Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Apparel - Footwear & Accessories / Adidas AG

Adidas AG

adddf · OTC Consumer Cyclical
Claim this profile
Ticker adddf
Exchange OTC
Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Apparel - Footwear & Accessories
Employees 10,000+
← All annual reports
FY2016 Annual Report · Adidas AG
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
ADIDAS
ANNUAL REPORT

TARGETS – RESULTS – OUTLOOK

TARGETS 2016 1, 2

RESULTS 2016  2

OUTLOOK 2017

CURRENCY-NEUTRAL  
SALES DEVELOPMENT:
INCREASE AT A RATE 
BETWEEN 10% AND 12%

Gross margin 
47.3% – 47.8%

Operating margin
AT LEAST STABLE
versus prior year level (6.5%)

Average operating working capital
(in % of net sales)
AROUND PRIOR YEAR 
LEVEL

Capital expenditure
AROUND  
€ 750 MILLION

Gross borrowings 
MODERATE  
DECLINE

Net borrowings/EBITDA ratio
TO BE  
MAINTAINED  
BELOW 2

CURRENCY-NEUTRAL  
SALES DEVELOPMENT:
INCREASE OF  
18%

Group sales of
€ 19.291 BILLION

Gross margin 
48.6%

Operating margin
7.7%

CURRENCY-NEUTRAL  
SALES DEVELOPMENT:
INCREASE AT A RATE 
BETWEEN 11% AND 13%

Gross margin 
INCREASE TO A LEVEL OF 
UP TO 49.1%

Operating margin
INCREASE TO A LEVEL 
BETWEEN 8.3% AND 8.5%

Average operating working capital
(in % of net sales) decreases 0.3pp to
20.2%

Average operating working capital
(in % of net sales)
MODEST INCREASE

Capital expenditure
€ 651 MILLION

Gross borrowings decrease 12% to
€ 1.618 BILLION

Net borrowings/EBITDA ratio  

0.1

Capital expenditure
AROUND  
€ 1.1 BILLION

Gross borrowings 
MODERATE  
DECLINE

Net borrowings/EBITDA ratio
TO BE  
MAINTAINED  
BELOW 2

Net income from continuing operations 
INCREASE AT A RATE 
BETWEEN 10% AND 12% 
to around € 800 million

Net income from continuing operations 
INCREASES 41% 
to 1.019 billion

Net income from continuing operations 
INCREASE AT A RATE 
BETWEEN 18% AND 20%
to a level between € 1.200 billion and 
€ 1.225 billion

Shareholder value
FURTHER INCREASE

adidas AG share price
INCREASES 67%

Shareholder value
FURTHER INCREASE

Dividend per share
INCREASE OF 25% TO  
€ 2.00 3

1  As published on March 3, 2016; the outlook was updated several times over the course of the year.
2  Figures reflect continuing operations as a result of the divestiture of the Rockport business.
3  Subject to Annual General Meeting approval.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 2016

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 2016 (IFRS)

Operating Highlights (€ in millions)

Net sales 1

EBITDA 1

Operating profit 1, 3

Net income from continuing operations 1, 3

Net income attributable to shareholders 2, 3

Key Ratios

Gross margin 1

Operating expenses in % of net sales 1

Operating margin 1, 3

Effective tax rate 1, 3

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

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 borrowings

Shareholders' equity

Capital expenditure

Net cash generated from operating activities 2

Per Share of Common Stock (€)

Basic earnings 2, 3

Diluted earnings 2, 3

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

1  Figures reflect continuing operations as a result of the divestiture of the Rockport business.
2  Includes continuing and discontinued operations.
3  2015 excluding goodwill impairment of € 34 million.
4  Subject to Annual General Meeting approval.

2016

2015

Change

19,291

1,883

1,491

1,019

1,017

48.6%

42.8%

7.7%

29.5%

5.3%

20.2%

42.6%

0.1

1.6%

15.7%

16,915

1,475

1,094

720

668

48.3%

43.1%

6.5%

32.9%

4.0%

20.5%

42.5%

0.3

8.1%

11.2%

15,176

13,343

3,763

3,607

2,121

103

6,472

651

1,348

5.08

4.99

6.73

2.00 4

150.15

3,113

3,003

2,133

460

5,666

513

1,090

3.32

3.32

5.41

1.60

89.91

60,617

55,555

201,489,310

200,197,417

200,188,276

201,536,418

14.0%

27.7%

36.3%

41.5%

52.2%

0.3pp

(0.3pp)

1.3pp

(3.4pp)

1.3pp

(0.3pp)

0.2pp

(6.5pp)

4.5pp

13.7%

20.9%

20.1%

(0.6%)

(77.6%)

14.2%

26.9%

23.7%

53.3%

50.6%

24.5%

25.0%

67.0%

9.1%

0.6%

(0.7%)

OUR CORE
BELIEF

THROUGH
SPORT,

»
WE HAVE

ADIDAS

ADIDAS BRAND

REEBOK BRAND

IN THE WORLD.

 IN THE WORLD.

SPORTS BRAND

TO BE THE BEST 

TO BE THE BEST 

TO BE THE BEST 

SPORTS COMPANY 

OUR
MISSION

THE
POWER
TO
CHANGE
«
LIVES.

FITNESS BRAND

IN THE WORLD.

We are calling all creators. They are our  creative  
capital, the source of our inspiration. The game  
changers, the difference makers, the shapers of  
tomorrow. True athletes at heart, who set the pace, 
always first to break new ground and rewrite the  
rules as we know them. Their drive and courage  
invigorates our brands and helps us create unique 
experiences.

We need creators in order to continually push 
 boundaries, to re-invent, to make something out 
of nothing. 

We need them to Create the New.

That’s why we invite all Creators, whether inside or 
outside our company, to come in and work with  
us. We give them spaces where their ideas can spark  
and where collaborative exchange is encouraged. 
Empowering this creative force is the essence of our 
Open Source approach. It will take us an essential 
step further towards making our brands the most 
 relevant and desirable for all consumers.

ADIDAS
ANNUAL
REPORT 2016

1

TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS
OPERATIONAL AND SPORTING HIGHLIGHTS 

LETTER FROM THE CEO 

EXECUTIVE BOARD 

SUPERVISORY BOARD 

SUPERVISORY BOARD REPORT 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT INCLUDING THE DECLARATION ON 

 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 

COMPENSATION REPORT  

OUR SHARE 

2

GROUP MANAGEMENT REPORT – OUR COMPANY

CORPORATE STRATEGY 
adidas Brand Strategy 

Reebok Brand Strategy 

GLOBAL OPERATIONS 

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 

OUR PEOPLE 

SUSTAINABILITY 

3

GROUP MANAGEMENT REPORT – FINANCIAL REVIEW

INTERNAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 

BUSINESS PERFORMANCE 
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 

BUSINESS PERFORMANCE BY SEGMENT 
Western Europe 

North America 

Greater China 
Russia/CIS 
Latin America 
Japan 
MEAA 
Other Businesses 

6

10

14

18

20

27

32

41

48
55

60

62

67

72

78

86

90
90

92

96

101

104

107

1 1 1
111

111

112
112
113
113
113
114

115
115

115

118
123

131

133

138

140

1 4 1

142

143

144
159

188

194

202

204

208

209

2 1 2

2 1 6

2 1 9

220

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS AND OUTLOOK 
Subsequent Events 

Outlook 

RISK AND OPPORTUNITY REPORT 
Illustration of Material Risks 

Illustration of Opportunities 

MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENT OF  PERFORMANCE, RISKS AND 

 OPPORTUNITIES, AND OUTLOOK 

4

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 

NOTES 
Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 

Notes to the Consolidated Income Statement 

Additional Information 

STATEMENT OF MOVEMENTS OF INTANGIBLE AND TANGIBLE ASSETS 

SHAREHOLDINGS 

Responsibility Statement 

Auditor’s Report 

5

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

TEN-YEAR OVERVIEW 

GLOSSARY 

DECLARATION OF SUPPORT 

FINANCIAL CALENDAR 

Group Management Report: 
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.

PUBLICATIONS FOR THE 2016 FINANCIAL YEAR

 ADIDAS
MAGAZINE

ADIDAS
ANNUAL REPORT

ADIDAS GROUP
SUSTAINABILITY
PROGRESS REPORT

MAGAZINE

ANNUAL REPORT

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
(available from mid-April onwards)

Printed versions of our Annual Report with condensed consolidated financial statements (excluding the Notes) as 
well as our Magazine can be ordered online. 

 www.adidas-group.com/en/investors/financial-reports

 
T
O O
S
U
R
R
E
E
R
OLD
A
H
S
H

5

S

R

E

T

O O

U

R

E

R

OLD

A

H

H

S

To our Shareholders

1

— OPERATIONAL AND SPORTING HIGHLIGHTS 
— LETTER FROM THE CEO 
— EXECUTIVE BOARD 
— SUPERVISORY BOARD 
— SUPERVISORY BOARD REPORT 
—  CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT  
INCLUDING THE DECLARATION ON 
 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 

— COMPENSATION REPORT  
— OUR SHARE 

6

10

14

18

20

27

32

41

5

OPERATIONAL AND SPORTING HIGHLIGHTS

1
TO OUR SHA REHOLDERS
Operational and Sporting Highlights

1

TO OU R  SHAR E HO LD E RS

Operational and Sporting Highlights

OPERATIONAL AND  
SPORTING HIGHLIGHTS
Q1 2016

 — adidas  Originals  launches  its  ‘Future’ 
campaign.  With  its  unique  point  of  view  on 
creating  the  future  by  re-inventing  the  past, 
adidas Originals is inspiring a new generation 
not to follow but to challenge the status quo.

 — Following the success of M1, TaylorMade-
adidas Golf unveils its M2 drivers, fairways and 
rescue clubs to complete the M family. Similar 
to M1, the M2 product line meets the challenge 
of delivering more performance to players of all 
skill levels with the utilisation of multi-material 
construction.

 — adidas launches PureBOOST X, a running 
shoe created exclusively for women by women. 
PureBOOST  X  features  a  new  floating  arch,  a 
stretch  mesh  upper  and  a  lock-down  lacing 
system that provide a personalised fit for every 
woman’s foot. 

JANUARY

 — Leo Messi underlines his status in football 
with a record fifth Ballon d’Or. The award is the 
greatest acknowledgement of individual success 
in football. 

 — adidas and Stella McCartney announce 
the  continuation  of  their  long-term  collabor-
ation. The iconic designer will continue to create 
cutting-edge designs alongside the adidas brand 
until 2020.

 — Reebok launches Reebok Classic Leather, 
a shoe created in collaboration with US rapper 
and songwriter Kendrick Lamar. The shoe repre-
sents Kendrick’s powerful vision of unity and sold 
out within 30 minutes.

 — adidas  Football  releases  the  world’s 
first high-performance laceless boot: ACE 16+ 
PURECONTROL. Only a short period of time after 
its launch, this disruptive football boot, which 
is worn by international football stars such as 
Mesut  Özil  and  Ivan  Rakiti´c,  was  sold  out  in 
almost every channel.

 — Playing  in  her  first  Grand  Slam  final, 
adidas brand ambassador Angelique Kerber wins 
the 2016 Australian Open in Melbourne. 

 — The  Supervisory  Board  of  adidas  AG 
resolves  upon  the  successor  for  the  long-
standing adidas AG CEO Herbert Hainer. Effective 
August 1, 2016, Kasper Rorsted is appointed as 
ordinary  member  of  the  Executive  Board  and 
effective October 1, 2016 as CEO of adidas AG.

 — Reebok is awarded the ISPO Communi-
cation Award 2016 in the multi-channel category 
for its ‘Be More Human’ campaign. 

 — adidas is listed in fifth place among the 
Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the 
World (Global 100 Index) and is recognised as 
the industry leader. It is the third consecutive 
year that adidas is included in the top ten of the 
Global 100 Index, compiled annually by Corporate 
Knights.

FEBRUARY

 — adidas  continues  its  Sport  16  brand 
campaign with ‘I’m here to create’, a series of 
videos showing the personal creator stories of 
famous female athletes such as WNBA All-Star 
Candace Parker, tennis icon Caroline Wozniacki 
and fitness artist Nicole Winhoffer.

 — The  adidas  brand  and  Wanderlust, 
producer of the largest yoga lifestyle events in 
the world, announce a US-focused, multi-year 
partnership. 

 — Reebok  launches  ZPump  Fusion  2.0,  a 
running shoe that conforms to the shape of the 
athlete’s foot to give a custom fit. The seamless 
compression sleeve upper and the tyre-inspired 
ZRated outsole provide comfort and control.

MARCH

 — adidas Football announces a long-term 
partnership  with  Juventus  Turin  midfielder 
Paul Pogba, one of the world’s most in-demand 
footballers.  Continuing  on  his  extraordinary 
journey  from  the  streets  to  superstar  status, 
Pogba has already won three Italian league titles 
and three domestic cup trophies. 

 — adidas  Originals 
launches  further 
colourways of its successful footwear franchise 
NMD. The franchise, for which consumers were 
queuing in front of stores, was sold out immedi-
ately, with more than 400,000 pairs sold within 
just one day. 

 — Together with YouTubers Amanda Steele 
and Marcus Butler, adidas neo presents its new 
sneaker innovation Cloudfoam. The Cloudfoam 
sneakers  with  a  lightweight  midsole  and  a 
thick sockliner provide a classic silhouette plus 
comfort.

6

7

1
TO OUR SH AREHOLDERS
Operational and Sporting Highlights

OPERATIONAL AND  
SPORTING HIGHLIGHTS
Q2 2016

APRIL

 — adidas  opens  its  first  Brand  Centre  in 
Hong Kong. With a retail area of nearly 6,500 
square  feet,  it  is  the  largest  sports  brand 
speciality store in the city’s Central district.

MAY

 — Reebok launches ‘25,915 Days’, a striking 
campaign reminding people that they have, on 
average, 25,915 days to live. With this campaign, 
Reebok repeats its fitness mantra and motivates 
fitness  enthusiasts  to  live  up  to  their  fullest 
potential. 

 — adidas  Originals  launches  its  official 
Snapchat  channel,  taking  an  Open  Source 
approach and allowing influencers to showcase 
and personify the brand.

 — Shortly before the kick-off of the UEFA 
EURO 2016, the adidas brand unveils the Mercury 
Pack, a cutting-edge range of boots inspired by 
the trophies that players around the world strive 
to win.

 — For the second time, Sergio García wins 
the  AT&T  Byron  Nelson  in  Irving/Texas,  USA. 
García  wins  playing  a  full  TaylorMade  bag 
including an M2 driver, M1 fairway woods and 
PSi irons.

 — Reebok  launches  ‘Hunt  Greatness’,  a 
campaign  and  platform  inspired  by  American 
football star J. J. Watt that encourages people 
to pursue a better version of themselves, every 
day, through fitness.

 — adidas  Originals  relaunches  its  iconic 
Gazelle.  With  this  silhouette  that  was  first 
introduced  in  the  1960s,  adidas  Originals 
continues defining a contemporary street look 
for the future.

 — adidas Running introduces UltraBOOST 
Uncaged.  The  shoe  was  inspired  by  fans  and 
combines the performance and innovation of the 
original UltraBOOST with the unique flair of the 
adidas brand’s creative fan base.

 — Reebok and three-time Defensive Player 
of  the  Year  J.  J.  Watt  announce  the  release 
of  the  JJ  I,  the  ultimate  training  shoe  which 
was developed in close collaboration with the 
American football star.

 — Together  with  other  partners,  Reebok 
hosts  the  2016  International  Day  of  Yoga  in 
India’s biggest cities, reaching more than 25,000 
participants. 

 — adidas  establishes  a  new  strategic 
partnership with Chinese real estate and sports 
business giant Wanda Group. In future, adidas 
will sponsor two of Wanda’s IRONMAN events 
and  will  help  to  further  develop  football  and 
basketball in China.

 — The  adidas  brand  announces  the 
cementing  of  its  long-term  relationship  with 
creative  pioneer  Kanye  West  in  the  launch  of 
adidas + KANYE WEST. 

 — As  the  second-youngest  player  ever, 
TaylorMade-adidas Golf staffer Rich Berberian 
wins the 49th PGA Professional Championship 
in Verona/New York, USA.

JUNE

 — The  adidas  brand  and  Zalando,  one  of 
Europe‘s biggest online retailers, launch a new 
pilot  to  meet  the  needs  of  today’s  consumer 
faster than ever. Consumers in Berlin are able 
to place orders for adidas products on Zalando’s 
app and get the delivery on the same day.

 — In  the  USA,  adidas  Running  launches 
AlphaBOUNCE,  a  running  shoe  that  offers  an 
adaptive fit and feel for runners and versatile 
athletes. Men’s pairs were sold out within less 
than twelve hours.

 — adidas  announces  that  its  football 
business is expected to reach new record sales 
of € 2.5 billion in 2016. 

 — The adidas brand announces its contract 
extension with the German Football Association 
(DFB) until 2022.

 — The  NBA’s  most  sought-after  draft 
prospects Brandon Ingram, Jaylen Brown, Jamal 
Murray, Dragan Bender and Kris Dunn choose to 
join adidas Basketball.

7

1
TO OUR SHA REHOLDERS
Operational and Sporting Highlights

1

TO OU R  SHAR E HO LD E RS

Operational and Sporting Highlights

OPERATIONAL AND  
SPORTING HIGHLIGHTS
Q3 2016

JULY

 — Reebok launches its new CrossFit training 
shoe Nano 6.0. It offers athletes strength and 
comfort  to  overcome  every  obstacle  in  the 
CrossFit box and beyond.

 — CCM launches the ‘CCM Skills App’. The 
app  allows  users  to  train  virtually  alongside 
NHL  Player  Lance  Pitlick,  in  a  series  of  fun 
and challenging drills intended to help improve 
players’ technique on the ice.

 — The adidas brand announces the launch 
of its adidas Athletics range, designed to deliver 
a fresh take on traditional pre- and post-match 
outwear. The first highlight product of this range 
is the adidas Z.N.E. Hoodie.

 — Reebok and Vogue Fitness launch the first 
women’s-only CrossFit facility in Abu Dhabi. 

AUGUST

 — Kasper  Rorsted 
joins  adidas  as 
member  of  the  Executive  Board.  Following 
a  two-month  induction  period  with  Herbert 
Hainer,  Kasper  Rorsted  becomes  CEO  on  
October 1, 2016. 

 — The adidas brand presents the Creator 
Studio,  a  digital  platform  giving  football  fans 
the chance to design the third jersey for some 
of the world’s biggest football clubs such as FC 
Bayern or Manchester United. The kits with the 
most likes will be entered into a top 100 gallery 
per club.

 — adidas  announces  the  opening  of 
SPEEDFACTORY in the Atlanta area in late 2017. 
This state-of-the-art facility will focus on running 
footwear and targets production of 50,000 pairs 
in 2017. In the mid term, adidas aims to produce 
one million pairs of shoes for running and other 
categories in its SPEEDFACTORY facilities. 

 — adidas Originals opens the doors to its 
new flagship store on Spring Street in New York 
City. The store celebrates the New York street 
culture and will serve as a hub for sneakerheads 
and streetwear enthusiasts.

SEPTEMBER

 — adidas  AG  is  announced  as  the  newest 
member of the EURO STOXX 50 Index, Europe’s 
leading  blue-chip  index.  For  adidas,  this  is 
a  big  milestone  as  the  EURO  STOXX  50  is  a 
representation  of  the  so-called  ‘supersector 
leaders’ in the Eurozone.

 — The adidas brand and the United States 
Tennis Association announce a new partnership 
to support American tennis on multiple levels by 
impacting the future of American tennis through 
a number of initiatives and programmes.

 — adidas launches the next chapter of Sport 
16 with the brand campaign video ‘Sport Needs 
Creators’.  The  video  debuted  on  air  with  the 
start of the NFL season and is a call to athletes 
everywhere who think and act beyond the norm 
of sport. 

 — adidas  is  confirmed  as  a  member  in 
the  Dow  Jones  Sustainability  Indices  (DJSI) 
World and Europe, the most recognised global 
sustainability  benchmark.  As  one  of  few 
companies worldwide, adidas has remained in 
this index for 17 consecutive years. 

 — adidas  Originals  and  Alexander  Wang 
confirm  their  partnership  during  New  York 
Fashion  Week.  The  Alexander  Wang  x  adidas 
Originals collection consists of 84 pieces that 
celebrate the athleisure style in an unprecedented 
way.

 — adidas  Football  and  the  Irish  Football 
Association  announce  a  four-year  contract 
extension. adidas will continue to supply kit and 
training gear to Northern Ireland teams until at 
least 2020.

 — At the adidas Runbase in Berlin, adidas 
launches  the  Futurecraft  M.F.G.  (Made  for 
Germany), the first shoe created at the industry-
changing  adidas  SPEEDFACTORY  that  is  now 
available to consumers in limited quantities.

 — adidas  Originals  x  Pharrell  Williams 
presents  adidas  Originals  Hu,  a  collection  of 
apparel  and  shoes  that  celebrates  cultural 
diversity around the globe.

 — After more than 15 years as adidas CEO, 
Herbert Hainer retires from office and hands over 
to his successor, Kasper Rorsted.

8

9

1
TO OUR SH AREHOLDERS
Operational and Sporting Highlights

OPERATIONAL AND  
SPORTING HIGHLIGHTS
Q4 2016

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

 — Gigi Hadid, style icon, fitness advocate and 
trendsetter, joins Reebok’s female community 
as the newest face of the brand’s #PerfectNever 
movement,  a  call  to  action  that  asks  women 
around  the  world  to  celebrate  the  beauty  of 
imperfection and champions Reebok’s message 
of self-betterment.

 — adidas  Basketball  and  James  Harden 
reimagine  the  signature  shoe  game  with  the 
debut of Harden Vol. 1. The collection represents 
the first chapter of the collaborative partnership 
that  began  in  October  2015  with  the  goal  of 
co-creating footwear and apparel.

 — adidas and Parley for the Oceans unveil 
the first football products with the launch of the 
adidas x Parley Real Madrid and Bayern Munich 
home jerseys, made from Parley Ocean Plastic.

 — adidas  opens  ‘adidas  NYC’,  its  largest 
brand  flagship  store  worldwide.  Set  at  the 
intersection  of  5th  Avenue  and  46th  Street  in 
New York City, ‘adidas NYC’ heralds a new era in 
how consumers experience creativity and sport 
in stores. Inspired by high school stadiums, the 
store features the new stadium retail concept. 
The  store  has  a  tunnel  entrance,  stands  for 
live-game viewing on big screens, locker rooms 
instead of dressing rooms and track and field 
areas where consumers can test and experience 
products.

 — Kristaps Porzingis of the New York Knicks 
joins the adidas Basketball family. While the young 
superstar is entering just his second year in the 
NBA, with his one-of-a-kind game and personality, 
he has already made significant waves.

 — The  adidas  brand  launches  Glitch 
exclusively in London. Glitch is a revolutionary 
product  concept  that  speaks  to  the  creative 
footballer  and  those  who  crave  a  boot  with  a 
flexible design. The two-piece interchangeable 
construction, made of an inner shoe and outer 
skin, is designed to suit the modern game with a 
focus on adaptability. 

