rated  BBB+  or  higher.  Only  in  exceptional  cases  are  subsidiaries 

authorised  to  work  with  banks  rated  lower  than  BBB+.  To  limit  risk  in  these  cases,  restrictions 

are clearly stipulated, such as maximum cash deposit levels. In addition, the credit default swap 

premiums  of  our  partner  banks  are  monitored  on  a  monthly  basis.  In  the  event  that  the  defined 

threshold is exceeded, credit balances are shifted to banks compliant with the limit. 

We believe our risk concentration is limited due to the broad distribution of our investment business 

with more than 20 globally operating banks. At December 31, 2014, no bank accounted for more 

than 5% of our investments. Including subsidiaries’ short-term deposits in local banks, the average 

concentration was 1%. This leads to a maximum exposure of € 82 million in the event of default of 

any single bank. We have further diversified our investment exposure by investing into AAA-rated 

money market funds.

In addition, we held derivatives with a positive fair market value in the amount of € 285 million. The 

maximum exposure to any single bank resulting from these assets amounted to € 67 million and 

the average concentration was 6%.

According  to  IFRS  7,  the  table  below  includes  further  information  about  set-off  possibilities  of 

derivative financial assets and liabilities. The majority of agreements between financial institutions 

see Table 06

and the adidas Group include a mutual right to set-off. However, these agreements do not meet the 

criteria for offsetting in the statement of financial position, because the right to set-off is enforceable 

only in the event of counterparty defaults.

The  carrying  amounts  of  recognised  derivative  financial  instruments,  which  are  subject  to  the 

mentioned agreements, are presented in the table below.

see Table 06

06  / 

 Set-off possibilities of derivative financial assets and liabilities  (€ in millions)

Assets

Gross amounts of recognised financial assets

Financial instruments which qualify for  
set-off in the statement of financial position

Net amounts of financial assets presented in the statement of financial position

Set-off possible due to master agreements

Total net amount of financial assets

Liabilities

Gross amounts of recognised financial liabilities

Financial instruments which qualify for  
set-off in the statement of financial position

Net amounts of financial liabilities presented in the statement of financial position

Set-off possible due to master agreements

Total net amount of financial liabilities

2014

2013

285

0

285

(53)

232

(55)

0

(55)

53

(2)

59

0

59

(53)

6

(93)

0

(93)

53

(40)

175

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/  03.5  /

Interest rate risks

Changes  in  global  market  interest  rates  affect  future  interest  payments  for  variable-interest 

liabilities. As the Group does not have material variable-interest liabilities, significant interest rate 

increases should have only slight adverse effects on the Group’s profitability, liquidity and financial 

position.

In  line  with  IFRS  7  requirements,  we  have  analysed  the  impact  of  changes  in  the  Group’s  most 

important interest rates on net income and shareholders’ equity. The effect of interest rate changes 

on  future  cash  flows  is  excluded  from  this  analysis.  Nevertheless,  accrued  interest,  which  is 

recognised as a liability, has been recalculated based on the hypothetical market interest rates as at 

December 31, 2014. Fair values for derivative interest rate instruments accounted for as cash flow 

hedges were then re-evaluated based on the hypothetical market interest rates with the resulting 

effects on net income and equity included in the sensitivity analysis. 

However, the effect on the income statement from changes in the fair values of hedged items and 

hedging instruments attributable to interest rate changes was not material. Exclusions from this 

analysis are as follows:

/ 

 Some  fixed-rate  financial  instruments,  such  as  certificates  of  deposit,  which  we  value  at  ‘fair 

value  through  profit  or  loss’  due  to  the  short-term  maturity  of  these  instruments.  Potential 

effects due to changes in interest rates are considered immaterial and are not recognised in the 

sensitivity analysis.

176

/ 

 Other  fixed-rate  financial  instruments  are  measured  at  amortised  cost.  Since  a  change  in 

interest rates would not change the carrying amount of this category of instruments, there is no 

net income impact and they are excluded from this analysis. 

The  interest  rate  sensitivity  analysis  assumes  a  parallel  shift  of  the  interest  yield  curve  for  all 

currencies and was performed on the same basis for both 2013 and 2014. As in the prior year, a 

100  basis  point  increase  or  decrease  in  interest  rates  at  December  31,  2014  would  have  had  no 

major impact on shareholders’ equity and net income.

To reduce interest rate risks and maintain financial flexibility, a core tenet of our Group’s financial 

strategy is to continue to use surplus cash flow from operations to reduce gross borrowings. Beyond 

see Treasury, p. 121

that, the adidas Group is constantly looking for adequate hedging strategies through interest rate 

derivatives in order to mitigate interest rate risks.

In 2014, interest rates in Europe and North America remained at low levels. Given the central banks’ 

current interest rate policies and macroeconomic uncertainty, we do not foresee any major interest 

rate  increases  in  Europe  in  2015.  Due  to  the  positive  macroeconomic  development  in  the  USA, 

however, we believe a slight increase in US interest rates is likely. At December 31, 2014, 80% of the 

Group’s financing was denominated in euros.

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewRisk and Opportunity Report   /  Financial Risks

/  03.5  /

Financing and liquidity risks

Liquidity risks arise from not having the necessary resources available to meet maturing liabilities 

with regard to timing, volume and currency structure. In addition, the adidas Group faces the risk 

of  having  to  accept  unfavourable  financing  terms  due  to  liquidity  restraints.  Our  Group  Treasury 

department uses an efficient cash management system to manage liquidity risk. At December 31, 

2014,  Group  cash  and  cash  equivalents  together  with  marketable  securities  amounted  to 

€ 1.688 billion (2013: € 1.629 billion). Moreover, our Group maintains € 1.520 billion bilateral credit 

lines  and  a  €  500  million  committed  long-term  syndicated  loan  facility  with  international  banks, 

which does not include a market disruption clause. The € 2.020 billion in credit lines are designed 

see Treasury, p. 121

to ensure sufficient liquidity at all times.

Future  cash  outflows  arising  from  financial  liabilities  that  are  recognised  in  the  Consolidated 

Statement of Financial Position are presented in the table below. This includes payments to settle 

see Table 07

obligations from borrowings as well as cash outflows from cash-settled derivatives with negative 

market values. Financial liabilities that may be settled in advance without penalty are included on 

the basis of the earliest date of potential repayment. Cash flows for variable-interest liabilities are 

determined with reference to the conditions at the balance sheet date. 

We ended the year 2014 with net debt of € 185 million (2013: net cash of € 295 million). Thus, the 

ratio of net borrowings over EBITDA was 0.1 times at year-end, which is in line with the Group’s 

medium-term guideline of less than two times. 

07  /  Future cash outflows 1)  (€ in millions)

As at December 31, 2014

Bank borrowings incl. commercial paper 2)

Private placements 3)

Eurobond 3)

Convertible bond 3)

Accounts payable

Other financial liabilities

Accrued liabilities 4)

Derivative financial liabilities

Total

As at December 31, 2013

Bank borrowings 2)

Private placements 3)

Eurobond 3)

Convertible bond 3)

Accounts payable

Other financial liabilities

Accrued liabilities 4)

Derivative financial liabilities

Total

Up to  
1 year 

Up to  
2 years

Up to  
3 years

Up to  
4 years

Up to  
5 years

Up to  
6 years

Up to  
7 years

Total

177

194

108

17

1

1,652

38

491

53

127

17

1

7

0

2,554

152

17

502

0

519

17

17

17

617

0

17

0

17

0

17

0

617

126

70

514

1

1,825

33

464

80

3,113

95

111

1

9

12

117

1

502

1

113

502

194

235

719

504

1,652

44

491

55

3,894

126

276

514

505

1,825

42

464

93

3,845

1) Rounding difference may arise in totals.
2) Classified as long-term (between 1 and 3 years) in the consolidated financial statements, as they are covered by the committed mid-term syndicated loan.
3) Including interest payments.
4) Accrued interest excluded.

Group Management Report – Financial Review2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportRisk and Opportunity Report   /  Strategic and Operational Opportunities

/  03.5  /

Opportunities which have a mid- to long-term positive impact for the Group’s top- and bottom-line 

performance are already reflected in the Group’s strategic aspirations and are therefore not included 

in  this  report.  As  a  result,  some  opportunities  may  not  be  fully  comparable  with  opportunities 

presented in last year’s report. The assessment of all opportunities is shown in the opportunities 

see Table 08

overview table. 

08  /  Corporate opportunities overview 

Strategic and operational opportunities

Organic growth opportunities

Opportunities related to organisational and process improvements

Personnel opportunities

Macroeconomic, socio-political and regulatory opportunities

Acquisition opportunities

Financial opportunities

Potential impact

Change in 2014  
(2013 rating)

Likelihood

Change in 2014  
(2013 rating)

Major 

Major 

Moderate

Moderate 

Minor 

 (Significant)

 (Significant)

Unlikely

Possible 

Possible 

Possible 

Possible 

 (Unlikely)

 (Unlikely)

Favourable financial market changes

Major

Possible

 (Unlikely)

178

Strategic and Operational Opportunities

Organic growth opportunities

Controlled  space:  The  sporting  goods  retail  environment  is  changing  constantly.  We  therefore 
continue to adapt our distribution strategy to cater for this change and have made controlled space 

initiatives  a  strategic  priority.  This  includes  retail  space  management  with  key  retail  partners  as 

well  as  the  introduction  of  new  own-retail  store  formats.  In  addition,  we  continue  to  expand  our 

direct-to-consumer activities in emerging markets such as South East Asia, India or the Middle East 

and North Africa. Successful results from these initiatives could enable us to accelerate top- and 

bottom-line growth. 

Fashion trends: Trends can rapidly change in our industry as certain styles, looks and colourways 
fall  in  and  out  of  relevance  for  the  consumer.  Given  our  broad  product  offering,  additional  sales 

opportunities may arise when our products are more on-trend than those of our major competitors. 

Further establishing a premium price positioning could strengthen consumers’ perception of our 

brands, particularly in fashion categories, and open up additional margin opportunities.

New activities and categories: Exploiting the potential of emerging, fast-growing sports categories 
is another organic growth opportunity for our brands. Our brand teams conduct market research 

and  engage  in  trend  marketing  to  detect  changes  in  the  lifestyle  and  consumer  needs  of  our 

target  audience  as  early  as  possible.  As  a  result,  we  continue  to  see  untapped  market  potential 

around new fitness concepts such as CrossFit and obstacle racing. Similarly, we see tremendous 

additional growth potential in the running category, in particular in North America, on the back of 

our revolutionary Boost concept. 

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewRisk and Opportunity Report   /  Strategic and Operational Opportunities

/  03.5  /

Sustainable products: As consumers demand more products that are environmentally benign and 
produced on a sustainable basis, the adidas Group continues its efforts to create meaningful product 

platforms that drive growth in this area. We remain focused on the extension of the adidas ‘Better 

Place’ programme. Products and packaging in the programme are designed taking sustainability 

principles into account, such as broadening the use of recycled materials and monitoring energy use 

in material and product preparation. 

Strategic  partnerships:  The  adidas  Group  is  constantly  evolving  its  partnership  network  within 
sports and culture, with academic organisations and other industries in research and development, 

designers in the fashion industry, other brands and non-traditional sporting goods retailers. These 

partnerships  have  generated  multiple  new  growth  avenues  for  the  Group,  as  we  have  acquired 

product  or  process  know-how  and  gained  access  to  new  distribution  channels  or  markets. 

Partnerships, strategic alliances and collaborations may enable the adidas Group to pursue further 

growth and efficiency opportunities.

Opportunities related to organisational and process improvements

Continued optimisation of key business processes and strict cost control are vital to achieving high 

profitability and return on invested capital. We are confident that there is still significant opportunity 

to further streamline cost structures throughout our Group. For example, we continuously search 

for ways to increase efficiency in our supply chain and make it truly demand-driven. Furthermore, 

by implementing end-to-end planning processes and improving our replenishment capabilities, we 

see opportunities not only to better serve our customers but also to reduce our operating working 

capital needs. 

Furthermore,  constant  improvements  in  manufacturing  excellence  (e.g.  process  simplification), 

manufacturing  innovation  or  warehouse  consolidation  may  help  us  increase  efficiency  and 

profitability for the Group. Innovations in production could also support the Group in reducing its 

environmental impact, while at the same time enabling the Group to provide consumers with the best 

value proposition possible. For example, a higher level of automation in the production processes for 

footwear and apparel manufacturing could result in productivity enhancements, shorten lead times 

and improve overall quality.

In addition, consolidating and upgrading our distribution centres represents an opportunity for the 

Group to realise further efficiency gains, reduce operating overheads and provide the operational 

ability to drive additional revenue growth and working capital improvements. Process improvements 

in  other  areas  of  the  Group’s  business  activities  could  also  positively  impact  profitability.  For 

example,  further  centralising  ranging  and  product  purchasing  for  our  own-retail  business  could 

lead to an increase in efficiency and drive additional sales, thus helping us increase overall Group 

profitability. More consistent, effective and efficient in-store execution could lead to an increase in 

conversion and therefore drive additional sales and profitability. In addition, we see improvement 

potential in our rental expenses for own-retail stores by negotiating more favourable contract terms 

with landlords. 

179

Group Management Report – Financial Review2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportRisk and Opportunity Report   /  Financial Opportunities

/  03.5  /

Personnel opportunities

The recruitment of highly qualified talent as well as the training and development of our employees, 

in  particular  for  our  own-retail  segment,  may  help  us  to  increase  productivity,  efficiency  and 

employee  engagement  and  generate  better  than  expected  top-  and  bottom-line  results.  For 

example, a reduction of the attrition rates in our own-retail stores could increase conversion rates 

as well as store productivity and also lead to lower expenses for recruiting activities. In addition, 

successfully establishing a performance culture as well as developing key talents across the Group 

may contribute positively to sales and profitability improvements. 

Macroeconomic, socio-political and regulatory opportunities 

Since  we  are  a  consumer  goods  company,  consumer  confidence  and  spending  can  impact  our 

sales development. Therefore, better than initially forecasted macroeconomic developments, which 

support increased private consumption, can have a positive impact on our sales and profitability. 

Low unemployment rates, rising real incomes as well as a growing middle class with increasing 

spending power are fuelling consumption, particularly in emerging economies – and, subsequently, 

our industry. In addition, legislative and regulatory changes, e.g. the elimination of trade barriers, 

can potentially open up new channels of distribution and positively impact Group profitability. 

Acquisition opportunities

Although  the  Group’s  focus  is  on  organic  growth  initiatives,  we  consider  acquisitions  of  smaller, 

fast-growing  or  innovative  companies  as  an  opportunity  to  generate  additional  sales  and  profits. 

180

Furthermore,  acquisition  opportunities  may  arise  as  a  result  of  challenging  macroeconomic 

and competitive conditions that could lead to financial distress of companies which, while not as 

financially  healthy  as  industry  leaders,  possess  certain  assets  that  could  help  the  adidas  Group 

further improve its business performance. 

Financial Opportunities

Favourable financial market changes

Favourable exchange and interest rate developments can potentially have a positive impact on the 

Group’s financial results. Our Group Treasury department closely monitors the financial markets to 

identify and exploit opportunities. Translation effects from the conversion of non-euro-denominated 

see Treasury, p. 121

results into our Group’s functional currency, the euro, might positively impact our Group’s financial 

performance. 

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial Review6

Management Assessment of  Performance, Risks and Opportunities, and Outlook

/  03.6  /

Management Assessment of 
 Performance, Risks and Opportunities, 
and Outlook

Assessment of performance versus targets

We  communicate  our  Group’s  financial  targets  on  an  annual  basis.  We  also  provide  updates 

throughout the year as appropriate. In 2014, the adidas Group results were significantly impacted 

see Table 01

by a challenging golf market, geopolitical factors such as the crisis in Ukraine and its economic 

consequences as well as volatile currency exchange rates. In particular, the continued depreciation 

see Economic and Sector Development, p. 103

of  several  emerging  market  currencies  versus  the  euro  as  well  as  the  weakening  of  consumer 

sentiment in Russia/CIS weighed on the Group’s financial performance. As a result, we lowered our 

full year 2014 guidance in July, compared to our initial expectations.

In  2014,  Group  revenues  rose  6%  on  a  currency-neutral  basis,  driven  by  sales  increases  in  both 

Wholesale and Retail. Currency-neutral Group sales grew in all regions except North America, with a 

particularly strong performance in the emerging markets. Nevertheless, Group revenues increased 

slightly below our initial guidance of a high-single-digit currency-neutral increase. This was due 

to double-digit sales declines at TaylorMade-adidas Golf. Gross margin decreased 1.7 percentage 

points to 47.6% and was thus below our initial expectations of 49.5% to 49.8%. This development was 

mainly due to negative currency effects, higher input costs, increased clearance activities in Russia/

CIS  as  well  as  lower  product  margins  at  TaylorMade-adidas  Golf.  Operating  margin  excluding 

goodwill impairment losses declined 2.1 percentage points to 6.6%, below our initial guidance of 

between 8.5% and 9.0%. This development was primarily due to the negative effects from the lower 

gross margin as well as higher other operating expenses as a percentage of sales. As a result, net 

income attributable to shareholders excluding goodwill impairment losses was € 568 million. While 

this was below our initial guidance of between € 830 million and € 930 million, we have reached 

see Income Statement, p. 106

our  adjusted  guidance  of  net  income  attributable  to  shareholders  of  around  €  650  million,  after 

adjustment  for  the  book  loss  in  an  amount  of  €  82  million  resulting  from  the  planned  Rockport 

divestiture. 

In 2014, operating working capital and cash management were negatively impacted by increased 

working capital requirements at the beginning of the year. While we had initially expected average 

operating working capital as a percentage of sales to decrease moderately in 2014, challenges in 

Russia/CIS as well as at TaylorMade-adidas Golf resulted in higher inventories at the beginning of 

the year. As a result, average operating working capital as a percentage of sales increased versus 

the prior year and thus exceeded our initial expectations. 

see Statement of Financial Position and Statement 
of Cash Flows, p. 115

181

Group Management Report – Financial Review2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportManagement Assessment of  Performance, Risks and Opportunities, and Outlook

/  03.6  /

Beyond our financial performance, we also actively monitor the Group’s key non-financial KPIs on a 

regular basis, as available. From a market share perspective, we continue to be very encouraged by 

see Internal Group Management System, p. 98

our strong performance compared to our major competitors in key emerging markets. In particular, 

Greater China, Latin America and South Korea were notable standouts, as we further improved our 

market share in these markets in 2014. In Western Europe, we saw momentum accelerate in 2014, 

supported by the positive effects from the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Less pleasing, however, was our 

underperformance in North America, which continued in 2014. As a result, we have made several 

changes to our organisational set-up in the market and also announced that we will step up brand 

investments to engage more closely with the US consumer. In the golf market, despite a challenging 

year for TaylorMade-adidas Golf, we continue to enjoy healthy market share positions. We remain 

market  leader  in  key  categories  such  as  metalwoods  and  irons,  with  market  shares  above  30% 

and 20%, respectively. A key focus for TaylorMade-adidas Golf in 2014 was the clean-up of retail 

inventories,  especially  in  the  USA.  In  light  of  this,  TaylorMade-adidas  Golf  made  the  strategic 

decision to reduce the number of new product introductions compared to previous years.

We continued to maintain a very strong level of on-time in-full (OTIF) deliveries to our customers and 

own-retail stores in 2014. As in prior years, the majority of our sales in 2014 were again generated 

see Global Operations, p. 66

from products launched in the past 12 to 18 months. In addition, we received several awards and 

industry  recognitions  for  our  new  product  innovations.  Finally,  our  diligence  and  discipline  in 

see Research and Development, p. 73

sustainability  matters  continues  to  yield  strong  recognition  for  our  Group.  In  2014,  for  the  15th 

consecutive time, we were selected to join the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes (DJSI) and scored 

182

industry-best  ratings  in  the  categories  ‘Supply  Chain  Management’,  ‘Product  Stewardship’  and 

see Sustainability, p. 89

‘Stakeholder Engagement’ in the sector ‘Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods’.

Assessment of overall risks and opportunities

The Group’s Risk Management team aggregates all risks and opportunities reported by different 

business  units  and  functions  through  the  quarterly  risk  and  opportunity  assessment  process.  In 

addition,  the  Group’s  Executive  Board  discusses  and  assesses  Group  risks  and  opportunities  on 

a  regular  basis.  Taking  into  account  the  potential  financial  impact  as  well  as  the  likelihood  of 

materialising  of  the  risks  explained  within  this  report,  and  considering  the  strong  balance  sheet 

as well as the current business outlook, we do not foresee any material jeopardy to the viability of 

01  /  adidas Group targets versus actual key metrics

2013  
Results 1)

2014 
Targets 1)

2014 
Results 2)

2015 
Outlook 2)

Sales (year-over-year change, currency-neutral)

3%

high-single-digit increase

Gross margin

Other operating expenses (in % of sales)

Operating margin

Net income from continuing operations (€ in million)

Net income attributable to shareholders (€ in million)

Average operating working capital (in % of net sales)

Capital expenditure (€ in millions) 6)

Gross borrowings (€ in millions)

49.3%

42.3%

8.7% 3)

–

839 3)

20.9%

479

1,334

49.5% to 49.8%

around prior year level

between 8.5% and 9.0%

–

830 to 930

moderate decline

500 to 550

further reduction of gross 
borrowings

6%

47.6%

42.7%

6.6% 4)

642 4)

568 4) 5)

22.4%

554 5)

1,873 5)

mid-single-digit increase

47.5% to 48.5%

around prior year level

between 6.5% and 7.0%

increase at a rate of 7% to 10%

–

moderate decline

around 600

moderate decline

1) As published on March 5, 2014. The outlook was updated over the course of the year.
2) Figures reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the Rockport business.
3) Excluding goodwill impairment of € 52 million. 
4) Excluding goodwill impairment of € 78 million. 
5) Includes continuing and discontinued operations.
6) Excluding acquisitions and finance leases.

2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportGroup Management Report – Financial ReviewManagement Assessment of  Performance, Risks and Opportunities, and Outlook

/  03.6  /

the Group as a going concern. This assessment is also supported by the historical response to our 

financing demands. The adidas Group therefore has not sought an official rating by any of the leading 

see Treasury, p. 121

rating agencies. We remain confident that the Group’s earnings strength forms a solid basis for our 

future  business  development  and  provides  the  resources  necessary  to  pursue  the  opportunities 

available to the Group. Compared to the prior year, our assessment of certain risks has changed 

in terms of likelihood of occurrence and/or potential financial impact. The partial changes in risk 

see Risk and Opportunity Report, p. 154

evaluation  have  no  substantial  impact  on  the  overall  adidas  Group  risk  profile,  which  we  believe 

remains virtually unchanged compared to the prior year. 

Assessment of financial outlook

In November 2010, the Group unveiled its 2015 strategic business plan named ‘Route 2015’, which 

defined strategies and objectives for the period up to 2015. In 2014, mainly due to the continued 

weakness in the golf market, negative economic developments in Russia/CIS as well as ongoing 

currency  headwinds,  the  Group  postponed  the  delivery  of  its  top-  and  bottom-line  Route  2015 

targets. As a result, we have been undergoing a strategic review of priorities and our organisational 

set-up throughout 2014 and early 2015. We will release details on our updated strategies at the end 

see Group Strategy, p. 46

of March 2015.

In 2015, we will see a specific emphasis on continuing to pursue growth opportunities, while also 

focusing  on  driving  improvements  in  the  Group’s  earnings.  We  will  increase  our  investments  in 

brand-building activities and continue to focus on innovation platforms such as Boost, expanding 

see Global Brands Strategy, p. 53
see Global Sales Strategy, p. 49

our digital activities as well as rolling out our new own-retail concepts globally. 

183

Through our extensive pipeline of new and innovative products, which have received favourable 

reviews  from  retailers,  as  well  as  through  tight  control  of  inventory  levels  and  strict  cost 

management,  we  project  top-  and  bottom-line  improvements  in  our  Group’s  financial  results 

in  2015.  The  Group’s  profitability  is  expected  to  benefit  primarily  from  higher  product  margins 

at TaylorMade-adidas Golf as well as a more favourable pricing and product mix at adidas and 

Reebok. We believe that our outlook for 2015 is realistic within the scope of the current trading 

see Subsequent Events and Outlook, p. 146

and economic environment.

Assuming no significant deterioration in the global economy, we are confident to grow our top and 

bottom line in 2015. However, the high degree of uncertainty regarding the economic outlook and 

see Group Strategy, p. 46

consumer sentiment in certain geographical areas, in particular Russia/CIS, as well as persisting 

high levels of currency volatility, represent risks to the achievement of our stated financial goals 

and aspirations. No other material event between the end of 2014 and the publication of this report 

has altered our view.

Group Management Report – Financial Review2014adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
S T A T E M E N T S

04.1

04.2

04.3

04.4

04.5

04.6

04.7

04.8

R e s p o n s i b i l i t y S t a t e m e n t 
A u d i t o r ’s R e p o r t 
C o n s o l i d a t e d S t a t e m e n t o f F i n a n c i a l  P o s i t i o n  
C o n s o l i d a t e d I n c o m e S t a t e m e n t 
C o n s o l i d a t e d S t a t e m e n t o f C o m p r e h e n s i v e   
I n c o m e  
C o n s o l i d a t e d S t a t e m e n t o f C h a n g e s i n E q u i t y 
C o n s o l i d a t e d S t a t e m e n t o f C a s h  F l o w s 
N o t e s 

  Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 
  Notes to the Consolidated Income Statement 
  Notes – Additional Information 

04.9

04.10

S t a t e m e n t o f M o v e m e n t s o f I n t a n g i b l e   
a n d Ta n g i b l e A s s e t s 
S h a r e h o l d i n g s 

18 6
18 7
18 8
19 0

19 1
19 2
194
19 5
207
234
239

2 4 6
2 4 8

S
T
N
E
M
E
T
A
T
S

L
A

I
C
N
A
N

I
F

04

 
 
 
1

Responsibility Statement

/  04.1  /

Responsibility Statement

To  the  best  of  our  knowledge,  and  in  accordance  with  the  applicable  reporting  principles,  the  consolidated  financial 
statements give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Group, and the 
Group Management Report, which has been combined with the Management Report of adidas AG, includes a fair review 
of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Group, together with a description of the 
material opportunities and risks associated with the expected development of the Group.

Herzogenaurach, February 13, 2015

186

H E R B E R T H A IN E R
CEO

R O L A N D  A U S C H E L
Global Sales

G L E N N B E N N E T T
Global Operations

E R I C L IE D T K E
Global Brands

R O B IN J. S TA L K E R
CFO

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements20142

Auditor’s Report

/  04.2  /

Auditor’s Report

We have audited the consolidated financial statements prepared by adidas AG, Herzogenaurach, comprising the statement 
of financial position, income statement, statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity, statement of 
cash flows and the notes, together with the management report of the Company and the Group for the business year from 
January 1 to December 31, 2014. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements and the Group management 
report  in  accordance  with  IFRS,  as  adopted  by  the  EU,  and  the  additional  requirements  of  German  commercial  law 
pursuant  to  §  315a  (1)  HGB  (Handelsgesetzbuch  –  ‘German  Commercial  Code’)  is  the  responsibility  of  the  Company’s 
Executive Board. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements and on the Group 
management report based on our audit. 

We conducted our audit of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with § 317 HGB and German generally 
accepted standards for the audit of financial statements promulgated by the Institut der Wirtschaftsprüfer (Institute of 
Public Auditors in Germany) (IDW). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit such that misstatements 
materially affecting the presentation of the net assets, financial position and profit or loss in the consolidated financial 
statements in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework and in the Group management report are 
detected with reasonable assurance. Knowledge of the business activities and the economic and legal environment of the 
Group and expectations as to possible misstatements are taken into account in the determination of audit procedures. 
The effectiveness of the accounting-related internal control system and the evidence supporting the disclosures in the 
consolidated  financial  statements  and  the  Group  management  report  are  examined  primarily  on  a  test  basis  within 
the  framework  of  the  audit.  The  audit  includes  assessing  the  annual  financial  statements  of  the  entities  included  in 
consolidation, the determination of entities to be included in consolidation, the accounting and consolidation principles 
used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated 
financial statements and Group management report. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

Our audit has not led to any reservations.

In our opinion, based on the findings of our audit, the consolidated financial statements comply with IFRS, as adopted by 
the EU, and the additional requirements of German commercial law pursuant to § 315a (1) HGB and give a true and fair 
view of the net assets, financial position and profit or loss of the Group in accordance with these requirements. The Group 
management report is consistent with the consolidated financial statements and as a whole provides a suitable view of the 
Group’s position and suitably presents the opportunities and risks of future development.