 — In  a  game-changing  move  for  a  more 
eco-innovative future, the adidas brand unveils 
the  UltraBOOST  Uncaged  Parley,  the  first 
mass-produced  running  shoe  created  using 
Parley Ocean Plastic. The limited edition of 7,000 
pairs was sold out within 24 hours.

 — adidas  Running  is  presented  with  the 
esteemed  Runner’s  World  International  Best 
Update Award for its adizero adios 3.0 shoe, the 
latest iteration of the record-breaking adizero 
adios.

the  world’s 

 — adidas  unveils 
first 
performance shoe made using Biosteel fibre – 
a replication of natural silk – at the Biofabricate 
Conference  in  New  York:  the  Futurecraft 
Biofabric. 

 — adidas Football launches the first versions 
of its Ace and X boots created explicitly for female 
players around the world. These boots have been 
engineered to specifically fit the female foot by 
featuring a totally unique combination of shape, 
design and traction.

9

 — adidas  by  Stella  McCartney  announces 
its  collaboration  with  world-leading  female 
Formula 1 development driver Carmen Jordá. A 
rising name in her sport, with a fast-paced and 
dynamic lifestyle that inspires women around the 
world, Carmen joins the likes of Karlie Kloss, 
Caroline  Wozniacki  and  Garbiñe  Muguruza  in 
bringing to life the adidas by Stella McCartney 
brand ethos.

 — adidas opens a new pop-up store called 
‘Knit for You’ in the Bikini Berlin shopping mall 
for a temporary three-month trial period. It aims 
to  test  localised  and  personalised  consumer 
experiences in stores. adidas invites consumers 
to design their very own Knit for You Merino wool 
sweater that will be knitted in the store within 
a few hours. The Knit for You store is the first 
milestone of the Storefactory research project, 
supported by BMWi German Federal Ministry for 
Economic Affairs and Energy.

LETTER FROM THE CEO

1
TO OUR SHA REHOLDERS
Letter from the CEO

1

TO OU R  SHAR E HO LD E RS

Letter from the CEO

R   F
E

E

T

S

R

M  

O

R

O

D

1 1

E
E   C

O

R   R

L

T

E

P

S

E
T

T

H

A

K

10

1
TO OUR SH AREHOLDERS
Letter from the CEO

DEAR SHAREHOLDERS,

2016 marked the first full year of ‘Creating the New’. The strong results we recorded are proof 

positive that the company’s strategy is paying off. Focusing on our strategic choices Speed, Cities 

and Open Source already makes us much more impactful in the marketplace compared to two 

years ago. Our new operating model – Brand Leadership – ensures a high level of commonality 

worldwide when it comes to the appearance of our brands. In combination with our consumer-

obsessed mindset, it is helping us to increase the desirability of our brands and products around 

the globe. Going forward, we will build on Creating the New and accelerate our strategic priorities 

within the plan. Thus we will ensure that we continue our momentum in 2017 and achieve significant 

top- and bottom-line improvements in the period until 2020.

Last year, our products resonated extremely well with consumers across the globe. Several of 

our key footwear franchises such as the UltraBOOST, NMD or Yeezy took top spots in all sneaker 

rankings and caused long queues in front of stores. adidas was named ‘The most relevant brand’ 

in the recent Highsnobiety Crowns, one of the most prestigious annual awards in our industry. As 

a result, we have been gaining market share in those categories – Running, Football, Training, 

Originals and neo – and markets – North America, Greater China and Western Europe – that we 

have identified as strategic growth drivers. 

All of this drove a strong financial performance:
 — We achieved record sales of € 19.3 billion, up 18% currency-neutral, representing our highest 

organic growth rate in almost twenty years. 

 — The adidas brand has been experiencing unparalleled brand heat, with currency-neutral 
revenues increasing a strong 22%. This growth was driven by key performance and lifestyle 

categories in the brand’s major markets, almost all of which grew at strong double-digit rates. 
 — Despite severe headwinds from negative currency effects, the gross margin climbed 30 basis 

points to 48.6%. 

 — The operating margin improved 130 basis points to 7.7%, supported by the increase in gross 
margin, operating expense leverage as well as an extraordinary gain related to the early 

termination of the Chelsea F.C. contract. 

 — Driven by the operational improvements, our net income from continuing operations grew 41% 

to a new record level of more than € 1 billion.

Our strategy Creating the New is based on the fundamental belief that through sport we have the 

power to change lives. And we do this every day as a company: by empowering people to live an 

active life, by teaching life skills through sport and by creating sustainable products. As a result, we 

continue to be a leader in our industry in the area of sustainability. This is reflected in our continued 

inclusion in some of the most recognised sustainability indices. One example is our membership in 

one of the most important global sustainability benchmarks, the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices, 

where we have been listed for 17 consecutive years. 

11

1
TO OUR SHA REHOLDERS
Letter from the CEO

1

TO OU R  SHAR E HO LD E RS

Letter from the CEO

Our focus on sustainability also excites our employees and is a major reason why young people 

from all over the world would like to work for us. Our company culture built around creativity, 
confidence and collaboration is an integral part of Creating the New and will help us to attract 

and retain the right talent. However, we can still do a lot better in managing their careers. This 

is why a structured executive and talent development programme is one of the strategic focus 

areas my Board colleagues and I are working on to accelerate Creating the New. In fact, we have 

already started to do so by establishing an executive leadership group. The main responsibilities 

of this group consisting of 18 leaders across different functions and geographies will be to detail 

out and oversee the cross-functional execution of our strategic agenda, to accelerate strategic 

projects and to develop our future bench of leaders. Other initiatives in this area include a new 

talent management programme with a focus on developing female leaders, as well as a new 

equity-based long-term incentive programme to align the objectives of our senior leaders with 

the interests of our shareholders. 

Another important area to accelerate Creating the New will be to actively manage the portfolio of 
brands, categories and countries within our company to ensure all parts of our business contribute 

to our overall success. 2016 already saw important decisions in this regard with the divestiture of 

Mitchell & Ness as well as the decision to exit the golf hardware market and therefore to sell the 

TaylorMade, Adams Golf and Ashworth brands. Now we have decided to also actively seek a buyer 

for our CCM Hockey business. While the brand is well known for its high-end ice hockey equipment, 

the focus of our company will increasingly be on operating a brand portfolio that builds on our 

strength in the athletic footwear and apparel market. This will allow us to reduce complexity and 

pursue our target consumer more aggressively with the adidas and Reebok brands. 

While the adidas brand is enjoying strong momentum, Reebok has been growing slower than the 

competition in recent years, especially in the US. The brand’s profitability is significantly below the 

company’s average. Therefore, we have developed a plan as to how we want to unlock the brand’s 

full potential. We will execute against this plan to make the brand stronger, accelerate top-line 

growth and increase profitability.

North America remains a strategic priority for our company. We will expand our adidas brand 

business and build a sustainable position for Reebok in the fitness market. We have every reason 

to be proud about the progress adidas has been making in the US last year. In 2016, we grew our 

adidas brand business by more than 30%, due to double-digit increases in both our performance 

as well as our lifestyle categories. However, despite these promising developments we still cannot 

be satisfied with our overall position in this market. We remain heavily under-indexed in the largest 

market in our industry. Therefore, we will continue to invest into our team, our infrastructure and 

our business in the US to accelerate our growth, improve the quality of our sales and increase 

profitability. Together with Western Europe and Greater China, North America will be the biggest 

contributor to our sustainable business success globally.

12

1 3

1
TO OUR SH AREHOLDERS
Letter from the CEO

A strategic topic that will transform our company over the next years is digital. Digital touches 

our company at every point along the value stream – how we design, develop, manufacture and 

sell our products. Already today, adidas.com and Reebok.com are our largest and fastest-growing 
shops and we will further accelerate our investments in this area to create competitive advantages 

through digital. Growing our digital capabilities will ultimately also help us do a better job on 

margin enhancement. 

While our top-line growth over the last years has been strong, we have to acknowledge that we 

have not been as good in translating this growth into scale and, ultimately, profitability gains. To 

fulfil our mission to be the best sports company in the world, we need to ensure we excel in both 

top-line growth and margin expansion. We have therefore identified efficiency drivers that will 

enhance profitability in the years to come. 

All of these activities taken together will help us to accelerate the top- and bottom-line growth 

and grow even faster than we initially outlined with our strategic business plan Creating the New. 
Building on our strong results in 2016, we will continue our momentum in 2017 and achieve 

significant top- and bottom-line improvements in the years to come. We are now targeting currency-

neutral sales growth in the range of 10% to 12% on average per year between 2015 and 2020 and 

EPS growth of 20% to 22% per annum on average during this period. These are ambitious, yet 

realistic long-term objectives. I am looking forward to updating you regularly on the progress we 

are making. 

Yours sincerely,

KASPER RORSTED 

13

1
TO OUR SHA REHOLDERS
Executive Board

EXECUTIVE BOARD

1

TO OU R  SHAR E HO LD E RS

Executive Board

ROLAND AUSCHEL  
GLOBA L SALES

KASPER RORSTED  
CHIEF  EX ECU TI VE O FF IC ER

ERIC LIEDTKE  
G LO BA L  BRANDS

1
TO OUR SH AREHOLDERS
Executive Board

OUR EXECUTIVE BOARD 
IN THE MAKERLAB, 
NEWLY OPENED AT THE 
ADIDAS HEADQUARTERS 
IN HERZOGENAURACH, 
GERMANY, IN 2016.

ROBIN J. STALKER  
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

GLENN BENNETT  
G LO BA L  OP ERATION S

1
TO OUR SHA REHOLDERS
Executive Board

1

TO OU R  SHAR E HO LD E RS

Executive Board

OUR EXECUTIVE BOARD IS 
COMPRISED OF FIVE MEMBERS. 
EACH BOARD MEMBER IS 
RESPONSIBLE FOR AT LEAST 
ONE MAJOR FUNCTION WITHIN 
THE COMPANY.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE 
ADIDAS AG EXECUTIVE BOARD:
WWW.ADIDAS-GROUP.COM /  
EXECUTIVE-BOARD

KASPER RORSTED
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 1

Kasper  Rorsted  was  born  in  Aarhus,  Denmark,  in  1962.  After 

studying Business Economics at the International Business School 

in Copenhagen, he completed an Executive Programme at Harvard 

Business School. Kasper Rorsted then gained valuable experience 

within the IT sector through various management positions at Oracle, 

Compaq and Hewlett Packard. In 2005, Kasper Rorsted joined consumer 

goods  manufacturer  Henkel  as  Executive  Vice  President  Human 

Resources, Purchasing, Information Technologies and Infrastructure 

Services. Three years after joining Henkel, he was appointed Chief 

Executive Officer. In August 2016, Kasper Rorsted joined adidas. After 

two months as a Board member, he took over as Chief Executive Officer 

of the sporting goods manufacturer in October 2016. Kasper Rorsted 

is married, has four children and lives near Munich.

Kasper Rorsted is also:
 — Member of the Supervisory Board, Anheuser-Busch InBev SA,  

Leuven, Belgium 2

 — Member of the Supervisory Board, Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA,  

Gütersloh, Germany

 — Member of the Supervisory Board, Danfoss A/S, Nordborg, Denmark

1   Member of the Executive Board since August 1, 2016, Chief Executive Officer since 

October 1, 2016.

2  Until October 10, 2016.

HERBERT HAINER
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND MEMBER 
OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD UNTIL 
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

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

ROLAND AUSCHEL
GLOBAL SALES

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 company, 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.

16

1 7

1
TO OUR SH AREHOLDERS
Executive Board

GLENN BENNETT
GLOBAL OPERATIONS

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 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  Footwear  Development.  He 

ROBIN J. STALKER
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

was subsequently promoted to Senior Vice President of Footwear 

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

Operations and, in 1997, appointed to the Executive Board where his 

1958. In 1982, following his degree in Business Studies, he began 

responsibilities were expanded to include Footwear, Apparel and 

his professional career and qualified as a Chartered Accountant. He 

Accessories & Gear Development, Global Sourcing, Supply Chain 

worked for Arthur Young in New Zealand and London and subsequently 

Management and, most recently, IT. Glenn Bennett is married, has 

held  financial  and  controlling  positions  in  the  entertainment 

one daughter and lives in Hingham, Massachusetts, USA.

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

ERIC LIEDTKE
GLOBAL BRANDS

Eric  Liedtke,  a  US  citizen,  holds  a  Bachelor  of  Arts  degree  in 

Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He joined 

adidas in 1994 as Global Line Manager for Cross Training in Portland/

Oregon. During his 20-year career with adidas, he has held senior 

management positions of increasing responsibility at adidas America, 

including Director of Footwear Marketing and Vice President Brand 

Marketing. In 2006, Eric Liedtke moved to the corporate headquarters 

in Herzogenaurach, Germany, to become Senior Vice President Global 

Brand Marketing. From 2011, he held the position of SVP adidas 

Sport Performance, responsible for all adidas brand sports categories 

globally. Eric Liedtke has been Executive Board member since March 

2014, responsible for Global Brands (the adidas and Reebok brands). 

In addition to his Executive Board position, he is a passionate member 

of the Steering Committee of Parley for the Oceans. Eric Liedtke lives 

in Erlangen, Germany.

17

1
TO OUR SHA REHOLDERS
Supervisory Board

1

TO OU R  SHAR E HO LD E RS

Supervisory Board

SUPERVISORY BOARD

IGOR LANDAU
CHAIRMAN
residing in Lugano, Switzerland

Pensioner, Member of the Board of Directors, 
Sanofi-Aventis S.A., Paris, France 1
 — Member of the Board of Directors,  
Sanofi-Aventis S.A., Paris, France 1

SABINE BAUER *
DEPUTY CHAIRWOMAN
residing in Erlangen, Germany

Full-time member of the Works Council 
Herzogenaurach, adidas AG

Chairwoman of the Central Works Council,  
adidas AG

Chairwoman of the European Works Council, 
adidas AG

IAN GALLIENNE 2
residing in Gerpinnes, Belgium

Co-Chief Executive Officer, Groupe Bruxelles 
Lambert, Brussels, Belgium
 — Member of the Board of Directors, Pernod 

Ricard SA, Paris, France

 — Member of the Board of Directors, SGS SA, 

Geneva, Switzerland

 — Member of the Board of Directors, Umicore 

SA, Brussels, Belgium

 — Member of the Board of Directors, Erbe SA, 

Loverval, Belgium

Mandates within the Groupe Bruxelles Lambert:
 — Member of the Board of Directors, Imerys SA, 

Paris, France

 — Member of the Board of Directors, Sienna 
Capital S.à r.l., Strassen, Luxembourg
 — Member of the Board of Directors, GBL 
Verwaltung SA, Strassen, Luxembourg

DIETER HAUENSTEIN *
residing in Herzogenaurach, Germany

Full-time member of the Works Council 
Herzogenaurach, adidas AG

DR. STEFAN JENTZSCH
residing in London, Great Britain

Corporate Finance Consultant/Partner, Perella 
Weinberg Partners UK LLP, London, Great Britain
 — Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board, 

AIL Leasing München AG, Grünwald, Germany

HERBERT KAUFFMANN
residing in Stuttgart, Germany

Independent Management Consultant, Stuttgart, 
Germany
 — Chairman of the Supervisory Board, 

Uniscon universal identity control GmbH, 
Munich, Germany 3

 — Member of the Supervisory Board, DEUTZ AG, 

Cologne, Germany

WILLI SCHWERDTLE
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN
residing in Munich, Germany

Independent Management Consultant as well as 
Partner, WP Force Solutions GmbH, Bad Homburg 
v. d. Höhe, Germany 
 — Member of the Supervisory Board, Eckes AG, 

Nieder-Olm, Germany

 — Chairman of the Supervisory Board,  
Windeln.de AG, Munich, Germany

DR. WOLFGANG JÄGER *
residing in Bochum, Germany

Managing Director in charge of Public Relations 
and Scholarships, Hans-Böckler-Stiftung, 
Düsseldorf, Germany

KATJA KRAUS
residing in Hamburg, Germany

Author/Managing Partner, Jung von Matt/sports 
GmbH, Hamburg, Germany

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION ON OUR SUPERVISORY 
BOARD MEMBERS IS AVAILABLE ONLINE.
WWW.ADIDAS-GROUP.COM / SUPERVISORY-BOARD

18

1 9

1
TO OUR SH AREHOLDERS
Supervisory Board

KATHRIN MENGES
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

UDO MÜLLER * 4
residing in Herzogenaurach, Germany

Director Future, adidas AG

ROLAND NOSKO *
residing in Wolnzach, Germany

Trade Union Official, IG BCE, Headquarter 
Nuremberg, Nuremberg, Germany
 — Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board, 
CeramTec GmbH, Plochingen, Germany

HEIDI THALER-VEH *
residing in Uffenheim, Germany

Member of the Central Works Council, adidas AG

HANS RUPRECHT *
residing in Herzogenaurach, Germany

KURT WITTMANN * 4
residing in Markt Bibart, Germany

Vice President Customer Service Central Europe 
West, adidas AG

Full-time member of the Works Council 
Herzogenaurach, adidas AG

First Deputy Chairman of the Works Council 
Herzogenaurach, adidas AG 5

NASSEF SAWIRIS 2
residing in London, Great Britain

Chief Executive Officer, OCI N.V., Amsterdam, The 
Netherlands
 — Member of the Board of Directors,  

LafargeHolcim Ltd., Jona, Switzerland

Mandates within the OCI N.V. Group:
 — Member of the Board of Directors, OCI 

Partners LP, Wilmington, Delaware, USA 

Employee representative, court-appointed 
with effect from June 24, 2016 and until 
October 6, 2016:

ROSWITHA HERMANN
Chairwoman of the Works Council 
Herzogenaurach, adidas AG

MICHAEL STORL
Full-time member of the Works Council 
Herzogenaurach, adidas AG

STANDING COMMITTEES 
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 *
Finance and Investment Committee — Igor Landau (Chairman), Sabine Bauer *, Dr. Wolfgang Jäger *, Herbert Kauffmann
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*

*  Employee representative.
1  Until May 4, 2015.
2  Since June 15, 2016.
3  Until January 12, 2016.

4  Since October 6, 2016.
5  Since November 15, 2016; formerly full-time member of 
the Works Council Herzogenaurach, adidas AG.

19

SUPERVISORY BOARD REPORT

1
TO OUR SHA REHOLDERS
Supervisory Board Report

1

TO OU R  SHAR E HO LD E RS

Supervisory Board Report

S

B

U

O

P

A

E

R

R

D

V

I

R

S

E

O

P

R

O

Y

R

T

I G

C

H

O

O

A

H

M

E

A

R  L
A IR
F   T
U

B

S

P
O

U  

Y  

R

O

D

A
N   
V I S
D

N

A
E 
R

R

2 0

21

 
1
TO OUR SH AREHOLDERS
Supervisory Board Report

DEAR SHAREHOLDERS,

We look back on an extremely successful financial year 2016. Thanks to strong brands and partnerships in the 

world of sport as well as a consistent focus on our consumers’ needs, which is reflected in attractive products and 

inspiring marketing campaigns, the company was able to achieve a significant increase in sales and earnings. In 

this respect, the earning targets set at the beginning of the year were clearly exceeded. The high level of desirability 

currently experienced by our core brands adidas and Reebok around the globe has contributed significantly to 

this. These successful developments are the result of numerous measures which have been implemented in the 

context of the strategic business plan ‘Creating the New’, which was introduced in 2015. Double-digit growth rates 

in nearly all regions – also, and above all, in the priority market North America – and in all key categories show that 

the company’s success is based on a broad range of success factors. The sale of the Mitchell & Ness brand and 

the plan to sell the golf brands TaylorMade, Adams Golf and Ashworth were two major strategic decisions which 

were made last year and which will allow the company to focus even more strongly on the core competencies in 

the areas of footwear and apparel in the future. Furthermore, with Kasper Rorsted taking over as Chief Executive 

Officer, adidas made sure that the transition at the helm of the company was as smooth as possible. Therefore, the 

company is extremely well positioned to continue growing profitably this year and in the years to come.

SUPERVISION AND ADVICE IN DIALOGUE WITH THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

In the year under review, we performed all of 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. We assured ourselves of the legality, 

expediency and regularity of the management activities and found that there were no objections to be raised.

The Executive Board involved us directly and in a timely and comprehensible manner in all of the company’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. This 

information covered all relevant aspects of the company’s business strategy, business planning, including finance, 

investment and personnel planning, the course of business and the company’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.

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 written 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 passing 

resolutions after in-depth examination and consultation. In the periods between our meetings, the Executive Board 

also provided us with extensive, timely monthly reports on the current business situation.

In the year under review, we held five regular meetings of the entire Supervisory Board as well as one extraordinary 

meeting by way of a conference call. The attendance rate of the members in the Supervisory Board meetings was 97% 

in the year under review. All committee meetings, with the exception of one Audit Committee meeting from which one 

member was excused, were always fully attended. The external auditor, KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft 
(hereinafter referred to as ‘KPMG’), attended all regular meetings of the Supervisory Board, insofar as no Executive 
Board matters were dealt with. KPMG also attended all meetings of the Audit Committee.

21

1
TO OUR SHA REHOLDERS
Supervisory Board Report

1

TO OU R  SHAR E HO LD E RS

Supervisory Board Report

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 Executive Board immediately informed the Supervisory Board Chairman about any 

significant events of fundamental importance for the management and for evaluating the situation and development 

of the company, where necessary also at short notice.

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 company 

and the business development of the company’s individual business areas and markets were presented to us in 

detail by the Executive Board at the Supervisory Board meeting following the close of the respective quarter and 
were discussed regularly. Further topics which were always discussed were the possible impact of global economic 

developments as well as the development of our individual brands and markets.

In February 2016, the Supervisory Board dealt with retail profitability. At the Supervisory Board meetings in May and 

August, the Supervisory Board addressed the topic ‘Digital Brand Commerce’. In this context, a report was given on 

the initiation of the next ‘digital transformation’ stage. Digital transformation is of major importance for adidas as 

consumers communicate and share information on various different digital platforms – from social media to apps 

– and increasingly only via mobile devices, with e-commerce and digital communication being closely interwoven. 

In August 2016, the Executive Board also informed us about the current status of target achievement in the context 

of the long-term strategic business plan ‘Creating the New’ for the period until 2020.

Against the background of the planned relocation from Canton to Boston in the USA, at the November 2016 meeting 

of the Supervisory Board, the Executive Board explained the corresponding new developments and measures 

taken at Reebok USA.

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.

The topic of our February meeting was, after thorough discussion, the resolution on the 2016 Budget and Investment 

Plan presented by the Executive Board. In March, we resolved upon the resolutions to be proposed to the 2016 Annual 

General Meeting, including the proposal regarding the appropriation of retained earnings for the 2015 financial year.

At the meetings in February and May, the Executive Board presented to us the new Employee Stock Purchase Plan 

and we approved the Plan Rules. At our March meeting, the Executive Board informed us about the current status 

of the strategic review regarding a possible sale of parts of the golf segment. At our meetings in May, August and 

November, the Executive Board updated us about the respective current status of the negotiations regarding the 

planned sale of the golf brands TaylorMade, Adams Golf and Ashworth.

COMPOSITION OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

Following in-depth discussions about the resolution proposal prepared by the General Committee on the appointment 
of Kasper Rorsted as successor to the long-standing Chief Executive Officer Herbert Hainer, we resolved at our 
extraordinary meeting in January 2016 to appoint Kasper Rorsted as full member of the Executive Board with effect 
from August 1, 2016 and as Chief Executive Officer with effect from October 1, 2016, and to conclude his Executive 

2 2

23

1
TO OUR SH AREHOLDERS
Supervisory Board Report

Board service contract. As Kasper Rorsted was already available to assume his new position from summer 2016, 

Herbert Hainer had agreed to relinquish his Executive Board mandate effective September 30, 2016. At our May 

meeting, we discussed in detail the termination agreement to be concluded with Herbert Hainer and subsequently 

approved it.

In March 2016, we resolved to renew Eric Liedtke’s mandate as member of the Executive Board prematurely and 

to extend his Executive Board service contract. With this personnel decision, we acknowledged his outstanding 

performance and ensure continuity on the Executive Board.

EXECUTIVE BOARD COMPENSATION

All matters regarding Executive Board compensation were prepared comprehensively by the General Committee, 

as provided for in the Rules of Procedure of the Supervisory Board, explained to the Supervisory Board as a whole 

and submitted for resolution.

Each year at our February meeting of the entire Supervisory Board, the main subject is Executive Board compensation. 
At this meeting, following an in-depth review of the performance of the individual Executive Board members and 

their respective achievement of the targets set in the 2015 Performance Bonus Plan, we resolved upon the bonuses 

to be paid to the Executive Board members based on the 2015 Performance Bonus Plan. Furthermore, we also 

discussed in detail the criteria and key targets for the 2016 Performance Bonus Plan and the individual bonus 

target amounts and resolved upon them for each Executive Board member.

In line with the German Corporate Governance Code (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Code’), in the year under 

review we commissioned an external, independent compensation expert to review the structure of the Executive 

Board compensation and the individual compensation levels of the Executive Board members. The review found 

that the compensation meets the requirements of the German Stock Corporation Act (Aktiengesetz – AktG) and of 

the Code. However, current compensation levels could be oriented even more towards market standards. At our 

meetings in February and November, we considered in detail the results of the review of the compensation levels 

and structure. We agreed with the compensation expert’s assessment.

CHANGES ON THE SUPERVISORY BOARD

In the year under review, the Annual General Meeting resolved on May 12, 2016 in accordance with a proposal put 

forward by the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board to increase the number of Supervisory Board members 

from twelve to sixteen. Two of the four additional Supervisory Board members were to be elected by the Annual 

General Meeting and two were to be elected by the employees.

As further shareholder representatives on the Supervisory Board, the Annual General Meeting on May 12, 2016 

elected Ian Gallienne and Nassef Sawiris. As additional employee representatives, Roswitha Hermann and Michael 

Storl were appointed by court with effect from June 24, 2016 upon request of adidas AG’s Central Works Council. 

Their term of office ended with the announcement of the election result of the employees supplementary election 

on October 6, 2016. In this supplementary election, Udo Müller and Kurt Wittmann were elected as employee 

representatives.

With regard to the representation of women and men, the Supervisory Board complies with the statutory minimum 

quota pursuant to § 96 section 2 sentences 1, 3 and 4 AktG. Both the shareholder representatives and the employee 

representatives resolved in accordance with § 96 section 2 sentence 3 AktG that the minimum quota of 30% women 

and 30% men on the Supervisory Board shall be fulfilled separately for the shareholder representatives and the 

employee representatives.

23

1
TO OUR SHA REHOLDERS
Supervisory Board Report

1

TO OU R  SHAR E HO LD E RS

Supervisory Board Report

The term of office of all Supervisory Board members, including the four members who were elected as new 

shareholder or employee representatives in the supplementary election, will expire as scheduled at the end of the 

Annual General Meeting in May 2019.

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 regulations of the Code.

In March, an intra-year change was made to the Declaration of Compliance dated February 15, 2016, declaring 

another deviation from the Code. The updated 2016 Declaration of Compliance was made permanently available 

to our shareholders on our corporate website. The amendment had become necessary because for one of the 

two shareholder representative seats on adidas AG’s Supervisory Board, which were newly created as part of 

the enlargement of the Supervisory Board (in this respect, see ‘Changes on the Supervisory Board’ above), the 

Supervisory Board had resolved to propose to the Annual General Meeting a candidate for election who holds more 

than three mandates on supervisory boards in group-external public listed companies or supervisory bodies of 

group-external companies with similar requirements.

At our meeting on February 13, 2017, we discussed in depth the current 2017 Declaration of Compliance and then 

resolved upon it and made it permanently available to our shareholders on our corporate website. 

At our November meeting, after the conclusion of the election of the additional employee representatives on the 

Supervisory Board, the targets set by the Supervisory Board for its composition in February 2016 were discussed 

by the enlarged entire Supervisory Board and then confirmed.

In view of the EU Market Abuse Regulation, which came into force on July 3, 2016, we dealt with the respective 

new statutory regulations, in particular with the new regulations regarding ‘managers’ transactions’ and ‘insider 

rules’, in May 2016.

The topic of the Supervisory Board meetings in August and November were the results of the efficiency examination 

of the Supervisory Board carried out on the basis of a comprehensive, company-specific questionnaire in the 2015 

financial year. On the basis of the analysis of the efficiency examination, a corresponding catalogue of measures 

was prepared and its implementation was discussed.

In the year under review, no conflicts of interest arose in regard to the Executive Board members. There were also 

no conflicts of interest within the Supervisory Board. In order to avoid a potential conflict of interest, the Supervisory 

Board member involved in the subject matter described in the following neither participated in the respective 

discussions nor in the resolutions.

In December 2015, the Supervisory Board approved the conclusion of a three-year contract, effective January 1, 2016, 

with a company in which one Supervisory Board member is involved. The order volume to be confirmed annually 

by the Supervisory Board was approved by the Supervisory Board for the 2017 financial year at its meeting in 

November 2016.

Further information on corporate governance within the company can be found in the Corporate Governance Report. 

 see Corporate Governance Report including the Declaration on Corporate Governance, p. 27

EFFICIENT COMMITTEE WORK

In order to perform our tasks in an efficient manner, we have established a total of six standing Supervisory Board 
committees.

The committees prepare resolutions and topics for the meetings of the entire Supervisory Board. Within the legally 
permissible framework and in appropriate cases, we have furthermore delegated the Supervisory Board’s authority 

24

25

1
TO OUR SH AREHOLDERS
Supervisory Board Report

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 four meetings in the 2016 financial year. The main focus of the meetings was the 
preparation of the resolutions of the Supervisory Board as a whole, detailed individually above, in particular the 

resolution on the targets for the 2016 Performance Bonus, the target achievement of the 2015 Performance 

Bonus and the determination of the Executive Board compensation and the review of its appropriateness.

 — The Audit Committee held five meetings in the year under review. The Chief Financial Officer and the auditor 

were present at all meetings and reported to the committee members in detail.

In addition to the supervision of the accounting process, the committee’s work also focused on the comprehensive 

review of the first quarter report, the first half year report and the report on the first nine months 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 2015, 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 2015 annual financial statements 

and consolidated financial statements. In addition, after obtaining the auditor’s declaration of independence and 

after conclusion of a disclosure agreement, 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 the 2016 financial year and for the quarterly financial statements 

and interim management reports for the 2016 financial year and the first quarter of the 2017 financial year. 

Following extensive discussion by the committee, the priority topics for the audit of the 2016 annual financial 

statements and consolidated financial statements were determined and the audit assignment was granted. In 

this regard, the implications of the EU Auditor Reform were also discussed and permitted non-audit services 

and a fee cap for non-audit services were resolved upon.

Furthermore, the Audit Committee dealt intensively with the monitoring of the effectiveness of the risk 

management system, the compliance management system, the internal control system and the internal audit 

system. Moreover, the committee addressed the findings of Internal Audit and the audit plan.

Furthermore, at every meeting of the Audit Committee, the Chief Compliance Officer gave regular reports.

 — The Finance and Investment Committee held two meetings in the year under review, one of which was held 

by way of a conference call.

At its April meeting, the committee dealt with the sale of the Mitchell & Ness brand and approved its divestiture 

to a newly founded company which is majority-owned by Juggernaut Capital Partners. Against the background 

of the share buyback programme initiated in autumn 2014, the committee discussed the commencement of a 

third tranche based on the authorisation granted by the Annual General Meeting in May 2016 and approved the 

proposal of the Executive Board to repurchase shares up to and including January 31, 2017.

 — The Nomination Committee held one meeting in February 2016 by way of a conference call and, against the 
background of the planned increase in the number of Supervisory Board members (in this respect, see ‘Changes 

on the Supervisory Board’ above), prepared the resolution on two additional shareholder representatives’ 
candidates for election to the Supervisory Board which was to be proposed to the Annual General Meeting.

 — The Mediation Committee, established in accordance with the German Co-Determination Act (Mitbestim-

mungsgesetz — MitbestG), did not have to be convened in 2016.

25

1
TO OUR SHA REHOLDERS
Supervisory Board Report

Corporate Governance Report including the Declaration on  Corporate Governance

TO OU R  SHAR E HO LD E RS

1

EXAMINATION OF THE 2016 ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  

AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
KPMG audited the 2016 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 also approved without qualification the 2016 annual financial statements of adidas AG, 

prepared in accordance with HGB requirements, and the combined Management Report of 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 3, 2017 and at the Supervisory Board’s 

March 7, 2017 financial statements meeting, during which the Executive Board explained the financial statements 

in detail. 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 € 2.00 per 
dividend-entitled share and adopted this increase to € 2.00 compared with the previous year under consideration of 

the company’s good 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.

EXPRESSION OF THANKS

On behalf of the entire Supervisory Board, I wish to thank the members of the Executive Board, including Kasper 

Rorsted, who has been a Board member since August 1, 2016 and Chief Executive Officer since October 1, and all 

adidas employees around the world for their tremendous personal dedication and their ongoing commitment, as 

well as the employee representatives for their good collaboration. 

Moreover, we would like to thank Herbert Hainer, who resigned from the Executive Board at his own request at the 

end of September, for his tremendous contribution to the company’s great success over the past three decades. 

During his 15-year term of service as Chief Executive Officer, thanks to his outstanding leadership and expertise, 

sales increased more than three-fold, the number of employees four-fold, profits five-fold and the company’s 

value rose from € 3 billion to € 30 billion. What is more, with Herbert Hainer at the helm, adidas became the most 

sustainable company in Europe and one of the most attractive employers in the world. We would like to express 

our gratitude and respect for these outstanding achievements. 

For the Supervisory Board 

IG OR  LANDAU 
Chairman of the Supervisory Board

March 2017

26

27

1
TO OUR SH AREHOLDERS
Corporate Governance Report including the Declaration on  Corporate Governance

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 company 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.

DECLARATION BY THE EXECUTIVE BOARD AND 
SUPERVISORY BOARD OF ADIDAS AG ON THE GERMAN 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CODE PURSUANT 
TO § 161 GERMAN STOCK CORPORATION ACT 
(AKTIENGESETZ – AKTG)

is of the opinion that an extended length of membership of individual 

Supervisory Board members may, in the individual case, be in the 
interest of the company and of those entitled to elect members to 

the Supervisory Board, which would not be taken into consideration 

if there was a general limit.

The Executive Board and Supervisory Board of adidas AG issued 

Maximum number of non-group mandates held by  

their  last  Declaration  of  Compliance  pursuant  to  § 161  AktG  on 

members of the Supervisory Board  

February 15, 2016 and made an intra-year change on March 3, 2016. 

For the period from the publication of the last complete Declaration 

(section 5.4.5 subsection 1 sentence 2)
One  member  of  the  Supervisory  Board,  Ian  Gallienne,  holds 

of  Compliance,  the  following  Declaration  refers  to  the  German 

more  than  three  mandates  in  supervisory  bodies  of  non-group 

Corporate Governance Code (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Code’) 

companies with similar requirements. Ian Gallienne is Co-Chief 

as amended on May 5, 2015, which was published in the Federal 

Executive  Officer  of  Groupe  Bruxelles  Lambert  (GBL).  GBL  is  a 

Gazette on June 12, 2015.

holding  company  and,  in  its  capacity  as  a  professional  investor 

represented by, inter alia, its Co-Chief Executive Officer, regularly 

The Executive Board and Supervisory Board of adidas AG declare 

holds mandates in supervisory bodies of its portfolio companies. All 

that the recommendations of the ‘Government Commission on the 

companies in which Ian Gallienne holds mandates in supervisory 

German Corporate Governance Code’ have been and are met with 

bodies are portfolio or group companies of GBL and these mandates 

the following deviations:

thus  have  to  be  attributed  to  his  main  occupation  as  Co-Chief 

Executive Officer. Therefore, we are of the opinion that, as regards 

Definition of the target level of provision  

its  intent  and  purpose,  the  recommendation  of  section 5.4.5 

(section 4.2.3 subsection 3)
For Executive Board members of adidas AG initially appointed on 

subsection 1 sentence 2 is not applicable to Ian Gallienne. However, 

as a precaution, we declare a deviation based on the good reasons 

or after October 1, 2013 and for Executive Board members to be 

set out above. Moreover, the Supervisory Board has assured itself 

appointed in future, there are defined contribution pension plans 

that Ian Gallienne has sufficient time to perform his Supervisory 

which, due to their structure, do not aim to reach a defined target 

Board mandate at adidas AG.

level of provision. In the view of the Supervisory Board, this structure 

leads to a higher degree of control and future planning capability with 

Herzogenaurach, February 13, 2017

regard to the company’s expenses for pension plans.

Specification of a regular limit of length of membership  

KASPER RORSTED 

IGOR LANDAU

for Supervisory Board members  

  Chief Executive Officer 

Chairman of the Supervisory Board

  For the Executive Board 

For the Supervisory Board

(section 5.4.1 subsection 2 sentence 1)
In  accordance  with  section 5.4.1  subsection 2  sentence 1  of  the 

Code, the Supervisory Board has specified concrete objectives for its 
composition. However, it has not specified a regular limit of length of 
membership for Supervisory Board members. The Supervisory Board 

1   The Corporate Governance Report including the Declaration on Corporate Governance  

is an unaudited section of the Group Management Report.

27

The aforementioned Declaration of Compliance dated February 13, 
2017 has been published on and can be downloaded from our website. 

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

 
1
TO OUR SHA REHOLDERS
Corporate Governance Report including the Declaration on  Corporate Governance

Corporate Governance Report including the Declaration on  Corporate Governance

TO OU R  SHAR E HO LD E RS

1

SUGGESTIONS OF THE GERMAN CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE CODE FULFILLED

At the Supervisory Board meetings, the Executive Board reports 

in writing and orally on the agenda items and resolution proposals 

In addition to the recommendations, the Code contains a number 

and answers all questions from the individual Supervisory Board 

of  suggestions  for  good  and  responsible  corporate  governance, 

members.  The  CEO  and  the  CFO  maintain  regular  contact  and 

compliance with which is not required to be disclosed separately by 

consult with the Chairman of the Supervisory Board and the Audit 

law. adidas is fully compliant with all suggestions of the Code.

Committee  Chairman  on  key  aspects  of  strategy,  planning  and 

business development as well as on questions of risk management 

and compliance within the company.

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, 

COMPOSITION AND WORKING METHODS  
OF THE SUPERVISORY BOARD

which assigns the management of the company to the Executive 

Our Supervisory Board consists of 16 members. It comprises eight 

Board  and  advice  and  supervision  of  the  Executive  Board  to  the 

shareholder representatives and eight employee representatives 

Supervisory Board, is one of the fundamental principles of German 

in  accordance  with  the  German  Co-Determination  Act 

stock corporation law. These two boards are strictly separated both 

(Mitbestimmungsgesetz  –  MitbestG). 

  see  Supervisory  Board,  p. 18  The 

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

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

COMPOSITION AND WORKING METHODS  
OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

The  composition  of  our  Executive  Board,  which  consists  of  five 

employees. The last periodic election took place in 2014. In the 2016 

financial year, supplementary elections of the Supervisory Board took 

place. The term of office of the current members of the Supervisory 

Board expires at the end of the 2019 Annual General Meeting. 

members,  reflects  the  international  character  of  our  company. 

At its meeting in November 2016, due to the supplementary election 

No  member  of  the  Executive  Board  has  accepted  more  than  a 

of the Supervisory Board in the 2016 financial year, the Supervisory 

total  of  three  supervisory  board  mandates  in  non-group  listed 

Board confirmed the following objectives for its composition, which 

companies  or  in  supervisory  bodies  of  non-group  companies 

were last resolved upon in February 2016 in accordance with the 

with  similar  requirements. 

  see  Executive  Board,  p.  16  The  Executive 

recommendations of the Code:

Board  is  responsible  for  independently  managing  the  company, 

determining the company’s strategic orientation, agreeing this with 

the Supervisory Board and ensuring its implementation. Further, it 

 — The composition of the Supervisory Board including members 
with international background shall be maintained to the current 

defines business targets, company policy and the organisation of the 

extent. Diversity in terms of expertise and experience on the 

company. Additionally, the Executive Board ensures appropriate risk 

grounds of origin, education or professional activity shall continue 

management and risk controlling as well as compliance with statutory 

to be taken into account in the future.

regulations and internal guidelines. It is bound to the company’s 

interest and obligated to strive for a sustainable increase in company 

 — The number of women on the Supervisory Board, namely four, but 
no less than the number stipulated by law, shall be maintained. 

value.

Furthermore, one woman shall be a member of the Nomination 

Committee.

Irrespective  of  the  Executive  Board’s  overall  responsibility,  its 

members are individually responsible for managing their respective 

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

business areas in accordance with the Executive Board’s Business 

also in principle meet the independence criteria as defined by 

Allocation Plan. There are no Executive Board committees. The CEO 

the Code. Substantial, not merely temporary conflicts of interest 

is responsible in particular for leading the entire Executive Board as 

shall be avoided.

well as for guiding business development, including the coordination 

 — The members of the Supervisory Board shall dispose of sufficient 

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

time for performing their mandate.

the  Executive  Board  keep  each  other  informed  on  all  significant 

 — The age limit of, in general, 72 years at the time of election shall 

developments in their business areas and align on all cross-functional 

be taken into account.

measures. Further details on collaboration within the Executive Board 

are governed by the Rules of Procedure of the Executive Board and 

In  accordance  with  the  reasons  stated  in  the  Declaration  of 

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

Compliance, we do not follow the recommendation to specify a regular 
limit of length of membership for Supervisory Board members. 

28

29

1
TO OUR SH AREHOLDERS
Corporate Governance Report including the Declaration on  Corporate Governance

The  Supervisory  Board’s  proposal  with  regard  to  shareholder 

The Supervisory Board supervises and advises the Executive Board in 

representative  candidates  for  the  supplementary  election  was 

questions relating to the management of the company. The Executive 

prepared by the Nomination Committee. For its recommendations, 

Board  regularly,  expeditiously  and  comprehensively  reports  on 

the Nomination Committee took into consideration the statutory 

business development and planning as well as on the risk situation 

requirements,  the  requirements  of  the  Code  and  the  Rules  of 

including compliance and coordinates the strategy of the company 

Procedure of the Supervisory Board as well as the objectives and 

and its implementation with the Supervisory Board. The Supervisory 

criteria determined by the Supervisory Board for its own composition.

Board examines and approves the annual financial statements of 

adidas AG and the adidas Group, taking into consideration the auditor’s 

Together, the members of the Supervisory Board have the knowledge, 

reports, and resolves upon the proposal of the Executive Board on the 

skills and professional expertise required to properly perform their 

appropriation of retained earnings. Additionally, it resolves upon the 

tasks. All of them are familiar with the sector in which the company 

resolution proposals to be presented to the Annual General Meeting. 

operates. As they furthermore have extensive knowledge of various 

Certain business transactions and measures of the Executive Board 

professional  fields  and  many  years  of  international  experience, 

with fundamental significance are subject to prior approval by the 

they  bring  a  broad  spectrum  of  expertise  and  experience  to  the 

Supervisory Board or by a Supervisory Board committee. 

performance of the Supervisory Board’s function. The number of 

female  Supervisory  Board  members  currently  amounts  to  four. 

The Supervisory Board is also responsible for the appointment and 

Assuming  all  of  the  employee  representatives  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 

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. Inter alia, 

experience, industry knowledge and personal expert qualifications 

Board do not exercise directorships or similar positions or advisory 

play an important role in this regard. The Supervisory Board further 

tasks for key competitors of the company. Further, they do not have 

determines the Executive Board compensation system, examines it 

business or personal relations with adidas AG, its Executive Board 

regularly and decides on the individual overall compensation of each 

and Supervisory Board or a controlling shareholder which may cause 

Executive Board member. To this end, the relation between Executive 

a substantial and not merely temporary conflict of interest. The age 

Board compensation and that of senior management and employees 

limit of, in general, 72 years at the time of election was taken into 

overall is taken into account, also in terms of its development over 

account in the selection process. The composition of the Supervisory 

time.  Further  information  on  Executive  Board  compensation  is 

Board consequently fully complies with the specified set of objectives. 

compiled in the Compensation Report. 

 see Compensation Report, p. 32

The  basis  for  every  Supervisory  Board  function  is  the  personal 

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

qualification of the Supervisory Board members. Therefore, additional 

topics,  the  Supervisory  Board  has  formed  six  permanent  expert 

important criteria will also be considered when nominating candidates 

committees from within its members, which, inter alia, prepare its 

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

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

expert and industry knowledge as well as particular experience, e.g. 

committees are the Steering Committee, the General Committee, 

in the fields of accounting or annual auditing, will continue to be taken 

the Audit Committee, the Finance and Investment Committee, the 

into account as at present. Also, the best interests of the company 

Mediation Committee in accordance with § 27 section 3 MitbestG and 

play a decisive role when nominating candidates for election. 

 www.

the Nomination Committee. The chairmen of the committees report 

adidas-group.com/s/supervisory-board

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 

  FURTHER  INFORMATION ON CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

committees’ tasks is available on our website. 

 see Supervisory Board, p. 18 

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 Board
 — Rules of Procedure of the Audit Committee
 — Supervisory Board Committees (composition and tasks)
 — CVs of Executive Board members and Supervisory Board members

 www.adidas-group.com/s/supervisory-board-committees

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  Board  and  its 

committees in the year under review. 

 see Supervisory Board Report, p. 21

2 9

1
TO OUR SHA REHOLDERS
Corporate Governance Report including the Declaration on  Corporate Governance

Corporate Governance Report including the Declaration on  Corporate Governance

TO OU R  SHAR E HO LD E RS

1

The members of the Supervisory Board are individually responsible 

AVOIDING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

for undertaking any necessary training and professional development 
measures required for their tasks and, in doing so, are supported by 

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

adidas AG. The company informs the Supervisory Board regularly 

without any delay. Substantial transactions between the company 

about current legislative changes as well as opportunities for external 

and members of the Executive Board or persons in a close relation 

training, and provides the Supervisory Board with relevant specialist 

with them require Supervisory Board approval. Contracts between 

literature. 

the company and members of the Supervisory Board also require 

Supervisory  Board  approval.  The  Supervisory  Board  reports  any 

Every two years, the Supervisory Board and the Audit Committee 

conflicts of interest, as well as the handling thereof, to the Annual 

examine the efficiency of their work by means of questionnaires 

General Meeting. In the year under review, neither the members of 

and individual interviews. As a result, suggestions for even better 

the Executive Board nor the members of the Supervisory Board faced 

cooperation can be made. The last efficiency examinations were 

conflicts of interest, with the exception of the matter outlined in the 

conducted in 2015. 