187

Munich, February 18, 2015

KPMG AG
Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft

(Original German version signed by:)

Braun 
Wirtschaftsprüfer 
(German Public Auditor) 

Wolper
Wirtschaftsprüfer
(German Public Auditor)

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements20143

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

/  04.3  /

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

..  /  adidas AG Consolidated Statement of Financial Position (IFRS)  (€ in millions)

Note

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Change in %

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents

Short-term financial assets

Accounts receivable

Other current financial assets

Inventories

Income tax receivables

Other current assets

Assets classified as held for sale

Total current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Goodwill

Trademarks

Other intangible assets

Long-term financial assets

Other non-current financial assets

Deferred tax assets

Other non-current assets

Total non-current assets

188

Total assets

Rounding differences may arise in percentages and totals. 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

34 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

14 

15 

16 

34 

17 

1,683

5

1,946

398

2,526

92

425

272

7,347

1,454

1,169

1,432

162

129

42

577

105

5,070

12,417

1,587

41

1,809

183

2,634

86

506

11

6,857

1,238

1,204

1,419

164

120

30

486

81

4,742

11,599

6.0

(87.6)

7.6

117.9

(4.1)

7.3

(15.9)

2,289.5

7.2

17.5

(2.9)

0.9

(0.8)

6.9

39.8

18.8

28.2

6.9

7.1

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

/  04.3  /

..  /  adidas AG Consolidated Statement of Financial Position (IFRS)  (€ in millions)

Note

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Change in %

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Short-term borrowings

Accounts payable

Other current financial liabilities

Income taxes

Other current provisions

Current accrued liabilities

Other current liabilities

Liabilities classified as held for sale

Total current liabilities

Long-term borrowings

Other non-current financial liabilities

Pensions and similar obligations

Deferred tax liabilities

Other non-current provisions

Non-current accrued liabilities

Other non-current liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Share capital

Reserves

Retained earnings

Shareholders’ equity

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

Total liabilities and equity

Rounding differences may arise in percentages and totals. 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

18 

19 

34 

20 

21 

22 

11 

18 

23 

24 

34 

20 

21 

25 

26 

27 

288

1,652

91

294

470

1,249

287

46

4,378

1,584

9

284

390

38

81

35

2,422

204

581

4,839

5,624

(7)

5,618

681

1,825

113

240

450

1,147

276

– 

4,732

653

22

255

338

25

64

29

1,386

209

321

4,959

5,489

(8)

5,481

12,417

11,599

(57.7)

(9.5)

(19.6)

22.6

4.3

8.9

4.4

n.a.

(7.5)

142.7

(59.1)

11.6

15.4

49.7

27.0

18.7

74.7

(2.3)

80.4

(2.4)

2.5

15.5

2.5

7.1

189

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements20144

Consolidated Income Statement

/  04.4  /

Consolidated Income Statement

..  /  adidas AG Consolidated Income Statement (IFRS)  (€ in millions)

Net sales

Cost of sales

Gross profit

(% of net sales)

Royalty and commission income

Other operating income

Other operating expenses

(% of net sales)

Goodwill impairment losses

Operating profit

(% of net sales)

Financial income

Financial expenses

Income before taxes

(% of net sales)

Income taxes

(% of income before taxes)

Net income from continuing operations

(% of net sales)

Losses/gains from discontinued operations, net of tax

190

Net income

(% of net sales)

Net income attributable to shareholders

(% of net sales)

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests

Basic earnings per share from continuing operations (in €)

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (in €)

Basic earnings per share from continuing and discontinued operations (in €)

Diluted earnings per share from continuing and discontinued operations (in €)

Rounding differences may arise in percentages and totals. 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Note

36

30

12, 14, 31

13

33

33

34

3

35

35

35

35

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2014

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2013

Change 

14,534

7,610

6,924

47.6%

102

138

6,203

42.7%

 78 

883

6.1%

19

67

835

5.7%

271

32.5%

564

3.9%

(68)

496

3.4%

490

3.4%

6

2.67

2.67

2.35

2.35

14,203

7,202

7,001

49.3%

103

142

6,013

42.3%

 52 

1,181

8.3%

26

94

1,113

7.8%

340

30.5%

773

5.4%

17

790

5.6%

787

5.5%

3

3.68

3.68

3.76

3.76

2.3%

5.7%

(1.1%)

(1.7pp)

(1.1%)

(2.6%)

3.2%

0.3pp

48.5%

(25.2%)

(2.2pp)

(26.7%)

(28.4%)

(24.9%)

(2.1pp)

(20.2%)

1.9pp

(27.0%)

(1.6pp)

n.a.

(37.2%)

(2.1pp)

(37.6%)

(2.2pp)

67.2%

(27.3%)

(27.3%)

(37.5%)

(37.5%)

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

/  04.5  /

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

..  /  adidas AG Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (IFRS)  (€ in millions)

Note

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2014

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2013

Net income after taxes

Items of other comprehensive income that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

Remeasurements of defined benefit plans (IAS 19), net of tax 1)

Subtotal of items of other comprehensive income that will not be reclassified subsequently to 
profit or loss

Items of other comprehensive income that will be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss 
when specific conditions are met

Net gain/(loss) on cash flow hedges, net of tax

Currency translation differences

Subtotal of items of other comprehensive income that will be reclassified subsequently to profit 
or loss when specific conditons are met 

24

29 

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income

Attributable to shareholders of adidas AG

Attributable to non-controlling interests

496

(57)

(57)

211

104

315

258

754

749

5

790

5

5

(13)

(309)

(322)

(317)

473

467

6

1) Includes actuarial gains or losses relating to defined benefit obligations, return on plan assets (excluding interest income) and the asset ceiling effect.
Rounding differences may arise in percentages and totals.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

191

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements20146

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

/  04.6  /

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

..  /  adidas AG Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (IFRS)  (€ in millions)

Balance at December 31, 2012

Net income recognised directly in equity

Net income

Total comprehensive income

Dividend payment

Balance at December 31, 2013

Net income recognised directly in equity

Net income

Total comprehensive income

192

Repurchase of treasury shares

Dividend payment

Note

Share capital

Capital reserve

Hedging reserve

Other reserves 1)

Retained earnings

Shareholders’  

equity

Non-controlling 

interests

Total equity

209

777

(64)

4,454

(13)

26

26

26

209

777

(5)

Balance at December 31, 2014

204

777

(257)

176

(117)

1) Reserves for remeasurements of defined benefit plans (IAS 19), share option plans and acquisition of shares from non-controlling interest shareholders.
Rounding differences may arise in percentages and totals.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Cumulative 

currency 

translation 

differences

(51)

(312)

(363)

106

(312)

(13)

(21)

(13)

(34)

210

5

5

(59)

(57)

106

210

(57)

5,304

(320)

787

467

(282)

5,489

259

490

749

(300)

(314)

5,624

787

787

(282)

4,959

490

490

(295)

(314)

4,839

5,291

(317)

790

473

(283)

5,481

258

496

754

(300)

(318)

5,618

3

3

6

(1)

(8)

(1)

6

5

(4)

(7)

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014..  /  adidas AG Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (IFRS)  (€ in millions)

Cumulative 
currency 
translation 
differences

(51)

(312)

Balance at December 31, 2012

Net income recognised directly in equity

Net income recognised directly in equity

Net income

Total comprehensive income

Dividend payment

Balance at December 31, 2013

Net income

Total comprehensive income

Repurchase of treasury shares

Dividend payment

Balance at December 31, 2014

Note

Share capital

Capital reserve

209

777

26

26

26

209

777

(5)

1) Reserves for remeasurements of defined benefit plans (IAS 19), share option plans and acquisition of shares from non-controlling interest shareholders.

Rounding differences may arise in percentages and totals.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

204

777

(257)

176

(117)

106

210

(57)

(312)

(13)

(363)

106

(34)

210

5

5

(59)

(57)

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

/  04.6  /

Hedging reserve

Other reserves 1)

Retained earnings

Shareholders’  
equity

Non-controlling 
interests

Total equity

(21)

(13)

(64)

4,454

5,304

(320)

787

467

(282)

5,489

259

490

749

(300)

(314)

5,624

(13)

3

3

6

(1)

(8)

(1)

6

5

(4)

(7)

5,291

(317)

790

473

(283)

5,481

258

496

754

(300)

(318)

5,618

193

787

787

(282)

4,959

490

490

(295)

(314)

4,839

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements20147

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

/  04.7  /

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

..  /  adidas AG Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (IFRS)  (€ in millions)

Note

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2014

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2013

Operating activities:

Income before taxes 

Adjustments for:

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment losses

12, 13, 14, 31, 33

30

33 

33 

30, 31

Reversals of impairment losses

Unrealised foreign exchange losses, net

Interest income

Interest expense

Losses on sale of property, plant and equipment, net

Other non-cash income

Payment for external funding of pension obligations (CTA) 

Operating profit before working capital changes

Increase in receivables and other assets

Increase in inventories

(Decrease)/increase in accounts payable and other liabilities

Cash generated from operations before interest and taxes

Interest paid

Income taxes paid

Net cash generated from operating activities – continuing operations

Net cash generated from operating activities – discontinued operations

Net cash generated from operating activities

194

Investing activities:

Purchase of trademarks and other intangible assets

Proceeds from sale of trademarks and other intangible assets

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

Acquisition of subsidiaries and other business units net of cash acquired

4

Proceeds from sale of short-term financial assets

Purchase of investments and other long-term assets

Interest received

Net cash used in investing activities – continuing operations

Net cash used in investing activities – discontinued operations

Net cash used in investing activities

Financing activities:

Proceeds from issue of Eurobonds

Repayment of Eurobond

Repayments of finance lease obligations

Dividend paid to shareholders of adidas AG 

Dividend paid to non-controlling interest shareholders

Repurchase of treasury shares

Proceeds from short-term borrowings

Repayments of short-term borrowings

Net cash used in financing activities

Effect of exchange rates on cash 

Increase/(decrease) of cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

Rounding differences may arise in percentages and totals. 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

18 

18

26 

26 

18

5

5 

835 

405 

(1)

32 

(17)

62 

16 

(1)

(65)

1,267 

(36)

(76)

(117)

1,037 

(59)

(284)

694 

7 

701 

(49)

1 

(499)

4 

(6)

37 

(36)

 17 

(531)

(6)

(537)

 990 

(500)

(2)

(314)

(4)

(300)

68 

(56)

(118)

50 

96 

1,587 

1,683 

1,113 

340 

(2)

10 

(25)

73 

6 

(1)

–

1,515 

(302)

(299)

151 

1,065 

(68)

(390)

608 

 26 

634 

(52)

1 

(422)

4 

–

226 

(20)

 25 

(237)

(6)

(243)

–

–

(2)

(282)

(1)

–

67 

(221)

(439)

(35)

(83)

1,670 

1,587 

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements20148

Notes

/  04.8  /

Notes

adidas AG (hereafter also referred to as ‘the company’) is a listed German stock corporation and parent of the 
adidas  Group  located  at  Adi-Dassler-Str.  1,  91074  Herzogenaurach,  Germany.  adidas  AG  and  its  subsidiaries 
(collectively the ‘adidas Group’ or the ‘Group’) design, develop, produce and market a broad range of athletic and 
sports lifestyle products. The operating activities of the adidas Group are divided into six operating segments: 
Wholesale, Retail, TaylorMade-adidas Golf, Rockport, Reebok-CCM Hockey and Other Centrally Managed Brands.

The  Wholesale  segment  comprises  all  business  activities  relating  to  the  distribution  of  adidas  and  Reebok 
products to retail customers.

The Retail segment comprises all business activities relating to the sale of adidas and Reebok products directly 
to end consumers through own retail and own e-commerce platforms.

adidas and Reebok branded products include footwear, apparel and hardware, such as bags and balls.

TaylorMade-adidas Golf includes the four brands TaylorMade, adidas Golf, Adams Golf and Ashworth. TaylorMade 
designs, develops and distributes primarily golf clubs, balls and accessories. adidas Golf branded products include 
footwear, apparel and accessories. Adams Golf designs and distributes mainly golf clubs as well as a small range 
of accessories. Ashworth designs and distributes men’s and women’s golf-inspired apparel and footwear.

Rockport predominantly designs and distributes leather footwear for men and women. Due to concrete plans to 
sell the Rockport operating segment, this segment is reported as discontinued operations as at December 31, 
2014.

Reebok-CCM  Hockey  designs,  produces  and  distributes  ice  hockey  equipment  such  as  sticks,  skates  and 
protection  gear.  In  addition,  Reebok-CCM  Hockey  designs,  produces  and  distributes  apparel  mainly  under  the 
brand names Reebok Hockey and CCM.

195

The Other Centrally Managed Brands segment primarily includes the business activities of the labels Y-3 and 
Porsche  Design  Sport  by  adidas  as  well  as  the  business  activities  of  the  brand  Five  Ten  in  the  outdoor  action 
sports sector. Furthermore, the segment also comprises the German own-retail activities of the adidas NEO label.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements20148

Notes

/  04.8  /

01 
General

The  consolidated  financial  statements  of  adidas  AG  as  at  December  31,  2014  comprise  adidas  AG  and  its 
subsidiaries and are prepared in compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as adopted 
by the European Union (EU) as at December 31, 2014, and the additional requirements pursuant to § 315a section 1 
German Commercial Code (Handelsgesetzbuch – HGB). 

The following new standards and interpretations and amendments to existing standards and interpretations 

Investment Entities (Amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 27) (effective date: January 1, 2014): These 

IFRS  10  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  (effective  date:  January  1,  2014):  This  new  standard  had  no 

IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements (effective date: January 1, 2014): This new standard had no impact on the Group’s 

IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities (effective date: January 1, 2014): This new standard required 

are applicable for the first time for financial years beginning on January 1, 2014:
/ 
material impact on the Group’s financial statements.
/ 
financial statements.
/ 
additional disclosures in the Group’s financial statements.
/  Consolidated  Financial  Statements,  Joint  Arrangements  and  Disclosure  of  Interests  in  Other  Entities: 
Transition  Guidance  (Amendments  to  IFRS  10,  IFRS  11  and  IFRS  12)  (effective  date:  January  1,  2014):  These 
amendments had no material impact on the Group’s financial statements.
/ 
amendments had no impact on the Group’s financial statements.
/ 
no impact on the Group’s financial statements.
/ 
amendment had no impact on the Group’s financial statements.
/ 
This amendment had no material impact on the Group’s financial statements.
/ 
2014): This amendment had no impact on the Group’s financial statements.
/ 
financial statements.

IAS 27 Separate Financial Statements – Revised (2011) (effective date: January 1, 2014): This amendment had 

IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures – Revised (2011) (effective date: January 1, 2014): This 

IFRIC 21 Levies (effective date: January 1, 2014): This new interpretation had no material impact on the Group’s 

IAS 32 Amendment – Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (effective date: January 1, 2014): 

IAS 39 Amendment – Novation of Derivatives and Continuation of Hedge Accounting (effective date: January 1, 

196

New standards and interpretations as well as amendments to existing standards and interpretations are usually 
not  applied  by  the  Group  before  the  effective  date.  One  exception  was  the  early  application  of  the  following 
standard:
/ 
IAS 36 Amendment – Recoverable Amount Disclosures for Non-Financial Assets (effective date: January 1, 
2014):  By  having  applied  this  amendment  early  in  the  2013  financial  year,  the  unintentionally  introduced 
requirement to disclose the recoverable amounts of cash-generating units irrespective of whether an impairment 
has actually occurred is waived.

IAS  19  Amendment  –  Defined  Benefit  Plans:  Employee  Contributions  (effective  date:  July  1,  2014):  This 

New  standards  and  interpretations  and  amendments  to  existing  standards  and  interpretations  that  will  be 
effective for financial years beginning after January 1, 2014, and which have not been applied in preparing these 
consolidated financial statements are:
/ 
amendment is not expected to have any material impact on the Group’s financial statements.
/ 
require additional disclosures in the Group’s financial statements.
/ 
have any material impact on the Group’s financial statements.

Improvements to IFRSs (2011 – 2013) (effective date: July 1, 2014): These improvements are not expected to 

Improvements  to  IFRSs  (2010 – 2012)  (effective  date:  July  1,  2014):  These  improvements  are  expected  to 

The  consolidated  financial  statements  have  in  principle  been  prepared  on  the  historical  cost  basis  with  the 
exception  of  certain  items  in  the  statement  of  financial  position  such  as  financial  instruments  valued  at  fair 
value through profit or loss, available-for-sale financial assets, derivative financial instruments, plan assets and 
receivables, which are measured at fair value.

The consolidated financial statements are presented in euros (€) and, unless otherwise stated, all values are 
presented in millions of euros (€ in millions). Due to rounding principles, numbers presented may not sum up 
exactly to totals provided.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes

/  04.8  /

02 
Summary of significant 
accounting policies

The  consolidated  financial  statements  are  prepared  in  accordance  with  the  consolidation,  accounting  and 
valuation principles described below.

Principles of consolidation 
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of adidas AG and all its direct and indirect 
subsidiaries, which are prepared in accordance with uniform accounting principles. A company is considered a 
subsidiary if it is controlled by adidas AG. Control exists when the adidas Group is exposed to, or has rights to, 
variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power 
over the investee.

The  number  of  consolidated  subsidiaries  evolved  as  follows  for  the  years  ending  December  31,  2014  and 

December 31, 2013, respectively:

Number of consolidated subsidiaries

January 1

First-time consolidated subsidiaries

Thereof: newly founded

Thereof: purchased

Deconsolidated/divested subsidiaries

Intercompany mergers

December 31

2014

 161

3

 2

1

(1)

(9)

 154

2013

 177

4

 4

–

(7)

(13)

 161

The  subsidiaries  are  held  either  directly  by  adidas  AG  or  indirectly  via  the  two  holding  companies  adidas 
Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH in Germany or adidas International B.V. in the Netherlands.

A  schedule  of  the  shareholdings  of  adidas  AG  is  shown  in  Attachment  II  to  the  consolidated  financial 
statements  /  SEE SHAREHOLDINGS OF ADIDAS AG, HERZOGENAURACH, P. 248. This schedule comprises information about 
the name, domicile, currency and equity of all consolidated subsidiaries as well as the respective share held in 
the capital of these subsidiaries. Furthermore, the schedule of the shareholdings of adidas AG will be published 
on the electronic platform of the German Federal Gazette.

Within  the  scope  of  the  first-time  consolidation,  all  acquired  assets  and  liabilities  are  recognised  in  the 
statement  of  financial  position  at  fair  value  at  the  acquisition  date.  A  debit  difference  between  the  acquisition 
cost and the proportionate fair value of assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities is shown as goodwill. A credit 
difference is recorded in the income statement.

Acquisitions  of  additional  investments  in  subsidiaries  which  are  already  controlled  are  recorded  as  equity 
transactions. Therefore, neither fair value adjustments of assets and liabilities nor gains or losses are recognised. 
Any difference between the cost for such an additional investment and the carrying amount of the net assets at the 
acquisition date is directly recorded in shareholders’ equity.

The financial effects of intercompany transactions as well as any unrealised gains and losses arising from 

intercompany business relations are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

197

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes

/  04.8  /

Principles of measurement
The  following  table  includes  an  overview  of  selected  measurement  principles  used  in  the  preparation  of  the 
consolidated financial statements.

Overview of selected measurement principles

Item

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Short-term financial assets

Accounts receivable

Inventories

Assets classified as held for sale

Property, plant and equipment

Goodwill

Intangible assets (except goodwill):

With definite useful life

With indefinite useful life

Measurement principle

Nominal amount

At fair value through profit or loss

Amortised cost

Lower of cost or net realisable value

Lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell

Amortised cost

Impairment-only approach

Amortised cost

Impairment-only approach

Other financial assets (categories according to IAS 39):

At fair value through profit or loss

At fair value through profit or loss

Held to maturity

Loans and receivables

Available-for-sale

Liabilities

Borrowings

Accounts payable

Other financial liabilities

Provisions:

Pensions

Other provisions

Accrued liabilities

Amortised cost

Amortised cost

At fair value in other comprehensive income or at amortised 
cost

Amortised cost

Amortised cost

Amortised cost

Projected unit credit method

Expected settlement amount

Amortised cost

Currency translation 
Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded in the respective functional currency by applying the spot 
exchange rate valid at the transaction date to the foreign currency amount.

In  the  individual  financial  statements  of  subsidiaries,  monetary  items  denominated  in  non-functional 
currencies of the subsidiaries are generally translated into the functional currency at closing exchange rates at 
the balance sheet date. The resulting currency gains and losses are recorded directly in the income statement.

Assets  and  liabilities  of  the  Group’s  non-euro  functional  currency  subsidiaries  are  translated  into  the 
presentation currency, the euro, which is also the functional currency of adidas AG, at closing exchange rates 
at  the  balance  sheet  date.  For  practical  reasons,  revenues  and  expenses  are  translated  at  average  rates  for 
the period which approximate the exchange rates on the transaction dates. All cumulative differences from the 
translation of equity of foreign subsidiaries resulting from changes in exchange rates are included in a separate 
item within shareholders’ equity without affecting the income statement.

198

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes

/  04.8  /

A summary of exchange rates to the euro for major currencies in which the Group operates is as follows:

Exchange rates 

(€ 1 equals)

Average rates for the year ending Dec. 31,

Spot rates at Dec. 31,

USD

GBP

JPY

CNY

RUB

2014

2013

2014

2013

 1.3296

 0.8066

 1.3283

 0.8492

 1.2141

 0.7789

 1.3791

 0.8337

 140.4395

 129.5777

 145.2300

 144.7200

8.1919

50.7372

8.1674

42.2979

7.4291

68.3033

8.4082

45.1368

Discontinued operations
A component of the Group’s business is classified as a discontinued operation if the operations and cash flows of 
the component can be clearly distinguished, operationally and for financial reporting purposes, from the rest of 
the Group and if the component either has been disposed of or is classified as held for sale, and:
/ 
/ 

 represents a separate major line of business or geographic area of operations,
 is  part  of  a  single  coordinated  plan  to  dispose  of  a  separate  major  line  of  business  or  geographic  area  of 
operations or
 is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with a view to resale.

/ 

199

When an operation is classified as a discontinued operation, the comparative consolidated income statement and 
consolidated statement of cash flows are restated and presented as if the operation had been discontinued from 
the start of the comparative year.

Derivative financial instruments 
The  Group  uses  derivative  financial  instruments,  such  as  currency  options,  forward  exchange  contracts, 
commodity futures as well as interest rate swaps and cross-currency interest rate swaps, to hedge its exposure 
to foreign exchange, commodity price and interest rate risks. In accordance with its Treasury Policy, the Group 
does not enter into transactions with derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

Derivative financial instruments are initially recognised in the statement of financial position at fair value, 
and subsequently also measured at their fair value. The method of recognising the resulting gains or losses is 
dependent on the nature of the hedge. On the date a derivative contract is entered into, the Group designates 
derivatives as either a hedge of a forecasted transaction (cash flow hedge), a hedge of the fair value of a recognised 
asset or liability (fair value hedge) or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign entity.

Changes  in  the  fair  value  of  derivatives  that  are  designated  and  qualify  as  cash  flow  hedges,  and  that  are 
effective, as defined in IAS 39 ‘Financial instruments: recognition and measurement’, are recognised in equity. 
When the effectiveness is not 100%, the ineffective portion of the change in the fair value is recognised in the 
income statement. Accumulated gains and losses in equity are transferred to the income statement in the same 
periods during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects the income statement.

For derivative financial instruments designated as fair value hedges, the gains or losses on the derivatives and 

the offsetting gains or losses on the hedged items are recognised immediately in the income statement.

Certain derivative transactions, while providing effective economic hedges under the Group’s risk management 
policies, may not qualify for hedge accounting under the specific rules of IAS 39. Changes in the fair value of any 
derivative instruments that do not meet these rules are recognised immediately in the income statement. 

Hedges of net investments in foreign entities are accounted for in a similar way to cash flow hedges. If, for 
example,  the  hedging  instrument  is  a  derivative  (e.g.  a  forward  exchange  contract)  or,  for  example,  a  foreign 
currency borrowing, effective currency gains and losses in the derivative and all gains and losses arising on the 
translation of the borrowing, respectively, are recognised in equity.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes

/  04.8  /

The Group documents the relationship between hedging instruments and hedge objects at transaction inception, 
as  well  as  the  risk  management  objectives  and  strategies  for  undertaking  various  hedge  transactions.  This 
process  includes  linking  all  derivatives  designated  as  hedges  to  specific  firm  commitments  and  forecasted 
transactions.  The  Group  also  documents  its  assessment  of  whether  the  derivatives  that  are  used  in  hedging 
transactions  are  highly  effective  by  using  different  methods  of  effectiveness  testing,  such  as  the  ‘dollar  offset 
method’ or the ‘hypothetical derivative method’.

The fair values of currency options, forward exchange contracts and commodity futures are determined on 
the basis of market conditions on the reporting dates. The fair value of a currency option is determined using 
generally accepted models to calculate option prices. The fair market value of an option is influenced not only 
by the remaining term of the option but also by additional factors, such as the actual foreign exchange rate and 
the volatility of the underlying foreign currency base. Fair values are determined taking into consideration the 
counterparty  risk.  Due  to  immateriality,  no  adjustment  has  been  recorded.  The  adidas  Group  has  exercised 
the  option  to  calculate  the  amounts  on  counterparty  level  according  to  IFRS  13  ‘Fair  Value  Measurement’, 
paragraph 48.

Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents represent cash at banks, cash on hand and short-term deposits with maturities of 
three months or less from the date of acquisition.

Cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of 

cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.

Receivables and other financial assets 
Receivables and other financial assets are recognised at fair value, which corresponds to the nominal value for 
current receivables and other financial assets. For non-current receivables and other financial assets, the fair 
value  is  estimated  as  the  present  value  of  future  cash  flows  discounted  at  the  market  rate  of  interest  at  the 
balance sheet date. Subsequently, these are measured at amortised cost using the ‘effective interest method’. 
Required allowances, if necessary, are determined on the basis of individual risk assessments, and on the ageing 
structure of receivables past due.

Inventories 
Merchandise and finished goods are valued at the lower of cost or net realisable value, which is the estimated 
selling price in the ordinary course of business less the estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs 
necessary to make the sale. Costs are determined using a standard valuation method: the ‘average cost method’. 
Costs of finished goods include cost of raw materials, direct labour and the components of the manufacturing 
overheads  which  can  reasonably  be  attributed.  The  allocation  of  overheads  is  based  on  the  planned  average 
utilisation. The net realisable value allowances are computed consistently throughout the Group based on the age 
and expected future sales of the items on hand.

Assets/liabilities and disposal groups classified as held for sale 
Assets/liabilities and disposal groups classified as held for sale are primarily non-current assets and liabilities 
expected to be recovered principally through sale rather than through continuing use. These are measured at 
the  lower  of  their  carrying  amount  and  fair  value  less  costs  to  sell.  Assets  classified  as  held  for  sale  are  not 
depreciated on a straight-line basis. 

Property, plant and equipment 
Property, plant and equipment are measured at amortised cost. This comprises any costs directly attributable 
to  bringing  the  asset  to  the  condition  necessary  for  it  to  be  capable  of  operating  in  the  manner  intended  by 
Management  less  accumulated  depreciation  (except  for  land  and  construction  in  progress)  and  accumulated 
impairment losses. Depreciation is recognised over the estimated useful life utilising the ‘straight-line method’ 
and  taking  into  account  any  potential  residual  value,  except  where  the  ‘declining-balance  method’  is  more 
appropriate in light of the actual utilisation pattern. Parts of an item of property, plant and equipment with a cost 
that is significant in relation to the total cost of the item are depreciated separately.

200

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014 
 
Notes

/  04.8  /

Land leases are measured at the lower of the fair value or the present value of minimum lease payments and are 
depreciated on a straight-line basis over the contractually agreed lease term.

Estimated useful lives are as follows:

Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment 

Land

Land leases

Buildings and leasehold improvements

Technical equipment and machinery as well as other equipment and furniture and fixtures

1) Or, if shorter, the lease term/useful life (see Note 28).

Years

indefinite

99

20 – 50 1)

2 – 10

Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Renewals and improvements are capitalised 
and depreciated separately, if the recognition criteria are met.

Impairment losses 
If facts and circumstances indicate that non-current assets (e.g. property, plant and equipment, intangible assets 
including goodwill and certain financial assets) might be impaired, the recoverable amount is determined. It is 
measured at the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and value in use. Non-financial instruments measured 
at  the  recoverable  amount  primarily  relate  to  impaired  property,  plant  and  equipment  being  measured  at 
Level 3 according to IFRS 13 ‘Fair Value Measurement’ and taking unobservable inputs (e.g. profit or cash flow 
planning) into account. The recoverable amount for furniture and fixtures in own-retail stores is calculated using 
the discounted cash flow method as part of determining the profitability of the respective own-retail stores. An 
impairment  loss  is  recognised  in  other  operating  expenses  or  reported  in  goodwill  impairment  losses  if  the 
carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount. If there is an impairment loss for a cash-generating unit, first 
the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the cash-generating unit is reduced. Subsequently, provided that 
the recoverable amount is lower than the carrying amount, the other non-current assets of the unit are reduced 
pro rata on the basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the unit.

Irrespective of whether there is an impairment indication, intangible assets with an indefinite useful life and 

goodwill acquired in business combinations are tested annually for impairment. 

An impairment loss recognised in goodwill is not reversible. With respect to all other impaired assets, an 
impairment loss recognised in prior periods is reversed affecting the income statement if there has been a change 
in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent 
that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined (net of 
depreciation or amortisation) if no impairment loss had been recognised.

Leases
Under finance lease arrangements, the substantial risks and rewards associated with an asset are transferred 
to the lessee. At the beginning of the lease arrangement, the respective asset and a corresponding liability are 
recognised  at  the  fair  value  of  the  asset  or,  if  lower,  the  net  present  value  of  the  minimum  lease  payments. 
For subsequent measurement, minimum lease payments are apportioned between the finance expense and the 
reduction of the outstanding liability. The finance expense is allocated to each period during the lease term so as 
to produce a constant periodic interest rate on the remaining balance of the liability. In addition, depreciation and 
any impairment losses for the associated assets are recognised. Depreciation is performed over the lease term 
or, if shorter, over the useful life of the asset.

Under operating lease agreements, rent expenses are recognised on a straight-line basis over the term of 

the lease.

201

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014 
Notes

/  04.8  /

Goodwill 
Goodwill  is  an  asset  representing  the  future  economic  benefits  arising  from  assets  acquired  in  a  business 
combination that are not individually identified and separately recognised. This results when the purchase cost 
exceeds the fair value of acquired identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities. Goodwill arising from 
the  acquisition  of  a  foreign  entity  and  any  fair  value  adjustments  to  the  carrying  amounts  of  assets,  liabilities 
and contingent liabilities of that foreign entity are treated as assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the 
respective reporting entity, and are translated at exchange rates prevailing at the date of the initial consolidation. 
Goodwill is carried in the functional currency of the acquired foreign entity.