Supervisory Board Report. 

 see Supervisory Board Report, p. 21

COMMITMENT TO THE PROMOTION OF THE  
EQUAL PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN AND MEN  
IN LEADERSHIP POSITIONS

SHARE OWNERSHIP OF AND SHARE TRANSACTIONS 
CONDUCTED BY THE EXECUTIVE BOARD AND 
SUPERVISORY BOARD

When  filling  leadership  positions  in  the  company,  the  Executive 

At the end of the 2016 financial year, individual ownership of shares 

Board takes diversity into consideration and especially aims for an 

in the company or related financial instruments held by members 

appropriate consideration of women. The Supervisory Board is also 

of the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board was below 1% 

convinced that an increase in the number of women in leadership 

of the shares issued by adidas AG. The same applies for the total 

positions within adidas is necessary to ensure that, in the future, an 

number of shares held by all members of the Executive Board and 

increased number of female candidates are available for Executive 

the Supervisory Board. 

Board positions. The Supervisory Board thus supports the diversity 

and inclusion initiatives of the company, particularly concerning the 

An overview of the managers’ transactions notified to adidas AG by 

promotion of women in leadership positions. 

 see Our People, p. 72

persons discharging managerial responsibilities pursuant to § 15a 

German Securities Trading Act (Wertpapierhandelsgesetz – WpHG) 

Pursuant to the ‘Law on Equal Participation of Women and Men in 

and Article 19 of the Market Abuse Regulation is published on our 

Leadership Positions in the Private and Public Sector’ the following 

website. 

 www.adidas-group.com/s/managers-transactions

targets have been determined for adidas AG:
 — On August 5, 2015, the Supervisory Board of adidas AG resolved 
to  appoint  a  woman  to  the  Executive  Board  of  adidas AG  by 

RELEVANT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

June 30, 2017 at the latest. 

Our business activities are oriented towards the legal systems in the 

 — On July 2, 2015, the Executive Board of adidas AG resolved to 
increase the female representation on the first management 

various countries and markets in which we operate. This implies a high 

level of social and environmental responsibility. Further information 

level below the Executive Board of adidas AG to 18% by June 30, 

on  company-specific  practices  which  are  applied  in  addition  to 

2017. The female representation on the second management 

statutory requirements, such as our Code of Conduct, on compliance 

level below the Executive Board is to be increased to 30% within 

with working and social standards, environmental responsibility, 

the same implementation period. 

 — With  regard  to  the  quota  of  women  and  men  on  the  Super-
visory Board, the Supervisory Board complies with the statutory 

minimum quota pursuant to § 96 section 2 sentences 1, 3 and 4 

AktG. Both the shareholder representatives and the employee 

chemical  management  and  our  social  commitment  is  available 

in  this  Annual  Report  and  on  our  website. 

  see  Sustainability,  p.  78  

 http://www.adidas-group.com/en/sustainability/managing-sustainability/general-approach/

representatives  resolved  in  accordance  with  § 96  section 2 

COMPLIANCE AND RISK MANAGEMENT 

sentence 3 AktG that the minimum quota of 30% women and 30% 

Compliance  with  laws,  internal  and  external  provisions  and 

men on the Supervisory Board shall be fulfilled separately for the 

responsible risk management are part of corporate governance at 

shareholder representatives and the employee representatives. 

adidas.  Our  compliance  management  system  is  organisationally 

linked to the company’s risk and opportunity management system. 

As part of our global ‘Fair Play Concept’, the compliance management 
system establishes the organisational framework for company-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 behaviour in our own organisation and 

3 0

31

1
TO OUR SH AREHOLDERS
Corporate Governance Report including the Declaration on  Corporate Governance

  FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE PRINCIPLES  
OF OUR MANAGEMENT

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

 www.adidas-group.com 

 — Code of Conduct
 — Sustainability
 — Social commitment
 — Risk and opportunity management and compliance
 — Information and documents on the Annual General Meeting
 — Managers’ transactions
 — Accounting and annual audit

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 sustainable success of 

adidas. 

 see Risk and Opportunity Report, p. 118

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 roadshows and conferences, all financial reports 

and the financial calendar on our website. With our comprehensive 
Investor  Relations  activities,  we  maintain  close  and  continuous 

contact with our current and potential shareholders. 

 www.adidas-group.

com/investors 

 see Our Share, p. 41

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. Our shareholders are involved in 

all fundamental decisions at the Annual General Meeting through their 

participation rights. It is our intention to support our shareholders 

in exercising their voting rights at the Annual General Meeting. At 

our next Annual General Meeting, taking place on May 11, 2017 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 voting by granting powers of 

representation and voting instructions online 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, subject 

to technical availability of the website.

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 Financial Reporting Standards 

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

KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft was appointed as auditor 

for the 2016 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. 

 see Auditor’s Report, p. 209

31

1
TO OUR SHA REHOLDERS
Compensation Report 

1

TO OU R  SHAR E HO LD E RS

Compensation Report 

COMPENSATION REPORT 

The Compensation Report is a component of the combined Management Report and outlines the principles of the compensation 

system for the members of the Executive Board and Supervisory Board as well as the level and structure of the compensation in 

accordance with the legal requirements and the recommendations of the German Corporate Governance Code (the ‘Code’) as amended 

on May 5, 2015. For adidas, transparent and comprehensible reporting on the compensation of the Executive Board and Supervisory 

Board is an essential element of good corporate governance.

COMPENSATION OF THE EXECUTIVE  
BOARD MEMBERS

In case of 100% target achievement, the total compensation (without 

other benefits and pension payments) is made up of around one-third 

COMPENSATION SYSTEM
Following  preparation  by  the  Supervisory  Board’s  General 

fixed  compensation  and  around  two-thirds  performance-related 

compensation components. In addition, there are various pension 

Committee, the compensation system for our Executive Board and 

commitments. Moreover, at its equitable discretion, the Supervisory 

the total compensation of each member of the Executive Board is 
determined and regularly reviewed by the entire Supervisory Board. 

Board may grant a special bonus in case of extraordinary performance 

by an Executive Board member which is not related to performance 

The compensation and personnel topics dealt with by the Supervisory 

criteria that were already decisive for granting the Performance 

Board and General Committee for the year under review are described 

Bonus or the LTIP Bonus. Such special bonus is limited to a maximum 

in the Supervisory Board Report. 

 see Supervisory Board Report, p. 21

of 100% of the annual fixed salary of the calendar year for which the 

The compensation system is geared towards creating an incentive 

for successful, sustainably value-oriented corporate development 

The compensation system for the members of the Executive Board 

and management. Against this background, more than 50% of the 

which has been applicable since the 2015 financial year was adopted 

variable target compensation component is based upon multi-year 

by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on May 7, 2015. 

special bonus is granted.

performance criteria. The variable compensation components are 

It consists of the following components:

designed in such a way that the incentive to achieve the long-term 

targets  decisive  for  the  multi-year  variable  target  compensation 

component is higher than the incentive to achieve the targets decisive 

Non-performance-related components
Fixed compensation

for being granted the one-year variable compensation component. 

The fixed compensation consists of the annual fixed salary, which is 

Corresponding contractual provisions ensure that this weighting can 

based, inter alia, on the tasks and responsibilities of the individual 

be maintained in the future. In terms of the appropriateness of the 

Executive  Board  member.  It  is  paid  in  twelve  equal  monthly 

Executive Board compensation, when determining the compensation, 

instalments and generally remains unchanged during the term of 

the Supervisory Board takes into consideration factors such as the 

the service contract.

size and the global orientation, the economic situation, the success 

and outlook of the company, as well as the common level of the 

Other benefits

compensation  in  comparison  with  peer  companies  and  with  the 

The other benefits primarily consist of paying for, or providing the 

compensation structure applicable for other areas of the company. 

monetary value of, non-cash benefits and of other benefits such 

To this end, the relation between the Executive Board compensation 

as  contributions  to  insurance  schemes  normal  for  the  market, 

and that of senior management and employees overall is taken into 

assumption of relocation costs, the provision of a company car or 

account, both in total and in terms of its development over time, 

the use of the internal driver service. The total amount of these 

with the relevant groups of persons having been determined by the 

other benefits is capped at 5% of the total compensation comprising 

Supervisory Board. In addition, when determining the compensation, 

the fixed salary and a (possible) Performance Bonus granted in the 

the tasks and contribution of each Executive Board member to the 

respective financial year.

company’s success, their individual performance as well as the overall 

performance of the Executive Board are taken into consideration. The 

compensation system aims to appropriately remunerate exceptional 

Performance-related components
Performance Bonus

performance, while diminishing variable compensation when targets 

As the annual variable component, the Performance Bonus serves 

are not met. Thus, in the Supervisory Board’s opinion, an appropriate 
level of compensation, which is reviewed annually by the Supervisory 
Board and adjusted if required, can be ensured.

as compensation for the Executive Board’s performance in the past 
financial year in line with the short-term development of the company.

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 

32

33

1
TO OUR SH AREHOLDERS
Compensation Report 

01  COMPENSATION OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS 

Fixed compensation
Fixed compensation is paid out monthly 
in twelve equal instalments.

2016 Performance Bonus
For the performance criteria determined 
at the beginning of the 2016 financial 
year, see the section ‘2016 Performance 
Bonus’ on page 35.

LTIP 2015/2017
For the performance criteria determined in 
the 2015 financial year, see the section LTIP 
2015/2017 on page 35.

The bonus amount is payable following 
approval of the consolidated financial 
statements of the past financial year.

Payout of the LTIP Bonus will be effected after 
the 2017 consolidated financial statements are 
approved.

Target direct 
compensation
(in case of 100% 
target achievement)

Cap of overall
compensation
(maximum 
compensation)

Fixed compensation

2016 Performance Bonus
The Performance Bonus is capped at a maximum of 
150% of the individual Bonus target amount. If the 
overall degree of target achievement lies at or below 
50%, the Executive Board member is not entitled to the 
Performance Bonus.

LTIP 2015/2017
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.

For the ultimate evaluation of the Executive Board’s performance, qualitative 
criteria such as the further development of company health management as 
well as occupational health and safety, are taken into account.

Fixed compensation

One-year performance-related compensation

Multi-year performance-related compensation

Performance Bonus target amount for each member of the Executive 

Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP Bonus)

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

The  target  values  of  the  individual  performance  criteria  include 

Based on the Long-Term Incentive Plan 2015/2017 (LTIP 2015/2017) 
measured  over  a  three-year  period,  the  LTIP  Bonus  serves  –  in 

threshold  values;  if  the  target  achievement  of  this  performance 

line with sustainability-oriented development of the company – as 

criterion is below these threshold values, it is valued at zero. This 

compensation  for  the  long-term  performance  of  the  Executive 

means that if targets are clearly not achieved a Performance Bonus 

Board. On this basis, at the beginning of the 2015 financial year, 

may not be paid at all.

the Supervisory Board defined the performance criteria oriented 

towards sustainable growth of the company and also defined the 

At the end of the financial year, the precise target achievement of 

individual amount of the LTIP Bonus target amount for each Executive 

each Executive Board member, which is based on a comparison of the 

Board member, based on a target achievement of 100% (LTIP target 

predefined target values with the values achieved in the year under 

amount).

review, is examined. The sum of these degrees of target achievement 

constitutes the factor by which the Bonus target amount is multiplied. 

At the end of the 2017 financial year, the precise target achievement 

The result is the individual amount of the Performance Bonus to be 

of each Executive Board member, which is based on a comparison of 

paid (bonus amount). Moreover, when determining the bonus amount, 

the predefined target values with the values achieved at the end of the 

all other sustainable performance by the Executive Board can be 

three-year period covering the years 2015 to 2017, will be examined. 

taken into account in an appropriate manner. The bonus amount is 

The sum of these degrees of target achievement constitutes the 

capped at a maximum of 150% of the individual Bonus target amount. 

factor by which the LTIP target amount is multiplied. The result is 

If the overall degree of target achievement lies at or below 50%, the 

the individual amount of the LTIP Bonus to be paid (bonus amount). 

Executive Board member is not entitled to the Performance Bonus.

Payout of the LTIP Bonus will be effected after the 2017 consolidated 

financial statements are approved.

If  an  Executive  Board  member  takes  or  leaves  office  during  a 

financial year, the Performance Bonus is generally calculated pro 

The LTIP Bonus is capped at a maximum of 150% of the individual 

rata temporis based on the degree of target achievement determined 

LTIP target amount. If the overall degree of target achievement lies at 

at the end of the financial year. In certain cases defined in the Terms 

or below 50%, the Executive Board member is not entitled to the LTIP 

& Conditions of the Performance Bonus, entitlement to the payout of 

Bonus. If an Executive Board member takes or leaves office during 

a Performance Bonus is generally forfeited, unless the Supervisory 
Board determines otherwise at its equitable discretion.

The bonus amount is payable following approval of the consolidated 
financial statements of the past financial year.

the term of the LTIP 2015/2017 (Performance Period), the LTIP Bonus 
is generally calculated on a pro rata basis. In certain cases defined 
in the Terms & Conditions of the LTIP 2015/2017, entitlement to the 
payout of an LTIP Bonus is generally forfeited, unless the Supervisory 
Board determines otherwise at its equitable discretion.

33

1
TO OUR SHA REHOLDERS
Compensation Report 

1

TO OU R  SHAR E HO LD E RS

Compensation Report 

Pension commitments
The pension entitlement of the Executive Board members Herbert 
Hainer, Glenn Bennett and Robin J. Stalker, who were appointed 

As  part  of  the  pension  commitments,  an  amount  equalling  a 

percentage determined by the Supervisory Board, which is related 
to the individual annual fixed salary, is credited to the virtual pension 

before September 30, 2013 and who were active members in the 

account of the individual Executive Board member each year. The 

2016 financial year, will be covered by the defined benefit pension 

Supervisory Board annually resolves on this percentage, which most 

plans  granted  to  them.  The  Executive  Board  members  Kasper 

recently was set at 50%. When making its decision, the Supervisory 

Rorsted, Roland Auschel and Eric Liedtke, who were appointed after 

Board takes into account the targeted individual pension level and 

September 30, 2013, were granted defined contribution pension plans. 

the resulting annual and long-term expenses for the company. The 

The defined benefit pension plans granted to the Executive Board 

pension assets existing at the beginning of the respective calendar 

members Roland Auschel and Eric Liedtke for the period from their 

year shall yield a fixed interest rate of 3% p.a., however for no longer 

appointment until December 31, 2014 were converted into defined 

than until the pension benefits initially become due. As a rule, interest 

contribution pension plans with effect from January 1, 2015. In future, 

shall be credited as at the close of December 31 in each calendar year, 

Executive Board members appointed by the Supervisory Board will 

and on the due date in the year in which the pension benefit is first 

also be granted defined contribution pension plans.

due. Entitlement to the pension benefits becomes vested immediately.

Defined benefit pension plans
Starting  from  a  base  amount  totalling  10% 1  of  the  respective 
pensionable income granted in the pension plan, a module of two 
or three percentage points 2 of the pensionable income is created 
for each Executive Board member for each full year of tenure as an 

Executive Board member.

The entitlements to pension benefits comprise pensions to be received 

upon reaching the age of 65, or, on application, early retirement 
pensions to be received upon reaching the age of 62 (early pensions), 

or invalidity and survivors’ benefits.

On occurrence of the pension-triggering event, the pension benefits 

generally correspond to the balance of the pension account including 

As  its  targeted  level  of  provision,  the  Supervisory  Board  has 

accumulated interest on that date. In case of invalidity or death prior 

determined for the Executive Board members a pension entitlement 
amounting to a maximum of 50% 3 of an Executive Board member’s 
pensionable income. The amount of pensionable income currently 

to reaching the age of 62, for the minimum coverage, the Executive 

Board member’s pension account will be credited with the outstanding 

pension contributions for the time until the Executive Board member 

equals  the  individual  fixed  annual  salary  indicated  in  the  table 

would have reached the age of 62, but no longer than for 120 months 

‘Benefits granted’.

(without interest accrual). The pension benefits due upon death of 

the Executive Board member are payable to the widow, the widower 

The pension benefits comprise retirement pensions to be received 

or the registered civil partner and the children entitled to pension 

upon  reaching  the  age  of  65  as  well  as  disability  and  survivors’ 

benefits as joint creditors.

benefits.

At the Executive Board member’s choice, the payout of all pension 

In the event that an Executive Board member leaves the company 

benefits is made either as a one-time payment or in up to ten equal 

prior to reaching retirement age, the non-forfeiture of the pension 

annual instalments. If no choice is made by the Executive Board 

entitlement  will  be  in  line  with  legal  provisions.  The  pension 

member, the pension benefits are paid out in three equal annual 

entitlement is not, as legally envisaged, reduced pro rata temporis, 

instalments. As a rule, in case of a payout in annual instalments, 

i.e. it amounts to at least the base amount of the pension commitment 

the instalment will be paid out in January of the respective year. 

made to the Executive Board member, plus the pension modules 

The  still  outstanding  instalments  of  the  benefit  phase  bear  the 

accumulated annually during the term of office.

maximum interest rate of the first due date of the pension benefits 

for the calculation of the actuarial reserve according to the German 

Following  the  pension-triggering  event,  ongoing  pensions  are 

Actuarial Reserve Ordinance (DeckRV) for life insurance companies.

adjusted in line with the development of state pensions.

Defined contribution pension plans

Insolvency insurance for the pension commitments granted to the 

Executive Board members as of October 1, 2013 is ensured by the 

The defined contribution pension plans, each in the form of a direct 

integration  of  the  pension  plans  in  the  existing  trust  model,  the 

commitment,  basically  have  the  same  structure  as  the  existing 

Contractual Trust Arrangement (CTA).

‘adidas Management Pension Plan’ for managers.

1   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 Herbert Hainer: effective 
March 6, 1997; initial appointment of Robin J. Stalker: effective January 30, 2001.

2   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.

3  For Herbert Hainer, the targeted level of provision is 40%.

3 4

35

1
TO OUR SH AREHOLDERS
Compensation Report 

adidas Management Pension Plan
Executive Board members 4 who belonged to the group of senior 
executives of adidas AG prior to their Executive Board appointments 

bonus 5. The follow-up bonus is payable in two tranches, 12 and 24 
months following the end of the contract. There is no entitlement to 

a follow-up bonus if the service contract expires after release from 

will at the time of their retirement receive additional payments from 

service with continued compensation or if it is terminated for good 

the  ‘adidas  Management  Pension  Plan’.  Until  their  appointment 

cause.

as Executive Board members, adidas AG had contributed pension 

components  under  these  supplementary  provisions  which  were 

EXECUTIVE BOARD COMPENSATION 2016

introduced for all of these senior executives of the company in 1989.

Commitments to Executive Board members  

upon premature termination of tenure
Executive Board service contracts are usually agreed with a contractual 

2016 Performance Bonus
At the beginning of the 2016 financial year, the Supervisory Board 

determined an increase
 — in net income from continuing operations,
 — in  net  sales  of  the  adidas  and  Reebok  brands  in  the  US 

term of three years. This term will be shortened accordingly if the 

(currency-neutral),

Executive Board member reaches the age of 65 prior to expiration.

 — in net sales in the adidas Running category ‘Footwear & Apparel’ 

(global, currency-neutral), and

In  case  of  premature  termination  of  tenure  in  the  absence  of 

 — in the popularity of the adidas brand as measured by the Net 

good  cause,  the  Executive  Board  service  contracts  cap  potential 
compensatory payments at a maximum of twice the total annual 

Promoter Score (global)

as success parameters with different weightings for the Performance 

compensation, not exceeding payment claims for the remaining period 

Bonus. Based on the targets actually achieved, this results in a degree 

of the service contract (Severance Payment Cap). In this context, the 

of target achievement of 150% of the individual Bonus target amount 

total annual compensation means the Executive Board member’s total 

for the year under review. This percentage simultaneously constitutes 

compensation paid for the last full financial year prior to departure 

the cap for the payout of the 2016 Performance Bonus.

from the Executive Board. In calculating the total compensation, a 

multi-year variable compensation component and the service costs 

will only be taken into consideration with the proportion attributable 

to the last full financial year prior to departure. When determining 
the total compensation, a possible follow-up bonus 5 is not included, 
but the expected total compensation for the current financial year is 

considered, taking into account the outlined provisions.

LTIP 2015/2017
From the LTIP 2015/2017, for which the Supervisory Board determined 

as Performance criteria for the 2015 financial year the
 — achievement of a defined net income from continuing operations,
 — increase in the presence on the US market measured/assessed 
by  the  increase  in  market  shares  of  adidas  footwear  and  an 

improvement of the brand’s popularity,

If the service contract is terminated due to a change of control, a 

possible severance payment is limited to 150% of the Severance 

 — increase in the adidas share price over three years and relative 
outperformance of the adidas share compared to the DAX-30 

Payment Cap.

price index,

If an Executive Board member dies during his term of office, his 

spouse or partner receives or, alternatively, any dependent children 

 — increase in profitability of the retail segment,
 — improvement  of  sustainability  measured/assessed  by  the 
improvement of employee satisfaction and an increase in the 

receive, in addition to pension benefits due to contractual stipulations, 

percentage of female representation in management positions 

the  pro  rata  annual  fixed  salary  for  the  month  of  death  and  the 

within the company

following three months, but no longer than until the agreed end date 

no  payout  was  made  given  the  three-year  performance  period, 

of the service contract.

but will be made at the end of the 2017 financial year depending 

on the degree of target achievement. For the ultimate evaluation 

Commitments to Executive Board members  

of the Executive Board’s performance, qualitative criteria such as 

the further development of company health management as well as 

occupational health and safety are also taken into account.

upon regular termination of tenure
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 a potential pro-rated 

LTIP Bonus as well as, under certain circumstances, a follow-up 

4  Herbert Hainer, Roland Auschel, Eric Liedtke and Robin J. Stalker.
5   This bonus amounts to 75% for Roland Auschel, Glenn Bennett and Eric Liedtke, 100% for 

Robin J. Stalker, and 125% for Herbert Hainer and is based on the Performance Bonus granted 
to the respective Executive Board member for the last full financial year.

35

1
TO OUR SHA REHOLDERS
Compensation Report 

1

TO OU R  SHAR E HO LD E RS

Compensation Report 

Commitments to Executive Board members in  

connection with termination of tenure
In connection with Herbert Hainer’s termination of tenure by mutual 

Overall compensation for 2016 in accordance with the Code
Based on the Supervisory Board’s determination outlined above, the 

overall compensation of the Executive Board for the 2016 financial 

consent on September 30, 2016, it was agreed that the contractual 

year amounts to € 16.086 million (2015: € 9.177 million). Due to the 

commitments on the part of the company will continue to be granted 
until  expiry  of  his  service  contract  on  March  31,  2017.  For  this 

high Performance Bonus paid for the successful financial year and 

the appointment of Kasper Rorsted as member of the Executive 

period, Herbert Hainer receives the following compensation: fixed 

Board and successor to Herbert Hainer from August 1, 2016, the 

compensation in the amount of € 800,000 and other benefits in the 

total compensation for the year under review is higher than the total 

amount of € 14,165. His past service costs for this period amount to 

compensation for the 2015 financial year.

€ 207,295. In accordance with the termination agreement, Herbert 

Hainer will receive a Performance Bonus in the amount of € 2,032,500 

The  recommendations  of  the  Code  to  individually  disclose  the 

for the 2016 financial year. For the 2017 financial year, however, he 

compensation components for each Executive Board member and 

will not receive a Performance Bonus. In addition, he will receive two 

to use the sample tables attached to the Code are implemented in 

thirds of the LTIP Bonus which the Supervisory Board may decide to 

the following.

grant in February 2018. For the LTIP Bonus amount, reserves in the 

amount of € 4,655,112 have been set up. At the end of April 2018 

and at the end of April 2019, he will be paid out 75% and 50%, i.e. 

€ 1,524,375 and € 1,016,250, of the Performance Bonus granted to 

Benefits granted in accordance with the Code
In the following table, the benefits granted for the 2015 and 2016 
financial years are disclosed including other benefits and service 

him for the 2016 financial year as a follow-up bonus. In accordance 

costs, and also including the maximum and minimum achievable 

with the stipulation in his service contract, he will be paid monthly 
compensation in the amount of € 66,667 gross for the post-contractual 

compensation.

competition prohibition for a period of 24 months. This corresponds 

In accordance with the requirements of the Code, the Performance 

to  50%  of  the  last  fixed  monthly  salary.  The  reserves  set  up  for 

Bonus is disclosed with the amount granted in case of 100% target 

compensation for post-contractual competition prohibition amount 

achievement. Pursuant to the recommendations of the Code, the LTIP 

to € 1,600,000. Furthermore, Herbert Hainer is entitled to keep his 

Bonus resulting from the LTIP 2015/2017 measured over a three-year 

supervisory board mandate at FC Bayern München AG until the end of 

period is to be indicated with the pro rata temporis target amount of 

his term of office. The claims to pension payments deriving from the 

an ‘average probability scenario’ at the time of granting, whereas 

adidas Management Pension Plan and the pension commitment dated 

adidas AG takes the 100% target amount as a basis.

March 6, 1997, as amended on August 6, 2014, remain unaffected 

and will be paid out in accordance with the contractual regulations.

Pension commitments
The  service  costs  for  the  pension  commitments  granted  to  the 

Executive Board members in the 2016 financial year and the cash 

values of the vested rights are set out individually:

02  PENSION COMMITMENTS IN 2016 FINANCIAL YEAR IN €

Executive Board members incumbent as at December 31, 2016

FY 2015

FY 2016

FY 2015

FY 2016

Service costs

Accumulated pension obligation for the pension 
commitments excluding deferred compensation

Kasper Rorsted 1

Roland Auschel

Glenn Bennett

Eric Liedtke

Robin J. Stalker

Total

n.a.

361,000

251,162

336,000

379,868

587,372

360,846

260,911

359,588

346,914

n.a.

738,627

5,778,313

724,482

5,051,190

611,250

1,129,796

6,994,391

1,192,719

6,060,004

1,328,030

1,915,631

12,292,612

15,988,160

Executive Board members incumbent until September 30, 2016

Herbert Hainer 2

Total

428,648

428,648

2,837,209

2,837,209

11,983,870

11,983,870

n.a.

n.a.

1  Member of the Executive Board as of August 1, 2016 and Chief Executive Officer as of October 1, 2016.
2  Chief Executive Officer and member of the Executive Board until September 30, 2016. The service costs 2016 for Herbert Hainer also comprise the contractually agreed follow-up bonus in the amount 
of € 2,540,625 due to his departure with effect from the end of September 30, 2016 as the follow-up bonus is a commitment for other pension benefits in the case of a member leaving office prematurely 
which is concluded in advance.

3 6

37

1
TO OUR SH AREHOLDERS
Compensation Report 

03  BENEFITS GRANTED IN €

Fixed compensation

Other benefits

Total

One-year variable compensation 1

Multi-year variable compensation

LTIP 2015/2017 2

Total

Service costs 3, 4

Overall compensation

Kasper Rorsted 
Executive Board member, Chief Executive Officer 
since August 1, 2016 and October 1, 2016

Roland Auschel 
Executive Board member, Global Sales

2015

2016

2016 (min.)

2016 (max.)

2015

2016

2016 (min.)

2016 (max.)

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

833,333

18,800

852,133

625,000

833,333

833,333

833,333

18,800

852,133

0

0

0

2,310,466

587,372

852,133

587,372

833,333

18,800

852,133

937,500

1,250,000

1,250,000

3,039,633

587,372

550,000

17,742

567,742

412,000

616,667

616,667

650,000

17,943

667,943

557,000

616,667

616,667

650,000

17,943

667,943

0

0

0

650,000

17,943

667,943

835,500

925,000

925,000

1,596,408

1,841,609

361,000

360,846

667,943

360,846

2,428,443

360,846

2,897,838

1,439,505

3,627,005

1,957,408

2,202,455

1,028,789

2,789,289

Glenn Bennett 
Executive Board member, Global Operations

Eric Liedtke 
Executive Board member, Global Brands

2015 5

2016 6

2016 (min.)

2016 (max.)

2015

2016

2016 (min.)

2016 (max.)

Fixed compensation

Other benefits

Total

One-year variable compensation 1

Multi-year variable compensation

LTIP 2015/2017 2

Total

Service costs 3, 4

680,560

30,993

711,553

662,132

901,101

901,101

721,474

34,435

755,909

686,602

903,665

903,665

721,474

34,435

755,909

0

0

0

2,274,786

2,346,176

251,162

260,911

755,909

260,911

721,474

34,435

755,909

1,029,903

1,355,497

1,355,497

3,141,310

260,911

516,667

15,656

532,322

412,000

616,667

616,667

650,000

13,396

663,396

557,000

616,667

616,667

650,000

13,396

663,396

0

0

0

650,000

13,396

663,396

835,500

925,000

925,000

1,560,989

1,837,062

336,000

359,588

663,396

359,588

2,423,896

359,588

Overall compensation

2,525,948

2,607,087

1,016,820

3,402,221

1,896,989

2,196,650

1,022,984

2,783,484

Robin J. Stalker 
Chief Financial Officer

Herbert Hainer 
Chief Executive Officer 
until September 30, 2016

2015

2016

2016 (min.)

2016 (max.)

2015

2016 7

2016 (min.)

2016 (max.)

Fixed compensation

Other benefits

Total

One-year variable compensation 1

Multi-year variable compensation

LTIP 2015/2017 2

Total

Service costs 3, 4

654,603

19,817

674,421

520,000

741,800

741,800

665,500

20,018

685,518

540,000

741,800

741,800

665,500

20,018

685,518

0

0

0

1,936,221

1,967,318

379,868

346,914

685,518

346,914

665,500

20,018

685,518

810,000

1,112,700

1,112,700

2,608,218

346,914

1,582,258

1,200,000

1,200,000

1,200,000

34,987

26,917

26,917

26,917

1,617,245

1,226,917

1,226,917

1,226,917

1,311,270

1,355,000

1,694,000

1,694,000

1,694,000

1,694,000

0

0

0

2,032,500

2,541,000

2,541,000

4,622,515

4,275,917

1,226,917

5,800,417

428,648

2,837,209

2,837,209

2,837,209

Overall compensation

2,316,089

2,314,232

1,032,432

2,955,132

5,051,163

7,113,126

4,064,126

8,637,626

1  Contractually agreed Performance Bonus target amount 2016 for Kasper Rorsted due to his intra-year appointment to the Executive Board with effect from August 1, 2016.
2   Contractually agreed LTIP Bonus target amount 2015/2017 due to the appointment of Kasper Rorsted to the Executive Board (with effect from August 1, 2016) during the plan term. Contractually 

agreed LTIP Bonus target amount 2015/2017 due to termination of Herbert Hainer‘s Executive Board mandate (with effect from the end of September 30, 2016) during the plan term.

3  Service costs 2016 stated pro rata temporis due to intra-year termination of Herbert Hainer’s Executive Board mandate with effect from the end of September 30, 2016.
4   The service costs 2016 for Herbert Hainer also comprise the contractually agreed follow-up bonus in the amount of € 2,540,625 due to his departure with effect from the end of September 30, 2016 as 

the follow-up bonus is a commitment for other pension benefits in the case of a member leaving office prematurely which is concluded in advance.

5  Exchange rate 1.10690 $/€ (annual average rate 2016).
6  Exchange rate 1.11005 $/€ (annual average rate 2015).
7   Executive Board compensation stated pro rata temporis due to intra-year termination of Herbert Hainer’s Executive Board mandate at the end of September 30, 2016. Herbert Hainer’s service 

contract terminates with effect from March 31, 2017. The variable compensation components (Performance Bonus and LTI) granted for the 2016 financial year were already fully earned by Herbert 
Hainer during his term of office as Executive Board member. In addition to the overall compensation set out, Herbert Hainer received the following compensation for the period from October 1, 2016 
to December 31, 2016: fixed compensation in the amount of € 400,000 and other benefits in the amount of € 7,083. This compensation and the service costs for the period from October 1, 2016 to 
December 31, 2016 in the amount of € 98,861 are set out in the Compensation Report as part of the overall payments to former members of the Executive Board.

37

1
TO OUR SHA REHOLDERS
Compensation Report 

1

TO OU R  SHAR E HO LD E RS

Compensation Report 

04  ALLOCATION IN €

Fixed compensation

Other benefits

Total

One-year variable compensation 3

Multi-year variable compensation

LTIP 2015/2017

Other

Total 4

Service costs 5, 6

Overall compensation 

Fixed compensation

Other benefits

Total

One-year variable compensation 3

Multi-year variable compensation

LTIP 2015/2017

Other

Total 4

Service costs 5, 6

Overall compensation 

Kasper Rorsted 
Executive Board member,  
Chief Executive Officer 
since August 1, 2016 and October 1, 2016

Roland Auschel 
Executive Board member, Global Sales

Glenn Bennett 
Executive Board member,  
Global Operations

2015

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

2016

2015

2016

2015 1

2016 2

833,333

18,800

852,133

937,500

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

1,789,633

587,372

2,377,005

550,000

17,742

567,742

412,000

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

979,742

361,000

1,340,742

650,000

17,943

667,943

835,500

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

1,503,443

360,846

1,864,289

680,560

30,993

711,553

662,132

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

1,373,685

251,162

1,624,847

721,474

34,435

755,909

1,029,903

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

1,785,813

260,911

2,046,724

Eric Liedtke 
Executive Board member, Global Brands

Robin J. Stalker 
Chief Financial Officer

Herbert Hainer 
Chief Executive Officer 
until September 30, 2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016 7

516,667

15,656

532,322

412,000

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

944,322

336,000

1,280,322

650,000

13,396

663,396

835,500

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

1,498,896

359,588

1,858,484

654,603

19,817

674,421

520,000

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

1,194,421

379,868

1,574,289

665,500

20,018

685,518

810,000

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

1,495,518

346,914

1,842,432

1,582,258

34,987

1,617,245

1,311,270

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

2,928,515

428,648

3,357,163

1,200,000

26,917

1,226,917

2,032,500

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

3,259,417

2,837,209

6,096,626

1  Exchange rate 1.11005 $/€ (annual average rate 2015).
2  Exchange rate 1.10690 $/€ (annual average rate 2016).
3  Contractually agreed Performance Bonus target amount 2016 for Kasper Rorsted due to his intra-year appointment to the Executive Board with effect from August 1, 2016.
4   The compensation components set out above constitute both the overall compensation for the 2016 financial year and for the previous year, which have to be set out individually in accordance with 

German Commercial Law.

5  Service costs 2016 stated pro rata temporis due to intra-year termination of Herbert Hainer’s mandate with effect from the end of September 30, 2016.
6   The service costs 2016 for Herbert Hainer also comprise the contractually agreed follow-up bonus in the amount of € 2,540,625 due to his departure with effect from the end of September 30, 2016 as 

the follow-up bonus is a commitment for other pension benefits in the case of a member leaving office prematurely which is concluded in advance.

7   Executive Board compensation stated pro rata temporis due to intra-year termination of Herbert Hainer’s Executive Board mandate at the end of September 30, 2016. Herbert Hainer’s service 

contract terminates with effect from March 31, 2017. The variable compensation components (Performance Bonus and LTI) granted for the 2016 financial year were already fully earned by Herbert 
Hainer during his term of office as Executive Board member. In addition to the overall compensation set out, Herbert Hainer received the following compensation for the period from October 1, 2016 
to December 31, 2016: fixed compensation in the amount of € 400,000 and other benefits in the amount of € 7,083. This compensation and the service costs for the period from October 1, 2016 to 
December 31, 2016 in the amount of € 98,861 are set out in the Compensation Report as part of the overall payments to former members of the Executive Board.

38

39

1
TO OUR SH AREHOLDERS
Compensation Report 

Allocation in accordance with the Code
Pursuant to the recommendations of the Code, the fixed compensation, 

Review of Executive Board compensation
In the 2016 financial year, the Supervisory Board had the Executive 

other benefits and the service costs as well as the Performance Bonus 

Board compensation system reviewed with regard to appropriateness 

are to be disclosed as an allocation for the financial year in which 

by an independent external compensation expert. In doing so, the 

the compensation was granted. As stipulated by the Code, the LTIP 

overall target annual compensation of the individual Executive Board 

Bonus resulting from the LTIP 2015/2017 measured over a three-year 

members and the structure of the Executive Board compensation were 

period is disclosed in the year in which the plan ends, i.e. in the 2017 

examined in detail. This review found that while the compensation 

financial year and consequently not in the 2016 financial year (also 

meets the requirements of the German Stock Corporation Act and the 

not on a pro rata basis).

Code, it could be aligned even more closely with customary market 

Overall payments to former members of the Executive Board 

levels.

and their surviving dependants
In the 2016 financial year, overall payments to former members of 

Miscellaneous
The  Executive  Board  members  do  not  receive  any  additional 

the Executive Board and their surviving dependants amounted to 

compensation  for  mandates  within  adidas.  The  Executive  Board 

€ 8.754 million (2015: € 3.524 million). The increase is attributable, 

members have not received any loans or advance payments from 

in particular, to the fact that the compensation, the service costs 

adidas AG.

for the period from October 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017 as well as 
the compensation for post-contractual competition prohibition and 

the follow-up bonus for the former Chief Executive Officer Herbert 

Hainer are included in the total amount. For details, see the section 

‘Commitments  to  Executive  Board  members  in  connection  with 

termination of tenure’. 

 see p. 36

COMPENSATION OF THE SUPERVISORY  
BOARD MEMBERS

COMPENSATION SYSTEM
In accordance with § 18 of adidas AG’s Articles of Association, after the 

end of the respective financial year, the members of the Supervisory 

Provisions for pension entitlements for the former members of the 

Board receive a fixed compensation amount for their function as 

Executive Board who resigned on or before December 31, 2005 and their 

well as compensation for the chairmanship of or membership in 

surviving dependants were created, amounting to € 45.821 million 

committees, in accordance with the Code. For meetings requiring 

(2015: € 42.730 million) in total as at December 31, 2016. The increase 

personal  attendance,  an  attendance  fee  amounting  to  € 750  is 

is mainly attributable to a decline in the underlying interest rate from 

granted.  Additional  variable  compensation  is  not  granted  to  the 

2.5% to 1.8%.

Supervisory Board members. Supervisory Board members who have 

not been members of the Supervisory Board for the entire financial 

There are pension commitments towards four former Executive Board 

year receive a pro-rated amount of compensation.

members who resigned after December 31, 2005, which are covered 

by a pension fund or a pension fund in combination with a reinsured 

For the 2016 financial year, each individual member of the Supervisory 

pension  trust  fund.  From  this,  indirect  obligations  amounting  to 

Board received € 50,000 as fixed annual compensation; three times 

€ 29.472 million  (2015:  € 12.644 million)  arise  for  adidas AG,  for 

this amount was paid to the Chairman of the Supervisory Board and 

which no accruals were established due to financing through the 

twice this amount was paid to each Deputy Chairperson. Members of 

pension fund and pension trust fund. This increase is attributable, 

the General Committee and of the Finance and Investment Committee 

in particular, to the resignation of Herbert Hainer and the decline in 

received additional compensation of € 25,000 and members of the 

the underlying interest rate.

Audit Committee received additional compensation of € 50,000. In 

addition to their fixed compensation, the Chairmen of the General 

The dynamisation of the pensions paid to former Executive Board 

Committee and of the Finance and Investment Committee received a 

members is effected in accordance with statutory regulations or 

compensation amount of € 50,000 each, and the Chairman of the Audit 

regulations under collective agreements, unless a surplus from the 

Committee received compensation of € 75,000. The compensation 

pension fund is used for an increase in pension benefits after pension 

paid for a committee chairmanship also covers the membership 

payments have already begun.

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.

39

1
TO OUR SHA REHOLDERS
Compensation Report 

1

TO OU R  SHAR E HO LD E RS

Our Share

04  COMPENSATION OF THE SUPERVISORY BOARD MEMBERS IN €

2016
Fixed 
compensation

2016
Compensation 
committee 
work

2016
Attendance 
fees

2015
Fixed 
compensation

2015
Compensation 
committee 
work

2015
Attendance 
fees

Supervisory Board members incumbent as at December 31, 2016

Igor Landau 
(Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Chairman of the General Committee, 
Chairman of the Finance and Investment Committee)

Sabine Bauer
(Deputy Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board, Member of the General 
Committee, Member of the Finance and Investment Committee)

150,000

50,000

5,250

150,000

50,000

8,250

100,000

25,000

5,250

100,000

25,000

8,250

Willi Schwerdtle
(Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Member of the General Committee)

100,000

25,000

Ian Gallienne 1

Dieter Hauenstein

Roswitha Hermann 2

Dr. Wolfgang Jäger
(Member of the Audit Committee, Member of the Finance and Investment 
Committee)

Dr. Stefan Jentzsch
(Member of the Audit Committee)

Herbert Kauffmann
(Chairman of the Audit Committee, Member of the Finance and Investment 
Committee)

Katja Kraus

Kathrin Menges

Udo Müller 3

Roland Nosko
(Member of the General Committee)

Hans Ruprecht
(Member of the Audit Committee)

Nassef Sawiris 1

Michael Storl 2

Heidi Thaler-Veh

Kurt Wittmann 3

Total

1  Supervisory Board member with effect from June 15, 2016.
2  Supervisory Board member for the period from June 24, 2016 to October 6, 2016.
3  Supervisory Board member with effect from October 6, 2016.

27,322

50,000

14,208

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

5,250

1,500

3,750

750

100,000

25,000

n.a.

50,000

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

7,500

n.a.

3,750

n.a.

50,000

50,000

6,750

50,000

50,000

7,500

50,000

50,000

7,500

50,000

50,000

6,000

50,000

50,000

50,000

11,885

75,000

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

7,500

3,000

3,750

750

50,000

50,000

50,000

n.a.

75,000

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

7,500

3,750

2,250

n.a.

50,000

25,000

5,250

50,000

25,000

7,500

50,000

27,322

14,208

50,000

11,885

50,000

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

7,500

1,500

750

3,750

750

50,000

50,000

n.a.

n.a.

50,000

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

7,500

n.a.

n.a.

3,000

n.a.

906,831

350,000

70,500

800,000

350,000

72,750

Expenses
The  Supervisory  Board  members  are  reimbursed  for  necessary 

that  the  Annual  General  Meeting  on  May  12,  2016  approved  the 

amendment of the Articles of Association regarding the enlargement 

expenses  and  travel  expenses  incurred  in  connection  with  their 

of the Supervisory Board from 12 to 16 members. The term of office of 

mandates as well as for the VAT payable on their compensation, 

the two new shareholder representatives commenced with effect from 

insofar as they charge for it separately.

June 15, 2016. The term of office of the two employee representatives 

began with effect from June 24, 2016. 

 see Supervisory Board Report, p. 21

SUPERVISORY BOARD COMPENSATION 2016

Fixed compensation and attendance fees
The total compensation paid to the Supervisory Board in the 2016 

Miscellaneous
The Supervisory Board members have not received any loans or 

financial year amounted to € 1.26 million (2015: € 1.15 million). In 

advance payments from adidas AG.

addition, attendance fees totalling € 70,500 (2015: € 72,750) were 

paid. The increase in the total compensation for the 2016 financial 

year compared to the 2015 financial year is attributable to the fact 

4 0

41

1
TO OUR SH AREHOLDERS
Our Share

OUR SHARE

Despite a weak start into the year, most international stock markets recovered during the second half of 2016 and ended the year on 

a positive note. While the DAX-30 and the EURO STOXX 50 increased by 7% and 1%, respectively, the MSCI World Textiles, Apparel 

& Luxury Goods Index declined 1%. The adidas AG share significantly outperformed international stock markets in 2016, driven by 

a strong financial performance as well as positive company-specific and sector-related newsflow. As a result, the adidas AG share 

reached a new all-time high during the course of the year and ended 2016 with an increase of 67% compared to the prior year, making 

it the top performer within the DAX-30 for the second consecutive year. As a result of the strong operational performance in 2016 as 

well as Management’s confidence in the strength of the company’s financial position and long-term growth aspirations, we intend to 

propose a dividend per share of € 2.00 at our 2017 Annual General Meeting.