Acquired goodwill is valued at cost and is tested for impairment on an annual basis and additionally when 

there are indications of potential impairment. 

The cash-generating units are defined as the geographic regions (split into wholesale and retail) which are 
responsible for the joint distribution of adidas and Reebok as well as the other operating segments TaylorMade-
adidas Golf, Rockport and Reebok-CCM Hockey. The number of cash-generating units amounted to 23 at the point 
in time of the annual impairment test. Due to the consolidation of five former single markets (Central Europe, 
North Europe, South Europe, France and Iberia) into the new market Western Europe and the integration of the 
market India into European Emerging Markets, the number of cash-generating units decreased from 32 in 2013 
to 23 in 2014. At December 31, 2014, the cash-generating unit Rockport is classified as a disposal group and is 
shown in ‘Assets/liabilities classified as held for sale’ due to the concrete plans to divest the operating segment, 
leading to a further decrease in the number of cash-generating units to 22.

The  cash-generating  units  represent  the  lowest  level  within  the  Group  at  which  goodwill  is  monitored  for 
internal management purposes. The impairment test for goodwill has been performed based on cash-generating 
units.

The recoverable amount of a cash-generating unit is determined on the basis of value in use. This calculation 
uses  cash  flow  projections  based  on  the  financial  planning  covering  a  six-year  period  in  total.  The  planning 
is  based  on  long-term  expectations  of  the  adidas  Group  and  reflects  in  total  for  the  cash-generating  units  an 
average annual mid- to high-single-digit sales increase with varying forecasted growth prospects for the different 
units. For the majority of the cash-generating units of the Retail segment an increase above the Group average 
is expected. Furthermore, we expect the operating margin to expand, primarily driven by an improvement in the 
gross margin as well as lower operating expenses as a percentage of sales. The planning for capital expenditure 
and  working  capital  is  primarily  based  on  past  experience.  The  planning  for  future  tax  payments  is  based  on 
current statutory corporate tax rates of the single cash-generating units. Cash flows beyond this six-year period 
are extrapolated using steady growth rates of 1.7% (2013: 1.7%). According to our expectations, these growth rates 
do not exceed the long-term average growth rate of the business in which each cash-generating unit operates.

Discount rates are based on a weighted average cost of capital calculation considering a five-year average 
market-weighted debt/equity structure and financing costs referencing the Group’s major competitors for each 
cash-generating unit. The discount rates used are after-tax rates and reflect the specific equity and country risk 
of the relevant cash-generating unit.

In  total,  goodwill  impairment  losses  of  €  78  million  have  been  recognised  in  2014  (2013:  €  52  million). 
The carrying amount of the cash-generating unit Retail CIS was determined to be higher than its recoverable 
amount of € 619 million and an impairment loss amounting to € 78 million was recognised in the Retail segment. 
The  goodwill  of  this  cash-generating  unit  is  completely  impaired.  The  impairment  losses  were  mainly  caused 
by adjusted growth assumptions due to the significant deterioration of the Russian rouble. In 2013, within the 
Wholesale segment, goodwill impairment losses amounted to € 23 million in Iberia (part of Western Europe since 
2014), and within the Retail segment goodwill impairment losses amounted to € 29 million in North America.

A  change  in  the  discount  rate  by  approximately  0.7  percentage  points  or  a  reduction  of  planned  free  cash 
inflows  by  approximately  12%  would  cause  the  carrying  amount  to  exceed  the  recoverable  amount  for  the 
cash-generating  unit  TaylorMade-adidas  Golf.  For  all  other  cash-generating  units,  even  an  increase  in  the 
discount rate by approximately 1.5 percentage points or a reduction of planned free cash inflows by approximately 
30% would not result in any additional impairment requirement.

202

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes

/  04.8  /

The carrying amounts of acquired goodwill allocated to the respective cash-generating units and the respective 
discount rates applied to the cash flow projections are as follows:

Allocation of goodwill 

Wholesale Western Europe

Wholesale Greater China

Wholesale – Other

Wholesale

Retail Western Europe

Retail CIS

Retail – Other

Retail

TaylorMade-adidas Golf

Rockport

Other Businesses

Total

Goodwill  
(€ in millions)

Discount rate  
(after taxes)

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

422

168

158

748

59

0

71

131

290

0

290

389

156

146

691

55

76

66

197

288

28

316

8.1%

7.8%

7.9 – 11.3%

8.6%

7.9 – 9.7%

8.7 – 10.5%

8.1%

9.7%

7.9 – 11.3%

10.4%

7.8 – 11.2%

7.7 – 12.1%

7.3%

8.2%

8.0%

8.4%

1,169

1,204

Intangible assets (except goodwill)  
Intangible  assets  are  valued  at  amortised  cost.  Amortisation  is  calculated  on  a  straight-line  basis  taking  into 
account any potential residual value.

Expenditures  during  the  development  phase  of  internally  generated  intangible  assets  are  capitalised  as 

incurred if they qualify for recognition under IAS 38 ‘Intangible Assets’.

Estimated useful lives are as follows:

203

Estimated useful lives of intangible assets

Trademarks

Software

Patents, trademarks and concessions

Years

indefinite

5 – 7

5 – 15

The adidas Group determined that there was no impairment necessary for any of its trademarks with indefinite 
useful lives in the years ending December 31, 2014 and 2013. In addition, an increase in the discount rate of up to 
approximately 1.5 percentage points or a reduction of cash inflows of up to approximately 20% would not result in 
any impairment requirement.

The recoverable amount is determined on the basis of fair value less costs to sell (costs to sell are calculated 
with 1% of the fair value). The fair value is determined in discounting notional royalty savings after tax and adding 
a tax amortisation benefit, resulting from the amortisation of the acquired asset (‘relief-from-royalty method’). 
These calculations use projections of net sales related royalty savings, based on financial planning which covers 
a period of five years in total. The level of the applied royalty rate for the determination of the royalty savings is 
based on contractual agreements between the adidas Group and external licensees as well as publicly available 
royalty rate agreements for similar assets. Notional royalty savings beyond this period are extrapolated using 
steady growth rates of 1.7% (2013: 1.7%). The growth rates do not exceed the long-term average growth rate of 
the business to which the trademarks are allocated.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes

/  04.8  /

The discount rate is based on a weighted average cost of capital calculation derived using a five-year average 
market-weighted  debt/equity  structure  and  financing  costs  referencing  the  Group’s  major  competitors.  The 
discount rate used is an after-tax rate and reflects the specific equity and country risk. The applied discount rate 
depends on the respective intangible asset being valued and ranges between 6.7% and 8.4% (2013: between 6.8% 
and 8.8%).

Research and development 
Research costs are expensed in full as incurred. Development costs are also expensed as incurred if they do not 
meet the recognition criteria of IAS 38 ‘Intangible Assets’. 

The Group spent € 126 million and € 124 million on product research and development (continuing operations) 

for the years ending December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Financial assets 
All purchases and sales of financial assets are recognised on the trade date. Costs of purchases include transaction 
costs. Available-for-sale financial assets include non-derivative financial assets which are not allocable under 
another category of IAS 39. If their respective fair value can be measured reliably, they are subsequently carried at 
fair value. If this is not the case, these are measured at amortised cost. Realised and unrealised gains and losses 
arising from changes in the fair value of financial assets are included in the income statement for the period in 
which they arise, except for available-for-sale financial assets where unrealised gains and losses are recognised 
in equity unless they are impaired.

Borrowings and other liabilities 
Borrowings (e.g. Eurobonds) and other liabilities are recognised at fair value using the ‘effective interest method’, 
net of transaction costs incurred. In subsequent periods, long-term borrowings are stated at amortised cost using 
the ‘effective interest method’. Any difference between proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption 
value is recognised in the income statement over the term of the borrowing.

Compound financial instruments (e.g. convertible bonds) are divided into a liability component shown under 
borrowings  and  into  an  equity  component  resulting  from  conversion  rights.  The  equity  component  is  included 
in  the  capital  reserve.  The  fair  value  of  the  liability  component  is  determined  by  discounting  the  interest  and 
principal payments of a comparable liability without conversion rights, applying risk-adjusted interest rates. The 
liability component is subsequently measured at amortised cost using the ‘effective interest method’. The equity 
component is determined as the difference between the fair value of the total compound financial instrument and 
the fair value of the liability component and is reported within equity. There is no subsequent measurement of 
the equity component. At initial recognition, directly attributable transaction costs are assigned to the equity and 
liability component pro rata on the basis of the respective carrying amounts.

Other provisions and accrued liabilities 
Other  provisions  are  recognised  where  a  present  obligation  (legal  or  constructive)  to  third  parties  has  been 
incurred as a result of a past event which can be estimated reliably and is likely to lead to an outflow of resources, 
and  where  the  timing  or  amount  is  uncertain.  Other  non-current  provisions  are  discounted  if  the  effect  of 
discounting is material. 

Accrued liabilities are liabilities to pay for goods or services that have been received or supplied but have not 
been paid, invoiced or formally agreed with the supplier, including amounts due to employees. Here, however, the 
timing and amount of an outflow of resources is not uncertain.

Pensions and similar obligations  
Provisions and expenses for pensions and similar obligations relate to the Group’s obligations for defined benefit 
and defined contribution plans. The obligations under defined benefit plans are determined separately for each 
plan by valuing the employee benefits accrued in return for their service during the current and prior periods. 
These benefit accruals are discounted to calculate their present value, and the fair value of any plan assets is 
deducted  in  order  to  determine  the  net  liability.  The  discount  rate  is  set  on  the  basis  of  yields  of  high-quality 
corporate  bonds  at  the  balance  sheet  date  provided  there  is  a  deep  market  for  high-quality  corporate  bonds 
in  a  given  currency.  Otherwise,  government  bond  yields  are  used  as  a  reference.  Calculations  are  performed 
by  qualified  actuaries  using  the  ‘projected  unit  credit  method’  in  accordance  with  IAS  19  ‘Employee  Benefits’. 
Obligations for contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the income statement 
as incurred.

204

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014 
Notes

/  04.8  /

Contingent liabilities 
Contingent liabilities are possible obligations that arise from past events and whose existence will be confirmed 
only  by  the  occurrence  of  one  or  more  uncertain  future  events  not  wholly  within  the  control  of  the  Group. 
Additionally,  contingent  liabilities  may  be  present  obligations  that  arise  from  past  events  but  which  are  not 
recognised because it is not probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation or the 
amount of the obligation cannot be measured with sufficient reliability. Contingent liabilities are not recognised 
in the consolidated statement of financial position but are disclosed and explained in the Notes  /  SEE NOTE 38. 

Treasury shares
When treasury shares recognised as equity are repurchased, the amount of the consideration paid, which includes 
directly attributable costs, net of any tax effects, is recognised as a deduction from equity. The nominal value of 
€ 1 per treasury share is debited to share capital. Any premium or discount to the nominal value is shown as an 
adjustment to the retained earnings. If treasury shares are sold or re-issued, the nominal value of the shares will 
be credited to share capital.

Recognition of revenues 
Sales are recognised at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, net of returns, trade discounts 
and  volume  rebates,  when  the  significant  risks  and  rewards  of  ownership  of  the  goods  are  transferred  to  the 
buyer, and when it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the Group.

Royalty and commission income is recognised based on the contract terms on an accrual basis.

Advertising and promotional expenditures 
Production costs for media campaigns are included in prepaid expenses (other current and non-current assets) 
until the services are received, and upon receipt expensed in full. Significant media buying costs are expensed 
over the intended duration of the broadcast. 

Promotional expenses that involve payments, including one-time up-front payments for promotion contracts, 

are expensed on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement.

Interest 
Interest is recognised as income or expense as incurred using the ‘effective interest method’ with the exception 
of interest that is directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset. This 
interest is capitalised as part of the cost of the qualifying asset.

205

Income taxes 
Current income taxes are computed in accordance with the applicable taxation rules established in the countries 
in which the Group operates. 

The Group computes deferred taxes for all temporary differences between the carrying amount and the tax 
base of its assets and liabilities and tax loss carry-forwards. As it is not permitted to recognise a deferred tax 
liability for goodwill, the Group does not compute any deferred taxes thereon.

Deferred tax assets arising from deductible temporary differences and tax loss carry-forwards which exceed 
taxable temporary differences are only recognised to the extent that it is probable that the company concerned will 
generate sufficient taxable income to realise the associated benefit.

Income  tax  is  recognised  in  the  income  statement  except  to  the  extent  that  it  relates  to  items  recognised 

directly in equity, in which case it is recognised in equity.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes

/  04.8  /

Estimation uncertainties and judgements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of assumptions and estimates 
that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. Although such estimates are based on Management’s best 
knowledge of current events and actions, actual results may ultimately differ from these estimates.

The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the balance 
sheet  date  which  have  a  significant  risk  of  causing  a  material  adjustment  to  the  carrying  amounts  of  assets 
and  liabilities  within  the  next  financial  year  are  outlined  in  the  respective  Notes,  in  particular  goodwill  /  SEE 
NOTE 13, trademarks  /  SEE NOTE 14, other provisions  /  SEE NOTE 20, pensions  /  SEE NOTE 24, derivatives  /  SEE NOTE 29, 
deferred taxes  /  SEE NOTE 34 as well as litigation and other legal risks  /  SEE NOTE 38.

Judgements  have,  for  instance,  been  used  in  classifying  leasing  arrangements  as  well  as  in  determining 

valuation methods for intangible assets.

Plans to sell the Rockport operating segment became concrete towards the end of 2014 and a divestiture within 
the  next  twelve  months  is  considered  as  highly  probable.  For  this  reason,  the  Rockport  operating  segment  is 
reported as discontinued operations at December 31, 2014. The focus and the strategic direction of the Group’s 
brand portfolio primarily lies in the field of sports with the result that the Rockport operating segment is no longer 
regarded as significant in terms of the Group’s strategic direction. 

The Rockport operating segment was neither classified as assets held for sale nor as discontinued operations 
at December 31, 2013. The 2013 figures of the consolidated income statement and the consolidated statement of 
cash flows have been restated to show the discontinued operations separately from continuing operations.

The  results  of  the  Rockport  operating  segment  are  shown  as  discontinued  operations  in  the  consolidated 

income statement for all periods:

Discontinued operations

(€ in millions)

Net sales

Expenses

Income from operating activities 

Income taxes

Income from operating activities, net of tax 

Loss recognised on the measurement to fair value less costs to sell

Income taxes

Loss recognised on the measurement to fair value less costs to sell, net of tax

Losses/gains from discontinued operations, net of tax

Basic earnings per share from discontinued operations (€)

Diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations (€)

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

283

264

19

5

14

(110)

28

(82)

(68)

(0.32)

(0.32)

289

268

21

4

17

– 

– 

– 

17

0.08

0.08

Losses  from  discontinued  operations  in  an  amount  of  €  68  million  (2013:  gains  of  €  17  million)  are  entirely 
attributable to the shareholders of adidas AG.

03 
Discontinued  
operations

206

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes   /  Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

/  04.8  /

04 
Acquisition

Effective November 24, 2014, Reebok International Limited completed the acquisition of Luta Ltd. (‘Luta’). Based 
in London (UK), Luta designs and sells boxing and workout clothing. With this acquisition, the adidas Group has 
entered into a long-term partnership with ‘Fight for Peace’, a non-profit organisation which combines boxing and 
martial arts with education and personal development. In addition, this partnership facilitated the completion of 
a licence agreement with the mixed martial arts organisation ‘Ultimate Fighting Championship’ (UFC). The entire 
business of Luta was acquired for a purchase price of GBP 5 million in cash.

The acquisition had the following effect on the Group’s assets and liabilities, based on a preliminary purchase 

price allocation:

Net assets of Luta Ltd. at the acquisition date

(€ in millions)

Cash and cash equivalents

Accounts receivable

Inventories

Other current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Trademarks and similar rights

Accounts payable

Deferred tax liabilities

Net assets

Goodwill arising on acquisition

Purchase price settled in cash

Less: cash and cash equivalents acquired 

Cash outflow on acquisition

Pre-acquisition 
carrying amounts

Fair value  
adjustments

 Recognised values  
on acquisition

0

0

0

0

0

– 

(0)

– 

1

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

7

– 

(1)

6

0

0

0

0

0

7

(0)

(1)

6

– 

6

(0)

6

The following valuation method for the acquired assets was applied:
/  Trademarks and similar rights: The ‘relief-from-royalty method’ was applied. The fair value was determined 
by  discounting  notional  royalty  savings  after  tax  and  adding  a  tax  amortisation  benefit,  resulting  from  the 
amortisation of the acquired asset. 

The acquired subsidiary generated net sales of € 0 million as well as net losses of € 0.2 million in December 
2014. If this acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2014, total Group net sales would have been € 14.5 billion and 
net income attributable to shareholders would have been € 489 million for the year ending December 31, 2014.

207

Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

05 
Cash and  
cash equivalents

06 
Short-term financial 
 assets

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash at banks, cash on hand, short-term bank deposits and investments in 
money market funds. Short-term financial assets are only shown as cash and cash equivalents if they are readily 
convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. 

Short-term  financial  assets  are  classified  ‘at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss’.  Changes  in  the  fair  value  are 
recognised in the income statement as they occur. 

The majority of short-term financial assets are time deposits.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes   /  Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

/  04.8  /

07 
Accounts receivable

Accounts receivable consist mainly of the currencies euro, US dollar and Japanese yen and are as follows:

Accounts receivable 

(€ in millions)

Accounts receivable, gross 

Less: accumulated allowances for doubtful accounts

Accounts receivable, net

Movement in allowances for doubtful accounts 

(€ in millions)

Allowances at January 1

Additions

Reversals

Write-offs charged against the allowance accounts

Currency translation differences

Other changes

Allowances at December 31

Accounts receivable past due but not impaired 

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

 2,085

 (139)

 1,946

2014

120

65

(40)

(9)

4

(1)

139

 1,929

 (120)

 1,809

2013

121

51

(41)

(8)

(4)

1

120

208

(€ in millions)

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Past due 
1 – 30 days

Past due
31 – 60 days

Past due
61 – 90 days

Past due
91 – 180 days

Past due
> 180 days

169

162

77

52

10

8

6

4

1

0

With respect to accounts receivable as at the balance sheet date past due but not impaired, based on credit history 
and current credit ratings, there are no indications that customers will not be able to meet their obligations.

Further,  no  indications  of  default  are  recognisable  for  accounts  receivable  that  are  neither  past  due  nor 

impaired.

Due  to  concrete  plans  to  sell  the  Rockport  operating  segment,  assets  amounting  to  €  49  million  were 

transferred from ‘Accounts receivable‘ to ‘Assets classified as held for sale’ at year-end 2014  /  SEE NOTE 11.

For further information about credit risks  /  SEE RISK AND OPPORTUNITY REPORT, P. 154. 

08 
Other current financial 
assets

Other current financial assets consist of the following: 

Other current financial assets 

(€ in millions)

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Currency options

Forward exchange contracts

Security deposits

Sundry

Other current financial assets

30

240

64

64

398

6

47

69

61

183

For further information about currency options and forward exchange contracts  /  SEE NOTE 29.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes   /  Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

/  04.8  /

09 
Inventories

Inventories by major classification are as follows:

Inventories 

(€ in millions)

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Gross value

Allowance for 
obsolescence

Net value

Gross value

Allowance for 
obsolescence

Net value

Merchandise and finished goods 
on hand

Goods in transit

Raw materials

Work in progress

Inventories

1,898

688

34

1

 2,620

(92)

–

(2)

–

(94)

1,806

688

32

1

1,872

800

31

1

2,526

 2,704

(69)

–

(1)

–

(70)

1,803

800

30

1

2,634

Goods  in  transit  mainly  relate  to  shipments  of  finished  goods  and  merchandise  from  suppliers  in  Asia  to 
subsidiaries in Europe, Asia, North America and Latin America. 

Due  to  concrete  plans  to  sell  the  Rockport  operating  segment,  assets  amounting  to  €  88  million  were 

transferred from ‘Inventories‘ to ‘Assets classified as held for sale’ at year-end 2014  /  SEE NOTE 11.

10 
Other current assets

Other current assets consist of the following:

Other current assets 

(€ in millions)

Prepaid expenses

Tax receivables other than income taxes

Sundry

Other current assets, gross

Less: accumulated allowances

Other current assets, net

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

194

129

103

426

2

425

209

236

133

138

507

1

506

11 
Assets/liabilities and 
 disposal groups  classified 
as held for sale

Prepaid expenses relate mainly to promotion and service contracts as well as rents. 

At December 31, 2014, part of the assets of adidas AG, which mainly comprise land amounting to € 11 million 
(2013: € 11 million), are still presented as held for sale following a signed contract of sale, which is still awaiting 
certain conditions to be fulfilled that are not in the area of influence of the adidas Group. The automatic accretion 
of the assets, formerly owned by GEV Grundstücksgesellschaft Herzogenaurach mbH & Co. KG, into adidas AG is 
caused by the merger of the partner with limited liability GEV GmbH with adidas AG.

In addition, at December 31, 2014, all assets and liabilities of the Rockport operating segment are presented 
as a disposal group held for sale due to the concrete plans to sell the operating segment. The Rockport operating 
segment is part of Other Businesses. 

Impairment losses of € 104 million (before transaction costs) for write-downs of the disposal group Rockport 
to the lower of its carrying amount and its fair value less costs to sell have been included in ‘Losses/gains from 
discontinued operations, net of tax’  /  SEE NOTE 03. At December 31, 2014, the fair value less costs to sell amounts 
to € 211 million. The impairment losses have been applied to reduce the carrying amount of goodwill, trademarks 
and other intangible assets as well as property, plant and equipment.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes   /  Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

/  04.8  /

At December 31, 2014, the disposal group Rockport was stated at fair value less costs to sell and comprised the 
following major classes of assets and liabilities:

Classes of assets and liabilities 

(€ in millions)

Dec. 31, 2014

Accounts receivable

Other current financial assets

Inventories

Total current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Trademarks

Other intangible assets

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Accounts payable

Other current provisions

Current accrued liabilities

Other current liabilities

Total current liabilities

Total liabilities 

49

1

88

139

7

112

1

121

260

37

1

6

2

46

46

The non-recurring fair value measurement for the disposal group has been categorised as a Level 3 fair value. 
The  fair  value  is  based  on  the  sale  and  purchase  agreement  for  the  Rockport  business  which  was  signed  on 
January 23, 2015  /  SEE NOTE 42. The agreement foresees a total consideration of up to US $ 280 million, most of 
which will be paid in cash with the remainder comprised of fixed and contingent promissory notes. 

210

12 
Property, plant and 
 equipment

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:

Property, plant and equipment 

(€ in millions)

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Land, land leases, buildings and leasehold improvements

Technical equipment and machinery

Other equipment as well as furniture and fixtures

Less: accumulated depreciation and impairment losses

Construction in progress, net

Property, plant and equipment, net

1,073

268

1,323

2,664

1,369

1,296

159

1,454

802

254

1,202

2,258

1,181

1,077

161

1,238

Depreciation expenses were € 258 million and € 234 million for the years ending December 31, 2014 and 2013, 
respectively  /  SEE  NOTE  31.  Impairment  losses  amounted  to  €  17  million  and  €  4  million  for  the  years  ending 
December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively  /  SEE NOTE 31. These are related to assets within other equipment as 
well as furniture and fixtures, mainly in the Group’s own-retail activities, for which contrary to expectations there 
will be an insufficient flow of future economic benefits. In 2014, reversals of impairment losses were recorded in 
an amount of € 1 million (2013: € 2 million).

The increase in ‘Land, land leases, buildings and leasehold improvements’ mainly relates to the acquisition 

of the North American Distribution Centre in Spartanburg, South Carolina (USA), which was previously leased.

Due  to  concrete  plans  to  sell  the  Rockport  operating  segment,  assets  amounting  to  €  12  million  were 
transferred from ‘Property, plant & equipment‘ to ‘Assets classified as held for sale’ at year-end 2014  /  SEE NOTE 11.
For  details  see  Attachment  I  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  /  SEE  STATEMENT  OF  MOVEMENTS  OF 

INTANGIBLE AND TANGIBLE ASSETS, P. 246.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014 
 
Notes   /  Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

/  04.8  /

13 
Goodwill

Goodwill  primarily  relates  to  the  Group’s  acquisitions  of  the  Reebok  and  TaylorMade  businesses  as  well  as 
acquisitions of subsidiaries, primarily in the United States, Australia/New Zealand, the Netherlands, Denmark 
and Italy.

Goodwill 

(€ in millions)

Goodwill, gross

Less: accumulated impairment losses

Goodwill, net

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

1,588

 (419)

1,169

1,533

 (329)

1,204

The majority of goodwill which primarily relates to the acquisition of the Reebok business in 2006 is denominated 
in US dollars. A currency translation effect of positive € 73 million and negative € 25 million was recorded for the 
years ending December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. 

The Group determines whether goodwill impairment is necessary at least on an annual basis. This requires an 
estimation of the value in use of the cash-generating units to which the goodwill is allocated. Estimating the value 
in use requires the Group to make an estimate of the expected future cash flows from the cash-generating units 
and also to choose a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value of those cash flows. 

Goodwill impairment losses for 2014 amounted to € 78 million (2013: € 52 million). The goodwill impairment 
amount related to 2014 comprises an impairment loss within the Retail segment of € 78 million (2013: € 29 million 
Retail segment and € 23 million Wholesale segment). 

Future changes in expected cash flows and discount rates may lead to impairments of the reported goodwill 
in the future. For details see Attachment I to the consolidated financial statements  /  SEE STATEMENT OF MOVEMENTS 
OF INTANGIBLE AND TANGIBLE ASSETS, P. 246.

The reconciliation of goodwill is as follows:

Reconciliation of goodwill, net 

(€ in millions)

Wholesale

Retail

January 1, 2014

Currency translation differences

Impairment losses 

Transfer to assets held for sale

December 31, 2014

691

57

– 

– 

748

197

12

(78)

– 

131

211

Other  
Businesses

316

4

– 

(30)

290

Total

1,204

73

(78)

(30)

1,169

At December 31, 2014, the carrying amount of acquired goodwill allocated to the cash-generating unit Rockport 
was transferred to ‘Assets held for sale’ due to the concrete plans to sell the Rockport operating segment and is 
impaired completely in connection with the fair value measurement of the disposal group  /  SEE NOTE 11.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes   /  Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

/  04.8  /

14 
Trademarks and other 
 intangible assets

Trademarks and other intangible assets consist of the following:

Trademarks and other intangible assets 

(€ in millions)

Reebok

Rockport

Reebok-CCM Hockey

Other

Trademarks

Software, patents and concessions

Less: accumulated amortisation and impairment losses

Other intangible assets

Trademarks and other intangible assets

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

1,276

– 

107

49

1,432

772

609

162

1,594

1,123

158

94

44

1,419

720

556

164

1,583

At December 31, 2014, trademarks, mainly related to the acquisition of Reebok International Ltd. (USA) in 2006 
and Ashworth, Inc. in 2008, have indefinite useful lives. This is due to the expectation of permanent use of the 
acquired brand names.

At December 31, 2014, the Rockport trademark was transferred to ‘Assets held for sale’ due to the concrete 
plans to sell the Rockport operating segment and is impaired by € 68 million in connection with the fair value 
measurement of the disposal group  /  SEE NOTE 11.

The reported other trademarks mainly relate to the brand names Ashworth, Adams Golf and Five Ten. 
The Group tests at least on an annual basis whether trademarks with indefinite useful lives are impaired. This 
requires an estimation of the fair value less costs to sell of the trademarks. As part of this estimation, the Group 
is required to make an estimate of the expected future trademark-specific sales and appropriate arm’s length 
notional royalty rates and also to choose a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value of those 
cash flows. There was no need for impairment for the years ending December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Future  changes  in  expected  cash  flows  and  discount  rates  may  lead  to  impairments  of  the  accounted 

trademarks in the future.

As  part  of  the  goodwill  impairment  test,  the  Reebok  trademark  is  allocated  on  a  pro  rata  basis  to  the 
cash-generating  units.  Thereof,  the  major  shares  relate  to  Retail  CIS  (€  276  million),  Retail  North  America 
(€ 209 million), Wholesale Western Europe (€ 201 million), Wholesale Latin America (€ 119 million) and Wholesale 
North America (€ 117 million).

Amortisation expenses for intangible assets with definite useful lives were € 58 million and € 52 million for 

the years ending December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively  /  SEE NOTE 31. 

For  details  see  Attachment  I  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  /  SEE  STATEMENT  OF  MOVEMENTS  OF 

INTANGIBLE AND TANGIBLE ASSETS, P. 246.

Long-term  financial  assets  primarily  include  a  8.33%  investment  in  FC  Bayern  München  AG  (2013:  9.1%)  of 
€ 80 million (2013: € 80 million). The percentage share held in the investment has decreased due to the issuance 
of  new  shares  which  have  been  bought  by  another  shareholder.  This  investment  is  classified  as  ‘fair  value 
through profit or loss’ and recorded at fair value. This equity security does not have a quoted market price in an 
active market. Therefore, existing contractual arrangements were used in order to calculate the fair value as at 
December 31, 2014.

The  line  item  ‘Investments  and  other  financial  assets’  comprises  the  shares  in  Immobilieninvest  und 
Betriebsgesellschaft  Herzo-Base  GmbH  &  Co.  KG  as  well  as  other  minority  shareholdings  amounting  to 
€ 16 million (2013: € 13 million) which are classified as ‘Available-for-sale’ and measured at amortised cost as a 
reliable determination of the fair value is impossible without having concrete negotiations regarding a sale. These 
shares are unlisted and do not have an active market. There is no intention to sell these shares.

Additionally, long-term financial assets include investments which are mainly invested in insurance products 

and are measured at fair value, as well as other financial assets. 

212

15 
Long-term financial 
 assets

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes   /  Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

/  04.8  /

Long-term financial assets 

(€ in millions)

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Investment in FC Bayern München AG

Investments and other financial assets

Long-term financial assets

80

49

129

80

40

120

16 
Other non-current 
 financial assets

Other non-current financial assets consist of the following: 

Other non-current financial assets 

17 
Other non-current  
assets

18 
Borrowings and 
credit lines

(€ in millions)

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Currency options

Forward exchange contracts

Security deposits

Sundry

Other non-current financial assets

10

5

27

0

42

6

0

24

– 

30

For further information about currency options and forward exchange contracts  /  SEE NOTE 29.

Other non-current assets consist of the following: 

Other non-current assets 

(€ in millions)

Prepaid expenses

Sundry

Other non-current assets

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

213

99

6

105

80

1

81

Prepaid expenses mainly include prepayments for long-term promotion contracts and rents  /  SEE NOTES 38 AND 28.

Borrowings  are  denominated  in  a  variety  of  currencies  in  which  the  Group  conducts  its  business.  The  largest 
portions of effective gross borrowings (before liquidity swaps for cash management purposes) as at December 31, 
2014 are denominated in euros (2014: 80%; 2013: 76%) and US dollars (2014: 12%; 2013: 14%).

The weighted average interest rate on the Group’s gross borrowings decreased to 3.1% in 2014 (2013: 3.8%).
As at December 31, 2014, the Group had cash credit lines and other long-term financing arrangements totalling 
€ 3.7 billion (2013: € 3.4 billion); thereof unused credit lines accounted for € 1.8 billion (2013: € 2.0 billion). In 
addition, at December 31, 2014, the Group had separate lines for the issuance of letters of credit and guarantees 
in an amount of approximately € 0.2 billion (2013: € 0.2 billion). 

The Group’s outstanding financings are unsecured and may include standard financial covenants, which are 
reviewed on a quarterly basis. These covenants may include limits on the disposal of fixed assets, the maximum 
amount  of  debt  secured  by  liens,  cross  default  provisions  and  change  of  control.  In  addition,  certain  financial 
arrangements contain equity ratio covenants, minimum equity covenants as well as net loss covenants.

As at December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, shareholders’ equity was well above the amount of the 

minimum equity covenant. Likewise, the relevant amount of net income clearly exceeded net loss covenants. 

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes   /  Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

/  04.8  /

The amounts disclosed as gross borrowings represent outstanding borrowings under the following arrangements 
with aggregated expiration dates as follows:

Gross borrowings as at December 31, 2014 

(€ in millions)

Bank borrowings incl. 
commercial paper

Private placements

Eurobond

Convertible bond

Total

Up to 
1 year 

Between 
1 and 3 years 

Between 
3 and 5 years 

More than 
5 years

194

95

–

–

 288

–

123

–

471

594

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

990

–

990

Total

194

218

990

471

1,873

The above table includes two Eurobonds amounting to € 1 billion in total issued on October 1, 2014. The seven-year 
Eurobond of € 600 million matures on October 8, 2021 and has a coupon of 1.25%. The twelve-year Eurobond of 
€  400  million matures on October 8, 2026 and has a coupon of 2.25%. The Eurobonds have denominations of 
€  1,000  each  and  were  priced  with  a  spread  of  68  basis  points  and  100  basis  points,  respectively,  above  the 
corresponding euro mid-swap rate. The issue price was fixed at 99.145% and 99.357%, respectively.

In addition, gross borrowings include a convertible bond for an aggregate nominal amount of € 500 million 
divided into denominations of € 200,000 which was issued on March 21, 2012. The bond has a maximum maturity 
(including prolongation options) until June 14, 2019. The coupon of the bond amounts to 0.25% and is payable 
annually, commencing on June 14, 2013. The bond is, at the option of the respective holder, convertible at any time 
from and including May 21, 2012, up to and including June 5, 2019, into up to 6.06 million new or existing adidas AG 
shares.  The  convertible  bond  has  a  conversion  premium  of  40%  above  the  reference  price  of  €  59.61,  which 
resulted in an initial conversion price of € 83.46 per share. As a consequence of contractual provisions relating to 
dividend protection, the conversion price was adjusted from € 83.10 to € 82.56 per share. This adjustment became 
effective on May 9, 2014. On June 14, 2017, the bondholders have the right to call the bond at nominal value plus 
interest accrued on the nominal amount. adidas AG is entitled to redeem the remaining bonds in whole if, at any 
time, the aggregate principal amount of bonds outstanding falls below 15% of the aggregate principal amount of 
the bonds that were initially issued. Furthermore, as of July 14, 2017, adidas AG is entitled to redeem the bonds in 
whole if, on 20 of 30 consecutive trading days, the share price of adidas AG exceeds the current conversion price 
of € 82.56 by at least 30%.

According to IAS 32 ‘Financial Instruments: Presentation’, the conversion right represented in the convertible 
bond constitutes a financial instrument which is covered in the capital reserve in an amount of € 55 million after 
deduction of the issuance cost. The initial liability component amounted to € 441 million after deduction of the 
issuance cost and is shown within long-term borrowings. The initial difference of € 59 million compared to the 
nominal amount of € 500 million is accrued as interest expense of the financial liability over the expected maturity 
of  the  convertible  bond  using  the  ‘effective  interest  method’.  As  at  December  31,  2013,  the  financial  liability 
amounted to € 471 million.

Gross borrowings as at December 31, 2013 

(€ in millions)

Bank borrowings incl. 
commercial paper

Private placements

Eurobond

Convertible bond

Total

Up to 
1 year 

Between 
1 and 3 years 

Between 
3 and 5 years 

More than 
5 years

126

55

500

–

 681

–

193

–

–

193

–

–

–

460

460

–

–

–

–

–

Total

126

248

500

460

1,334

The above table includes a Eurobond issued on July 6, 2009 in a nominal amount of € 500 million and with an initial 
maturity of five years. The Eurobond with an annual coupon of 4.75% was repaid on July 14, 2014.
Furthermore, on June 4, 2014, a private placement amounting to € 56 million was repaid.
For further details on future cash outflows  /  SEE RISK AND OPPORTUNITY REPORT, P. 154.

214

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes   /  Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

/  04.8  /

19 
Other current financial 
 liabilities

Other current financial liabilities consist of the following: 

Other current financial liabilities 

(€ in millions)

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Currency options

Forward exchange contracts

Commodity futures

Finance lease obligations

Sundry

Other current financial liabilities

0

50

3

3

35

91

3

77

–

4

29

113

For further information about currency options, forward exchange contracts and commodity futures  /  SEE NOTE 29. 
For information about finance lease obligations  /  SEE NOTE 28.

20 
Other provisions

Other provisions consist of the following:

Other provisions 

(€ in millions)

Marketing

Personnel

Returns, allowances and 
warranty

Taxes, other than income taxes

Sundry

Other provisions

Jan. 1,  
2014 

Currency 
translation 
differences 

Usage 

Reversals 

Additions

Transfers

Dec. 31, 
2014

Thereof 
non-current

57

57

167

19

175

 475

1 

2 

9 

1 

1 

(54)

(38)

(95)

(3)

(37)

 15 

(227)

(3)

(10)

(13)

– 

(43)

 (69)

75

35

138

13

58

 319

–

2

(8)

– 

– 

(6)

79

48

200

27

154

 508

–

8

–

– 

30

38

215

Marketing provisions mainly consist of provisions for promotion contracts.

Provisions  for  personnel  mainly  consist  of  provisions  for  short-  and  long-term  variable  compensation 
components as well as of provisions for social plans relating to restructuring measures. With regard to provisions 
for early retirement, claims for reimbursement in an amount of € 0 million (2013: € 0 million) are shown under 
other non-current assets. 

Provisions for returns, allowances and warranty primarily arise due to bonus agreements with customers 
and  the  obligation  of  fulfilling  customer  claims  with  regard  to  the  return  of  products  sold  by  the  Group.  The 
amount of the provision follows the historical development of returns, allowances and warranty as well as current 
agreements.

Provisions  for  taxes  other  than  income  taxes  mainly  relate  to  value  added  tax,  real  estate  tax  and  motor 

vehicle tax.

Sundry provisions mainly include provisions for customs risks as well as anticipated losses from purchases 

and other transactions, and provisions for litigation and other legal risks.

The reversal of sundry provisions in 2014 is mainly related to the completion of customs audits and a risk 

reassessment. 

Management  follows  past  experience  from  similar  transactions  when  assessing  the  recognition  and  the 
measurement of other provisions; in particular, external legal opinions are considered for provisions for customs 
risks and for litigation and other legal risks. All evidence from events until the preparation of the consolidated 
financial statements is taken into account.

The transfers include reclassifications to ‘Liabilities classified as held for sale’.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes   /  Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

/  04.8  /

21 
Accrued liabilities

Accrued liabilities consist of the following:

Accrued liabilities 

(€ in millions)

Goods and services not 
yet invoiced

Marketing and sales

Personnel

Sundry

Jan. 1,  
2014 

Currency 
translation 
differences 

Usage 

Reversals 

Additions

Transfers

Dec. 31, 
2014

Thereof 
non-current

460

350

353

48

18

26

19

2

(331)

(315)

(200)

(41)

(12)

(3)

(29)

– 

 (44)

367

380

208

32

 987

(7)

4

1

– 

494

442

352

42

(2)

 1,330

9

2

68

2

81

Accrued liabilities

 1,211

 65 

 (887)

Marketing  accrued  liabilities  mainly  consist  of  accruals  for  distribution,  such  as  discounts,  rebates  and  sales 
commissions.

Accrued liabilities for personnel mainly consist of accruals for outstanding salary payments, such as bonuses 

and overtime, as well as outstanding vacation. 

Sundry accrued liabilities mainly include accruals for promotion contracts as well as accruals for interest.
The transfers include reclassifications to ‘Liabilities classified as held for sale’.

22 
Other current liabilities

Other current liabilities consist of the following:

Other current liabilities 

(€ in millions)

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

216

Tax liabilities other than income taxes

Liabilities due to personnel

Liabilities due to social security

Deferred income

Customers with credit balances

Sundry

Other current liabilities

105

48

20

30

42

42

287

81

43

21

30

50

51

276

23 
Other non-current 
 financial liabilities

Other non-current financial liabilities consist of the following:

Other non-current financial liabilities 

(€ in millions)

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Currency options

Forward exchange contracts

Finance lease obligations 

Sundry

Other non-current financial liabilities

2

– 

7

0

9 

11

2

9

0

22

For further information about currency options and forward exchange contracts  /  SEE NOTE 29. For information 
about finance lease obligations  /  SEE NOTE 28.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes   /  Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

/  04.8  /

24 
Pensions and similar 
 obligations

The Group has recognised post-employment benefit obligations arising from defined benefit plans. The benefits 
are provided pursuant to the legal, fiscal and economic conditions in each respective country and mainly depend 
on the employees’ years of service and remuneration.

Pensions and similar obligations 

(€ in millions)

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Liability arising from defined benefit pension plans

Similar obligations

Pensions and similar obligations

 271

14

284

 243

12

255

Defined contribution pension plans 
The total expense for defined contribution plans amounted to € 46 million in 2014 (2013: € 47 million).

Defined benefit pension plans 
Given  the  diverse  Group  structure,  different  defined  benefit  pension  plans  exist,  comprising  a  variety  of 
post-employment benefit arrangements. The Group’s major defined benefit pension plans relate to adidas  AG 
and its subsidiaries in the UK and Japan. The defined benefit pension plans generally provide payments in case 
of death, disability or retirement to former employees and their survivors. The obligations arising from defined 
benefit pension plans are partly covered by plan assets.

In  Germany,  adidas  AG  grants  its  employees  contribution-based  and  final  salary  defined  benefit  pension 
schemes,  which  provide  employees  with  entitlements  in  the  event  of  retirement,  disability  and  death.  In 
general,  German  pension  plans  operate  under  the  legal  framework  of  the  German  Company  Pensions  Act 
(‘Betriebsrentengesetz’) and under the German Labour Act. A large proportion of the pension plans are closed to 
new entrants. New employees are entitled to benefits in accordance with the adidas Pension Plan or the adidas 
Management Pension Plan. The adidas pension plan is a matching contribution plan; the contributions to this 
pension plan are partly paid by the employee and partly paid by the employer. The contributions are transferred 
into benefit building blocks. The benefits are paid out in the form of a pension, a lump sum or instalments. The 
pension plans in Germany are financed using book reserves, a contractual trust arrangement (CTA), a pension 
fund (‘Pensionsfonds’) or a provident fund (‘Unterstützungskasse’). The benefits granted to some members of 
the Executive Board are funded via a pension fund (‘Pensionsfonds’) or a provident fund (‘Unterstützungskasse’). 
An insurance company is responsible for the determination and the implementation of the investment strategy. 
Further details about the pension entitlements of members of the Executive Board of adidas AG are contained in 
the Compensation Report  /  SEE COMPENSATION REPORT, P. 28.

The final salary defined benefit pension scheme in the UK is closed to new entrants and to future accrual. 
The benefits are mainly paid out in the form of pensions. The scheme operates under UK trust law as well as 
under the jurisdiction of the UK Pensions Regulator and therefore is subject to a minimum funding requirement. 
The Trustee Board is responsible for setting the scheme’s funding objective, agreeing the contributions with the 
company and determining the investment strategy of the scheme. 

In Japan, employees are entitled to benefits from a defined benefit plan that is not funded by plan assets. 
The benefits in case of retirement are dependent on final salary and service, and are paid out as a lump sum. 
The pension plan is subject to Japanese labour law. In the first six months of 2015, it is planned to transfer the 
liabilities from the defined benefit plan to a defined contribution plan.

217

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014 
Notes   /  Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

/  04.8  /

Breakdown of the present value of the obligation arising from defined benefit pension plans  
in the major countries

(€ in millions)

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Germany

UK

Japan

Germany

UK

Japan

Active members

Former employees with 
vested rights

Pensioners

Total

178

49

78

305

– 

50

4

54

15

– 

– 

15

123

31

70

224

– 

37

4

41

14

– 

– 

14

The Group’s pension plans are subject to risks from changes in actuarial assumptions, such as the discount rate, 
salary and pension increase rates, and risks from changes in longevity. A lower discount rate results in a higher 
defined benefit obligation and/or in higher contributions to the pension funds. Lower than expected performance 
of the plan assets could lead to an increase in required contributions or to a decline of the funded status.

The  following  tables  analyse  the  defined  benefit  plans,  plan  assets,  present  values  of  the  defined  benefit 
pension  plans,  expenses  recognised  in  the  consolidated  income  statement,  actuarial  assumptions  and  other 
information.

Amounts for defined benefit pension plans recognised in the consolidated statement  
of financial position 

(€ in millions)

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

218

Fair value of plan assets

Funded status

Present value of funded obligation from defined benefit pension plans

Present value of unfunded obligation from defined benefit pension plans

Asset ceiling effect

Net defined benefit liability 

Thereof: liability

Thereof: adidas AG

Thereof: asset

Thereof: adidas AG

391 

 (157)

 234

 37

0

 271

 271

 212

(0)

–

95 

 (83)

 12

 230

1

 243

 243

 199

(0)

–

The  determination  of  assets  and  liabilities  for  defined  benefit  plans  is  based  upon  statistical  and  actuarial 
valuations. In particular, the present value of the defined benefit obligation is driven by financial variables (such 
as the discount rates or future increases in salaries) and demographic variables (such as mortality and employee 
turnover). The actuarial assumptions may differ significantly from the actual circumstances and could lead to 
different cash flows.

Weighted average actuarial assumptions 

(in %)

Discount rate

Expected rate of salary increases

Expected pension increases

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

 2.4

 3.2

 1.7

 3.7

 3.2

 2.2

The  weighted  average  actuarial  assumptions  as  at  the  balance  sheet  date  are  used  to  determine  the  defined 
benefit liability at that date and the pension expense for the upcoming financial year.

The actuarial assumptions for withdrawal and mortality rates are based on statistical information available 
in the various countries. In Germany, the Heubeck 2005 G mortality tables are used. In the UK, assumptions are 
based on the S1NA base table with modified improvement of the life expectancy mortality tables. In Japan, the 
‘21st Life Tables revised in 2010’ mortality tables are used. The rate of the expected pension increases in Germany 
was reduced to 1.5% for the financial year 2014 (2013: 2.0%).

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes   /  Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

/  04.8  /

As in the previous year, the calculation of the pension liabilities in Germany is based on a discount rate determined 
using the ‘Mercer Yield Curve (MYC)’ approach.

Remeasurements,  such  as  gains  or  losses  arising  from  changes  in  the  actuarial  assumptions  for  defined 
benefit  pension  plans  during  the  financial  year  or  a  return  on  the  plan  assets  exceeding  the  interest  income, 
are  immediately  recognised  outside  the  income  statement  as  a  change  in  other  reserves  in  the  consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income.

Pension expenses for defined benefit pension plans 

(€ in millions)

Current service cost

Net interest 

Thereof: interest cost

Thereof: interest income

Past service cost

Expenses for defined benefit pension plans (recognised in the consolidated income 
statement)

Actuarial losses/(gains)

Thereof: due to changes in financial assumptions

Thereof: due to changes in demographic assumptions

Thereof: due to experience adjustments

Return on plan assets (not included in net interest income)

Asset ceiling effect

Remeasurements for defined benefit pension plans (recognised as decrease/
(increase) in other reserves in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income)

Total

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2014

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2013

16

8

 12

 (4)

1

 25

 79

79

0

0

(1)

(1)

77

102

 16

8

 11

 (3)

0

 24

 (3)

(7)

1

3

(3)

0

(6)

18

Of the total pension expenses recorded in the consolidated income statement, an amount of € 17 million (2013: 
€ 16 million) relates to employees of adidas AG, € 0.2 million (2013: € 0.2 million) relates to employees in the UK 
and € 2 million (2013: € 2 million) relates to employees in Japan. The amendment of pension arrangements for 
members of the Executive Board of adidas AG in 2014 resulted in past service cost of € 1 million. The pension 
expense is mainly recorded within other operating expenses. The production-related part of the pension expenses 
is recognised within cost of sales.

219

Present value of the defined benefit obligation 

(€ in millions)

Present value of the obligation from defined benefit pension plans as at January 1

Currency translation differences

Current service cost

Interest cost

Contribution by plan participants

Pensions paid

Actuarial losses/(gains)

Thereof: due to changes in financial assumptions

Thereof: due to changes in demographic assumptions

Thereof: due to experience adjustments

Past service cost

Plan settlements

2014

325

 7

 16

 12

0

(13)

79

79

0

0

1

0

2013

 317

 (6)

 16

 11

0

(10)

 (3)

(7)

1

3

0

0

Present value of the obligation from defined benefit pension plans as at December 31

427

 325

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes   /  Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

/  04.8  /

In the following table, the effects of reasonably conceivable changes in the actuarial assumptions on the present 
value of the obligation from defined benefit pension plans are analysed. In addition, for Germany, UK and Japan 
the average duration of the obligation is shown.

Sensitivity analysis of the obligation from defined benefit pension plans 

(€ in millions)

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Germany

UK

Japan

Germany

UK

Japan

Present value of the obligation from defined 
benefit pension plans

Increase in the discount rate by 0.5%

Reduction in the discount rate by 0.5%

Average duration of the obligations (in years)

305

279

335

18

54

47

63

30

15

14

16

12

224

207

243

16

41

35

47

30

14

13

15

12

Since many pension plans are closed to future accrual or are not dependent on the salary, the salary trend plays a 
minor role in determining pension obligations. Due to the fact that about half of the benefits of the German pension 
plans are paid as lump sums or instalment payments, the pension increase rate and the mortality assumption 
have significantly less impact than the discount rate when calculating the pension obligations. In Germany, the 
pension increase rate was reduced to 1.5% as at December 31, 2014 (2013: 2%). This resulted in a decrease in the 
present value of the pension obligations by € 10 million as at December 31, 2014.

Fair value of plan assets

(€ in millions)

Fair value of plan assets at January 1

Currency translation differences

Pensions paid

Contributions by the employer

Contributions paid by plan participants

Interest income from plan assets

Return on plan assets (not included in net interest income)

Plan settlements

Fair value of plan assets at December 31

2014

2013

83

4

(5)

68

0

4

1

0

157

76

(2)

(2)

5

0

3

3

0

83

Approximately 90% (2013: 83%) of the total plan assets are allocated to plan assets in the UK (2014: 26%, 2013: 
44%), Germany (2014: 59%, 2013: 30%) and Switzerland (2014: 4%, 2013: 9%). 

The adidas Group has set up a Contractual Trust Arrangement (CTA) in Germany for the purpose of funding 
the  pension  obligations  of  adidas  AG  and  insolvency  insurance  with  regard  to  part  of  the  pension  obligations 
of  adidas  AG.  The  trustee  is  the  registered  association  ‘adidas  Pension  Trust  e.V.’,  which  was  established  in 
December 2013. The investment committee of the adidas Pension Trust determines the investment strategy with 
the goal to match the pension liabilities as far as possible and to generate a sustainable return. In August 2014, an 
amount of € 65 million in cash was transferred to the trustee. The cash has been invested in equity index funds, 
hybrid bonds, fixed interest rate bonds and money market funds. adidas AG does not intend to further fund the 
CTA in the 2015 financial year. Another part of the plan assets in Germany is invested in insurance contracts via 
pension funds or provident funds.

In the UK, the plan assets are held under trust within the pension fund. The plan assets in Switzerland are 
held by a pension foundation. The investment strategy is aligned with the structure of the pension obligations in 
these countries. In the rest of the world, the plan assets consist predominantly of insurance contracts.

220

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes   /  Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

/  04.8  /

The expected payments for the 2015 financial year amount to € 12 million. Thereof, € 7 million relates to benefits 
directly paid to pensioners by the Group companies and € 4 million to employer contributions paid into the plan 
assets. In 2014, the actual return on plan assets was € 6 million (2013: € 6 million).

Composition of plan assets

(€ in millions)

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Cash and cash equivalents

Equity instruments

Bonds

Real estate

Pension plan reinsurance

Insurance policies

Other assets

Fair value of plan assets

31

51

41

1

27

5

0

157

14

28

11

1

25

4

0

83

All equities and bonds are traded freely and have a quoted market price in an active market. The other assets 
consist predominantly of foreign insurance products.

At each balance sheet date, the company analyses the over- or underfunding and, where appropriate, adjusts 

the composition of plan assets. 

Other non-current liabilities consist of the following:

Other non-current liabilities 

(€ in millions)

Liabilities due to personnel

Deferred income

Sundry

Other non-current liabilities

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

221

5

29

1

35

7

22

0

29

The nominal capital of adidas AG (‘the company’) has remained unchanged since December 31, 2013. As at the 
balance sheet date, and in the period beyond, up to and including February 13, 2015, it amounted to € 209,216,186 
divided into 209,216,186 registered no-par-value shares (‘registered shares’) and is fully paid in. 

Each share grants one vote and is entitled to dividends starting from the beginning of the year it was issued. 
Treasury shares held directly or indirectly are not entitled to dividend payment in accordance with § 71b German 
Stock  Corporation  Act  (Aktiengesetz  –  AktG).  At  the  balance  sheet  date,  and  in  the  period  beyond,  up  to  and 
including February 13, 2015, the company holds 4,889,142 treasury shares, corresponding to a notional amount of 
€ 4,889,142 in the nominal capital and consequently 2.34% of the nominal capital.

Authorised Capital 
The Executive Board of adidas AG did not utilise the existing amounts of authorised capital of up to € 95 million 
in the 2014 financial year or in the period beyond the balance sheet date up to and including February 13, 2015. 

The authorised capital of the company, which is set out in § 4 sections 2, 3 and 4 of the Articles of Association as 
at the balance sheet date, entitles the Executive Board, subject to Supervisory Board approval, to increase the 
nominal capital 
until June 30, 2018
/ 
 by issuing new shares against contributions in cash once or several times by no more than € 50 million and, 
subject  to  Supervisory  Board  approval,  to  exclude  residual  amounts  from  shareholders’  subscription  rights 
(Authorised Capital 2013/I);
until June 30, 2016
/  by issuing new shares against contributions in kind once or several times by no more than € 25 million and, 
subject to Supervisory Board approval, to exclude shareholders’ subscription rights (Authorised Capital 2013/II); 

25 
Other non-current 
 liabilities

26 
Shareholders’ equity

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes   /  Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

/  04.8  /

until June 30, 2018
/  by issuing new shares against contributions in cash once or several times by no more than € 20 million and, 
subject to Supervisory Board approval, to exclude residual amounts from shareholders’ subscription rights and to 
exclude shareholders’ subscription rights when issuing the new shares at a value not essentially below the stock 
market price of shares with the same features; this exclusion of subscription rights can also be associated with 
the listing of the company’s shares on a foreign stock exchange (Authorised Capital 2013/III). The authorisation to 
exclude subscription rights pursuant to the previous sentence may, however, only be used to the extent that the 
pro rata amount of the new shares in the nominal capital together with the pro rata amount in the nominal capital 
of other shares which have been issued by the company since May 8, 2013, subject to the exclusion of subscription 
rights pursuant to or in accordance with § 186 section 3 sentence 4 AktG on the basis of an authorised capital or 
following a repurchase, or for which conversion or subscription rights or conversion or subscription obligations 
were  granted  after  May  8,  2013,  through  the  issuance  of  convertible  bonds  and/or  bonds  with  warrants,  with 
subscription rights excluded in accordance with § 186 section 3 sentence 4 AktG, does not exceed 10% of the 
nominal capital existing on the date of the entry of this authorisation into the commercial register or – if this 
amount is lower – as of the respective date on which the authorisation is used.

Contingent Capital 
The following description of the Contingent Capital is based on § 4 sections 5 and 6 of the Articles of Association 
of the company as well as on the underlying resolutions of the Annual General Meeting held on May 6, 2010 and 
May 8, 2014. Additional contingent capital does not exist.

Contingent Capital 2010
At the balance sheet date, the nominal capital is conditionally increased by up to € 36 million divided into not more 
than 36,000,000 registered shares (Contingent Capital 2010). The contingent capital increase will be implemented 
only to the extent that holders or creditors of option or conversion rights or the persons obligated to exercise 
option or conversion duties on bonds issued by the company or a subordinated Group company, pursuant to the 
authorisation of the Executive Board granted by the resolution adopted by the Annual General Meeting of May 6, 
2010, up to May 5, 2015 and guaranteed by the company, exercise their option or conversion rights or, if they are 
obliged to exercise the option or conversion duties, meet their obligations to exercise the warrant or convert the 
bond, or to the extent that the company exercises its rights to choose to deliver shares in the company for the 
total amount or partially instead of a payment and insofar as no cash settlement, treasury shares or shares of 
another public listed company are used to serve these rights. The new shares shall be issued at the respective 
option  or  conversion  price  to  be  established  in  accordance  with  the  aforementioned  authorisation  resolution. 
The new shares shall carry dividend rights from the commencement of the financial year in which the shares 
are issued. The Executive Board is authorised, subject to Supervisory Board approval, to stipulate any additional 
details concerning the implementation of the contingent capital increase.

The Executive Board of adidas AG did not issue shares from the Contingent Capital 2010 in the 2014 financial 

year or in the period beyond the balance sheet date up to and including February 13, 2015.

Contingent Capital 2014
At  the  balance  sheet  date,  the  nominal  capital  is  conditionally  increased  by  up  to  €  12.5  million  divided  into 
not more than 12,500,000 registered shares (Contingent Capital 2014). The contingent capital increase will be 
implemented only to the extent that holders or creditors of option or conversion rights or the persons obligated 
to exercise option or conversion duties based on bonds issued by the company or a subordinated Group company, 
pursuant to the authorisation of the Executive Board granted by the resolution adopted by the Annual General 
Meeting on May 8, 2014 (Agenda Item 7), up to May 7, 2019 and guaranteed by the company, exercise their option 
or conversion rights or, if they are obliged to exercise the option or conversion duties, meet their obligations to 
exercise the warrant or convert the bond, or to the extent that the company exercises its rights to choose to deliver 
shares in the company for the total amount or a part amount instead of payment of the amount due and insofar 
as no cash settlement, treasury shares or shares of another public listed company are used to serve these rights. 
The new shares will be issued at the respective option or conversion price to be established in accordance with the 
aforementioned authorisation resolution. The new shares will carry dividend rights from the commencement of 
the financial year in which the shares are issued. The Executive Board is authorised, subject to Supervisory Board 
approval, to stipulate any additional details concerning the implementation of the contingent capital increase.

The Executive Board of adidas AG did not issue shares from the Contingent Capital 2014 in the 2014 financial 

year or in the period beyond the balance sheet date up to and including February 13, 2015.

222

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes   /  Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

/  04.8  /

Convertible Bond 
On  March  14,  2012,  the  Executive  Board,  with  the  approval  of  the  Supervisory  Board,  made  partial  use  of  the 
authorisation of the Annual General Meeting from May 6, 2010, and on March 21, 2012 issued a convertible bond 
due on June 14, 2019 in a nominal value of € 500 million via an offer to institutional investors outside the USA 
excluding shareholders’ subscription rights. In principle, the conversion rights are exercisable between May 21, 
2012 and June 5, 2019, subject to lapsed conversion rights as set out under § 6 section 3 or to the excluded periods 
as defined by § 6 section 4 of the bond terms and conditions, and (subject to an adjustment to the conversion 
rights resulting from the dilution adjustment regulations set out under § 10 or a change of control in accordance 
with § 13 of the bond terms and conditions) are convertible into 6,056,447 shares of the company. The conversion 
price currently amounts to € 82.56 per share. The convertible bond bears an interest rate of 0.25% per annum. 
Bondholders  are  entitled  to  demand  early  redemption  of  the  bonds  as  of  June  14,  2017.  As  of  July  14,  2017, 
adidas AG may conduct an early redemption of the bond, if, on 20 of 30 consecutive trading days, the share price 
of adidas AG exceeds the current conversion price of € 82.56 by at least 30%. The bonds are listed on the Open 
Market segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Repurchase of adidas AG shares
The authorisation of the Executive Board to repurchase treasury shares, which was granted by the Annual General 
Meeting on May 6, 2010 and which was not utilised, was cancelled by the Annual General Meeting on May 8, 2014. 
At the same time, the Annual General Meeting granted the Executive Board a new authorisation to repurchase 
treasury shares up to an amount totalling 10% of the nominal capital until May 7, 2019. The authorisation may be 
used by the company but also by its subordinated Group companies or by third parties on account of the company 
or its subordinated Group companies or third parties assigned by the company or one of its subordinated Group 
companies.