INTERNATIONAL STOCK MARKETS SHOW  
MIXED PERFORMANCE IN 2016

ADIDAS AG SHARE ONCE AGAIN BEST-PERFORMING 
STOCK IN THE DAX-30 INDEX

International  stock  markets  were  characterised  by  a  volatile 
performance throughout 2016, as reflected by a weak start into the 

In 2016, the adidas AG share significantly outperformed international 

stock markets. In particular, the release of strong financial results, 

year and a recovery during the second half. Disappointing economic 

driven by the successful execution of the strategic business plan 

data in China, the unexpected outcome of the EU referendum in the 

‘Creating the New’, which resulted in subsequent increases in the 

UK (‘Brexit’) as well as declining oil prices put pressure on global 

company’s full year 2016 outlook, strongly supported the positive 

equity markets in the first and second quarter of the year. Accordingly, 

trend of the adidas AG share during the course of 2016. In addition, 

the DAX-30 declined 10% in the first half of 2016. However, stabilising 

positive company and sector-related newsflow, including the CEO 

economic data in China as well as recovering oil prices, improving 

succession, the addition of the adidas AG share to the EURO STOXX 50 

economic  indicators  and  the  extension  of  the  ECB’s  quantitative 

as well as the company’s third IR Tutorial Workshop, helped to build 

easing programme until the end of 2017 provided significant support 

further trust in adidas and the company’s ability to sustainably drive 

for international stock markets in the second half of 2016. In addition, 

revenues and increase margins in the years to come. Consequently, 

hopes that US President Donald Trump would pursue a pro-growth 

the adidas AG share reached a new all-time high of € 159.50 on 

policy triggered another stock market rally towards the end of the 

October 20, 2016. As a result of some profit-taking and strategic 

year. The DAX-30 benefited from these developments, resulting in 

asset re-allocation executed by capital market participants towards 

a 19% increase in the second half. In total, the DAX-30 showed an 

the end of 2016, the adidas AG share closed the year at € 150.15. This 

improvement of 7% for the full year. At the same time, the EURO 

translates into an increase of 67% compared to the end of December 

STOXX 50 increased 1% in 2016. The Dow Jones was the strongest 

2015,  making  the  adidas  AG  share  the  top  performer  within  the 

performer in 2016 with an increase of 13%, hitting a new all-time high 

DAX-30 for the second consecutive year. 

 see Table 02

of 19,975 on December 20, 2016. The MSCI World Textiles, Apparel 

& Luxury Goods Index, however, was not able to fully recover in the 

second half, leaving the index with a slight decline of 1% at the end 

LEVEL 1 ADR PERFORMS IN LINE WITH COMMON STOCK

of 2016. 

 see Table 01

01 

 HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE OF THE ADIDAS AG SHARE 
AND IMPORTANT INDICES AT YEAR-END 2016 IN %

adidas AG

DAX-30

EURO STOXX 50

MSCI World Textiles, Apparel & 
Luxury Goods 

Source: Bloomberg.

1 year

3 years

5 years 

10 years

67

7

1

(1)

62

20

6

(8)

199

95

42

45

298

74

(20)

91

Our  Level  1  ADR  closed  2016  at  US  $  78.55,  representing  an 

increase of 62% versus the prior year level (2015: US $ 48.51). The 

less pronounced increase 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 2016 compared to year-end 2015. The 

number of Level 1 ADRs outstanding increased slightly to 8.8 million 

at year-end 2016 compared to 8.6 million at the end of 2015. The 

average daily trading volume increased to around 101,200 ADRs 

in  2016  (2015:  around  92,100).  Further  information  on  our  ADR 

Programme can be found on our website. 

 www.adidas-group.com/adr

41

1
TO OUR SHA REHOLDERS
Our Share

1

TO OU R  SHAR E HO LD E RS

Our Share

ADIDAS AG SHARE AT A GLANCE

02   FIVE-YEAR SHARE PRICE DEVELOPMENT 1

|  Dec. 30, 2011 

Dec. 30, 2016  |

300

250

200

150

100

50

1  Index: December 30, 2011 = 100. 

— adidas AG  — DAX-30  — EURO STOXX 50  — MSCI World Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods Index

03  THE ADIDAS AG SHARE

Number of shares outstanding 1

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Cash generated from operating activities per share

Year-end price

Year high

Year low

Market capitalisation 3

Dividend per share

Dividend payout 3

Dividend payout ratio 3

Dividend yield

Shareholders’ equity per share 3

Price-earnings ratio at year-end

2016

2015

Important indices

shares

201,489,310

200,197,417

€

€

€

€

€

€

€ in millions

€

€ in millions

%

%

€

%

5.08

4.99

6.73

150.15

159.50

83.45

30,254

2.00 4

403

39.6

1.3

32.12

30.1

3.32 2

3.32 2

5.41

89.91

93.41

54.61

18,000

1.60

320

47.9 2

1.8

28.30

27.1 2

 — DAX-30
 — EURO STOXX 50
 — MSCI World Textiles, Apparel &  

Luxury Goods

 — Deutsche Börse Prime Consumer
 — Dow Jones Sustainability Indices  

(World and Europe)

 — ECPI Ethical Equity Indices  

(Euro and EMU)

 — ECPI ESG Equity (Euro and World)
 — Ethibel Sustainability Indices  

(Global and Europe)

 — Euronext Vigeo  

(Eurozone 120, Europe 120)

 — FTSE4Good Index Series
 — MSCI Global Sustainability Indexes 
 — MSCI SRI Indexes 
 — STOXX Global ESG Leaders

Average trading volume per trading day 5

shares

892,646

1,199,167

1  All shares carry full dividend rights.
2  Excluding goodwill impairment of € 34 million.
3  Based on number of shares outstanding at year-end.
4  Subject to Annual General Meeting approval.
5  Based on number of shares traded on all German stock exchanges.

42

43

 
1
TO OUR SH AREHOLDERS
Our Share

04  2016 ADIDAS AG HIGH AND LOW SHARE PRICES PER MONTH 1 IN €

Jan. 

Feb. 

Mar. 

Apr. 

May 

Jun. 

Jul. 

Aug. 

Sep. 

Oct. 

Nov. 

Dec.

170

150

130

110

90

70

0
0
.
4
1
1

5
3
.
2
0
1

5
0
.
6
1
1

0
5
.
9
0
1

0
6
.
4
0
1

6
5
.
5
9

8
9
.
4
9

5
4
.
3
8

4
3
.
9
9

6
4
.
6
8

5
5
.
6
5
1

0
0
.
5
4
1

5
5
.
5
5
1

5
0
.
5
4
1

0
5
.
9
5
1

0
4
.
9
4
1

0
1
.
7
4
1

0
7
.
1
3
1

5
1
.
0
5
1

5
6
.
7
3
1

5
7
.
6
4
1

5
5
.
5
2
1

5
4
.
8
2
1

5
0
.
5
1
1

— 30-day moving average  ■ High and low share prices 

1  Based on daily Xetra closing prices.

Source: Bloomberg.

ADIDAS AG SHARE MEMBER OF IMPORTANT INDICES

callable by the issuer or putable by the bondholders until June 2017. 

The adidas AG share is included in a variety of high-quality indices 

In 2016, 2,947,127 shares were transferred following the exercise of 

around the world, most importantly the DAX-30 and the MSCI World 

conversion rights, all of which were serviced from treasury shares 

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods Index, which comprises our major 

of the company. The remaining bonds were convertible into up to 

competitors. In addition, as of September 16, 2016, the adidas AG 

3,182,525 million new or existing adidas AG shares. Consequently, as 

share  is  a  member  of  the  EURO  STOXX  50  Index,  reflecting  the 

at December 31, 2016, 48% of the convertible bond was converted. 

strong increase of adidas AG’s free-float market capitalisation in 

The convertible bond closed the year at € 183.40, well above the prior 

2016. At December 31, 2016, our weighting in the DAX-30, which 

year level of € 125.82. 

 see Note 18, p. 166

is calculated on the basis of free float market capitalisation and 

twelve-month share turnover, improved to 2.89% (2015: 2.15%). Our 

higher weighting compared to the prior year was due to the increase 

DIVIDEND PROPOSAL OF € 2.00 PER SHARE

in market capitalisation of adidas AG, which more than offset the 

As  a  result  of  the  strong  operational  performance  in  2016,  the 

decrease in share turnover. Within the DAX-30, we ranked 14 on 

company’s  robust  financial  position  as  well  as  Management’s 

market capitalisation (2015: 17) and 12 on turnover (2015: 16) at 

confidence  in  our  long-term  growth  aspirations,  the  adidas  AG 

year-end 2016. Our weighting in the EURO STOXX 50 Index, which 

Executive and Supervisory Boards will recommend paying a dividend 

is based on free-float market capitalisation, amounted to 1.31% on 

of € 2.00 per dividend-entitled share to shareholders at the Annual 

December 31, 2016. Additionally, in recognition of our social and 

General Meeting (AGM) on May 11, 2017. This represents an increase 

environmental efforts, adidas AG is listed in several key sustainability 

of 25% compared to the prior year dividend (2015: € 1.60). Subject 

indices. 

 see Table 03

to the meeting’s approval, the dividend will be paid on May 16, 2017. 

The  total  payout  of  € 403 million  (2015:  € 320 million)  reflects  a 

payout ratio of 39.6% (2015: 47.9%, excluding goodwill impairment 

CONVERTIBLE BOND CLOSES THE YEAR AT € 183.40

losses) of net income attributable to shareholders, which is within 

In March 2012, adidas AG successfully issued a convertible bond, due 

the target range of between 30% and 50% of net income attributable 

on June 14, 2019, for an aggregate nominal amount of € 500 million. 

to shareholders as defined in our dividend policy. 

 see Table 03

Proceeds from the offering have allowed the company 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 € 81.57 per share. 
This adjustment became effective on May 13, 2016. The bonds are not 

SHAREHOLDER RETURN PROGRAMME CONTINUED

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 is being 
executed primarily by buying back shares via the stock exchange 

43

 
1
TO OUR SHA REHOLDERS
Our Share

1

TO OU R  SHAR E HO LD E RS

Our Share

under the authorisation given by the Annual General Meeting on 

05  SHAREHOLDER STRUCTURE  1

May 8, 2014, and on May 12, 2016, for the period through to May 11, 

2021. The authorisation covers the repurchase of up to 10% of the 

company’s share capital on the stock exchange.

4 <1

8

On November 7, 2016, adidas AG announced the commencement of 

the third tranche of the share buyback programme with an aggregate 

acquisition cost of up to € 300 million (excluding incidental purchasing 

87

costs).  Within  the  third  tranche  up  to  and  including  January  31, 

2017, adidas AG bought back 2,128,200 shares. This corresponds 

to  a  notional  amount  of  € 2,128,200  in  the  nominal  capital  and 

1  As of January 2017.

consequently 1.02% of the company’s nominal capital. The average 

purchase price per share for this third tranche was € 140.96. 

87%

Institutional investors

8% 

Private investors and undisclosed 
holdings

4%

Treasury shares

<1% 

Members of adidas AG  
Executive and Supervisory Boards

The total number of shares bought back by adidas AG within the 

framework of the shareholder return programme since November 7, 

2014, amounted to 11,146,969 shares as of January 31, 2017. This 
corresponds to a notional amount of € 11,146,969 in the nominal 

capital and consequently 5.33% of the company’s nominal capital. 

As at January 31, 2017, adidas AG had successfully completed 60% 

of its multi-year shareholder return programme.

06  SHAREHOLDER STRUCTURE BY REGION 1, 2

58

9

17

21

40

40%

North America

21%

United Kingdom

17%

Rest of the world

9%

Belgium

8%

Germany

5%

France

STRONG INTERNATIONAL INVESTOR BASE

Based on our share register, we estimate that adidas AG currently 

has slightly more than 60,000 shareholders. In our latest ownership 

analysis conducted in January 2017, we identified almost 100% of 

1  As of January 2017.
2  Reflects institutional investors only.

our shares outstanding. Institutional investors represent the largest 

investor group, holding 87% of shares outstanding. Private investors 

MANAGERS’ TRANSACTIONS REPORTED  
ON CORPORATE WEBSITE

and undisclosed holdings account for 8%. Current members of the 

Managers’  transactions  involving  adidas  AG  shares  (ISIN 

Executive and Supervisory Boards hold less than 1% in total. Lastly, 

DE000A1EWWW0) or related financial instruments, as defined by 

adidas AG currently holds 4% of the company’s shares as treasury 

§ 19 of the European Market Abuse Regulation (MAR), which came 

shares, reflecting shares purchased as part of our share buyback 

into force on July 3, 2016, conducted by members of our Executive 

programme which were partly used for shares transferred following 

or Supervisory Boards, by key executives or by any person in close 

the exercise of conversion rights from the convertible bond. 

 see 

relationship  with  these  persons,  are  reported  on  our  website.  

Diagram 05

 www.adidas-group.com/s/managers-transactions  In  2016,  adidas  AG  received 

five notifications concerning managers’ transactions pursuant to 

In terms of geographical distribution, the North American market 

§ 19  MAR:  Igor  Landau,  Chairman  of  the  adidas  AG  Supervisory 

currently accounts for 40% of institutional shareholdings, followed 

Board, purchased a total of 20,000 shares in five transactions on 

by the UK with 21%. Identified German institutional investors hold 

November 15, 2016.

8% of shares outstanding. Belgium and France account for 9% and 

5%, respectively. 17% of institutional shareholders were identified in 

other regions of the world. 

 see Diagram 06

VOTING RIGHTS NOTIFICATIONS PUBLISHED

ADIDAS AG SHARE RECEIVES STRONG  
ANALYST SUPPORT

Both the company and the adidas AG share continued to receive 

strong analyst support in 2016. Around 35 analysts from investment 

All  voting  rights  notifications  received  in  2016  and  thereafter  in 

banks and brokerage firms regularly published research reports 

accordance with §§ 21 et seq. of the German Securities Trading Act 

on  adidas.  The  vast  majority  of  analysts  are  confident  about  the 

(Wertpapierhandelsgesetz – WpHG) can be viewed on our corporate 

medium- and long-term potential of the company. This is reflected 

website. 
 www.adidas-group.com/voting_rights_notifications  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. 

 see Note 26, p. 173

in the recommendation split for our share as at December 31, 2016. 
27% of analysts recommended investors to ’buy’ our share (2015: 
38%). 56% advised to ‘hold’ our share (2015: 48%) and 17% of the 
analysts recommended to ‘sell’ our share (2015: 14%).

4 4

45

1
TO OUR SH AREHOLDERS
Our Share

SUCCESSFUL INVESTOR RELATIONS ACTIVITIES

adidas  AG  strives  to  maintain  close  contact  to  institutional  and 

private  shareholders  as  well  as  analysts.  In  2016,  Management 

and the Investor Relations team further intensified communication 

with financial market participants. In total, we spent 47 days on 

roadshows (2015: 44) and also spent 28 days presenting at 16 national 

and  international  conferences  (2015:  19  days  at  13  national  and 

international conferences). Furthermore, 2016 saw the continuation 

of our ‘Investor Relations Tutorial Workshops’, as we hosted one of 

these workshops in Herzogenaurach, with more than 100 investors 

and analysts attending the event either on site or online. The purpose 

of  these  half-day  events  is  to  provide  further  insights  into  key 

strategic areas as well as topics with high relevance due to specific 

circumstances. 

For  the  third  time  in  four  years,  adidas  was  awarded  a  Red  Dot 

Communication Design Award for its Annual Report, this time even 
with the prestigious ‘Best of the Best’ honours. In addition, we ranked 

first across all indices in the ‘Best Annual Report’ ranking of German 

business magazine ‘Bilanz’, which focuses on the quality of content 

and transparency in reporting amongst German corporations. Lastly, 

our 2015 Annual Report won a silver award in the ‘Best of Content 

Marketing’  competition,  Europe’s  largest  corporate  publishing 

competition.

EXTENSIVE FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
AVAILABLE ONLINE

We  offer  extensive  information  around  our  share  as  well  as  the 

company’s strategy and financial results on our corporate website. 

Our event calendar lists all conferences and roadshows we attend and 

provides all presentations for download. In addition to live webcasts 

of all major events such as the Annual General Meeting, Investor 

Days and our IR Tutorial Workshops, we also offer webcasts of our 

quarterly conference calls. 

 www.adidas-group.com/investors

45

O

U
R
Y
N
PA
M
O
C

47

Group Management Report – Our Company

2

O

U

R

— CORPORATE STRATEGY 

adidas Brand Strategy 
Reebok Brand Strategy 

— GLOBAL OPERATIONS 
— RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
— OUR PEOPLE 
— SUSTAINABILITY 

48
55
60

62

67

72

78

GROUP MANAGEMENT REPORT
This report contains the Group Manage  ment Report of the 
adidas Group, comprising adidas AG and its consolidated 
subsidiaries, and the Manage ment Report of adidas AG.

47

2
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  OUR  C OMPANY
Corporate Strategy

2

GROUP  MANAGE ME NT  RE PORT  –   OU R  C OM PA NY

Corporate Strategy

CORPORATE STRATEGY

Everything we do is rooted in sport. Sport is central to every culture and society and is core to an individual’s health and happiness. 

With sport playing an increasingly important role in people’s lives, we operate in a highly attractive industry. Through our authentic 

sports brands, we push the boundaries of products, experiences and services to drive brand desire and capitalise on the growth 

opportunities in sport. The importance of sport, however, goes far beyond that: We believe that, through sport, we have the power to 

change lives. And we work every day to inspire and enable people to harness the power of sport in their lives.

OUR MISSION:  
TO BE THE BEST SPORTS COMPANY IN THE WORLD

 — Innovation:  We  will  continue  to  challenge  the  boundaries 
of  functionality,  performance  and  design  by  leveraging  our 

It is our mission to be the best sports company in the world. Best 

extensive  R&D  expertise  within  the  company  and  also  by 

means that we design, build and sell the best sports and fitness 

products in the world, with the best service and experience. Best is 

what our consumers, athletes, teams, partners and media will say 

about us. Once people are saying that we are the best, market share, 

defining  Open  Source  as  a  key  strategic  choice.  In  addition, 
enhancing services for customers and consumers alike as well 

as implementing improved internal processes and systems are 
 see 
other areas where our organisation strives to innovate. 

leadership and profitability will follow.

Research and Development, p. 67

To achieve our mission we focus on the following initiatives:
 — Authentic sports brands: Our brands are driven to create and 
innovate through a common passion for sport and a sporting 

 — Focusing  on  sustainability:  We  are  committed  to  further 
striking  the  balance  between  shareholder  interests  and  the 

needs and concerns of multiple other stakeholders, including 

our own employees, the people making our products and the 

lifestyle. At the same time, the adidas and Reebok brands each 

environment. On our website, we provide detailed information 

have a unique identity and focus on their core competencies. 

on the steps we take to have a sustainable positive impact on 

This approach allows us to develop and create products, experi-

society and the planet. 

 see Sustainability, p. 78 

 www.adidas-group.com/s/

ences and services tailored to the individual needs and desires 

sustainability-strategy

of a broad spectrum of consumers, increasing our leverage in 

the marketplace.

 — Creating  long-term  shareholder  value:  Creating  long-term 
value for our shareholders drives our overall decision-making 

 — Investments  focused  on  highest-potential  markets  and 
channels: As a company, we target strong market positions in 
all markets in which we compete. However, we have prioritised 

process. Therefore, we are focused on rigorously managing those 

factors under our control, making strategic choices that will 

drive sustainable revenue and earnings growth and, ultimately, 

our investments based on those markets which offer the best 

operating cash flow. We are committed to increasing returns to 

medium- to long-term growth and profitability opportunities. 

shareholders with above-industry-average share price perfor-

In this respect, we have identified extensive growth opportu-

mance and dividends. 

 see Internal Management System, p. 86

nities in North America and Latin America and aim for dramatic 

market share gains. In addition, we place considerable emphasis 

on expanding our activities in Greater China and Western Europe 

to gain market leadership.

STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLAN:  
CREATING THE NEW PUTS BRANDS FIRST

 — Creating a flexible supply chain: Speed and agility are key to 
outpacing the competition, providing a constant flow of new and 

In March 2015, we presented our new strategic business plan until 

the year 2020 named ‘Creating the New’. At the epicentre of Creating 

relevant products for our consumers and high service levels for 

the New is our ambition to further accelerate growth by significantly 

our customers. We are committed to meeting the full range of 

increasing brand desirability. Creating the New therefore focuses 

consumer needs by providing game-changing technical innova-

on our brands as they connect and engage us with our consumers. 

tions for sport, creating and driving trends in streetwear through 

Its  consumer-centric  approach  is  already  driving  significant 

our sports-inspired lifestyle products, while ensuring constant 

improvements in the desirability of our brands and has increased our 

product availability in the correct size and colour to the highest 

relevance with consumers around the globe. We are gaining market 

quality standards. 

 see Global Operations, p. 62

shares in those categories, cities and markets that we have identified 

as future growth drivers for our company. 

4 8

49

2
GROUP MANAGEMENT REP ORT  – OU R  C OMPA NY
Corporate Strategy

01  OUR STRATEGY FOR CREATING THE NEW

E
C
R
U
O
S
N
E
P
O

E
R
U
T
L
U
C

CITIE

S

FOCUS

D

E

E

P

S

BRAND DESIRE

Top-line and  
market share growth

Gross margin expansion

Operating leverage

STRATEGIC CHOICES

Our new strategic business plan is based on our unique corporate 

Being fast will give us decisive competitive advantages. These include: 
 — Improve product availability: Enable constant product availability 

culture and built around the three strategic choices that will support 

and ensure faster delivery of products. 

us in intensifying our focus on our consumers and will drive brand 

desirability in the years to come: Speed, Cities and Open Source.

 — Decrease  risk:  Reduce  the  risk  of  overbuying  and  decrease 
end-season  clean-up  by  creating  more  relevant  product 

propositions. 

Culture
At adidas, we are convinced that a corporate culture of confidence, 

 — Create additional net sales: Capture higher demand with shorter 
lead-time production and avoid seasonal product successes going 

creativity and collaboration is key to enable us to create the new. This 

out of stock.

culture is defined and inspired by our People Strategy, as our people’s 

 — Generate more contribution: Reduce markdowns on articles sold 

performance, well-being and knowledge have a significant impact on 

by increasing the share of volumes sold at full price. 

brand desire, consumer satisfaction and, ultimately, our financial 

performance. We are proud of the strong level of diversity within our 

Over the last years, we have built the foundation for Speed with adidas 

workforce, fostering different ideas, strengths, interests and cultural 

neo, in which a big proportion of the product range to date already 

backgrounds, as this helps us to better fulfil the needs and multi-

runs on so-called ‘Speed programmes’. In 2016, we continued to 

faceted demands of our consumers around the world. In the future, 

adapt the learnings from neo and built Speed capabilities across all 

our People Strategy will include a stronger focus on developing our 

other categories for a defined share of their business, in particular 

internal talents and increasing women’s representation in leadership 

the adidas brand’s key categories Running, Football, Training and 

Originals. In addition, from a market perspective, 2016 saw a further 

roll-out  of  Speed  globally,  with  most  markets  currently  able  to 

participate in the Speed programmes. 

positions. 

 see Our People, p. 72

Speed 
Driving brand desirability begins with putting our consumers at the 

heart of everything we do and serving them in the best possible way. 