Based on the authorisation to repurchase treasury shares granted by the Annual General Meeting on May 8, 
2014,  the  adidas  AG  Executive  Board  commenced  a  share  buyback  programme  on  November  7,  2014.  The 
repurchased shares may either be cancelled (capital reduction) or else be used to meet obligations arising from 
the potential conversion of the company’s € 500 million convertible bond due on June 14, 2019.

In  November  2014,  1,881,836  shares  were  repurchased  at  an  average  price  of  €  62.89,  corresponding 
to  a  notional  amount  of  €  1,881,836  in  the  nominal  capital  and  consequently  0.90%  of  the  nominal  capital.  In 
December 2014, 3,007,306 shares were repurchased at an average price of € 60.41, corresponding to a notional 
amount of € 3,007,306 in the nominal capital and consequently 1.44% of the nominal capital. Under the granted 
authorisation,  adidas  AG  repurchased  a  total  of  4,889,142  shares  for  a  total  price  of  €  299,999,987  (excluding 
incidental purchasing costs), i.e. for an average price of € 61.36 per share, in a first tranche between November 7, 
2014 and December 12, 2014 inclusive. On December 12, 2014, the first tranche of the share buyback programme 
was concluded. The company reserves the right to continue with or to resume the share buyback programme in 
the future in alignment with the published parameters. For details  /  SEE DISCLOSURES PURSUANT TO § 315 SECTION 4 AND 
§ 289 SECTION 4 OF THE GERMAN COMMERCIAL CODE, P. 131.

Changes in the percentage of voting rights
Pursuant  to  §  160  section  1  no.  8  AktG,  existing  shareholdings  which  have  been  notified  to  the  company  in 
accordance with § 21 section 1 or section 1a of the German Securities Trading Act (Wertpapierhandelsgesetz – 
WpHG) need to be disclosed.

The following table reflects shareholdings reportable as at February 13, 2015 which have been notified to the 
company. The respective details are taken from the most recent voting rights notification received by the company. 
All voting rights notifications disclosed by the company in the year under review and up to and including February 
13,  2015  are  available  on  the  adidas  Group  website  /  WWW.ADIDAS-GROUP.COM/S/VOTING-RIGHTS-NOTIFICATIONS.  The 
details on the percentage of shareholdings and voting rights may no longer be up to date.

223

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes   /  Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

/  04.8  /

Notified reportable shareholdings as at February 13, 2015

Notifying party

Date of reaching, exceeding 
or falling below

Reporting threshold

Attributions in accordance  
with WpHG

Shareholdings  
in %

Number of 
voting rights

BlackRock Financial Management, Inc., 
New York, NY, USA 1)

January 28, 2015

Exceeding 3%

O. Mason Hawkins, USA 2)

January 22, 2015

Exceeding 3%

§ 22 sec. 1 sent. 1 no. 1, § 22 sec. 1 
sent. 1 no. 2 in conjunction with § 22 
sec. 1 sent. 2, § 22 sec. 1 sent. 1 no. 6, 
§ 22 sec. 1 sent. 1 no. 6 in conjunction 
with § 22 sec. 1 sent. 2

§ 22 sec. 1 sent. 1 no. 6 in conjunction 
with § 22 sec. 1 sent. 2

3.21

6,709,315

3.06

6,398,123

Southeastern Asset Management, Inc., 
Memphis, TN, USA 2)

The Capital Group Companies, Inc., 
Los Angeles, CA, USA 3)

Capital Research and Management 
Company, Los Angeles, CA, USA 3)

January 22, 2015

Exceeding 3%

§ 22 sec. 1 sent. 1 no. 6

3.06

6,398,123

December 2, 2014

Falling below 3%

§ 22 sec. 1 sent. 1 no. 6 in conjunction 
with § 22 sec. 1 sent. 2 and 3

2.88

6,018,378

December 2, 2014

Falling below 3%

§ 22 sec. 1 sent. 1 no. 6

2.88

6,018,378

BlackRock, Inc., New York, NY, USA 4)

November 20, 2014

Falling below 5%

§§ 21, 22, 25, 25a 5)

November 13, 2014

Falling below 5%

§§ 21, 22, 25, 25a 7)

BlackRock Holdco 2, Inc., Wilmington, DE, 
USA 6)

BlackRock Advisors Holdings, Inc., New 
York, NY, USA 8)

September 25, 2014

Falling below 3%

BlackRock International Holdings, Inc., 
New York, NY, USA 8)

September 25, 2014

Falling below 3%

224

BR Jersey International Holdings, L.P., 
St. Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands 8)

September 25, 2014

Falling below 3%

BlackRock Group Limited, London, 
Great Britain 8)

September 25, 2014

Falling below 3%

Garrett Thornburg, USA 9)

August 4, 2014

Falling below 3%

§ 22 sec. 1 sent. 1 no. 1, § 22 sec. 1 
sent. 1 no. 2 in conjunction with § 22 
sec. 1 sent. 2, § 22 sec. 1 sent. 1 no. 6 
in conjunction with § 22 sec. 1 sent. 2, 
§ 22 sec. 1 sent. 1 no. 1 and § 22 sec. 
1 sent. 1 no. 6 in conjunction with § 22 
sec. 1 sent. 2

§ 22 sec. 1 sent. 1 no. 1, § 22 sec. 1 
sent. 1 no. 2 in conjunction with § 22 
sec. 1 sent. 2, § 22 sec. 1 sent. 1 no. 6 
in conjunction with § 22 sec. 1 sent. 2, 
§ 22 sec. 1 sent. 1 no. 1 and § 22 sec. 
1 sent. 1 no. 6 in conjunction with § 22 
sec. 1 sent. 2

§ 22 sec. 1 sent. 1 no. 1, § 22 sec. 1 
sent. 1 no. 2 in conjunction with § 22 
sec. 1 sent. 2, § 22 sec. 1 sent. 1 no. 6 
in conjunction with § 22 sec. 1 sent. 2, 
§ 22 sec. 1 sent. 1 no. 1 and § 22 sec. 
1 sent. 1 no. 6 in conjunction with § 22 
sec. 1 sent. 2

§ 22 sec. 1 sent. 1 no. 1, § 22 sec. 
1 sent. 1 no. 6 in conjunction with 
§ 22 sec. 1 sent. 2, § 22 sec. 1 sent. 1 
no. 1 and § 22 sec. 1 sent. 1 no. 6 in 
conjunction with § 22 sec. 1 sent. 2

§ 22 sec. 1 sent. 1 no. 6 in conjunction 
with § 22 sec. 1 sent. 2

4.99

4.99

10,432,583

10,431,246

2.61

5,465,659

2.61

5,465,659

2.61

5,465,659

2.46

5,138,626

2.73

5,714,818

Thornburg Investment Management, Inc., 
Santa Fe, NM, USA 9)

August 4, 2014

Falling below 3%

§ 22 sec. 1 sent. 1 no. 6

2.73

5,714,818

1) See the company’s disclosure dated February 3, 2015.
2) See the company’s disclosure dated January 26, 2015.
3) See the company’s disclosure dated December 8, 2014.
4) See the company’s disclosure dated November 26, 2014.
5)  Notification in accordance with § 25a sec. 1 WpHG: 0.01% (19,904) in accordance with § 25a WpHG (thereof 0.01% = 19,904 held indirectly); 0.22% (457,602) in accordance with § 25 WpHG  

(thereof 0.22% = 457,602 held indirectly); 4.76% (9,955,077) in accordance with §§ 21, 22 WpHG.

6) See the company’s disclosure dated November 20, 2014.
7)  Notification in accordance with § 25a sec. 1 WpHG: 0.01% (22,561) in accordance with § 25a WpHG (thereof 0.01% = 22,561 held indirectly); 0.17% (356,251) in accordance with § 25 WpHG  

(thereof 0.17% = 356,251 held indirectly); 4.80% (10,052,434) in accordance with §§ 21, 22 WpHG.

8) See the company’s disclosure dated September 30, 2014 and correction dated October 6, 2014.
9) See the company’s disclosure dated August 14, 2014.

Capital management 
The Group’s policy is to maintain a strong capital base so as to uphold investor, creditor and market confidence 
and to sustain future development of the business.

The Group seeks to maintain a balance between a higher return on equity that might be possible with higher 
levels of borrowings and the advantages and security afforded by a sound capital position. The Group further aims 
to maintain net debt below two times EBITDA over the long term.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014 
Notes   /  Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

/  04.8  /

Financial leverage is defined as the ratio between net borrowings (short- and long-term borrowings less cash 
and  cash  equivalents  as  well  as  short-term  financial  assets)  in  an  amount  of  €  185  million  (2013:  negative 
€ 295 million) and shareholders’ equity in an amount of € 5.624 billion (2013: € 5.489 billion). EBITDA (continuing 
operations) amounted to € 1.283 billion for the financial year ending December 31, 2014 (2013: € 1.496 billion). 
The  ratio  between  net  borrowings  and  EBITDA  (continuing  operations)  amounted  to  0.1  for  the  financial  year 
ending December 31, 2014 (2013: negative 0.2).

Reserves 
Reserves within shareholders’ equity are as follows:
/  Capital reserve: primarily comprises the paid premium for the issuance of share capital as well as the equity 
component of issued convertible bonds.
/  Cumulative  currency  translation  differences:  comprise  all  foreign  currency  differences  arising  from  the 
translation of the financial statements of foreign operations.
/  Hedging reserve: comprises the effective portion of the cumulative net change in the fair value of cash flow 
hedges  related  to  hedged  transactions  that  have  not  yet  occurred  as  well  as  of  hedges  of  net  investments  in 
foreign subsidiaries.
/  Other  reserves:  comprise  the  remeasurements  of  defined  benefit  plans  [consisting  of  the  cumulative  net 
change of actuarial gains or losses relating to the defined benefit obligations, the return on plan assets (excluding 
interest income) and the asset ceiling effect] as well as expenses recognised for share option plans and effects 
from the acquisition of non-controlling interests.
/  Retained earnings: comprise the accumulated profits less dividends paid as well as considerations paid for the 
repurchase of treasury shares exceeding the nominal value. 

Distributable profits and dividends 
Distributable  profits  to  shareholders  are  determined  by  reference  to  the  retained  earnings  of  adidas  AG  and 
calculated under German Commercial Law.

Based on the resolution of the 2014 Annual General Meeting, the dividend for 2013 was € 1.50 per share (total 
amount: € 314 million). The Executive Board of adidas AG will propose to shareholders a dividend payment of 
€ 1.50 per dividend-entitled share for the year 2014 to be made from retained earnings of € 307 million reported 
in the financial statements of adidas AG according to the German Commercial Code as at December 31, 2014. The 
subsequent remaining amount will be carried forward.

As  at  December  31,  2014,  204,327,044  dividend-entitled  shares  exist,  resulting  in  a  dividend  payment  of 

225

€ 306 million.

This line item within equity comprises the non-controlling interests in several subsidiaries which are not directly 
or indirectly attributable to adidas AG.

Non-controlling interests are assigned to six subsidiaries as at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively  /  SEE 
ATTACHMENT II TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (SEE SHAREHOLDINGS OF ADIDAS AG, HERZOGENAURACH, P. 248). These 
subsidiaries were partly acquired in connection with the acquisition of Reebok and partly through purchases or 
foundations in the last years. 

With respect to the consolidated financial statements of adidas  AG, on a single basis, no subsidiary has a 

material non-controlling interest. 

For  the  following  subsidiaries  with  non-controlling  interests  the  main  financial  information  is  presented 

combined.

Subsidiaries with material non-controlling interests

Legal entity name

Principle place of business

adidas Levant Limited

adidas Levant Limited – Jordan

Life Sport Ltd.

Reebok India Company

Levant

Jordan

Israel

India

Ownership interests held by non- 
controlling interests (in %)

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

45%

45%

49%

6.85%

45%

45%

49%

6.85%

27 
Non-controlling interests

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes   /  Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

/  04.8  /

The following table presents the main financial information on subsidiaries with non-controlling interests.

Financial information on subsidiaries with non-controlling interests

(€ in millions)

Material non-controlling  
interests

Other

Total non-controlling  
interests

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Net sales (non-Group)

Net income/loss

Net income/loss attributable to 
non-controlling interests

Other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income attrib-
utable to non-controlling interests

Current assets

Non-current assets

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Net assets

Net assets attributable to 
non-controlling interests

Net cash used in operating activities

Net cash used in investing activities

Net cash generated from financing 
activities

Net increase of cash and cash 
equivalents

Dividends paid to non-controlling 
interests during the year 1)

133

14

6

(29)

(15)

5

86

15

121

1

(20)

(7)

(6)

(3)

10

0

4

124

(5)

3

42

37

6

64

14

98

1

(22)

(8)

(23)

(5)

27

(1)

1

1) Included in net cash generated from financing activities.

(0)

(0)

(0)

(0)

6

5

3

6

(0)

(0)

(7)

(8)

28 
Leasing and service 
 arrangements

Operating leases 
The Group leases primarily retail stores as well as offices, warehouses and equipment. The contracts regarding 
these  leases  with  expiration  dates  of  between  1  and  11  years  partly  include  renewal  options  and  escalation 
clauses. Rent expenses (continuing operations), which partly depend on net sales, amounted to € 643 million and 
€ 672 million for the years ending December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Future minimum lease payments for minimum lease durations on a nominal basis are as follows:

Minimum lease payments for operating leases 

(€ in millions)

Within 1 year

Between 1 and 5 years

After 5 years

Total

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

476

959

277

 1,711

 447

 945

277

 1,669

226

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes   /  Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

/  04.8  /

Finance leases 
The  Group  also  leases  various  premises  for  administration  and  warehousing  which  are  classified  as  finance 
leases.

The net carrying amount of these assets of € 10 million and € 13 million was included in property, plant and 
equipment  as  at  December  31,  2014  and  2013,  respectively.  For  the  year  ending  December  31,  2014,  interest 
expenses  (continuing  operations)  were  €  0  million  (2013:  €  0  million)  and  depreciation  expenses  (continuing 
operations) were € 4 million (2013: € 5 million).

Minimum  lease  payments  for  finance  leases  in  2014  include  land  leases  with  a  remaining  lease  term  of 
98 years. The minimum lease payments under these contracts amount to € 11 million. The estimated amount 
representing interest is € 9 million and the present value amounts to € 2 million.

The net present values and the minimum lease payments under these contracts over their remaining terms 

up to 2017 and the land leases with a remaining lease term of 98 years are as follows:

Minimum lease payments for finance leases 

(€ in millions)

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Lease payments falling due:

Within 1 year

Between 1 and 5 years

After 5 years

Total minimum lease payments

Less: estimated amount representing interest

Present value of minimum lease payments

Thereof falling due:

Within 1 year

Between 1 and 5 years

After 5 years

3

5

11

19

9

10

3

4

3

4

7

12

23

10

13

4

7

2

227

Service arrangements 
The Group has outsourced certain logistics and information technology functions, for which it has entered into 
long-term contracts. Financial commitments under these contracts mature as follows:

Financial commitments for service arrangements 

(€ in millions)

Within 1 year

Between 1 and 5 years

After 5 years

Total

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

75

 101

18

193

89

 99

28

216

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014 
 
Notes   /  Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

/  04.8  /

29 
Financial instruments

Carrying amounts of financial instruments as at December 31, 2014, according to categories of IAS 39 and their fair values

(€ in millions)

Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Short-term financial assets

Accounts receivable

Other current financial assets

Derivatives being part of a hedge

Derivatives not being part of a hedge

Other financial assets

Long-term financial assets

Other equity investments

Available-for-sale financial assets

Loans

Other non-current financial assets

Derivatives being part of a hedge

Derivatives not being part of a hedge

Other financial assets

Assets classified as held for sale

228

Financial liabilities

Short-term borrowings

Bank borrowings 

Private placements

Eurobond

Convertible bond

Accounts payable

Current accrued liabilities

Other current financial liabilities

Derivatives being part of a hedge

Derivatives not being part of a hedge

Other financial liabilities

Finance lease obligations

Long-term borrowings

Bank borrowings 

Private placements

Eurobond

Convertible bond

Non-current accrued liabilities

Other non-current financial liabilities

Derivatives being part of a hedge

Derivatives not being part of a hedge

Other financial liabilities

Finance lease obligations

Liabilities classified as held for sale

Thereof: aggregated by category according to IAS 39

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Thereof: designated as such upon initial recognition  
(Fair Value Option – FVO)

Thereof: Held for Trading (FAHfT)

Loans and Receivables (LaR)

Available-for-Sale Financial Assets (AfS)

Financial Liabilities Measured at Amortised Cost (FLAC)

Financial Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss Held for Trading (FLHfT)

Category
according to
IAS 39

Carrying
amount
Dec. 31, 2014

Measurement according to IAS 39

Amortised
cost

Fair value
recognised
in equity

Fair value
recognised
in net income

Measurement 
according to
 IAS 17

Fair value
Dec. 31, 2014

n.a.

FAHfT

LaR

n.a.

FAHfT

LaR

FAHfT

AfS

LaR

n.a.

FAHfT

LaR

LaR

FLAC

FLAC

FLAC

FLAC

FLAC

FLAC

n.a.

FLHfT

FLAC

n.a.

FLAC

FLAC

FLAC

FLAC

FLAC

n.a.

FLHfT

FLAC

n.a.

FLAC

5

46

80

10

9

2

224

33

5

44

– 

1,683

5

1,946

224

46

128

80

49

0

5

10

27

51

194

100

– 

– 

1,652

500

44

9

35

3

– 

129

1,000

545

9

– 

2

0

7

41

3

7

1,683

1,946

128

16

0

27

51

194

95

– 

– 

1,652

 500 

35

– 

123

990

471

9

0

41

1,683

5

1,946

224

46

128

80

49

0

5

10

27

51

194

95

– 

– 

1,652

500

44

9

35

3

– 

123

990

471

9

– 

2

0

7

41

141

−

141

2,152

49

4,110

11

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes   /  Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

/  04.8  /

Carrying amounts of financial instruments as at December 31, 2013, according to categories of IAS 39 and their fair values

(€ in millions)

Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Short-term financial assets

Accounts receivable

Other current financial assets

Derivatives being part of a hedge

Derivatives not being part of a hedge

Other financial assets

Long-term financial assets

Other equity investments

Available-for-sale financial assets

Loans

Other non-current financial assets

Derivatives being part of a hedge

Derivatives not being part of a hedge

Other financial assets

Assets classified as held for sale

Financial liabilities

Short-term borrowings

Bank borrowings 

Private placements

Eurobond

Convertible bond

Accounts payable

Current accrued liabilities

Other current financial liabilities

Derivatives being part of a hedge

Derivatives not being part of a hedge

Other financial liabilities

Finance lease obligations

Long-term borrowings

Bank borrowings 

Private placements

Eurobond

Convertible bond

Non-current accrued liabilities

Other non-current financial liabilities

Derivatives being part of a hedge

Derivatives not being part of a hedge

Other financial liabilities

Finance lease obligations

Liabilities classified as held for sale

Thereof: aggregated by category according to IAS 39

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Thereof: designated as such upon initial recognition  
(Fair Value Option – FVO)

Thereof: Held for Trading (FAHfT)

Loans and Receivables (LaR)

Available-for-Sale Financial Assets (AfS)

Financial Liabilities Measured at Amortised Cost (FLAC)

Financial Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss Held for Trading (FLHfT)

Category
according to
IAS 39

Carrying
amount
Dec. 31, 2013

Measurement according to IAS 39

Amortised
cost

Fair value
recognised
in equity

Fair value
recognised
in net income

Measurement 
according to
 IAS 17

Fair value
Dec. 31, 2013

n.a.

FAHfT

LaR

n.a.

FAHfT

LaR

FAHfT

AfS

LaR

n.a.

FAHfT

LaR

LaR

FLAC

FLAC

FLAC

FLAC

FLAC

FLAC

n.a.

FLHfT

FLAC

n.a.

FLAC

FLAC

FLAC

FLAC

FLAC

n.a.

FLHfT

FLAC

n.a.

FLAC

41

10

80

6

43

27

0

74

6

3

10

229

1,587

41

1,809

43

10

130

80

40

0

0

6

24

– 

126

58

510

– 

1,825

468

74

6

29

4

– 

209

– 

650

15

3

10

0

9

– 

4

9

1,587

1,809

130

13

0

24

– 

126

55

500

– 

1,825

468

29

– 

193

– 

460

15

0

– 

1,587

41

1,809

43

10

130

80

40

0

0

6

24

– 

126

55

500

– 

1,825

468

74

6

29

4

– 

193

– 

460

15

3

10

0

9

– 

137

−

137

1,963

40

3,671

16

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes   /  Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

/  04.8  /

Fair value hierarchy of financial instruments according to IFRS 13 as at December 31, 2014

(€ in millions)

Fair value
Dec. 31, 2014

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Short-term financial assets

Derivative financial instruments

Derivatives being part of a hedge

Derivatives not being part of a hedge

Long-term financial assets

Financial assets

Short-term borrowings

Derivative financial instruments

Derivatives being part of a hedge

Derivatives not being part of a hedge

Long-term borrowings

Financial liabilities

5

229

56

113

403

294

44

11

1,674

2,023

80 1)

80

5

229

56

33

323

294

44

11

129

478

1,545

1,545

Fair value
Jan. 1, 2014

Gains

Losses

Fair value
Dec. 31, 2014

1)  This category relates to a 8.33% investment in FC Bayern München AG of € 80 million. Dividends 
are distributed by FC Bayern München AG instead of regular interest payments. These dividends 
are recognised in other financial income.

80

1

–

80

Level 1 is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 is based on inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).
Level 3 is based on inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs). 

230

Fair value hierarchy of financial instruments according to IFRS 13 as at December 31, 2013

(€ in millions)

Fair value
Dec. 31, 2013

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Short-term financial assets

Derivative financial instruments

Derivatives being part of a hedge

Derivatives not being part of a hedge

Long-term financial assets

Financial assets

Short-term borrowings

Derivative financial instruments

Derivatives being part of a hedge

Derivatives not being part of a hedge

Long-term borrowings

Financial liabilities

41

43

16

107

207

694

77

16

859

1,646

41

43

16

27

127

184

77

16

209

486

510

650

1,160

80 1)

80

Fair value
Jan. 1, 2013

Gains

Losses

Fair value
Dec. 31, 2013

1)  This category relates to a 9.1% investment in FC Bayern München AG of € 80 million. Dividends 
are distributed by FC Bayern München AG instead of regular interest payments. These dividends 
are recognised in other financial income.

79

1

–

80

Level 1 is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 is based on inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).
Level 3 is based on inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs). 

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes   /  Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

/  04.8  /

Due to the short-term maturities of cash and cash equivalents, short-term financial assets, accounts receivable 
and payable as well as other current financial receivables and payables, their respective fair values approximate 
their carrying amount. 

The fair values of non-current financial assets and liabilities are estimated by discounting expected future 
cash flows using current interest rates for debt of similar terms and remaining maturities and adjusted by an 
adidas Group specific credit risk premium.

Fair values of long-term financial assets classified as ‘Available-for-sale’ are based on quoted market prices 

in an active market or are calculated as present values of expected future cash flows.

The fair values of currency options, forward exchange contracts and commodity futures are determined on 
the basis of market conditions at the balance sheet date. The fair value of a currency option is determined using 
generally accepted models to calculate option prices. The fair market value of an option is influenced not only by 
the remaining term of the option, but also by other determining factors such as the actual foreign exchange rate 
and the volatility of the underlying foreign currency base.

In  accordance  with  IFRS  13,  the  following  tables  show  the  valuation  methods  used  in  measuring  Level  1, 

Level 2 and Level 3 fair values, as well as the significant unobservable inputs used.

Financial instruments Level 1 not measured at fair value

Type

Valuation method

Convertible bond

Eurobond

The fair value is based on the market price of the 
convertible bond as at December 31, 2014.

The fair value is based on the market price of the 
Eurobond as at December 31, 2014.

Significant unobservable  
inputs

Category

Not applicable

Not applicable

FLAC

FLAC

Financial instruments Level 2 measured at fair value

Type

Valuation method

Short-term financial 
assets

The discounted cash flow method is applied, which 
considers the present value of expected payments, 
discounted using a risk-adjusted discount rate. Due to 
their short-term maturities, their respective fair value is 
equal to the notional amount.

Significant unobservable  
inputs

Category

231

Not applicable

FAHfT

Available-for-sale 
financial assets

The fair value is based on the market price of the assets 
as at December 31, 2014.

Not applicable

AfS

Forward exchange 
contracts

Currency options

Commodity futures

For EUR/USD, the adidas Group applies the par method, 
which uses actively traded forward rates. For the other 
currency pairs, the zero coupon method is applied. The 
zero method is a model for the determination of forward 
rates based on deposit and swap interest rates.

Not applicable

n.a. respectively 
FAHfT

The adidas Group applies the Garman-Kohlhagen model, 
which is an extended version of the Black-Scholes 
model.

Not applicable

The fair value is determined based on commodity 
forward curves, discounted by deposit and swap interest 
rates. 

Not applicable

n.a. respectively 
FAHfT

n.a. respectively 
FAHfT

Financial instruments Level 2 not measured at fair value

Type

Valuation method

Private placements

The discounted cash flow method is applied, which 
considers the present value of expected payments, 
discounted using a risk-adjusted discount rate.

Significant unobservable  
inputs

Category

Not applicable

FLAC

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes   /  Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

/  04.8  /

Financial instruments Level 3 measured at fair value

Type

Valuation method

Investment in  
FC Bayern  
München AG

This equity security does not have a quoted market price 
in an active market. Existing contractual arrangements 
(based on the externally observable dividend policy of 
Bayern München AG) are used in order to calculate the 
fair value as at December 31, 2014.

Significant unobservable  
inputs

Category

See column ‘Valuation 
method’

FAHfT

Net gains/losses on financial instruments recognised in the consolidated income statement 

(€ in millions)

Financial assets or financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

Thereof: designated as such upon initial recognition

Thereof: classified as held for trading 

Loans and receivables

Available-for-sale financial assets

Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost

Year ending 
 Dec. 31, 2014

Year ending 
 Dec. 31, 2013

(13)

–

(13)

(26)

–

12

(16)

–

(16)

(13)

–

15

Net gains or losses on financial assets or financial liabilities held for trading include the effects from fair value 
measurements of the derivatives that are not part of a hedging relationship, and changes in the fair value of other 
financial instruments as well as interest payments.

Net gains or losses on loans and receivables comprise mainly impairment losses and reversals. 
Net gains or losses on financial liabilities measured at amortised cost include effects from early settlement 

and reversals of accrued liabilities.

The disclosures required by IFRS 7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’, paragraphs 13A to 13F (‘Offsetting 
financial assets and financial liabilities’) as well as 31 to 42 (‘Nature and Extent of Risks arising from Financial 
Instruments’)  can  be  found  in  /  NOTE  07  and  the  Group  Management  Report  /  SEE  RISK  AND  OPPORTUNITY  REPORT, 
P. 154.

Financial instruments for the hedging of foreign exchange risk
The adidas Group uses natural hedges and arranges forward exchange contracts, currency options and currency 
swaps to protect against foreign exchange risk. As at December 31, 2014, the Group had outstanding currency 
options with premiums paid totalling an amount of € 0 million (2013: € 2 million). The effective part of the currency 
hedges is directly recognised in hedging reserves and as part of the acquisition costs of inventories, respectively, 
and posted into the income statement at the same time as the underlying secured transaction is recorded. An 
amount of positive €  22  million after taxes (2013: positive €  2  million) for currency options and an amount of 
positive € 154 million after taxes (2013: negative € 34 million) for forward exchange contracts were recorded in 
hedging reserves. Currency option premiums impacted net income in the amount of € 3 million in 2014 (2013: 
€ 4 million). 

The total time value of the currency options not being part of a hedge in an amount of negative € 0 million 
(2013: negative € 4 million) was recorded in the income statement in 2014. In 2014, due to a change in the exposure, 
some of the currency hedges were terminated and consequently an amount of € 0 million was reclassified from 
hedging reserves to the income statement. 

In  the  years  ending  December  31,  2014  and  2013,  hedging  instruments  related  to  product  sourcing  were 

bought to hedge a total net amount of US $ 5.6 billion and US $ 5.2 billion, respectively.

232

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes   /  Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

/  04.8  /

The notional amounts of all outstanding currency hedging instruments, which are mainly related to cash flow 
hedges, are summarised in the following table:

Notional amounts of all outstanding currency hedging instruments 

(€ in millions)

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Forward exchange contracts

Currency options

Total

 6,738

 278

7,016

 4,430

 472

 4,902

The comparatively high amount of forward exchange contracts is primarily due to currency swaps for liquidity 
management purposes and hedging transactions.

Of the total amount of outstanding hedges, the following contracts related to the US dollar (i.e. the biggest 

single exposure of product sourcing):

Notional amounts of outstanding US dollar hedging instruments 

(€ in millions)

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Forward exchange contracts

Currency options

Total

3,192

278

3,470

2,605

425

3,030

The fair value of all outstanding currency hedging instruments is as follows:

Fair values 

(€ in millions)

Forward exchange contracts

Currency options

Total

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

233

Positive  
fair value 

Negative 
fair value 

Positive  
fair value 

Negative 
fair value 

245

26

271

(50)

(0)

(50)

47

11

58

(79)

(13)

(92)

A  total  net  fair  value  of  positive  €  163  million  (2013:  negative  €  36  million)  for  forward  exchange  contracts 
related to hedging instruments falling under hedge accounting as per definition of IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments: 
Recognition  and  Measurement’  was  recorded  in  the  hedging  reserve.  The  remaining  net  fair  value  of  positive 
€ 32 million (2013: positive € 4 million), mainly related to liquidity swaps for cash management purposes and to 
forward exchange contracts hedging intercompany dividend receivables, was recorded in the income statement. 
The total fair value of positive € 26 million (2013: negative € 2 million) for outstanding currency options related to 
cash flow hedges. This consists of a positive time value of € 0 million (2013: positive € 8 million) and of a negative 
time value of € 0 million (2013: negative € 12 million) and, in contrast to the preceding table above, does not 
include the intrinsic value of the options.

The fair value adjustments of outstanding cash flow hedges for forecasted sales are reported in the income 
statement  when  the  forecasted  sales  transactions  are  recorded.  The  vast  majority  of  these  transactions  are 
forecasted to occur in 2015. At the balance sheet date, inventories were adjusted by negative € 1 million (2013: 
positive € 20 million) which will be recognised in the income statement in 2015.

In the hedging reserve, a negative amount of € 4 million (2013: negative € 6 million) is included for hedging 
the currency risk of net investments in foreign entities, mainly for the subsidiaries LLC “adidas, Ltd.” and adidas 
Sports (China) Co. Ltd. This reserve will remain until the investment in the foreign entity has been sold. As at 
December 31, 2014, no ineffective part of the hedges was recorded in the income statement.

In  order  to  determine  the  fair  values  of  its  derivatives  that  are  not  publicly  traded,  the  adidas  Group  uses 
generally accepted quantitative financial models based on market conditions prevailing at the balance sheet date.
In  2014,  the  fair  values  of  the  derivatives  were  determined  applying  mainly  the  ‘par  method’,  which  uses 

actively traded forward rates.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes   /  Notes to the Consolidated Income Statement

/  04.8  /

Notes to the Consolidated Income Statement

30 
Other operating income

Other operating income consists of the following:

Other operating income (continuing operations)

31 
Other operating expenses

234

(€ in millions)

Income from release of accrued liabilities and other provisions

Income from accounts receivable previously written off

Gains from disposal of fixed assets

Reversals of impairment losses for intangible and tangible assets

Sundry income

Other operating income

Sundry income mainly relates to income from cost reimbursements.

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2014

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2013

89

3

2

1

44

138

83

3

1

2

53

142

Other  operating  expenses  include  expenses  for  sales,  marketing,  research  and  development,  as  well  as  for 
logistics  and  central  administration.  In  addition,  they  include  impairment  losses  as  well  as  depreciation  of 
tangible assets and amortisation of intangible assets (except goodwill impairment losses), with the exception of 
depreciation and amortisation which is included in the cost of sales.

Marketing  working  budget  is  a  material  component  of  other  operating  expenses.  The  marketing  working 
budget consists of promotion and communication spending such as promotion contracts, advertising, events and 
other communication activities. However, it does not include marketing overhead expenses, which are presented 
in marketing overheads. In 2014, marketing working budget of continuing operations accounted for 25% (2013: 
24%) of the total other operating expenses.

Expenses for central administration include the functions IT, Finance, Legal, Human Resources, Facilities & 

Services as well as General Management.

Depreciation  and  amortisation  expense  (continuing  operations)  for  tangible  and  intangible  assets  (except 
goodwill impairment losses) and impairment losses were € 332 million and € 291 million for the years ending 
December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Thereof, € 2 million and € 3 million were recorded within the cost of 
sales as they are directly assigned to the production costs.

Other operating expenses (continuing operations)

(€ in millions)

Marketing working budget

Sales working budget

Marketing overhead 1)

Sales force 1)

Logistics 1)

Research and development 1)

Central administration 1)

Other operating expenses

Thereof: depreciation, amortisation and impairment losses

1) Including personnel and administration expenses.

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2014

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2013

1,548

375

427

1,915

763

126

1,050

6,203

323

1,451

336

420

1,815

753

124

1,114

6,013

282

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes   /  Notes to the Consolidated Income Statement

/  04.8  /

32 
Cost by nature

Expenses are presented by function according to the ‘cost of sales method’ in the income statement. Supplementary 
information on the expenses by nature is detailed below.

Cost of materials 
The total cost of materials (continuing operations) relating to the amount of inventories recognised as an expense 
during  the  period  was  €  7.478  billion  and  €  7.060  billion  for  the  years  ending  December  31,  2014  and  2013, 
respectively.

Personnel expenses
Personnel expenses were as follows:

Personnel expenses (continuing operations) 

(€ in millions)

Wages and salaries

Social security contributions

Pension expenses

Personnel expenses

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2014

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2013

1,593

178

71

1,842

1,590

173

70

1,833

Personnel  expenses  are  primarily  included  within  other  operating  expenses.  Personnel  expenses  which  are 
directly attributable to the production costs of goods are included within the cost of sales.

33 
Financial income/ 
financial expenses

Financial result consists of the following:

Financial income 

(€ in millions)

Interest income from financial instruments measured at amortised cost

Interest income from financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss

Interest income from non-financial assets

Other

Financial income

Financial expenses 

(€ in millions)

Interest expense on financial instruments measured at amortised cost

Interest expense on financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss

Interest expense on other provisions and non-financial liabilities

Net foreign exchange losses

Other

Financial expenses

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2014

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2013

235

 4

13

0

3

 19

 8

17

0

1

 26

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2014

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2013

59

0

3

3

2

67

73

0

0

18

3

94

Interest income from financial instruments, measured at amortised cost, mainly consists of interest income from 
bank deposits and loans.

Interest  income/expense  from  financial  instruments  at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss  mainly  includes 
interest payments from investment funds as well as net interest payments from interest derivatives not being 
part of a hedging relationship. Unrealised gains/losses from fair value measurement of such financial assets are 
shown in other financial income or expenses.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes   /  Notes to the Consolidated Income Statement

/  04.8  /

Interest expense on financial instruments measured at amortised cost mainly includes interest on borrowings 
and effects from using the ‘effective interest method’.

Interest  expense  on  other  provisions  and  non-financial  liabilities  particularly  includes  effects  from 

measurement of other provisions at present value and interest on non-financial liabilities such as tax payables.

Other financial expenses include impairment losses on other financial assets amounting to € 2 million for the 

year ending December 31, 2014 (2013: € 3 million).

Information regarding the Group’s available-for-sale investments, borrowings and financial instruments is 

also included in these Notes  /  SEE NOTES 06, 15, 18 AND 29.

adidas AG and its German subsidiaries are subject to German corporate and trade taxes. For the years ending 
December 31, 2014 and 2013, the statutory corporate income tax rate of 15% plus a surcharge of 5.5% thereon is 
applied to earnings. The municipal trade tax is approximately 11.4% of taxable income.

For non-German subsidiaries, deferred taxes are calculated based on tax rates that have been enacted or 

substantively enacted by the closing date.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if they relate to the same fiscal authority. The following deferred tax 
assets  and  liabilities,  determined  after  appropriate  offsetting,  are  presented  in  the  consolidated  statement  of 
financial position:

Deferred tax assets/liabilities 

(€ in millions)

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

34 
Income taxes

236

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities

Deferred tax assets, net

The movements of deferred taxes are as follows:

Movement of deferred taxes 

577

 (390)

 186

486

 (338)

 148

(€ in millions)

2014

2013

Deferred tax assets, net as at January 1

Deferred tax income

Change in consolidated companies 1)

Change in deferred taxes on assets classified as held for sale 2)

Change in deferred taxes attributable to remeasurements of defined benefit plans 
recorded in other comprehensive income 3)

Change in deferred taxes attributable to effective portion of qualifying hedging 
instruments recorded in other comprehensive income 4)

Currency translation differences

Deferred tax assets, net as at December 31

1) See Note 04.
2) See Note 03 and 11.
3) See Note 24.
4) See Note 29.

148

43

(1)

27

21

(37)

(13)

186

160

14

0

0

(1)

(1)

(24)

148

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes   /  Notes to the Consolidated Income Statement

/  04.8  /

Gross Group deferred tax assets and liabilities after valuation allowances, but before appropriate offsettings, are 
attributable to the items detailed in the table below:

Deferred taxes 

(€ in millions)

Non-current assets 

Current assets

Accrued liabilities and provisions

Accumulated tax loss carry-forwards

Deferred tax assets

Non-current assets

Current assets

Accrued liabilities and provisions

Deferred tax liabilities

Deferred tax assets, net

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

183

197

250

92

722

363

102

69

534

186

145

166

198

69

578

303

72

55

430

148

Deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that the realisation of the related benefit is probable. For 
the assessment of probability, in addition to past performance and the respective prospects for the foreseeable 
future, appropriate tax structuring measures are also taken into consideration.

Deferred  tax  assets  for  which  the  realisation  of  the  related  tax  benefits  is  not  probable  increased  from 
€ 435 million to € 524 million for the year ending December 31, 2014. These amounts mainly relate to tax losses 
carried forward and unused foreign tax credits of the US tax group, which begin to expire in 2026. The remaining 
unrecognised deferred tax assets relate to subsidiaries operating in markets where the realisation of the related 
tax benefit is not considered probable.

The Group does not recognise deferred tax liabilities for unremitted earnings of non-German subsidiaries 
to the extent that they are expected to be permanently invested in international operations. These earnings, the 
amount of which cannot be practicably computed, could become subject to additional tax if they were remitted as 
dividends or if the Group were to sell its shareholdings in the subsidiaries.

237

Tax expenses 
Tax expenses are split as follows:

Income tax expenses (continuing operations)

(€ in millions)

Current tax expenses

Deferred tax income

Income tax expenses

Year ending 
 Dec. 31, 2014

Year ending 
 Dec. 31, 2013

315

(43)

271

354

(14)

340

The deferred tax income includes tax income of € 24 million in total (2013: € 25 million) related to the origination 
and reversal of temporary differences.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes   /  Notes to the Consolidated Income Statement

/  04.8  /

The effective tax rate of the Group differs from an assumed tax rate of 30% for the year ending December 31, 2014 
as follows:

Tax rate reconciliation (continuing operations)

Year ending Dec. 31, 2014

Year ending Dec. 31, 2013

€ in millions

in %

€ in millions

in %

Expected income tax expenses

Tax rate differentials

Non-deductible expenses

Goodwill impairment losses

Losses for which benefits were not recognisable 
and changes in valuation allowances

Changes in tax rates

Other, net

Withholding tax expenses

Income tax expenses

251

 (117)

 18

23

42

6

 1

 224

 47

 271

 30.0

 (14.1)

 2.2

2.8

 5.0

0.7

 0.1

 26.8

 5.6

 32.5

334

 (133)

 82

16

24

(35)

 1

 289

 51

 340

 30.0

 (12.0)

 7.4

1.4

 2.1

(3.1)

 0.1

 25.9

 4.6

 30.5

For 2013, the line item ‘Non-deductible expenses’ includes tax expenses of in total € 27 million related to the 
resolution of domestic tax audits for prior years. 

For  2014  and  2013,  the  effective  tax  rate  is  affected  by  non-tax-deductible  goodwill  impairment  losses. 

Excluding the goodwill impairment losses, the effective tax rate is 29.7% and 29.0%, respectively. 

For 2014, the line item ‘Losses for which benefits were not recognisable and changes in valuation allowances’ 

mainly relates to changes in valuation allowances of the US tax group. 

For 2013, the line item ‘Changes in tax rates’ mainly reflects a UK tax rate deduction effective in 2013.

Basic earnings per share from continuing operations are calculated by dividing the net income from continuing 
operations attributable to shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year, 
excluding ordinary shares purchased by the adidas Group and held as treasury shares.

Basic  earnings  per  share  from  continuing  and  discontinued  operations  are  calculated  by  dividing  the  net 
income  attributable  to  shareholders  by  the  weighted  average  number  of  shares  outstanding  during  the  year, 
excluding ordinary shares purchased by the adidas Group and held as treasury shares.

A dilutive effect from 6.06 million potential shares arising from the convertible bond does not apply in 2014 as 

the conversion right does not have any value as at the balance sheet date  /  SEE NOTE 18.

Earnings per share

Net income from continuing operations (€ in millions)

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests (€ in millions) 

Net income from continuing operations attributable to shareholders (€ in millions)

Weighted average number of shares 

Basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (in €) 

Net income attributable to shareholders (€ in millions)

Weighted average number of shares

Basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing and discontinued operations 
(in €) 

Year ending 
 Dec. 31, 2014

Year ending 
 Dec. 31, 2013

564

6 

558

773

3 

770

208,776,457

209,216,186

2.67

490

3.68

787

208,776,457

209,216,186

2.35

3.76

For further information on basic and diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations  /  SEE NOTE 03.

238

35 
Earnings per share

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014 
36 
Segmental information

Notes   /  Notes – Additional Information

/  04.8  /

Notes – Additional Information

The Group operates predominantly in one industry segment – the design, distribution and marketing of athletic 
and sports lifestyle products.

Following  the  Group’s  internal  management  reporting  and  in  accordance  with  the  definition  of  IFRS  8 
‘Operating Segments’, six operating segments have been identified: Wholesale, Retail, TaylorMade-adidas Golf, 
Rockport,  Reebok-CCM  Hockey  and  Other  Centrally  Managed  Brands.  According  to  the  criteria  of  IFRS  8  for 
reportable segments, the business segments Wholesale and Retail are reported separately, while the remaining 
are aggregated under Other Businesses due to their only subordinate materiality.

The Wholesale segment comprises all business activities relating to the distribution of adidas and Reebok 

products to retail customers.

The  Retail  segment  comprises  all  business  activities  relating  to  the  sale  of  adidas  and  Reebok  products 

directly to end consumers through own retail and own e-commerce platforms.

The operating segment TaylorMade-adidas Golf comprises the brands TaylorMade, adidas Golf, Adams Golf 

and Ashworth.

The  Other  Centrally  Managed  Brands  segment  primarily  includes  the  business  activities  of  the  labels  Y-3 
and Porsche Design Sport by adidas as well as the business activities of the brand Five Ten in the outdoor action 
sports sector. Furthermore, the segment also comprises the German own-retail activities of the adidas NEO label.
Certain centralised Group functions do not meet the definition of IFRS 8 for a reportable operating segment. 
This  includes  functions  such  as  central  treasury,  global  sourcing  as  well  as  other  headquarter  departments. 
Assets, liabilities, income and expenses relating to these corporate functions are presented together with other 
non-allocable items and intersegment eliminations in the reconciliations.

Compared to the 2013 consolidated financial statements, Rockport is shown in the segmental reporting as 

discontinued operations.

The chief operating decision maker for the adidas Group has been defined as the joint Executive Board of 

adidas AG.

There are no intersegment sales between the reportable segments. Accounting and valuation policies applied 

for reporting segmental information are the same as those used for the adidas Group  /  SEE NOTE 02. 

The  results  of  the  operating  segments  are  reported  in  the  line  item  ‘Segmental  operating  profit’.  This  is 
defined as gross profit minus costs directly attributable to the segment or the group of segments (primarily sales 
and  logistics  costs)  before  marketing  working  budget  expenditures  and  operating  overhead  costs  not  directly 
attributable.

Segmental assets include accounts receivable as well as inventories. Only these items are reported to the 
chief  operating  decision  maker  on  a  regular  basis.  Depreciation,  amortisation,  impairment  losses  (except  for 
goodwill) and reversals of impairment losses as well as capital expenditures for tangible and intangible assets 
are part of the segmental reporting, even though segmental assets do not contain tangible and intangible assets. 
Depreciation  and  amortisation  as  well  as  impairment  losses  and  reversals  of  impairment  losses  not  directly 
attributable to a segment or a group of segments are presented under HQ/Consolidation in the reconciliations.

Segmental liabilities only contain accounts payable from operating activities as there are no other liability 

items reported regularly to the chief operating decision maker.

Interest income and interest expenses as well as income taxes are not allocated to the reportable segments 

and are not reported separately to the chief operating decision maker.

239

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes   /  Notes – Additional Information

/  04.8  /

Segments

(€ in millions)

Wholesale 

Retail

Other Businesses  
(continuing  
operations)

Other Businesses  
(discontinued  
operations)

Other Businesses  
(total)

Total

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

Net sales (non-Group) 

Segmental operating profit

Segmental assets

Segmental liabilities

Capital expenditure

Depreciation and amortisation

Impairment losses and  
reversals of impairment losses

9,376

3,100

2,945

358

71

52

(1)

9,100

3,082

2,763

360

62

45

1

3,842

3,446

1,316

1,657

673

799

125

134

93

16

678

898

99

139

87

1

254

706

134

20

7

1

455

621

147

22

6

0

283

46

139

37

6

7

0

289

54

128

30

6

5

0

1,599

1,946

14,817

14,492

300

846

171

26

14

1

508

749

176

28

11

0

4,074

4,590

654

232

159

16

4,269

4,410

635

229

143

2

Reconciliations
The  following  tables  include  reconciliations  of  segmental  information  to  the  aggregate  numbers  of  the 
consolidated financial statements, taking into account items which are not directly attributable to a segment or 
a group of segments.

240

Net sales (non-Group)

(€ in millions)

Reportable segments

Other Businesses

Reclassification to discontinued operations

Total

Operating profit 

(€ in millions)

Operating profit for reportable segments

Operating profit for Other Businesses

Segmental operating profit

HQ/Consolidation

Marketing working budget

Other operating expenses

Royalty and commission income

Reclassification to discontinued operations

Operating profit

Financial income

Financial expenses

Income before taxes

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2014

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2013

13,218

1,599

(283)

14,534

12,546

1,946

(289)

14,203

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2014

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2013

3,774

300

4,074

245

(1,548)

(1,944)

102

(46)

883

19

(67)

835

3,760

508

4,269

293

(1,451)

(1,979)

103

(54)

1,181

26

(94)

1,113

Operating profit of centralised functions which do not represent a segment, such as central treasury and global 
sourcing, is shown under HQ/Consolidation.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014 
Notes   /  Notes – Additional Information

/  04.8  /

Capital expenditure 

(€ in millions)

Reportable segments

Other Businesses

HQ/Consolidation

Total

Depreciation and amortisation 

(€ in millions)

Reportable segments

Other Businesses

Reclassification to discontinued operations

HQ/Consolidation

Total

Impairment losses and reversals of impairment losses 

(€ in millions)

Reportable segments

Other Businesses

Reclassification to discontinued operations

HQ/Consolidation

Total

Assets 

(€ in millions)

Accounts receivable and inventories of reportable segments

Accounts receivable and inventories of Other Businesses

Segmental assets

Non-segmental accounts receivable and inventories

Current financial assets 

Other current assets

Non-current assets

Reclassification to assets classified as held for sale

Total

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2014

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2013

205

26

322

554

201

28

250

479

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2014

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2013

146

14

(7)

156

309

132

11

(5)

143

281

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2014

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2013

15

1

0

78

94

2

0

0

52

54

241

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

3,744

846

4,590

22

2,086

789

5,070

(139)

3,661

749

4,410

33

1,811

603

4,742

–

12,417

11,599

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014242

Notes   /  Notes – Additional Information

/  04.8  /

Liabilities 

(€ in millions)

Accounts payable of reportable segments 

Accounts payable of Other Businesses

Segmental liabilities

Non-segmental accounts payable 

Current financial liabilities

Other current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Reclassification to liabilities classified as held for sale

Total

Product information 

Net sales (non-Group)

(€ in millions)

Footwear

Apparel

Hardware

Reclassification to discontinued operations

Total

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

483

171

654

1,035

379

2,346

2,422

(37)

6,799

459

176

635

1,190

794

2,113

1,386

–

6,118

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2014

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2013

6,939

6,281

1,597

(283)

14,534

6,873

5,813

1,806

(289)

14,203

Geographical information
Net  sales  (non-Group)  are  shown  in  the  geographic  market  in  which  the  net  sales  are  realised.  Non-current 
assets are allocated to the geographic market based on the domicile of the respective subsidiary independent of 
the segmental structure and consist of tangible assets, goodwill, trademarks, other intangible assets and other 
non-current assets.

Geographical information 

(€ in millions)

Net sales (non-Group)

Non-current assets 

Western Europe

European Emerging Markets 

North America

Greater China

Other Asian Markets

Latin America

HQ/Consolidation

Reclassification to discontinued operations

Total

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2014

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

4,138

1,959

3,124

1,811

2,157

1,627

0

(283)

14,534

3,800

1,894

3,362

1,655

2,206

1,575

0

(289)

14,203

1,619

563

1,107

359

438

236

0

– 

1,488

608

1,023

296

483

208

0

– 

4,322

4,106

With regard to Germany, Western Europe contains net sales (non-Group) (continuing operations) amounting to 
€ 827 million and € 724 million as well as non-current assets amounting to € 806 million and € 739 million for 
the  years  2014  and  2013,  respectively.  With  regard  to  the  USA,  North  America  contains  net  sales  (non-Group) 
(continuing operations) amounting to € 2.579 billion and € 2.782 billion as well as non-current assets amounting 
to € 833 million and € 862 million for the years 2014 and 2013, respectively. 

The reporting by segments will be adjusted starting 2015 in order to reflect the new internal management 
reporting. In the future, the management and reporting of the Group will no longer be split into Wholesale and 
Retail as well as Other Businesses, but into geographical markets and Other Businesses.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes   /  Notes – Additional Information

/  04.8  /

37 
Additional cash flow 
 information

In 2014, the increase in cash generated from operating activities compared to the prior year was primarily due to 
lower working capital requirements.

Net  cash  outflow  from  investing  activities  in  2014  was  mainly  related  to  spending  for  property,  plant  and 
equipment such as investments in the furnishing and fitting of stores in the Retail segment, in new office buildings, 
warehouses and IT systems.

Cash outflows from financing activities were mainly related to the dividend paid to shareholders of adidas AG 

and to the repurchase of treasury shares.

Net cash generated from discontinued operations 

(€ in millions)

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Net cash generated from operating activities

Net cash used in investing activities

Net cash used in/generated from financing activities

Total 

19

(7)

– 

12

23

(6)

– 

17

38 
Commitments and 
 contingencies

Other financial commitments 
The Group has other financial commitments for promotion and advertising contracts, which mature as follows:

Financial commitments for promotion and advertising 

(€ in millions)

Within 1 year

Between 1 and 5 years 

After 5 years

Total 

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

836

2,590

1,766

5,193

724

2,054

1,013

3,791

243

Commitments  with  respect  to  promotion  and  advertising  contracts  maturing  after  five  years  have  remaining 
terms of up to 16 years from December 31, 2014.

Commitments for promotion and advertising contracts increased by € 1.4 billion compared to December 31, 
2013 due to the conclusion of new contracts and the prolongation of existing partnerships. The increase mainly 
resulted from the long-term promotion contract concluded with Manchester United F.C.

Information regarding commitments under lease and service contracts is also included in these Notes  /  SEE 

NOTE 28.

Litigation and other legal risks 
The  Group  is  currently  engaged  in  various  lawsuits  resulting  from  the  normal  course  of  business,  mainly  in 
connection with distribution agreements as well as intellectual property rights. The risks regarding these lawsuits 
are covered by provisions when a reliable estimate of the amount of the obligation can be made  /  SEE NOTE 20. In 
the opinion of Management, the ultimate liabilities resulting from such claims will not materially affect the assets, 
liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Group.

In connection with the financial irregularities at Reebok India Company in 2012, various legal uncertainties 
were  identified.  The  risks  cannot  be  assessed  conclusively.  However,  based  on  legal  opinions  and  internal 
assessments, Management assumes that the effects will not have any material influence on the assets, liabilities, 
financial position and profit or loss of the Group.

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Notes   /  Notes – Additional Information

/  04.8  /

39 
Related party disclosures

According  to  the  definitions  of  IAS  24  ‘Related  Party  Disclosures’,  the  Supervisory  Board  and  the  Executive 
Board of adidas AG were identified as related parties who solely received remuneration in connection with their 
function as key management personnel. For information about the remuneration of the Supervisory Board and the 
Executive Board of adidas AG  /  SEE NOTE 40  /  SEE COMPENSATION REPORT, P. 28.

In  addition,  adidas  Pension  Trust  e.V.,  a  registered  association,  is  regarded  as  a  related  party.  Based  on  a 
Contractual Trust Arrangement, adidas Pension Trust e.V. manages the plan assets in the form of an administrative 
trust to fund and protect part of the pension obligations of adidas AG  /  SEE NOTE 24. Employees, senior executives 
and members of the Executive Board of adidas AG can be members of the registered association. adidas AG has 
the right to claim a refund of pension payments from adidas Pension Trust e.V. under specific contractually agreed 
conditions.

40 
Other information

Employees 
The average numbers of employees are as follows: 

Employees 

Own retail 

Sales 

Logistics 

Marketing 

Central administration 

Production

Research and development 

Information technology 

Total 

244

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2014

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2013

30,785

26,130

4,095

6,034

3,999

4,569

1,499

1,036

1,108

4,521

5,952

3,800

4,450

1,601

1,029

1,035

53,125

48,518

Accountant service fees for the auditor of the financial statements 
The expenses for the audit fees comprise the expenses of adidas AG, Herzogenaurach, as well as all German 
subsidiaries  of  adidas  AG.  In  2014,  the  expenses  for  the  professional  service  fees  of  the  auditor  KPMG  AG 
amounted to € 1.0 million (2013: € 1.0 million).

Expenses for tax consultancy services provided by the auditor, for other confirmation services provided by the 
auditor and for other services provided by the auditor amounted to € 0.1 million (2013: € 0.1 million), € 1.0 million 
(2013: € 0.0 million) and € 0.3 million (2013: € 0.1 million), respectively.

Remuneration of the Supervisory Board and the Executive Board of adidas AG 
Supervisory Board
Pursuant  to  the  Articles  of  Association,  the  Supervisory  Board  members’  fixed  annual  payment  amounted  to 
€ 0.9 million (2013: € 0.9 million).

Members of the Supervisory Board were not granted any loans in 2014.

Executive Board
In 2014, the overall compensation of the members of the Executive Board totalled € 5.9 million (2013: € 9.9 million), 
€ 5.4 million thereof relates to short-term benefits (2013: € 5.6 million) and € 0.5 million to long-term benefits 
(2013:  €  4.3  million).  Post-employment  benefits  (costs  for  accrued  pension  entitlements  for  members  of  the 
Executive Board) totalled € 2.8 million (2013: € 0.9 million).

In  2014,  former  members  of  the  Executive  Board  and  their  survivors  received  pension  payments  totalling 

€ 3.5 million (2013: € 3.4 million).

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014 
Notes   /  Notes – Additional Information

/  04.8  /

Pension obligations relating to former members of the Executive Board and their survivors amount in total to 
€ 59.5 million (2013: € 48.3 million).

In connection with the mutually agreed termination of Erich Stamminger’s Executive Board mandate as of 
March 6, 2014, the termination of his Executive Board service contract was agreed at the same time. Until that 
date,  he  was  granted  the  contractual  payments  as  agreed  /  SEE  COMPENSATION  REPORT,  P.  28.  The  entitlements 
agreed under the contract remained in effect until that date.

In accordance with the provisions of his final agreement, Erich Stamminger was paid compensation in the 
amount of € 0.1 million for post-contractual competition prohibition. Hereunder, Erich Stamminger agreed not to 
work for a key competitor of the adidas Group in the period until July 8, 2014.
Members of the Executive Board were not granted any loans in 2014.
Further  information  on  disclosures  according  to  §  314  section  1  no.  6a  German  Commercial  Code 

(Handelsgesetzbuch – HGB) is provided in the Compensation Report  /  SEE COMPENSATION REPORT, P. 28.

41 
Information relating to 
the German Corporate 
Governance Code

Information pursuant to § 161 German Stock Corporation Act (Aktiengesetz – AktG)
On February 12, 2015, the Executive Board and Supervisory Board of adidas AG issued the updated Declaration 
of Compliance in accordance with §161 AktG. The full text of the Declaration of Compliance is available on the 
Group’s corporate website.

42 
Events after the balance 
sheet date

Group-specific subsequent events 
On  January  23,  2015,  the  adidas  Group  announced  that  it  had  entered  into  a  definitive  agreement  to  sell 
its  Rockport  business  for  a  total  consideration  of  up  to  US  $  280  million,  most  of  which  will  be  paid  in  cash 
with  the  remainder  comprised  of  notes.  The  transaction,  which  is  subject  to  customary  closing  conditions,  is 
expected  to  be  completed  later  in  2015.  Due  to  concrete  plans  to  sell  the  Rockport  operating  segment,  it  is 
reported as discontinued operations as at December 31, 2014  /  SEE NOTE 03, leading to a non-operational effect 
in the consolidated income statement in an amount of negative € 68 million  /  SEE ADIDAS AG CONSOLIDATED INCOME 
STATEMENT (IFRS), P. 190.

Date of preparation
The Executive Board of adidas AG prepared and approved the consolidated financial statements for submission 
to the Supervisory Board on February 13, 2015. It is the Supervisory Board’s task to examine the consolidated 
financial statements and give their approval and authorisation for issue.