This involves ensuring that consumers always find fresh and desirable 

products where and when they want them and with an unrivalled 

brand experience. This, in turn, means to us being able to anticipate 

what consumers want and react accordingly in a timely manner. Speed 

is therefore a very critical and powerful lever for us and we have set 

ourselves the goal to become the first true fast sports company by 

2020. 

 see Global Operations, p. 62

49

 
2
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  OUR  C OMPANY
Corporate Strategy

2

GROUP  MANAGE ME NT  RE PORT  –   OU R  C OM PA NY

Corporate Strategy

We are using our industry-leading experience to re-shape our entire 

business model end-to-end, from range planning to product creation, 

Our 2020 targets for Speed: Today, around 15% of our sales are 
generated on Speed programmes. It is our ambition to increase the 

sourcing, supply chain, go-to-market and sales. In this context, we 

share of speed-enabled products to at least 50% of our net sales 

base our Speed ambitions on three global and centralised initiatives 

by 2020, with all key categories contributing to this development. 

that are deployed consistently across our markets and channels:
 — Never out of stock: We standardise and strengthen our existing 
‘never-out-of-stock’ business proposition by setting a global, 

As these initiatives will put us in a position to provide consumers 

with appealing and up-to-date products, we expect this part of our 

business to achieve a 20% higher share of full-price sales compared 

permanent offer with longer life cycles and continuous repro-

to the regular range. 

duction and replenishment. This ensures our most iconic and 

desired products are permanently available to our consumers.
 — Planned responsiveness: Based on sell-through data, which we 
receive and analyse at the beginning of the season, we can better 

Cities
Major metropolitan centres are playing an increasingly influential role 

in shaping global trends and consumers’ perception, perspectives 

read demand signals, re-order seasonal products on shorter 

and decisions. By 2030, it is forecasted that around 60% of the global 

lead times and deliver them within the season. By doing so, we 

population will live in cities. Given this megatrend of urbanisation 

are able to repeat seasonal product successes and fulfil higher 

and the dominance of a few global mega cities in terms of economic 

consumer demand than initially forecasted.

strength, population size, presence of media and degree of sports 

 — In-season creation: We plan ranges to be created later in the 
season in order to create or capture the latest trends in the 

participation as well as their influence on global cultural trends, 
adidas has defined Cities as one of its strategic choices. Creating the 

industry. This, in turn, helps us to create unexpected newness 

New therefore focuses on six global cities: London, Los Angeles, New 

and drive brand desire to new heights. 

York, Paris, Shanghai and Tokyo.

The combination of these three initiatives will transform our current 

Starting in 2015, adidas began to disproportionately invest into these 

set-up to a new speed-enabled end-to-end business model, with the 

cities in the areas of marketing, retail experiences and organisational 

goal of winning the consumer with constantly fresh and desirable 

set-up.  The  primary  goal  is  to  connect  with  the  most  influential 

products. 

 see Research and Development, p. 67

consumers and elevate the presence and impact of our brands on 

the most important global platforms. We will constantly evaluate 

Besides focusing on Speed in our current supply chain and production 

our activities and, if necessary, expand our focus of Cities beyond 

process,  we  also  look  into  new,  disruptive  business  models  and 

the initial six named.

technologies  to  make  us  faster.  A  prime  example  in  this  area  is 

our  Speedfactory  project:  using  smart  manufacturing  instead  of 

We aim to deliver extraordinary experiences to consumers in these 

centralised production, it brings production to where the consumer 

cities across all touchpoints by engaging more deeply with them in 

is. It opens doors to the creation of products completely unique to 

communities where they live, places where they work, fields, courts 

the fit and functional needs of consumers, through a combination 

and streets where they play and doors where they shop. At the same 

of the craft of shoemaking and cutting-edge technology. While the 

time, we strive to create high synergies between our activation and 

pilot Speedfactory was set up at the end of 2015 in partnership with 

commercial efforts. This also includes aligning our initiatives with 

industry experts to provide a testing ground for this model, 2016 saw 

similar activities of key retail partners.

the introduction of the first pairs of high-performance footwear to 

come out of the Speedfactory. Furthermore, in 2016, we announced 

It  is  our  goal  to  create  an  end-to-end  ecosystem  that  connects 

the expansion of our Speedfactory production facilities in Ansbach, 

consumer communities to relevant products, activation and retail 

Germany, which will begin large-scale production in 2017. As a next 

step, we will open a new Speedfactory in Atlanta, USA, in 2017, to 

create products more quickly for and closer to the US consumer. 

 see 

experiences through the lens of the various sports categories:
 — Consumer  communities:  We  further  developed  our  strong 
relationships with consumers who identify with key sports by 

Global Operations, p. 62 

 see Research and Development, p. 67

cultivating sports communities and tribes directly through our 

own resources and in partnership with external groups. Together 

with the U.S. Soccer Foundation and the New York City Football 

Club, in 2016 adidas announced the launch of the New York City 

Soccer Initiative, a public-private partnership that will build and 

maintain 50 soccer fields in under-served neighbourhoods across 

the five districts over the next five years. Our efforts also include 

scaling successful models that were piloted in the past, such as 
the Paris Battle Runs, which helped us establish scalable running 
communities in France.

5 0

51

2
GROUP MANAGEMENT REP ORT  – OU R  C OMPA NY
Corporate Strategy

 — Products:  We  continue  to  drive  a  multi-pronged  strategy  of 
product introductions, focused across all six cities, including 

Open Source 
Open Source is a collaboration-based innovation model that aims 

global campaign launches and exclusive collections. We amplify 

to build brand advocacy by opening the brands’ doors to the creator 

the impact of our product introductions through higher marketing 

and by inviting him in to help shape the future of sport and sports 

investments and stock allocations of key strategic products to 

culture with us. Open Source is a mindset that is based on creativity, 

these cities, in addition to pursuing more innovative distribution 

collaboration and confidence. It is about learning and sharing, about 

approaches. Key successes in 2016 included the release of limited 

starting  conversations  between  the  brand,  external  experts  and 

editions such as the adidas UltraBOOST Uncaged Parley or the 

consumers and about giving them the chance to have an impact on 

Alexander Wang x adidas Originals collection, which both were 

what we do. 

exclusively available in our six key cities.

 — Activation: Based on our commitment to drive meaningful inter-
actions and continuous engagement with our consumers, we 

adopt an ‘always on’ approach. In this context, our activation 

playbook  highlights  hyperlocal  connections  and  a  relentless 

By defining Open Source as one of its strategic choices, adidas intends 

to:
 — Provide access for externals to tools and resources we use to 
create (e.g. materials, factories, data, experts, athletes, social 

delivery  of  value  and  inspiration  to  individuals  and  groups. 

platforms and business models).

Through our nine global newsrooms, which span across the entire 

 — Acquire and nurture creative capital, new insights, skills, compe-

world, we drive continuous dialogue with consumers while at 

tencies and specialised knowledge.

the same time leveraging our global assets and local partners 

 — Explore new territories to create unprecedented brand value for 

to create special moments for them. For example, in 2016, the 

the consumer beyond mere transactional businesses. 

launch of the new football boot concept ‘Glitch’ in London repre-

sented a new and revolutionary way to launch a concept digitally 

 — Strengthen the consumer’s perception of our brands as leaders 
in sport, by providing consumers access to the progress of our 

and in the most targeted way. Available through an app, Glitch is 

projects and creation processes. 

only accessible for an exclusive consumer subset that is invited 

to participate in the ecosystem by receiving an online code from 

one of the Glitch ambassadors or pro players who were seeded 

the boots in late summer.

We have defined three strategic initiatives for Open Source:
 — Creative collaborations: Creative collaborations are targeted on 
increasing our creative capital through new tools, new environ-

 — Retail experiences: The environments where consumers find 
and interact with our products are important focus areas for us. 

ments and new perspectives from outside creative thinkers. They 

are meant to give creativity a platform and provide the right tools 

We are committed to providing premium retail experiences to 

for ideas to blossom. With the Brooklyn Creator Farm, a design 

our consumers with executions that connect, engage and inspire 

space and creation hub, we offer young urban creative talent a 

them. We view our own-retail stores as a valuable point of sale to 

platform and invite them in to fuel innovation in sport with their 

excite consumers, by setting high standards for our brand presen-

ideas, outside any regular seasonal product creation calendars. 

tations and experiences. In 2016, the opening of our first flagship 

In addition, recognising the influence, success and global brand 

store in New York and the remodelling of key concept stores such 

power that began almost two years ago with YEEZY for adidas 

as in our key strategic cities Paris and London were important 

Originals,  we  announced  an  unprecedented  new  alliance  in 

milestones  to  further  elevate  our  most  important  own-retail 

2016 with adidas + Kanye West, a YEEZY branded entity creating 

destinations. We will apply the learnings from these initiatives 

footwear, apparel and accessories for both genders across street 

across our entire global distribution, including our wholesale 

and sport. The partnership – the most significant collaboration 

partner doors.

Our 2020 targets for Cities: Our Cities initiative is off to a strong start, 
as indicated by improvements in key performance indicators such as 

NPS and market share. Across all six cities, NPS grew in the course 

of 2016 with a relative outperformance versus our key competitors. In 

between a non-athlete and an athletic brand so far – aims at 

redefining the future of sport by uniting the technical, innovative 

expertise and capabilities of the adidas brand with the visionary 

imagination of Kanye West.

 — Athlete collaborations: The strategic initiatives of athlete collab-
orations aim to build communities of athletes that help shape the 

addition, revenues increased at a strong double-digit rate in most of 

future of their sport with us. The adidas brand has a far-reaching 

the six cities, resulting in significant market share gains. We remain 

history in sport, working with top athletes, and will continue to 

committed to achieving a leading position within these cities, by 

further strengthen its network around male creator athletes. 

doubling revenues by the end of 2020 compared to 2015.

In recent years, the brand signed long-term partnerships with 

two of the world’s most in-demand athletes – football icon Paul 

Pogba and basketball superstar James Harden – who are both 
recognised as two of the most creative athletes in world sport, 
on and off the pitch. In addition, we aim to further expand our 
roster of female influencers in the years to come. In this context, 

51

2
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  OUR  C OMPANY
Corporate Strategy

2

GROUP  MANAGE ME NT  RE PORT  –   OU R  C OM PA NY

Corporate Strategy

in 2016, we announced collaborative partnerships with super-

‘CREATING THE NEW’ ACCELERATION PLAN

model Karlie Kloss, who joined adidas by Stella McCartney as 

At the beginning of 2017, based on the initial success of Creating the 

the face of its fall/winter 2016 campaign, as well as style icon 

New, which is reflected in the strong financial performance in 2016, 

and fitness advocate Gigi Hadid, who joined Reebok’s community 

we implemented a number of initiatives to foster brand momentum 

of inspiring women as the newest face of the brand’s #Perfect-

and accelerate the overall growth path:

Never movement. Lastly, to directly engage and interact with 

a broader consumer community, we continue to focus on our 

digital space (e.g. Runtastic) and physical space (e.g. Paris Battle 

 — Active  management  of  brand  portfolio:  Going  forward,  the 
focus of our company will be even more on operating a limited 

Run) projects. 

 — Partner  collaborations:  The  strategic  initiatives  in  the  area 
of partner collaborations intend to open up our knowledge of 

brand portfolio with a clear focus on our core strength in the 

athletic footwear and apparel market. This will allow us to reduce 

complexity and pursue our target consumer more aggressively 

sport to collaborate with the best partners in other fields. By 

with both the adidas and the Reebok brand. In this context, in 

exchanging core competencies, we will create unique value for 

2016 we announced our decision to exit the golf hardware market 

our brands and ultimately also for our consumers. The consumer 

and therefore to sell the TaylorMade, Adams Golf and Ashworth 

touchpoints in this field include sport, entertainment experience, 

consumer specialists, manufacturing and sustainability as well 

as sports health and monitoring. Our partnership with Parley for 

the Oceans serves as a prime example. As a Founding Member 

brands. In addition, we have decided to also actively seek a buyer 
for our CCM Hockey business. 1 

 — Sustain momentum for the adidas brand in North America: By 
authenticating the brand through sports, accelerating our existing 

of the organisation, our support goes far beyond financial aid to 

initiatives  and  introducing  new  measures  aimed  at  further 

fund beach clean-ups. In 2016, this partnership took the stage 

elevating brand desirability amongst US consumers, we want to 

at the Rio Olympic Games, had football teams FC Bayern Munich 
and Real Madrid play in jerseys made of Parley Ocean Plastic and 

strongly improve our market position and significantly increase 

profitability in this all-important market. 

unveiled the UltraBOOST Uncaged Parley, the first performance 

footwear made out of the equivalent of eleven recycled plastic 

 — Drive the digital transformation: Improving our digital capabil-
ities along the entire value chain will enable us to accelerate 

bottles. The adidas brand is committed to making one million 

building direct relationships with the consumer and drive direct 

pairs of running shoes using Parley Ocean Plastic in 2017 and 

sales through our eCommerce platform. 

has restated its ultimate ambition to eliminate virgin plastic from 

its supply chain. 

 — Pull value levers across the organisation: By leveraging our 
Brand Leadership model, increasing our marketing effectiveness 

and improving our overall operating efficiency, we aim to enhance 

Our 2020 targets for Open Source: With Open Source, our 2020 goal 

profitability in the years to come.

is to embed external creative capital in our processes to extend our 

possibilities in creating the future of sport. In the initial phase of 

Open Source until 2017, we have identified two key targets. The first 

FINANCIAL AMBITION UNTIL 2020

is to drive brand heat and advocacy by inviting consumers to become 

Our unique corporate culture and the three strategic choices will be 

part of our creative culture. By the end of 2017, our goal is that 30% 

step-changers with regard to brand desirability and brand advocacy. 

of shared content on our brands through social media and other 

In combination with the initiatives that are part of our acceleration 

channels is user-generated content. Our second target is to grow the 

number of users in our digital ecosystem to over 250 million. This will 

ensure we are at the pulse of the consumer journey at key moments 

and touchpoints in their lives. By using the insights we will generate 

from these sources, we will craft better products and services for 

our consumers, driving improvements in Net Promoter Score, sales, 

market share and profitability. 

plan, this will enable us:
 — To achieve top-line growth significantly above industry average: 
We aim to increase currency-neutral revenues annually between 

2015 and 2020 at a rate between 10% and 12% on average.
 — To  win  significant  market  share  across  key  categories  and 
markets: We have defined key categories within the adidas and 
Reebok brands that will spur our growth going forward. From a 

market perspective, we have defined clear roles for each of our 

markets, depending on macroeconomic trends, the competitive 

environment and our brand strength in the respective markets.

1  The company refrains from providing detailed strategic updates for its TaylorMade-adidas Golf 
and CCM Hockey businesses, due to its focus on the adidas and Reebok brands. 

52

53

2
GROUP MANAGEMENT REP ORT  – OU R  C OMPA NY
Corporate Strategy

 — To improve our profitability sustainably: We plan to substantially 
improve the company’s profitability, growing our net income from 

ROLE OF OUR CHANNELS

With  more  than  2,800  own-retail  stores,  more  than  12,000 

continuing operations by an average of between 20% and 22% 

mono-branded franchise stores, over 120,000 wholesale doors and 

per year between 2015 and 2020, significantly faster than our 

more than 50 own eCommerce sites, we have an unrivalled network of 

targeted top-line growth.

 — To deliver on our commitment to increase shareholder returns: 
Creating the New includes a strong commitment to generating 

consumer touchpoints within our industry. By seamlessly integrating 

the channels within our market portfolio, we are uniquely positioned 

to pursue and succeed in strategies that not only deliver premium 

increasing returns for our shareholders. Given our firm confi-

consumer  experiences  but  also  increase  the  productivity  of  our 

dence in the strength of the company’s financial position and 

distribution footprint. As we replicate this model to capitalise on 

future growth ambitions, we target a dividend payout ratio in a 

new consumer opportunities through own-retail destinations and 

range between 30% and 50%. 

wholesale managed spaces, we are able to create halo effects across 

all consumer touchpoints, resulting in further marketplace expansion.

OUR SALES AND DISTRIBUTION STRATEGY:  
FOCUS ON OMNI-CHANNEL

In 2016, we advanced our Global Sales strategy with a number of 

initiatives focused on premium consumer experience, productivity 

Our Global Sales function drives the commercial performance of the 

of the sales platform and marketplace expansion.

company by converting brand desire into profitable and sustainable 
business  growth.  It  is  our  ambition  to  deliver  the  best  shopping 

experience within the sporting goods industry across all consumer 

touchpoints. 

ROLE OF OUR GLOBAL MARKETS

1. Premium consumer experiences
In order to be ‘omni-present’ for the consumer and to capture the 

full sales potential by minimising occasions when consumer demand 

is  not  met,  we  continue  to  focus  on  the  following  omni-channel 

initiatives:
 — ‘Inventory Check’ which allows online shoppers to view in-store 

Our  Global  Sales  strategy  is  crafted  by  a  centralised  integrated 

product availability.

marketplace  team  which  supports  the  flawless  execution  of  our 

 — ‘Click & Collect’ which allows consumers to purchase or reserve 

Global Brands strategies and drives operational excellence across 

items for pick-up in a local store.

our nine global markets. In a changing global landscape, our diverse 

market portfolio is an important asset in maximising the business, 

 — ‘Ship from Store’ which allows us to service consumers faster 
than before by turning our stores into mini distribution centres 

elevating our competitiveness and achieving our ambitions towards 

that are closer to consumers.

2020. Clear roles have been defined for each of our markets:

Extend:  In  markets  where  we  are  currently  the  market  leader, 
we plan to leverage and grow our market leadership. These are 

Russia/CIS, Japan and South Korea.

Lead: In markets where we are a strong player but not the number 
one yet, we aim for market leadership. These are Western Europe, 

 — ‘Buy Online, Return to Store’ which not only provides consumers 
with a convenient way to return product purchases but also offers 

new buying opportunities.

 — ‘Marketplace & Partner Programme’ which expands our online 
offering to a larger group of consumers across several channels.
 — ‘Endless Aisle’ which provides in-store visitors with access to our 

full range of products through our eCommerce platform.

Greater China as well as Emerging Markets.

In 2016, we deployed a strategic mix of these capabilities in our 

Grow:  In  markets  where  we  have  identified  extensive  growth 
opportunities, we seek dramatic market share gains. These are: 

own-retail  operations  in  Western  Europe,  North  America,  Latin 

America  and  Russia/CIS.  In  this  context,  a  major  milestone  was 

achieved  in  Western  Europe,  as  we  were  able  to  integrate  and 

North America, Latin America and Southeast Asia/Pacific.

expand our relationships with marketplaces and wholesale partners, 

including  an  innovative  pilot  programme  in  Berlin  where  our 

own-retail stores started to partner with a leading online retailer to 

deliver a premium, same-day shopping experience to our consumers. 

In addition, 2016 saw the successful introduction of ‘Endless Aisle’ to 

North America with the opening of our new adidas flagship store in 

53

2
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  OUR  C OMPANY
Corporate Strategy

2

2

New York City. In 2017, we will continue to roll out our omni-channel 

initiatives across the various markets. For example, in North America, 

3. Marketplace expansion
Our goal is to leverage and scale the success of our initiatives across 

we will start to connect to selected wholesale partners in order to 

our channels in order to better serve consumers. The key contributor 

create a truly seamless experience for our consumers, independent 

to this approach is controlled space. Whenever we are able to actively 

of where they shop. In addition, ‘Endless Aisle’ and ‘Click & Collect’ 

manage the way our brands and products are presented at the point of 

will be rolled out across the North American market.

sale, the impact on the consumer is in most cases significant. We have 

2. Productivity of sales platform
We are committed to further driving productivity improvements across 

our sales platform through a multi-faceted approach:
 — Premium  presentation:  Our  physical  selling  spaces  are  an 
important factor in driving Net Promoter Score (NPS) and full-

the power to do so in own retail (including eCommerce), in franchise 

and in wholesale managed space. By 2020, we aim to generate more 

than 60% of our revenues through controlled space.

We leverage own retail as a catalyst to our controlled space ambition. 

We amplify our success in own retail by translating key learnings to 

price  sell-through.  We  further  evolved  the  brand  experience 

franchise stores and expanding franchising as a business model in 

through the launch and expansion of premium store concepts 

existing as well as into new geographies. In 2016, we successfully 

such as Stadium and Neighbourhood for the adidas brand as 

launched our adidas flagship in New York City, featuring the new 

well as FitHub for the Reebok brand. Our own-retail environ-

Stadium concept, which was also implemented at selected wholesale 

ments are designed for scalability and we continue to expand 
these concepts and benefit from their impact across channels, 

partners. We expect the flagship to set new standards in terms of 
presentation, execution and service that will be replicated across all 

including our wholesale and franchise partners.

other channels. eCommerce will continue to be the fastest-growing 

 — Consumer service excellence: In 2016, we further advanced our 
successful ‘Connect-Engage-Inspire’ service model, which was 

channel that we operate, with revenues expected to grow from below 

€ 1 billion in 2016 to € 4 billion in 2020. In wholesale, we will continue 

launched in 2015. The model helps us transform the culture 

to expand our footprint with a keen focus on prioritised accounts, 

and effectiveness of our own-retail teams, and consumers enjoy 

targeting important consumer hotspots and trade zones, especially 

significantly elevated service levels which have proven commer-

those that are part of our Cities initiative. Strategic partnerships 

cially rewarding through higher conversion rates and increased 

to  operate  controlled  space  remain  an  important  thrust  of  this 

average selling prices.

expansion.

 — Personalised interaction: Our commitment to deliver a premium 
shopping experience is reflected online through our digital brand 

We  are  confident  that  our  Global  Sales  focus  on  both  markets 

flagship stores, adidas.com and reebok.com. E-commerce and 

and channels will realise significant wins in our key performance 

digital  communication  are  powerful  tools  for  our  brands  to 

indicators  –  brand  desirability,  net  sales,  market  share  and 

engage with consumers. In 2016, we combined all our digital 

profitability. 

 see Internal Management System, p. 86

activities in a new function, Digital Brand Commerce, to not only 

accelerate our e-commerce business but also expand our effec-

tiveness in all forms of digital communication.

 — Insight-driven decision-making: We continue to invest in our 
analytical capabilities and technical infrastructure to become 

faster and more insight-driven in decision-making. Leveraging 

data such as cross-channel product sell-through and consumer 

purchasing behaviours delivers actionable insights in areas such 

as assortment planning and product life cycle management.

5 4

55

55

2
2
GROUP MANAGEMENT REP ORT  – OU R  C OMPA NY
Corporate Strategy – adidas Brand Strategy

ADIDAS BRAND STRATEGY

CONSUMER OBSESSION:  
CREATING FOR THE CREATORS

MISSION: TO BE THE BEST SPORTS BRAND IN THE WORLD
The adidas brand has a long history and deep-rooted connection with 

The consumer is at the heart of everything the adidas brand does. By 

constantly developing desirable products and inspiring experiences, 

sport. Its mission is to be the best sports brand in the world, helping 

the  brand  strives  to  build  a  strong  image,  trust  and  loyalty  with 

athletes of all levels to make a difference – in their game, in their 

consumers. Through Creating the New, the adidas brand has refined 

lives, in their world. This is anchored in our belief that through sport 

its  strategic  direction,  operational  processes  and  management 

we have the power to change lives. 

incentive system, to foster a culture of consumer obsession in its 

organisation.