245

Herzogenaurach, February 13, 2015
The Executive Board of adidas AG

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements20149

Statement of Movements of Intangible and Tangible Assets

/  04.9  /

Statement of Movements of Intangible and Tangible Assets

..  /  Statement of Movements of Intangible and Tangible Assets  (€ in millions) 

ATTACHMENT I

Goodwill

 Trademarks 

 Software, patents and 
concessions 

 Internally 

 Total intangible  

 Land, land leases, 

Technical equipment 

 Other equipment,  

generated software 

assets 

buildings and leasehold 

and machinery

furniture and fixtures 

 Construction in 

progress 

 Total tangible  

assets 

improvements

Acquisition cost 

January 1, 2013 

Currency effect 

Additions 

Transfers 

Disposals 

December 31, 2013/January 1, 2014 

Currency effect 

Additions 

Increase in companies consolidated 

Transfers to assets held for sale 

Transfers 

Disposals 

December 31, 2014

Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment 

January 1, 2013

Currency effect 

Additions 

Impairment losses 

246

Reversals of impairment losses 

Transfers 

Disposals 

December 31, 2013/January 1, 2014 

Currency effect 

Additions 

Impairment losses 

Reversals of impairment losses 

Transfers to assets held for sale 

Transfers 

Disposals 

December 31, 2014

Net carrying amount 

January 1, 2013

December 31, 2013

December 31, 2014

Rounding differences may arise in percentages and totals. 

1,569

(35)

–

–

–

1,533

111

–

–

(56)

–

–

1,588

287

(10)

–

52

–

–

–

329

38

–

78

–

(26)

–

–

419

1,281

1,204

1,169

1,484

(65)

–

–

–

1,419

193

–

–

(180)

–

(0)

1,432

0

(0)

0

–

–

–

–

0

0

0

–

–

–

–

(0)

0

1,484

1,419

1,432

689

(23)

51

(4)

(10)

704

36

48

7

(15)

(20)

(31)

730

527

(19)

49

0

(0)

–

(9)

549

30

47

0

–

(12)

0

(21)

592

162

155

138

10

16

25

(1)

41

–

1

5

–

–

2

–

–

5

–

3

–

–

–

–

7

–

–

–

–

–

10

(1)

17

5

9

24

3,752

(123)

52

2

(10)

3,672

340

50

(251)

7

5

(32)

3,792

819

(29)

52

52

(0)

–

(9)

68

58

78

–

885

(38)

0

(22)

1,029

2,933

2,787

2,763

1,074

670

(20)

75

87

(10)

802

41

181

–

(10)

70

(10)

233

(10)

262

35

2

(0)

11

(8)

20

42

9

(0)

(6)

1

(9)

320

437

540

753

199

(12)

40

42

(15)

254

(8)

32

(6)

–

9

(13)

268

102

(14)

109

(9)

29

(0)

0

0

(6)

35

–

(0)

(4)

(0)

(12)

122

97

145

145

1,203

(86)

175

32

(123)

1,202

182

4

–

(15)

35

(84)

1,323

832

(67)

170

2

(2)

(11)

(115)

810

15

181

8

(0)

(9)

(2)

(76)

926

371

392

397

(162)

189

(4)

138

(1)

161

109

8

–

(0)

(118)

(1)

159

(0)

0

–

–

–

–

–

0

–

–

–

–

–

–

0

(0)

189

161

159

2,262

(121)

427

(2)

(148)

2,419

44

504

–

(31)

(5)

(108)

2,823

1,167

(137)

1,181

(85)

234

(2)

4

0

30

258

17

(1)

(19)

(0)

(97)

1,369

1,095

1,238

1,454

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Statement of Movements of Intangible and Tangible Assets

/  04.9  /

..  /  Statement of Movements of Intangible and Tangible Assets  (€ in millions) 

ATTACHMENT I

Goodwill

 Trademarks 

 Software, patents and 

concessions 

 Internally 
generated software 

 Total intangible  
assets 

 Land, land leases, 
buildings and leasehold 
improvements

Technical equipment 
and machinery

 Other equipment,  
furniture and fixtures 

 Construction in 
progress 

 Total tangible  
assets 

Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment 

December 31, 2013/January 1, 2014 

Increase in companies consolidated 

Transfers to assets held for sale 

Acquisition cost 

January 1, 2013 

Currency effect 

Additions 

Transfers 

Disposals 

Currency effect 

Additions 

Transfers 

Disposals 

December 31, 2014

January 1, 2013

Currency effect 

Additions 

Impairment losses 

Transfers 

Disposals 

Currency effect 

Additions 

Impairment losses 

Reversals of impairment losses 

December 31, 2013/January 1, 2014 

Reversals of impairment losses 

Transfers to assets held for sale 

Transfers 

Disposals 

December 31, 2014

Net carrying amount 

January 1, 2013

December 31, 2013

December 31, 2014

Rounding differences may arise in percentages and totals. 

1,569

(35)

1,533

111

(56)

1,588

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

287

(10)

52

329

38

78

(26)

419

1,281

1,204

1,169

1,484

(65)

1,419

193

(180)

(0)

1,432

(0)

–

–

–

–

–

–

0

0

–

–

–

–

0

0

0

–

–

–

–

0

(0)

1,484

1,419

1,432

689

(23)

51

(4)

(10)

704

36

48

7

(15)

(20)

(31)

730

527

(19)

49

0

(0)

–

(9)

549

30

47

0

–

0

(12)

(21)

592

162

155

138

10

–

1

5

–

16

–

2

–

–

25

(1)

41

5

–

3

–

–

–

–

7

–

10

–

–

–

–

(1)

17

5

9

24

3,752

(123)

52

2

(10)

3,672

340

50

7

(251)

5

(32)

3,792

819

(29)

52

52

(0)

–

(9)

885

68

58

78

–

(38)

0

(22)

1,029

2,933

2,787

2,763

670

(20)

75

87

(10)

802

41

181

–

(10)

70

(10)

1,074

233

(10)

35

2

(0)

11

(8)

262

20

42

9

(0)

(6)

1

(9)

320

437

540

753

199

(12)

40

42

(15)

254

(8)

32

–

(6)

9

(13)

268

102

(9)

29

0

(0)

0

(14)

109

(6)

35

–

(0)

(4)

(0)

(12)

122

97

145

145

1,203

(86)

175

32

(123)

1,202

4

182

–

(15)

35

(84)

1,323

832

(67)

170

2

(2)

(11)

(115)

810

15

181

8

(0)

(9)

(2)

(76)

926

371

392

397

189

(4)

138

(162)

(1)

161

8

109

–

(0)

(118)

(1)

159

0

(0)

–

–

–

–

–

0

(0)

–

–

–

–

–

–

0

189

161

159

2,262

(121)

427

(2)

(148)

2,419

44

504

–

(31)

(5)

(108)

2,823

1,167

(85)

234

4

(2)

0

(137)

1,181

30

258

17

(1)

(19)

(0)

(97)

1,369

1,095

1,238

1,454

247

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements201410

Shareholdings

/  04.10  /

Shareholdings

..  /  Shareholdings of adidas AG, Herzogenaurach  (at December 31, 2014) 

ATTACHMENT II

Company and domicile

Germany

1 adidas Insurance & Risk Consultants GmbH 2)

2 adidas Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH 2)

3 adidas CDC Immobilieninvest GmbH 

4 adidas Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH 3)

Europe (incl. Middle East and Africa)

5 adidas sport gmbh 

6 adidas Austria GmbH 

7 adidas France S.a.r.l. 

8 adidas International B.V. 

9 adidas International Trading B.V. 

10 adidas International Marketing B.V. 

11 adidas International Finance B.V. 

12 adidas International Property Holding B.V. 

13 adidas Infrastructure Holding B.V. 

14 adidas Benelux B.V. 

15 Rockport (Europe) B.V. 

16 Hydra Ventures B.V. 

17 adidas (UK) Limited 6)

18 adidas (ILKLEY) Limited 6) 3)

19 LARA SPORT (UK) Limited 6) 3)

20 Sarragan (UK) Limited 6) 3)

21 adidas Trefoil Trading (U.K.) Limited 6) 3)

22 Three Stripes Limited 6) 3)

248

Herzogenaurach (Germany)

Herzogenaurach (Germany)

Herzogenaurach (Germany)

Herzogenaurach (Germany)

Cham (Switzerland)

Klagenfurt (Austria)

Landersheim (France)

Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Stockport (Great Britain)

Stockport (Great Britain)

Stockport (Great Britain)

Stockport (Great Britain)

Stockport (Great Britain)

Stockport (Great Britain)

23 Reebok International Limited 9)

London (Great Britain)

24 Trafford Park DC Limited 

25 RBK Holdings Limited 3) 9)

26 Reebok Sports Limited 3)

27 J.W. Foster & Sons (Athletic Shoes) Limited 3) 9)

28 The Rockport Company Limited 3) 9)

29 Reebok Eastern Trading Limited 3)

30 Reebok Pensions Management Limited 3) 9)

31 Reebok Europe Holdings 

32 Luta Limited 9)

33 Adams Golf, U.K. Ltd. 3) 11)

34 Taylor Made Golf Limited 4)

35 Ashworth U.K. Ltd. 3) 4)

36 adidas (Ireland) Limited 

37 adidas International Re Limited 

38 Reebok Ireland Limited 3)

39 adidas Belgium NV 

40 Five Ten Europe NV 3)

41 adidas Espana S.A.U. 

42 adidas Finance Spain S.A.U. 

43 Global Merchandising, S.L. 

44 adidas Italy S.p.A. 

45 adidas Portugal – Artigos de Desporto, S.A. 

London (Great Britain) 

London (Great Britain) 

London (Great Britain) 

London (Great Britain) 

London (Great Britain) 

London (Great Britain) 

London (Great Britain) 

London (Great Britain) 

London (Great Britain)

London (Great Britain)

Basingstoke (Great Britain)

Bristol (Great Britain)

Dublin (Ireland)

Dublin (Ireland)

Dublin (Ireland)

Brussels (Belgium)

Wavre (Belgium)

Zaragoza (Spain)

Zaragoza (Spain)

Madrid (Spain)

Monza (Italy)

Lisbon (Portugal)

Currency

Equity (currency units
in thousands)

Share in capital
held by 1)

in %

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

CHF

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

USD

EUR

GBP

GBP

GBP

GBP

GBP

GBP

EUR

GBP

GBP

USD

GBP

GBP

USD

GBP

GBP

GBP

GBP

GBP

GBP

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

26

391,990

11,806

4,347

6,869

6,271

122,058

6,689,379

732,621

48,335

13,610

60,126

0

2,104

5,446

(4,038)

39,000

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1,366,928,057

351

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

25,570

– 

– 

(599)

– 

2,485

18,791

56

2,763

(36)

36,181

35,579

1,102

42,942

7,217

directly

directly

12

98

directly

directly

5

23

directly

7

8

8

8

109

8

directly

90

8

23

17

17

17

20

17

18

8

96

13

96

89

23

23

23

23

23

23

23

86

8

34

8

8

36

14

99

2

96

8

8

8

100

100

100

100

100

95.89

4.11

100

93.97

6.03

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

50

50

65.1

34.9

100

89

11

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

1) The number refers to the number of the company 
5) Sub-group adidas India Private Ltd. 
9) Sub-group Reebok International Limited 

  2) Profit and loss transfer agreement 

  3) Companies with no active business 

  4) Sub-group Taylor Made Golf Limited

  6) Sub-group adidas (UK) Limited 

  10) Sub-group Reebok International Ltd. 

  7) Sub-group Sports Licensed Division of the adidas Group, LLC 
  11) Sub-group Taylor Made Golf Co., Inc.

  8) Sub-group Reebok-CCM Hockey, U.S., Inc. 

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Shareholdings

/  04.10  /

.. 

 Shareholdings of adidas AG, Herzogenaurach  (at December 31, 2014) 

ATTACHMENT II

Company and domicile

Currency

Equity (currency units
in thousands)

Share in capital
held by 1)

in %

46 adidas Business Services Lda. 

Maia (Portugal)

47 adidas Norge AS 

48 Reebok-CCM Hockey AS 

49 adidas Sverige AB 

50 adidas Finance Sverige AB 

51 Reebok-CCM Hockey AB 

52 adidas Suomi Oy 

53 Reebok-CCM Hockey Oy 

54 adidas Danmark A/S 

55 adidas CR s.r.o. 

56 adidas Budapest Kft. 

57 adidas Bulgaria EAD 

58 LLC ‘adidas, Ltd.’ 

59 adidas Poland Sp.z o.o. 

60 adidas Finance Poland S.A. 

61 adidas Romania S.R.L. 

62 adidas Baltics SIA 

63 adidas Slovakia s.r.o. 

64 adidas Trgovina d.o.o. 

65 SC ‘adidas-Ukraine’ 

66 adidas LLP 

67 adidas Serbia d.o.o. 

68 adidas Croatia d.o.o. 

69 adidas Hellas A.E. 

70 adidas (Cyprus) Limited 

71 adidas Spor Malzemeleri Satis ve Pazarlama A.S. 

Lillestrom (Norway)

Gressvik (Norway)

Solna (Sweden)

Solna (Sweden)

Solna (Sweden)

Helsinki (Finland)

Espoo (Finland)

Århus (Denmark)

Prague (Czech Republic)

Budapest (Hungary)

Sofia (Bulgaria)

Moscow (Russia)

Warsaw (Poland)

Warsaw (Poland)

Bucharest (Romania)

Riga (Latvia)

Bratislava (Slovak Republic)

Ljubljana (Slovenia)

Kiev (Ukraine)

Almaty (Republic of Kazakhstan)

New Belgrade (Serbia)

Zagreb (Croatia)

Athens (Greece)

Nicosia (Cyprus)

Istanbul (Turkey)

72 adidas Emerging Markets L.L.C (formerly: adidas Emerging Market L.L.C)

Dubai (United Arab Emirates)

73 adidas Emerging Markets FZE 

74 adidas Levant Limited 

75 adidas Levant Limited – Jordan 

76 adidas Imports & Exports Ltd. 

77 adidas Sporting Goods Ltd. 

78 adidas Egypt Ltd. 3)

79 Reebok Israel Ltd. 

80 Life Sport Ltd. 

Dubai (United Arab Emirates)

Dubai (United Arab Emirates)

Amman (Jordan)

Cairo (Egypt)

Cairo (Egypt)

Cairo (Egypt)

Holon (Israel)

Holon (Israel)

81 adidas (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd. 

Cape Town (South Africa)

North America

82 adidas North America, Inc. 

83 adidas America, Inc. 

84 adidas International, Inc. 

85 adidas Team, Inc. 3)

86 Taylor Made Golf Co., Inc. 11)

87 Ashworth, LLC. 3) 11)

88 The Reebok Worldwide Trading Company, LLC 

89 Reebok Securities Holdings LLC 10)

90 The Rockport Company, LLC 

91 Textronics, Inc. 

92 Ashworth Acquisition Corp. 3) 11)

93 Putter, LLC 3) 11)

Portland, Oregon (USA)

Portland, Oregon (USA)

Portland, Oregon (USA)

Portland, Oregon (USA)

Carlsbad, California (USA)

Carlsbad, California (USA)

Wilmington, Delaware (USA)

Wilmington, Delaware (USA) 

Wilmington, Delaware (USA)

Wilmington, Delaware (USA)

Wilmington, Delaware (USA) 

Montgomery, Alabama (USA)

EUR

NOK

NOK

SEK

SEK

SEK

EUR

EUR

DKK

CZK

HUF

BGN

RUB

PLN

PLN

RON

EUR

EUR

EUR

UAH

KZT

RSD

HRK

EUR

EUR

TRY

USD

USD

JOD

JOD

EGP

EGP

USD

ILS

ILS

ZAR

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

249

551

24,782

2,084

66,250

579,797

88,306

1,625

8,386

18,171

78,982

361,141

12,279

31,470,546

37,727

96,022

23,203

1,602

2,168

375

618,389

2,821,072

104,173

26,844

16,181

(37)

278,286

57,928

71,572

2,839

2,443

1,494

88,914

(1,831)

8,379

94,487

201,009

4,683,668

107,760

65,054

(1,013)

17,534

– 

14,980

– 

34,586

11,025

– 

– 

8

directly

directly

47

directly

98

49

8

8

8

directly

directly

directly

6

directly

96

8

8

directly

directly

directly

directly

8

8

directly

directly

8

indirectly

7

8

73

74

77

8

9

directly

directly

8

directly

8

82

82

82

82

86

96

96

96

84

87

92

98

2

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

51

49

100

55

100

100

90

10

100

100

51

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

1) The number refers to the number of the company 
5) Sub-group adidas India Private Ltd. 
9) Sub-group Reebok International Limited 

  2) Profit and loss transfer agreement 

  3) Companies with no active business 

  4) Sub-group Taylor Made Golf Limited

  6) Sub-group adidas (UK) Limited 

  10) Sub-group Reebok International Ltd. 

  7) Sub-group Sports Licensed Division of the adidas Group, LLC 
  11) Sub-group Taylor Made Golf Co., Inc.

  8) Sub-group Reebok-CCM Hockey, U.S., Inc. 

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Shareholdings

/  04.10  /

..  /  Shareholdings of adidas AG, Herzogenaurach  (at December 31, 2014) 

ATTACHMENT II

Company and domicile

Currency

Equity (currency units
in thousands)

Share in capital
held by 1)

in %

94 Onfield Apparel Group, LLC 3) 7)

Dover, Delaware (USA)

95 Reebok Onfield, LLC 3) 7)

96 Reebok International Ltd. 10)

97 Sports Licensed Division of the adidas Group, LLC 7)

98 Reebok-CCM Hockey U.S., Inc. 8)

99 Stone Age Equipment, Inc. 

100 Spartanburg DC, Inc. 

101 adidas Canada Ltd. 

102 Sport Maska Inc. 

Asia

103 adidas Sourcing Limited 

104 adidas Services Limited 

105 adidas Hong Kong Ltd. 

106 Smedley Industries (Hong Kong) Limited 3) 8)

107 Reebok Trading (Far East) Limited 

108 adidas (Suzhou) Co. Ltd. 

109 adidas Sports (China) Co. Ltd. 

110 adidas (China) Ltd. 

250

111 Zhuhai adidas Technical Services Limited 

112 adidas Logistics (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. 

113 adidas Business Services (Dalian) Limited 

114 adidas Japan K.K. 

115 Taylor Made Golf Co., Ltd. 

116 Adams Golf Japan, Inc. 3) 11)

117 adidas Korea Ltd. 

118 Taylor Made Korea Ltd. 

119 adidas Korea Technical Services Limited 

120 adidas India Private Ltd. 5)

121 adidas India Marketing Pvt. Ltd. 5)

122 adidas Technical Services Pvt. Ltd. 

123 Reebok India Company 

124 PT adidas Indonesia 

Dover, Delaware (USA)

Canton, Massachusetts (USA)

Boston, Massachusetts (USA)

Montpelier, Vermont (USA)

Redlands, California (USA)

Spartanburg, South Carolina (USA)

Woodbridge, Ontario (Canada)

New Brunswick (Canada)

Hong Kong (China)

Hong Kong (China)

Hong Kong (China)

Hong Kong (China)

Hong Kong (China)

Suzhou (China)

Suzhou (China)

Shanghai (China)

Zhuhai (China)

Tianjin (China)

Dalian (China)

Tokyo (Japan)

Tokyo (Japan)

Tokyo (Japan)

Seoul (Korea)

Seoul (Korea)

Pusan (Korea)

New Delhi (India)

New Delhi (India)

New Delhi (India)

New Delhi (India)

Jakarta (Indonesia)

125 adidas (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. 

Petaling Jaya (Malaysia)

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

CAD

CAD

USD

USD

HKD

HKD

USD

CNY

CNY

CNY

CNY

CNY

CNY

JPY

JPY

JPY

KRW

KRW

KRW

INR

INR

USD

INR

IDR

MYR

– 

– 

(1,102,053)

93,344

58,910

16,117

9,783

110,327

25,955

369,462

11,002

266,648

– 

31,083

222,947

6,639,121

304,063

18,288

125,589

1,182

9,523,984

6,231,088

– 

196,194,050

11,882,870

3,500,265

4,703,178

– 

3,313

(4,934,579)

142,016,983

43,190

96

95

96

82

96

89

96

83

83

directly

8

9

8

directly

98

96

2

2

8

103

12

8

23

23

86

directly

directly

103

directly

8

120

8

103

133

8

directly

directly

8

99

1

100

100

99

1

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

10.68

89.32

98.99

1.01

100

93.15

99

1

60

40

1) The number refers to the number of the company 
5) Sub-group adidas India Private Ltd. 
9) Sub-group Reebok International Limited 

  2) Profit and loss transfer agreement 

  3) Companies with no active business 

  4) Sub-group Taylor Made Golf Limited

  6) Sub-group adidas (UK) Limited 

  10) Sub-group Reebok International Ltd. 

  7) Sub-group Sports Licensed Division of the adidas Group, LLC 
  11) Sub-group Taylor Made Golf Co., Inc.

  8) Sub-group Reebok-CCM Hockey, U.S., Inc. 

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014Shareholdings

/  04.10  /

.. 

 Shareholdings of adidas AG, Herzogenaurach  (at December 31, 2014) 

ATTACHMENT II

Company and domicile

126 adidas Philippines Inc. 

127 adidas Singapore Pte. Ltd. 

128 adidas Taiwan Limited 

129 adidas (Thailand) Co., Ltd. 

130 adidas Australia Pty. Limited 

131 adidas New Zealand Limited 

132 adidas Vietnam Company Limited 

133 Reebok (Mauritius) Company Limited 

Latin America

134 adidas Argentina S.A. 

Pasig City (Philippines)

Singapore (Singapore)

Taipei (Taiwan)

Bangkok (Thailand)

Mulgrave (Australia)

Auckland (New Zealand)

Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)

Port Louis (Mauritius)

Buenos Aires (Argentina)

135 Reebok Argentina S.A. 

Buenos Aires (Argentina)

136 ASPA do Brasil Ltda. 3)

137 adidas do Brasil Ltda. 

138 adidas Franchise Brasil Servicos Ltda. 

139 Reebok Produtos Esportivos Brasil Ltda. 

140 adidas Chile Limitada 

141 adidas Colombia Ltda. 

142 adidas Peru S.A.C. 

143 adidas de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. 

144 adidas Industrial, S.A. de C.V. 

145 Reebok de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. 3)

146 adidas Latin America, S.A. 

147 Concept Sport, S.A. 

148 adidas Market LAM, S.A. 3)

149 3 Stripes S.A. (adidas Uruguay) 3)

150 Tafibal S.A. 

151 Raelit S.A. 

São Paulo (Brazil)

São Paulo (Brazil)

São Paulo (Brazil)

Jundiai (Brazil)

Santiago de Chile (Chile)

Bogotá (Colombia)

Lima (Peru)

Mexico City (Mexico)

Mexico City (Mexico)

Mexico City (Mexico)

Panama City (Panama)

Panama City (Panama)

Panama City (Panama)

Montevideo (Uruguay)

Montevideo (Uruguay)

Montevideo (Uruguay)

152 Reebok Central America S.A. 10)

San Pedro Sula (Honduras)

153 adidas Corporation de Venezuela, S.A. 3)

154 adisport Corporation 

Caracas (Venezuela) 

San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Currency

Equity (currency units
in thousands)

Share in capital
held by 1)

PHP

SGD

TWD

THB

AUD

NZD

VND

USD

ARS

ARS

BRL

BRL

BRL

BRL

CLP

COP

PEN

MXN

MXN

MXN

USD

USD

USD

UYU

UYU

UYU

HNL

VEF

USD

419,539

14,722

1,000,074

725,949

68,586

11,358

(42,025,995)

2,194

777,325

41,239

169

304,533

2,488

(57,530)

directly

directly

8

directly

8

directly

8

96

88

2

8

9

8

103

2

137

8

79,524,717

directly

108,912

46,835

(86,781)

235,507

(428,451)

(21,319)

789

0

(436)

6,559

8,726

– 

(17)

(1,536)

1

directly

directly

140

directly

directly

directly

directly

8

8

directly

directly

directly

96

88

directly

8

in %

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

99

1

51.22

48.78

73.86

26.13

100

100

100

99.99

99

1

100

99.21

0.79

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

99.6

0.4

100

100

251

1) The number refers to the number of the company 
5) Sub-group adidas India Private Ltd. 
9) Sub-group Reebok International Limited 

  2) Profit and loss transfer agreement 

  3) Companies with no active business 

  4) Sub-group Taylor Made Golf Limited

  6) Sub-group adidas (UK) Limited 

  10) Sub-group Reebok International Ltd. 

  7) Sub-group Sports Licensed Division of the adidas Group, LLC 
  11) Sub-group Taylor Made Golf Co., Inc.

  8) Sub-group Reebok-CCM Hockey, U.S., Inc. 

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements2014ADDITIONAL
I N F O R M A T I O N

05.1

05.2

05.3

05.4

Te n -Ye a r O v e r v i e w 
G l o s s a r y  
D e c l a r a t i o n o f S u p p o r t 
F i n a n c i a l C a l e n d a r  

2 5 4
2 5 8
2 61
2 6 2

N
O
I
T
A
M
R
O
F
N

I

L
A
N
O
I
T
I

D
D
A

05

 
 
 
1

Ten-Year Overview

/  05.1  /

Ten-Year Overview

..  /  Ten-Year Overview

Income Statement Data (€ in millions)

Net sales 3) 4)

Gross profit 3) 4)

Royalty and commission income 3) 4)

Other operating income 3) 4)

Other operating expenses 3) 4)

EBITDA 3) 4)

Operating profit 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 

Net financial result 4)

Income before taxes 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 

Income taxes 3) 4)

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests 4)

Net income attributable to shareholders 5) 6) 7) 8)

Income Statement Ratios

Gross margin 3) 4)

Operating margin 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 

Interest coverage 3) 4)

Effective tax rate 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 

Net income attributable to shareholders in % of net sales 5) 6) 7) 8)

254

Net Sales by Brand (€ in millions)

adidas

Reebok

TaylorMade-adidas Golf 

Rockport 9)

Reebok-CCM Hockey 

Net Sales by Product Category (€ in millions)

Footwear 3) 4)

Apparel 3) 4)

Hardware 3) 4)

Balance Sheet Data (€ in millions)

Total assets

Inventories

Receivables and other current assets

Working capital

Net cash/(net borrowings)

Shareholders’ equity

Rounding differences may arise in percentages and totals.
1) 2011 restated according to IAS 8 in the 2012 consolidated financial statements.
2) Including Reebok, Rockport and Reebok-CCM Hockey from February 1, 2006 onwards. 
3) 2014 and 2013 reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the Rockport business.
4) 2005 reflects continuing operations as a result of the divestiture of the Salomon business segment.
5) 2014 excluding goodwill impairment of € 78 million.
6) 2013 excluding goodwill impairment of € 52 million.
7) 2012 excluding goodwill impairment of € 265 million.
8) Includes income from continuing and discontinued operations.
9) 2014 and 2013 net sales for Rockport are reflected within discontinued operations.
10) Figures adjusted for 1: 4 share split conducted on June 6, 2006.
11) Subject to Annual General Meeting approval.

2014

2013

2012

2011 1)

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006 2)

2005

14,534

6,924

102

138

6,203

1,283

961

(48)

913

271

6 

568

47.6%

6.6%

19.3

29.7%

3.9%

11,774

1,578

913

283

269

6,658

6,279

1,597

12,417

2,526

2,861

2,970

(185)

5,624

14,203

7,001

103

142

6,013

1,496

1,233

(68)

1,165

340

3 

839

49.3%

8.7%

24.0

29.2%

5.9%

11,059

1,599

1,285

289

260

6,587

5,811

1,806

11,599

2,634

2,583

2,125

295

5,489

14,883

7,103

105

127

6,150

1,445

1,185

(69)

1,116

327

(2)

791

47.7%

8.0%

14.6

29.3%

5.3%

11,344

1,667

1,344

285

243

6,922

6,290

1,671

11,651

2,486

2,444

2,504

448

5,304

13,322

6,329

93

98

5,567

1,199

953

(84)

869

261

(5)

613

47.5%

7.2%

12.2

30.0%

4.6%

9,867

1,940

1,044

261

210

6,242

5,733

1,347

11,237

2,502

2,431

1,990

90

5,137

11,990

5,730

100

110

5,046

1,159

894

(88)

806

238

(1)

567

47.8%

7.5%

10.1

29.5%

4.7%

8,714

1,913

909

252

200

5,389

5,380

1,221

10,618

2,119

2,324

1,972

(221)

4,616

10,381

4,712

86

100

4,390

780

508

(150)

358

113

0

245

45.4%

4.9%

3.9

31.5%

2.4%

7,520

1,603

831

232

177

4,642

4,663

1,076

8,875

1,471

2,038

1,649

(917)

3,771

10,799

5,256

89

103

4,378

1,280

1,070

(166)

904

260

(2)

642

48.7%

9.9%

7.4

28.8%

5.9%

7,821

1,717

812

243

188

4,919

4,775

1,105

9,533

1,995

2,523

1,290

(2,189)

3,386

10,299

4,882

102

80

4,115

1,165

949

(135)

815

260

(4)

551

47.4%

9.2%

6.8

31.8%

5.4%

7,113

1,831

804

291

210

4,751

4,426

1,121

8,325

1,629

2,048

1,522

(1,766)

3,023

10,084

4,495

90

55

3,759

1,078

881

(158)

723

227

(13)

483

44.6%

8.7%

5.9

31.4%

4.8%

6,626

1,979

856

293

202

4,733

4,105

1,246

8,379

1,607

1,913

1,733

(2,231)

2,828

6,636

3,197

47

36

2,573

806

707

(52)

655

221

(8)

383

48.2%

10.7%

18.4

33.7%

5.8%

5,861

709

– 

– 

– 

2,978

2,798

860

5,750

1,230

1,551

2,644

551

2,684

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportAdditional Information2014Ten-Year Overview

/  05.1  /

..  /  Ten-Year Overview

Income Statement Data (€ in millions)

Net sales 3) 4)

Gross profit 3) 4)

Royalty and commission income 3) 4)

Other operating income 3) 4)

Other operating expenses 3) 4)

EBITDA 3) 4)

Operating profit 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 

Net financial result 4)

Income before taxes 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 

Income taxes 3) 4)

Income Statement Ratios

Gross margin 3) 4)

Operating margin 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 

Interest coverage 3) 4)

Effective tax rate 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests 4)

Net income attributable to shareholders 5) 6) 7) 8)

Net income attributable to shareholders in % of net sales 5) 6) 7) 8)

Net Sales by Product Category (€ in millions)

Net Sales by Brand (€ in millions)

adidas

Reebok

TaylorMade-adidas Golf 

Rockport 9)

Reebok-CCM Hockey 

Footwear 3) 4)

Apparel 3) 4)

Hardware 3) 4)

Total assets

Inventories

Balance Sheet Data (€ in millions)

Receivables and other current assets

Working capital

Net cash/(net borrowings)

Shareholders’ equity

2014

2013

2012

2011 1)

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006 2)

2005

14,534

6,924

102

138

6,203

1,283

961

(48)

913

271

6 

568

47.6%

6.6%

19.3

29.7%

3.9%

11,774

1,578

913

283

269

6,658

6,279

1,597

12,417

2,526

2,861

2,970

(185)

5,624

14,203

7,001

103

142

6,013

1,496

1,233

(68)

1,165

340

3 

839

49.3%

8.7%

24.0

29.2%

5.9%

11,059

1,599

1,285

289

260

6,587

5,811

1,806

11,599

2,634

2,583

2,125

295

5,489

14,883

7,103

105

127

6,150

1,445

1,185

(69)

1,116

327

(2)

791

47.7%

8.0%

14.6

29.3%

5.3%

11,344

1,667

1,344

285

243

6,922

6,290

1,671

11,651

2,486

2,444

2,504

448

5,304

13,322

6,329

93

98

5,567

1,199

953

(84)

869

261

(5)

613

47.5%

7.2%

12.2

30.0%

4.6%

9,867

1,940

1,044

261

210

6,242

5,733

1,347

11,237

2,502

2,431

1,990

90

5,137

11,990

5,730

100

110

5,046

1,159

894

(88)

806

238

(1)

567

47.8%

7.5%

10.1

29.5%

4.7%

8,714

1,913

909

252

200

5,389

5,380

1,221

10,618

2,119

2,324

1,972

(221)

4,616

10,381

4,712

86

100

4,390

780

508

(150)

358

113

0

245

45.4%

4.9%

3.9

31.5%

2.4%

7,520

1,603

831

232

177

4,642

4,663

1,076

8,875

1,471

2,038

1,649

(917)

3,771

10,799

5,256

89

103

4,378

1,280

1,070

(166)

904

260

(2)

642

48.7%

9.9%

7.4

28.8%

5.9%

7,821

1,717

812

243

188

4,919

4,775

1,105

9,533

1,995

2,523

1,290

(2,189)

3,386

10,299

4,882

102

80

4,115

1,165

949

(135)

815

260

(4)

551

47.4%

9.2%

6.8

31.8%

5.4%

7,113

1,831

804

291

210

4,751

4,426

1,121

8,325

1,629

2,048

1,522

(1,766)

3,023

10,084

4,495

90

55

3,759

1,078

881

(158)

723

227

(13)

483

44.6%

8.7%

5.9

31.4%

4.8%

6,626

1,979

856

293

202

4,733

4,105

1,246

8,379

1,607

1,913

1,733

(2,231)

2,828

255

6,636

3,197

47

36

2,573

806

707

(52)

655

221

(8)

383

48.2%

10.7%

18.4

33.7%

5.8%

5,861

– 

709

– 

– 

2,978

2,798

860

5,750

1,230

1,551

2,644

551

2,684

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportAdditional Information2014Ten-Year Overview

/  05.1  /

..  /  Ten-Year Overview  (continued)

Balance Sheet Ratios

Net borrowings/EBITDA 3) 4)

Average operating working capital in % of net sales 3)

Financial leverage

Equity ratio

Equity-to-fixed-assets ratio

Asset coverage I

Asset coverage II

Fixed asset intensity of investments

Current asset intensity of investments

Liquidity I

Liquidity II

Liquidity III

Working capital turnover 3)

Return on equity 8)

Return on capital employed 8)

Data Per Share 10)

Share price at year-end (in €)

Basic earnings 5) 6) 7) 8) (in €)

Diluted earnings 5) 6) 7) 8) (in €)

256

Price/earnings ratio at year-end 5) 6) 7) 8)

Market capitalisation at year-end (€ in millions)

Net cash generated from operating activities 8) (in €)

Dividend (in €)

Dividend payout ratio 5) 6) 7) 8) (in %)

2014

2013

2012

2011 1)

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006 2)

2005

0.1

22.4%

3.3%

45.3%

110.9%

158.7%

105.9%

40.8%

59.2%

38.6%

83.0%

140.7%

4.9

8.7%

13.8%

57.62

2.72

2.72

21.2

11,773

3.36

1.50 11)

53.9

(0.2)

21.3%

(5.4%)

47.3%

115.8%

145.0%

93.2%

40.9%

59.1%

34.4%

72.6%

128.3%

6.7

14.3%

23.6%

92.64

4.01

4.01

23.1

19,382

3.03

1.50

37.4

(0.3)

20.0%

(8.5%)

45.5%

111.1%

152.7%

100.4%

41.0%

59.0%

44.3%

82.9%

139.7%

5.9

9.9%

19.3%

67.33

3.78

3.78

17.8

14,087

4.50

1.35

35.7

Number of shares outstanding at year-end (in thousands)

204,327

209,216

209,216

209,216

209,216

209,216

193,516

203,629

203,537

203,047

Employees

Number of employees at year-end 3) 4)

Personnel expenses 3) 4) (€ in millions)

Rounding differences may arise in percentages and totals.
1) 2011 restated according to IAS 8 in the 2012 consolidated financial statements.
2) Including Reebok, Rockport and Reebok-CCM Hockey from February 1, 2006 onwards. 
3) 2014 and 2013 reflect continuing operations as a result of the planned divestiture of the Rockport business.
4) 2005 reflects continuing operations as a result of the divestiture of the Salomon business segment.
5) 2014 excluding goodwill impairment of € 78 million.
6) 2013 excluding goodwill impairment of € 52 million.
7) 2012 excluding goodwill impairment of € 265 million.
8) Includes income from continuing and discontinued operations.
9) 2014 and 2013 net sales for Rockport are reflected within discontinued operations.
10) Figures adjusted for 1: 4 share split conducted on June 6, 2006.
11) Subject to Annual General Meeting approval.

53,731

1,842

49,808

1,833

46,306

1,872

39,596

1,352

38,982

1,283

26,376

1,087

15,935

706

(0.1)

20.4%

(1.8%)

45.7%

104.6%

140.7%

93.2%

43.7%

56.3%

31.6%

68.3%

126.0%

6.7

11.9%

19.9%

50.26

2.93

2.93

17.1

10,515

3.86

1.00

34.1

46,824

1,646

0.2

20.8%

4.8%

43.5%

97.4%

141.5%

97.7%

44.6%

55.4%

35.5%

78.2%

132.4%

6.1

12.3%

20.2%

48.89

2.71

2.71

18.0

10,229

4.28

0.80

29.5

42,541

1,521

1.2

24.3%

24.3%

42.5%

85.9%

137.4%

102.9%

49.5%

50.5%

30.0%

80.4%

132.2%

6.3

6.5%

11.3%

37.77

1.25

1.22

31.0

7,902

6.11

0.35

29.8

1.7

24.5%

64.6%

35.5%

73.6%

127.7%

89.1%

48.2%

51.8%

10.5%

55.1%

109.8%

8.4

18.9%

19.8%

27.14

3.25

3.07

8.8

5,252

2.52

0.50

15.1

1.5

25.2%

58.4%

36.3%

72.2%

136.1%

98.0%

50.3%

49.7%

14.5%

70.3%

132.6%

6.8

18.2%

20.2%

51.26

2.71

2.57

19.9

10,438

3.83

0.50

18.0

31,344

1,186

2.1

25.8%

78.9%

33.8%

63.5%

138.7%

102.0%

53.2%

46.8%

15.8%

80.4%

153.7%

5.8

17.1%

17.6%

37.73

2.37

2.25

16.8

7,679

3.74

0.42

17.7

(0.7)

26.0%

(20.5%)

46.7%

194.0%

284.1%

150.4%

24.1%

75.9%

92.0%

148.0%

219.4%

2.6

14.3%

49.3%

40.00

2.05

1.93

20.7

8,122

1.88

0.33

17.2

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportAdditional Information2014Ten-Year Overview

/  05.1  /

2014

2013

2012

2011 1)

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006 2)

2005

(0.1)

20.4%

(1.8%)

45.7%

104.6%

140.7%

93.2%

43.7%

56.3%

31.6%

68.3%

126.0%

6.7

11.9%

19.9%

50.26

2.93

2.93

17.1

10,515

3.86

1.00

34.1

0.2

20.8%

4.8%

43.5%

97.4%

141.5%

97.7%

44.6%

55.4%

35.5%

78.2%

132.4%

6.1

12.3%

20.2%

48.89

2.71

2.71

18.0

10,229

4.28

0.80

29.5

1.2

24.3%

24.3%

42.5%

85.9%

137.4%

102.9%

49.5%

50.5%

30.0%

80.4%

132.2%

6.3

6.5%

11.3%

37.77

1.25

1.22

31.0

7,902

6.11

0.35

29.8

1.7

24.5%

64.6%

35.5%

73.6%

127.7%

89.1%

48.2%

51.8%

10.5%

55.1%

109.8%

8.4

18.9%

19.8%

27.14

3.25

3.07

8.8

5,252

2.52

0.50

15.1

1.5

25.2%

58.4%

36.3%

72.2%

136.1%

98.0%

50.3%

49.7%

14.5%

70.3%

132.6%

6.8

18.2%

20.2%

51.26

2.71

2.57

19.9

10,438

3.83

0.50

18.0

2.1

25.8%

78.9%

33.8%

63.5%

138.7%

102.0%

53.2%

46.8%

15.8%

80.4%

153.7%

5.8

17.1%

17.6%

37.73

2.37

2.25

16.8

7,679

3.74

0.42

17.7

(0.7)

26.0%

(20.5%)

46.7%

194.0%

284.1%

150.4%

24.1%

75.9%

92.0%

148.0%

219.4%

2.6

14.3%

49.3%

40.00

2.05

1.93

20.7

8,122

1.88

0.33

17.2

257

Number of shares outstanding at year-end (in thousands)

204,327

209,216

209,216

209,216

209,216

209,216

193,516

203,629

203,537

203,047

46,824

1,646

42,541

1,521

39,596

1,352

38,982

1,283

31,344

1,186

26,376

1,087

15,935

706

Average operating working capital in % of net sales 3)

..  /  Ten-Year Overview  (continued)

Fixed asset intensity of investments

Current asset intensity of investments

Balance Sheet Ratios

Net borrowings/EBITDA 3) 4)

Financial leverage

Equity ratio

Equity-to-fixed-assets ratio

Asset coverage I

Asset coverage II

Liquidity I

Liquidity II

Liquidity III

Working capital turnover 3)

Return on equity 8)

Return on capital employed 8)

Data Per Share 10)

Share price at year-end (in €)

Basic earnings 5) 6) 7) 8) (in €)

Diluted earnings 5) 6) 7) 8) (in €)

Price/earnings ratio at year-end 5) 6) 7) 8)

Market capitalisation at year-end (€ in millions)

Net cash generated from operating activities 8) (in €)

Dividend (in €)

Dividend payout ratio 5) 6) 7) 8) (in %)

Employees

Number of employees at year-end 3) 4)

Personnel expenses 3) 4) (€ in millions)

0.1

22.4%

3.3%

45.3%

110.9%

158.7%

105.9%

40.8%

59.2%

38.6%

83.0%

140.7%

4.9

8.7%

13.8%

57.62

2.72

2.72

21.2

11,773

3.36

1.50 11)

53.9

53,731

1,842

(0.2)

21.3%

(5.4%)

47.3%

115.8%

145.0%

93.2%

40.9%

59.1%

34.4%

72.6%

128.3%

6.7

14.3%

23.6%

92.64

4.01

4.01

23.1

19,382

3.03

1.50

37.4

49,808

1,833

(0.3)

20.0%

(8.5%)

45.5%

111.1%

152.7%

100.4%

41.0%

59.0%

44.3%

82.9%

139.7%

5.9

9.9%

19.3%

67.33

3.78

3.78

17.8

14,087

4.50

1.35

35.7

46,306

1,872

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportAdditional Information20142

Glossary

/  05.2  /

Glossary

/  B

Backlogs 

Controlled space 

/  F

Includes own-retail business, mono-branded 

franchise stores, shop-in-shops, joint ventures with 

Financial leverage 

Also called order backlogs. The value of orders 

retail partners and co-branded stores. Controlled 

Ratio reflecting the role of borrowings within the 

received for future delivery. Most retailers’ orders 

space offers a high level of brand control and 

financing structure of a company. 

are received six to nine months in advance. 

ensures optimal product offering and presentation 

Financial leverage = (net borrowings / shareholders’ 

according to brand requirements. 

equity) × 100 

/  C

Capital expenditure 

Conversion rate 

Free cash flow 

A key ratio in retail business describing the number 

Cash that is generated by a company’s operating 

of buying customers compared to those who 

activities after the deduction of net investments 

entered the store without buying something; i.e. 

and other cash expenses such as taxes and interest 

Total cash expenditure used for the purchase 

a 25% conversion rate means that 100 persons 

from the operating profit. 

of tangible and intangible assets, excluding 

entered a store with 25 of them buying something. 

Free cash flow = operating profit +/– change in 

acquisitions and finance leases. 

Cash pooling 

A cash management technique for physical 

concentration of cash. Cash pooling allows the 

/  D

DryDye 

operating working capital +/– net investments (capital 

expenditure less depreciation and amortisation) +/– 

financial result and income taxes 

adidas Group to combine credit and debit positions 

A fabric dyeing technology that uses pressurised 

from various accounts and several subsidiaries into 

carbon dioxide to inject dye into fabric instead 

one central account. This technique supports our 

of water, which is the traditional medium for 

in-house bank concept where advantages are taken 

fabric dyeing. This process saves roughly 25 

of any surplus funds of subsidiaries to cover cash 

litres of water for a T-shirt and reduces energy 

258

/  G

German Co-Determination Act 
(Mitbestimmungsgesetz – MitbestG)

requirements of other subsidiaries, thus reducing 

and chemical use by approximately 50%. The 

An act that governs the form of co-determination 

external financing needs and optimising our net 

technology was developed in cooperation between 

of employees in corporations employing more than 

interest expenses. 

adidas and the Thailand-based Yeh Group. 

2,000 employees. It stipulates, among other things, 

Comparable (comp) store sales 

Sales generated in stores which have been open 

for the entire prior financial year and are currently 

/  E

operating. Remodelled stores are included if 

the store format and store size have remained 

Emerging markets 

that such a corporation’s Supervisory Board must 

be composed of an equal number of employee and 

shareholder representatives. 

Goodwill 

Intangible asset that quantifies the price that a 

unchanged. Comparable store sales therefore 

Developing countries showing potential for growth 

buyer of a company has paid for the reputation, 

show the organic growth of the Retail segment 

in both economic strength and private wealth in the 

know-how and market position of the acquired 

and do not include sales generated from new store 

future. For the adidas Group, emerging markets are 

company. Goodwill is the excess of the amount paid 

openings. 

the developing countries of Asia, Eastern Europe, 

over the fair value of the net assets acquired at the 

Concession corners 

Retail space that is fully operated by one brand of 

the adidas Group and is part of a larger sales area 

operated by a retail partner. 

Latin America and Africa. 

purchase date. It is stated at cost and tested for 

impairment annually or on such other occasions 

that events or changes in circumstances indicate 

that it might be impaired. 

Green grass retailers 

Golf distribution channel. Small golf specialty 

shops typically located at a golf course. 

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportAdditional Information2014Glossary

/  05.2  /

/  H

Hardware 

/  M

/  O

Marketing working budget (MWB) 

Omni-channel sales approach 

A product category which comprises equipment 

Promotion and communication spending including 

Describes the ambition to achieve a globally 

that is used rather than worn by the consumer, 

sponsorship contracts with teams and individual 

consistent product offer, brand communication, 

such as bags, balls, fitness equipment, golf clubs 

athletes, as well as advertising, events and other 

availability and service across all sales channels 

and hockey sticks. 

communication activities, but excluding marketing 

(Wholesale, Retail and eCommerce) and consumer 

/  L

LGBT 

overhead expenses. As marketing working budget 

touch points. 

expenses are not distribution channel specific, they 

are not allocated to the adidas Group’s operating 

Operating cash flow 

segments. 

Mature markets 

Comprises operating profit, change in operating 

working capital and net investments. 

Operating cash flow = operating profit +/– change in 

An acronym that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual 

Developed countries which have highly 

operating working capital +/– net investments (capital 

and transgender. 

industrialised economies, high income levels and 

expenditure less depreciation and amortisation) 

Licensed apparel 

For the adidas Group, mature markets are the 

Operating overheads 

Apparel products which are produced and 

high-income countries of Western Europe, North 

Expenses which are not directly attributable to 

in which most people have a high standard of living. 

marketed under a licence agreement. The adidas 

America and Japan. 

Group has licence agreements with several 

associations (e.g. FIFA, UEFA), leagues (e.g. NBA, 

NHL), teams (e.g. Real Madrid, AC Milan) and 

universities (e.g. UCLA, Notre Dame). 

/  N

the products or services sold, such as costs for 

distribution, marketing overhead costs, logistics, 

research and development, as well as general and 

administrative costs, but not including costs for 

promotion, advertising and communication. 

259

Licensees 

Net cash/Net borrowings 

Operating working capital

Companies that have the authorisation to use the 

Net cash is when the sum of cash and short-term 

A company’s short-term disposable capital which 

name of a brand or business for the production and 

financial assets exceeds gross borrowings. Net 

is used to finance its day-to-day business. In 

sale of products. For example, for adidas, licensed 

borrowings is the portion of gross borrowings 

comparison to working capital, operating working 

products include cosmetics, watches and eyewear, 

not covered by the sum of cash and short-term 

capital does not include non-operational items 

for Reebok, fitness equipment. 

financial assets. 

such as financial assets and taxes. 

Liquidity I, II, III 

Net cash/Net borrowings = cash and cash equivalents 

Operating working capital = accounts receivable + 

+ short-term financial assets – short-term 

inventories – accounts payable

The liquidity ratio indicates how quickly a company 

borrowings – long-term borrowings 

can liquidate its assets to pay for current liabilities. 

Liquidity I: [(Cash + short-term financial assets) / 

Non-controlling interests 

current liabilities] × 100 

Part of net income or equity which is not 

/  P

Liquidity II: [(Cash + short-term financial assets + 

attributable to the shareholders of the reporting 

accounts receivable) / current liabilities] × 100 

company as it relates to outside ownership 

Performance business 

Liquidity III: [(Cash + short-term financial assets + 

interests in subsidiaries that are consolidated 

In the sporting goods industry, performance 

accounts receivable + inventories) / current liabilities] 

with the parent company for financial reporting 

business relates to technical footwear and apparel 

× 100 

purposes. 

used primarily in doing sports. 

Price points 

Specific selling prices, normally using 

‘psychological’ numbers, e.g. a product price of 

US $ 99.99 instead of US $ 100. 

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportAdditional Information2014Glossary

/  05.2  /

Profit protection 

Share turnover 

/  V

A business activity (mainly found within retail 

The total value of all shares traded in the share 

companies) designed to reduce preventable losses 

price currency over a specific period of time 

Vertical retailer 

caused, for example, by theft, fraud, vandalism, 

(normally daily). It is calculated by multiplying the 

A retail company that (vertically) controls the entire 

waste, abuse, misconduct or failure by employees 

number of shares traded by the respective price. 

design, production and distribution processes of its 

to follow existing policies or procedures. 

products. 

Promotion partnerships 

Signature collection 

A collection which is developed in close 

Visual merchandising 

Partnerships with events, associations, leagues, 

collaboration with top athletes and personalities, 

Activity of promoting the sale of goods, especially 

clubs and individual athletes. In exchange for the 

bearing the signature, logo and/or name of the 

by their presentation at the point of sale. This 

services of promoting the adidas Group, the party 

athlete. The offering can be either a single product 

includes combining products, environments and 

is provided with products and/or cash and/or 

or a broader product family (footwear, apparel and 

spaces into a stimulating and engaging display to 

promotional materials.

hardware). 

encourage the sale of a product or service. 

/  R

Rolling forecast 

A projection about the future that is updated at 

regular intervals, keeping the forecasting period 

constant (e.g. twelve months). 

260

/  S

Sales working budget 

Single-sourcing model 

Virtualisation

Supply chain activities limited to one specific 

Computer technology enabling physical product 

supplier. Due to the dependency on only one 

samples to be replaced by digital, virtual product 

supplier, the adidas Group can face disadvantages 

samples in the footwear and apparel development 

during the sourcing process. 

process, thus reducing the volume of physical 

samples produced.

/  T

Top and bottom line 

A company’s bottom line is its net income 

attributable to shareholders. More specifically, 

the bottom line is a company’s income after all 

Expenditures that relate to advertising and 

expenses have been deducted from revenues. The 

promotion initiatives at the point of sale as well 

top line refers to a company’s sales or revenues. 

as to store fittings and furniture. As sales working 

budget expenses are channel-specific, they 

Top-down, bottom-up 

are allocated to the adidas Group’s operating 

A specific concept for information and knowledge 

segments. 

Segment 

processing. In a first step, information and 

empowerment of management decisions is 

delegated from top to bottom. After going into more 

Also called business segment. Units within a 

detail on the bottom level, the final information and 

company that have profit and loss responsibility. 

decision are then transported back to the top. 

The adidas Group is currently divided into six 

business segments: Wholesale, Retail, TaylorMade-

Trend scouting 

adidas Golf, Rockport, Reebok-CCM Hockey and 

Identification and commercialisation of future 

Other Centrally Managed Brands. 

trends, particularly lifestyle trends. 

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportAdditional Information20143

Declaration of Support

/  05.3  /

Declaration of Support

adidas AG declares support, except in the case of political risk, that the below-mentioned companies are able 
to meet their contractual liabilities. This declaration replaces the declaration dated February 14, 2014. The 
2014 Declaration of Support is no longer valid.

adidas (China) Ltd., Shanghai, China
adidas (Cyprus) Limited, Nicosia, Cyprus
adidas (Ireland) Limited, Dublin, Ireland
adidas (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Petaling Jaya, 

Malaysia

adidas Industrial, S.A. de C.V., Mexico City, Mexico
adidas Insurance & Risk Consultants GmbH, 

Herzogenaurach, Germany

adidas International B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands
adidas International Finance B.V.,  

adidas Sverige AB, Solna, Sweden
adidas Taiwan Limited, Taipei, Taiwan
adidas Team, Inc., Portland, Oregon, USA
adidas Trgovina d.o.o., Ljubljana, Slovenia
adidas Vietnam Company Limited,  

adidas (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd., Cape Town, 

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

South Africa

adidas (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Suzhou, China
adidas (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Bangkok, Thailand
adidas (UK) Limited, Stockport, Great Britain
adidas America, Inc., Portland, Oregon, USA
adidas Argentina S.A., Buenos Aires, Argentina
adidas Australia Pty. Limited, Mulgrave, Australia
adidas Austria GmbH, Klagenfurt, Austria
adidas Baltics SIA, Riga, Latvia
adidas Belgium N.V., Brussels, Belgium
adidas Benelux B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands
adidas Budapest Kft., Budapest, Hungary
adidas Bulgaria EAD, Sofia, Bulgaria
adidas Business Services (Dalian) Limited,  

Dalian, China

adidas Business Services Lda., Maia, Portugal
adidas Canada Ltd., Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada
adidas CDC Immobilieninvest GmbH, 

Herzogenaurach, Germany

adidas Chile Limitada, Santiago de Chile, Chile
adidas Colombia Ltda., Bogotá, Colombia
adidas CR s.r.o., Prague, Czech Republic
adidas Croatia d.o.o., Zagreb, Croatia
adidas Danmark A/S, Århus, Denmark
adidas de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., Mexico City, Mexico
adidas do Brasil Ltda., São Paulo, Brazil
adidas Emerging Markets FZE, Dubai,  

United Arab Emirates

adidas Emerging Markets L.L.C., Dubai,  

United Arab Emirates

adidas Espana S.A.U, Zaragoza, Spain
adidas France S.a.r.l., Landersheim, France
adidas Hellas A.E., Athens, Greece
adidas Hong Kong Ltd., Hong Kong, China
adidas Imports & Exports Ltd., Cairo, Egypt
adidas India Marketing Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, India

adidas International Marketing B.V.,  

Amsterdam, Netherlands

adidas International Property Holding B.V., 

Amsterdam, Netherlands

adidas International Re Limited, Dublin, Ireland
adidas International Trading B.V.,  

Amsterdam, Netherlands

adidas International, Inc., Portland, Oregon, USA
adidas Italy S.p.A, Monza, Italy
adidas Japan K.K., Tokyo, Japan
adidas Korea Ltd., Seoul, Korea
adidas Latin America, S.A., Panama City, Panama
adidas Levant Limited – Jordan, Amman, Jordan
adidas LLP, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan
adidas Logistics (Tianjin) Co., Ltd., Tianjin, China
adidas New Zealand Limited, Auckland,  

New Zealand

adidas Norge AS, Lillestrom, Norway
adidas North America, Inc., Portland, Oregon, USA
adidas Peru S.A.C., Lima, Peru
adidas Philippines Inc., Pasig City, Philippines
adidas Poland Sp.z o.o., Warsaw, Poland
adidas Portugal – Artigos de Desporto, S.A.,  

adisport Corporation, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Concept Sport, S.A., Panama City, Panama
Global Merchandising, S.L., Madrid, Spain
Hydra Ventures B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands
LLC ‘adidas, Ltd.’, Moscow, Russia
PT adidas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
Raelit S.A., Montevideo, Uruguay
Reebok International Limited, London,  

Great Britain

Reebok International Ltd., Canton,  

Massachusetts, USA

Reebok-CCM Hockey AB, Solna, Sweden
Reebok-CCM Hockey AS, Gressvik, Norway
Reebok-CCM Hockey Oy, Espoo, Finland
Reebok-CCM Hockey U.S. Inc., Montpelier, 

Vermont, USA

Reebok Israel Ltd., Holon, Israel
SC ‘adidas-Ukraine’, Kiev, Ukraine
Spartanburg DC, Inc., Spartanburg, South Carolina, 

USA

Sport Maska Inc., New Brunswick, Canada
Sports Licensed Division of the adidas Group, LLC, 

Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Lisbon, Portugal

Stone Age Equipment, Inc., Redlands, California, 

adidas Romania S.R.L., Bucharest, Romania
adidas Serbia d.o.o., New Belgrade, Serbia
adidas Services Limited, Hong Kong, China
adidas Singapore Pte. Ltd., Singapore, Singapore
adidas Slovakia s.r.o., Bratislava, Slovak Republic
adidas Sourcing Limited, Hong Kong, China
adidas Spor Malzemeleri Satis ve Pazarlama A.S., 

Istanbul, Turkey

adidas sport gmbh, Cham, Switzerland
adidas Sporting Goods Ltd., Cairo, Egypt
adidas Sports (China) Co. Ltd., Suzhou, China
adidas Suomi Oy, Helsinki, Finland

USA

Tafibal S.A., Montevideo, Uruguay
Taylor Made Golf Co., Inc., Carlsbad, California, 

USA

Taylor Made Golf Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
Taylor Made Golf Limited, Basingstoke,  

Great Britain

Taylor Made Korea Ltd., Seoul, Korea
Textronics, Inc., Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Trafford Park DC Limited (formerly Reebok Finance 

Limited), London, Great Britain

261

adidas Group  / 2014 Annual ReportAdditional Information20144

Additional Information
Financial Calendar

/  05.4  /

FINANCIAL CALENDAR
2 0 15

MAR 

05

Full Year 2014 Results 

Press release, conference call and webcast
Publication of 2014 Annual Report

26

Investor Day

Press release, management presentations  
and webcast

262

2014

MAY 

05

07

08

First Quarter 2015 Results 

Annual General Meeting 

Dividend payment

Press release, conference call and webcast
Publication of First Quarter 2015 Report

AUG 

06

F U E R T H   ( B A V A R I A ) ,   G E R M A N Y 

(Subject to Annual General Meeting approval)

Webcast

NOV 

05

First Half 2015 Results 

Press release, conference call and webcast
Publication of First Half 2015 Report

Nine Months 2015 Results 

Press release, conference call and webcast
Publication of Nine Months 2015 Report

adidas Group   /  2014 Annual Report

adidas AG
Adi-Dassler-Str. 1
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Germany

TEL:  + 49 (0) 91 32 84 - 0
FAX:  + 49 (0) 91 32 84 - 22 41
WWW.ADIDAS-GROUP.COM

Investor Relations
TEL:  + 49 (0) 91 32 84 - 32 96
FAX:  + 49 (0) 91 32 84 - 31 27
EMAIL:  investor.relations@adidas-Group.com
WWW.ADIDAS-GROUP.COM/INVESTORS

adidas Group is a member of DIRK  
(German Investor Relations Association).

This report is also available in German. 
For further adidas Group publications, 
please see our corporate website or download our 
Investor Relations and Media App from the App Store.

To improve readability, registered trademarks  
are omitted in this Annual Report.

Concept and Design
Strichpunkt, Stuttgart / Berlin

Printed by
Eberl Print, Immenstadt

220,5 mm

T

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P

E

R

L

A

U

N

N

A

4

1

0

2

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