The adidas brand’s broad and diverse sports portfolio, from major 

global sports such as football and running, to regional heartbeat 

sports such as American football and rugby, has enabled the brand 

 — Organisational structure: In 2015, a major reorganisation of roles 
and responsibilities at the adidas brand was completed under 

to transcend cultures and become one of the most recognised and 

the Brand Leadership programme. The aim of this programme 

iconic global brands.

is  to  provide  an  organisational  structure  which  enables  a 

‘consumer-obsessed’ culture that can act with speed, agility and 

Driven  by  a  relentless  pursuit  of  innovation  in  sports  product 

empower ment. This has been achieved by adapting the ownership 

design,  development  and  manufacturing  as  well  as  decades  of 
accumulating sports science expertise, the adidas brand has a truly 

of  decision-making  from  a  horizontal  functional  model  to  a 
vertical consumer model, where the business owner, for example 

unique  and  comprehensive  sports  offering.  Spanning  footwear, 

the General Manager of adidas Running, now has clear decision-

apparel, equipment and services, the brand caters for all, from elite 

making authority across all functional marketing disciplines. In 

professional athletes and teams to any individual who wants to make 

addition, our Global Brands organisation now has a centralised, 

sport part of their lives. 

global role for key decisions relating to the appearance of our 

brands and products around the world. With this approach, we 

With this powerful platform, the adidas brand is in a very strong 

ensure that our product offering in the markets enjoys a high 

position for profitable and sustainable growth.

level of commonality, while at the same time we ensure that 

major initiatives such as product launch and communication 

activities are managed centrally before they are executed locally 

by the markets. In 2016, we implemented additional measures 

02   ADIDAS RUNNING  

ULTRABOOST UNCAGED

03   ADIDAS ORIGINALS  

NMD_XR1

55
55

2
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  OUR  C OMPANY
Corporate Strategy – adidas Brand Strategy

2

04   ADIDAS TRAINING  

Z.N.E. 

05   ADIDAS FOOTBALL  
ACE 17+ PURECONTROL

to capture the full potential of Brand Leadership. The decisions 

taken to accelerate Brand Leadership include the creation of a 

 — Consumer centricity: Companies that pursue a strategy of putting 
the consumer’s voice and input as a centrepiece of their opera-

global merchandising function responsible for developing one 

tional and decision-making process have proven higher levels 

global range architecture to ensure maximum impact of our 

of success in creating brand advocacy. Therefore, investing in 

creation efforts as well as for the deployment of the global range 

and rolling out a global Net Promoter Score ecosystem is one of 

into the marketplace. In addition, we have combined all of the 

the key change pillars of Creating the New, in order to drive the 

individual digital activities across Brand, Sales, IT and Markets in 

adidas brand’s consumer-obsessed ambition in a measurable 

a new function, Digital Brand Commerce, to create an industry-

and objective manner. The Net Promoter Score (NPS), first intro-

leading, holistic, digital consumer experience.

duced in 2015, is the central KPI of the adidas brand’s advocacy 

 — Creator archetype: Based on the rapid evolution of sport and 
sports culture, with Creating the New, the adidas brand evolved its 

programme. Through this programme, the adidas brand strives 

to understand the consumer perception (positive and negative) of 

consumer segmentation strategy. The consumer grid comprises 

the brand and the key drivers which motivate them to recommend 

six key quadrants, which are not mutually exclusive. Within this 

the brand to their friends. 

 see Internal Management System, p. 86

grid, the key is to win the most influential consumers, defined 

as the creator archetype. The creator focus is at the top of the 

grid, on male and female athletes as well as streetwear hounds. 

True to the brand’s values, these influential consumers define 

FRANCHISES: CREATE THE MOST ICONIC  
AND DESIRED SYMBOLS IN SPORT

themselves as a work in progress – are all doers, first to adopt, 

We are convinced that footwear has the highest influence on brand 

creating their own inspiring content and are focused on what’s 

perception and, more importantly, on innovation, on creativity and 

new and what’s next. A large portion of creators live, play and 

on  design  perception.  Footwear  is  also  the  best  driver  of  NPS, 

work in the world’s most influential and aspirational cities, a 

which  in  turn  correlates  directly  into  consumer  purchase  intent 

key reason for the company’s Cities strategic choice. In 2017, the 

and our potential to grow market share. Therefore, until 2020, the 

adidas brand will accelerate global and local marketing initiatives 

adidas brand is placing a higher emphasis in terms of investment 

to amplify the brand’s creator positioning in the marketplace with 

and resources into footwear. In addition, the brand also has a clear 

a specific focus on women’s.

strategy to reduce the number of footwear models, putting a stronger 

focus on key franchises that can really make a difference for the 

brand.

5 6

57

2
GROUP MANAGEMENT REP ORT  – OU R  C OMPA NY
Corporate Strategy – adidas Brand Strategy

Such footwear franchises are defined as long-term concepts that 

we commit to for a multi-year period. The goal of franchises is not 

WOMEN’S: ADDING A NEW DIMENSION  
TO DRIVE GROWTH

only to shape sport, but also to influence culture. They are built to 

Winning the female consumer is an imperative for the adidas brand 

create trends, rather than follow. They are targeted directly at the 

and offers tremendous growth potential. Women are active in all 

creator consumer through iconic features, stories and functions, and 

sports and, to a large extent, dominate social media and household 

have the potential to be iterated and expanded over time. The mix 

shopping behaviour. Given the magnitude of the business opportunity, 

of franchises is expected to be representative of the brand’s annual 

in 2016, the adidas brand further invested resources in building a 

category priorities, and their life cycles will be carefully managed, to 

cross-functional women’s organisation and support infrastructure 

ensure longevity and avoid overheating.

to set direction for creative, ranging, merchandising and marketing 

and to steer cross-category planning.

In addition, franchises will be prioritised throughout the value chain, 

highly leveraging and benefiting from the company’s strategic choices 

The adidas brand will relentlessly focus on five products: the bra, 

of Speed, Cities and Open Source. By 2017, the adidas brand expects 

the tee, the tank, the tights and the running shoe. These are the five 

its top franchises to represent at least a 30% share of the footwear 

products the brand will innovate against, with the aim to create the 

business. In 2016, key adidas brand franchises included a blend of 

best the industry has ever known in these five items. In 2016, the 

past icons such as the Stan Smith, Gazelle and Superstar as well as 

first results of this approach proved successful. A key highlight in 

future icons such as the UltraBOOST, PureBOOST X, Ace and NMD.

this context was the launch of PureBOOST X, an innovative running 
shoe designed only for women. The adidas brand teamed up with 

In 2016, the adidas brand extended its franchise methodology and 

female athletes from around the world to study the female foot and 

approach to apparel, introducing the Z.N.E. Hoodie as part of the 

how it moves during running to create the ultimate women’s running 

new Athletics apparel product line, which more extensively bridges 

shoe.  While  most  running  shoes  are  adaptations  of  male  shoes, 

athletes’ style and on-field performance needs and expectations. 

PureBOOST X was designed with only the female athlete in mind. 

The Z.N.E. Hoodie is a perfect example of this new approach, with a 

fresh take on traditional pre-game outwear, specifically engineered 

to remove distractions and maximise athletes’ focus in the make-or-

break period before they compete.

06  ROLE OF CATEGORIES

Focus Categories

LEAD

GROW

AMPLIFY

AUTHENTICATE

#1 in every market

Dramatic market  
share gains

Largest business  
in every market

Regional players/ 
growth business

Football
Originals

Running
neo

Training

Basketball
Heartbeat Sports
Digital
Outdoor

57

2
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  OUR  C OMPANY
Corporate Strategy – adidas Brand Strategy

2

MARKETING INVESTMENTS: MEAN MORE  
BY DOING LESS

In terms of partnership assets, while reducing the ratio of marketing 

spend and number of partnerships, the adidas brand will nonetheless 

The adidas brand is focused on creating inspirational and innovative 

continue to bring its products to the biggest stages in the world 

marketing concepts that drive consumer advocacy and build brand 

equity. The brand spends almost half of its marketing investments on 

partnership assets, with the remainder on brand marketing activities 

through:
 — Events: such as the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA EURO, the UEFA 
Champions League, Roland Garros (French Open) and the Boston 

such as digital, advertising, point-of-sale and grassroots activations. 

Marathon.

The  adidas  brand  intends  to  decrease  the  ratio  of  marketing 

investments spent on promotion partnerships to less than 45% by 

 — High-profile teams: such as the national federations of Germany, 
Spain, Argentina, Russia, Mexico, Colombia, Belgium and Japan, 

2020. In addition, the brand will consolidate and focus resources to 

as well as top clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC 

have the biggest effect on the creator and brand franchises. This will 

Milan, FC Bayern Munich, Juventus and Flamengo in football, 

be achieved by focusing on three priorities:
 — Reason to believe: By harnessing the brand’s creator positioning, 
the emotion of sport, and the power of sport to change lives, 

the adidas brand will communicate a reason to believe in the 

the New Zealand All Blacks and France in rugby, and American 

universities such as Miami, Arizona State and Texas A&M.
 — High-profile individuals: such as football stars Lionel Messi, Paul 
Pogba, Gareth Bale, Mesut Özil and James Rodríguez, basketball 

brand, letting the world know what distinguishes adidas from 

stars James Harden, Derrick Rose and Damian Lillard, marathon 

the competition.

record holder Dennis Kimetto, American football players Aaron 

 — Reason to buy: The second priority is to harmonise and deliver 
globally consistent and impactful communication around the 

Rodgers and Von Miller, baseball rookies Kris Bryant and Carlos 
Correa as well as tennis stars Angelique Kerber and Simona 

brand’s key franchises. By investing more money against fewer 

Halep.

items, the adidas brand will strive to elevate and maintain its 

key  franchises  iconic  status,  giving  the  consumer  clear  and 

In  addition,  the  adidas  brand  also  has  a  number  of  strategic 

compelling reasons to buy the product. 

partnerships  and  collaborations  with  top  designers  and  design 

 — Locker  room:  The  locker  room  is  where  loyalty  is  built  and 
earned. The adidas brand defines the locker room as those places 

studios, such as with Yohji Yamamoto, Stella McCartney, Raf Simons 

and Alexander Wang. The brand also has similar relationships with 

where athletes are fully immersed in their sport with peers and 

many of the most creative and influential personalities from across 

friends. It’s the football cage, the run base or the street court. 

the entertainment industry, including Kanye West, Pharrell Williams 

Until 2020, the brand will therefore significantly step up its grass-

and Rita Ora. 

roots and local activation efforts, led by initiatives in the world’s 

most influential cities.

07 

 ADIDAS BASKETBALL  
JAMES HARDEN SIGNATURE COLLECTION

58

59

2
GROUP MANAGEMENT REP ORT  – OU R  C OMPA NY
Corporate Strategy – adidas Brand Strategy

ROLE OF CATEGORIES

The adidas brand has assigned each category a role and ambition 

until 2020, allowing the brand to exploit short- and medium-term 

Grow
 — The running category is the adidas brand’s biggest growth oppor-
tunity across all genders and price points. The brand’s goal is 

potential, while at the same time incubating and further developing 

to double sales in the category by 2020 compared to the 2015 

long-term opportunities for the brand. There are four overarching 

financial year. Many innovations in the sports industry start in 

roles: Lead, Grow, Amplify and Authenticate.

running. With groundbreaking innovation in materials such as 

Lead
 — To lead in the sporting goods industry, we believe it is a must 
to lead in the world’s most popular sport, football. As such, the 

Boost and pioneering new manufacturing processes being driven 

through Speedfactory, the timing is perfect for the adidas brand 

to strike in this category. To spur growth, amongst other things, 

adidas Running will significantly refine and evolve its franchise 

adidas brand aspires to be the number one football brand in 

strategy for the male and female athlete, increase its investment 

every market by 2020. This will be driven by focusing on winning 

in running communities and grassroots activations such as the 

the football creator in key cities as well as increasing investment 

Boston Runbase, as well as play a central role in driving the future 

in the brand’s football footwear franchises. In 2016, the adidas 

of digital in sport in cooperation with Runtastic.

brand pursued its full reset of its football footwear business with 

the continued focus on the Ace and X franchises. In addition, 2016 

 — The second category where the adidas brand is focused on driving 
significant market share gains is with adidas neo. adidas neo 

saw the successful launch of Glitch, an interchangeable football 

boot concept. The customisable football boot allows athletes to 
combine differently coloured uppers (skins) and chassis (inner 

targets a younger, more price-conscious consumer, particularly 
in the emerging markets. To ensure success, the adidas neo 

formula employs a ‘fast fashion’ business model. This means 

shoes) for an even more personal football boot experience and 

quick reaction to emerging trends through shorter lead times 

therefore speaks directly to the creative footballer who craves a 

and excellence in retail execution. 

 see Research and Development, p. 67

boot which lets them change their style and performance needs 

instantly.

 — The adidas brand also strives for leadership in every market with 
Originals. Not only is adidas the original sports brand, it also 

Amplify
 — The  training  category  is  the  adidas  brand’s  largest  category 
and  is  also  the  apparel  engine  of  the  brand.  Led  by  cutting-

was the first brand to bring sport to the street. Brand credibility 

edge  innovation  in  fabrics  and  materials,  the  adidas  brand 

and heritage is an important prerequisite to win the discerning 

aims to significantly increase its apparel footprint under two 

streetwear hound consumer. These consumers are looking for 

pillars – Training, which provides products for general training 

substance  and  craft  and  are  inspired  by  stories  and  design. 

purposes as well as for specific sports, and Athletics, which is 

Growth in this category will be driven by iconic products from 

geared to capturing the sports mindset of every athlete off the 

the brand’s past such as the Stan Smith, Gazelle and Superstar 

pitch. As a result of the high visibility of its products in all markets, 

as well as pioneering new contemporary silhouettes inspired by 

this category plays a central role in amplifying the brand message 

elements from the past and the future, such as NMD, EQT and 

and DNA. 

Tubular, which over the next years are forecasted to account 

for approximately 50% of the adidas Originals footwear offering. 

Authenticate
 — To be the best sports brand in the world, the adidas brand also 
needs to be true to sports on a local level. As such, the brand will 

continue to offer a wide range of sports and sports activities such 

as basketball, American football, baseball, outdoor, rugby, tennis, 

handball, volleyball, swimming, cycling and boxing. To maximise 

impact and resources, in key markets and cities, the adidas brand 

will prioritise those sports that are most significant in terms of 

local culture, participation and national pride. At the same time, 

the brand will use online channels and third-party distributors to 

ensure that consumers of any sport the brand serves can access 

its best-in-class products, thus maximising growth and providing 

avenues for future expansion.

59

2
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  OUR  C OMPANY
Corporate Strategy – Reebok Brand Strategy

2

REEBOK BRAND STRATEGY

MISSION: TO BE THE BEST FITNESS BRAND  
IN THE WORLD

For this reason, Reebok is heavily investing into franchises, making 

this a key priority going forward. By 2020, Reebok expects footwear 

franchises to represent at least 25% of the brand’s total footwear 

business.  In  2017,  key  franchises  will  include  Classics  products 

Reebok is an American-inspired global brand with a deep fitness 

unique to Reebok’s fitness DNA such as the Classic Leather and 

heritage and the mission of being the best fitness brand in the world. 

Club C, while continuing to build on the success of the Nano, a product 

To realise this mission, the past years have been characterised by a 

that is continually enhanced by the CrossFit community and has 

transformation from traditional sports to fitness. The three sides of 

deep-rooted authenticity. In addition, 2017 stands as a pivotal year 

the Reebok Delta, a symbol of change and transformation, represent 

for Reebok Running and will include the launch of the FloatRide and 

the physical, mental and social changes that occur when individuals 

Pump Plus as well as the newest evolution of the Print Run. 

embrace the challenges of fitness. 

WOMEN’S: WINNING WITH HER 

Through this journey, Reebok has invested in its training and running 

Reebok  is  putting  women  at  the  heart  of  everything  the  brand 

businesses  to  develop  products  that  cater  to  an  evolving  fitness 

does.  This  female-centric  approach,  where  women  are  the  focal 

routine, while returning to its fitness roots in Classics to support a 

point of content strategy, marketing activation and distribution, is 

fashion-forward lifestyle outside of the gym. Driven by its ambition to 

a fundamentally different approach relative to other brands in the 

be the innovation leader in fitness, Reebok is pioneering new fitness 
activities as well as developing new technologies and products to 

industry, which will allow Reebok to become a truly dual-gender 
brand with its women’s business representing 50% of the brand’s 

reinvent the uniform of fitness and inspire people to be their absolute 

net sales.

best. 

CONSUMER OBSESSION:  
THE FIT GENERATION 

MARKETING INVESTMENTS:  
AMPLIFYING THE BRAND’S PURPOSE

Reebok is focused on creating inspirational marketing capabilities 

Reebok strives to lead fitness through a more social and more intense 

that build brand equity and consumer advocacy, while unleashing 

version of fitness that transcends any traditional workout regimen. 

powerful brand messages. A key tenet of Reebok’s marketing and 

The ‘Fit Generation’ is at the epicentre of this fitness movement 

communication strategy is that movement is essential to living a 

and therefore Reebok’s target consumer group. These consumers, 

full life.

equally men and women, are driven by mental, social and physical 

challenges. They are constantly setting new goals and recalibrating 

their definition of success. These consumers believe that fitness 

 — Be  More  Human:  Inspiring  people  to  be  their  absolute  best 
physically, mentally and socially is not only the brand’s guiding 

is  not  just  something  they  do;  rather,  it  is  part  of  their  identity. 

principle, but also the essence of Reebok’s global marketing 

They approach fitness with a holistic mindset, engaging in fitness 

campaign ‘Be More Human’. Launched in 2015, ‘Be More Human’ 

activities several times a week and taking care to constantly mix up 

celebrates everyday people who have reconnected to a primal 

their routine to avoid complacency. Through robust research and 

physicality that allows them to live more fulfilling and less self-

interaction with consumers, Reebok has taken significant time to 

focused lives. For these individuals, fitness isn’t just a physical 

understand the complexities of their fitness lifestyle as well as their 

activity  –  it’s  something  that  enhances  their  entire  life  and 

product needs and desires.

FOOTWEAR FRANCHISES:  
CREATING THE FOUNDATION FOR FITNESS 

empowers them to reach their full human potential. In 2016, 

Be More Human saw continued success with the latest chapter, 

’25,915 Days’, which delivers the important message of living 

each day in one’s life to the fullest.

Reebok  recognises  the  importance  of  building  strong  footwear 

franchises,  establishing  repeatable  product  lines  that  become 

 — Partnerships: To amplify the brand, Reebok has entered into a 
series of groundbreaking partnerships with some of the fastest-

annuities for the brand and core items for the consumer. This is 

growing and most innovative organisations in the fitness world, 

not only essential for enhancing consumer perception and brand 

such as CrossFit, UFC, Spartan Race, Ragnar and Les Mills. 

consideration,  but  also  essential  for  the  overall  efficiency  of  the 

Reebok also partners with a number of highly influential music 

Reebok brand. 

artists and athletes such as Kendrick Lamar, Ronda Rousey and 

J. J. Watt. Most recently, talented music artist Future and high-

profile supermodel Gigi Hadid have joined Reebok’s strong roster 
of brand ambassadors. 

60

61

 
2
GROUP MANAGEMENT REP ORT  – OU R  C OMPA NY
Corporate Strategy – Reebok Brand Strategy

 — Instructors:  With  over  100,000  instructors  currently  part  of 
its  global  network,  Reebok  seeks  to  be  the  brand  of  choice 

last 15 quarters. Despite all progress, Reebok continues to grow 

at a slower pace compared to many of its competitors. In addition, 

for instructors around the world, providing them a platform to 

there has been no growth in Reebok’s home market, North America, 

share consumer insights and collaborate on product innovation. 

over the last years and the brand’s margins are not accretive to the 

Continuing to build relationships with fitness instructors is a 

company’s overall profitability.

crucial component of Reebok’s goal of connecting with the global 

fitness community. 

ROLE OF THE CATEGORIES

Therefore, in 2016, we announced a plan, starting in 2017, to accelerate 

Reebok’s top-line growth and improve its profitability going forward. 

As part of this plan, the company has created one united team for 

Reebok in North America, combining the Global and US organisations 

Reebok Running, Training and Classics each serve vital roles for 

under one leadership team, aimed at sharpening the brand’s focus 

the Fit Generation. Running is the original fitness activity and will 

on the needs of the US consumer. This also allows us to streamline 

remain a staple within the Fit Generation’s exercise routine. Reebok 

Reebok’s current organisation and create an environment that is fully 

Running’s  insight-driven  and  consumer-led  approach  fosters 

dedicated to Reebok and fitness. In this context, Reebok will move its 

continually innovating the use of technologies that support authentic 

organisation to a new location in the heart of the city of Boston in 2017.

and desired cushioning experiences. Reebok Training is central to 

Reebok’s fitness mindset and offers a complete range of both highly 

specialised and versatile products that are at the forefront of fitness 

Furthermore,  to  win  in  North  America,  efficient  and  effective 
distribution is key to Reebok’s future success in this all-important 

and true to the culture and community the Fit Generation trains in. 

market.  The  company  is  therefore  accelerating  its  initiatives  to 

Reebok Classics fuses the brand’s fitness heritage with the modern 

streamline Reebok’s store base in the market. In 2016, the company 

looks of fitness reflected in Running and Training to support the Fit 

closed another 23 own-retail stores, including half of its Reebok 

Generation consumer who seeks to reflect a fitness lifestyle in every 

FitHub concept stores compared to the prior year. It is forecasted that 

aspect of life. 

2017 will see an even higher number of store closures.

REEBOK REORGANISATION: STRENGTHENING THE 
BRAND’S GROWTH FOUNDATION IN NORTH AMERICA 

We  are  confident  that  the  initiated  changes  will  have  a  positive 

impact on Reebok’s operational and financial performance and will 

accelerate the brand’s top-line growth, particularly in the US market, 

Over  the  last  years,  Reebok  has  made  major  progress  in  its 

and significantly lift the brand’s profitability in the years to come.

transformation  from  a  general  sports  brand  to  a  100%  fitness-

focused brand and has witnessed continued top-line growth in the 

08   REEBOK  

#PERFECTNEVER CAMPAIGN WITH GIGI HADID

09   REEBOK TRAINING  

JJ I

61

2
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  OUR  C OMPANY
Global Operations

2

GROUP  MANAGE ME NT  RE PORT  –   OU R  C OM PA NY

Global Operations

GLOBAL OPERATIONS

Global Operations manages the development, production planning, sourcing and distribution of the majority of our products. The 

function strives to increase efficiency throughout the company’s supply chain and ensures the highest standards in product quality, 

availability and delivery for our customers as well as our own-retail and eCommerce activities at competitive costs. Additionally 

included under the banner of Global Operations, Global IT manages all digital platforms for the adidas business solutions. It enhances 

the core systems to be future-proof, builds an open digital platform to connect to consumers and employees, and drives continuous 

change and innovation.

CLEARLY DEFINED PRIORITIES FOR  
GLOBAL OPERATIONS

brand products in 2016. It is also planned to further roll out OTIF to 

those markets that are currently not in scope, thereby increasing the 

The  strategy  of  Global  Operations  is  an  extension  of  the  overall 

overall share of adidas and Reebok brand products measured against 

adidas strategy – thus the consumer is at the centre of everything. 

‘on time’ and ‘in full’. 

 see Internal Management System, p. 86

The function strengthens brand desirability by providing the right 
product to consumers – in the right quality, size, colour and style, 

in the right place, at the right time, across the entire range of the 

BECOME THE FIRST FAST SPORTS COMPANY

company’s channels and brands. Additionally, Global Operations 

‘Speed’ is a strategic priority for both the company as a whole and 

builds capabilities that further improve supply chain efficiencies, 

for Global Operations. Our ambition is to be the first fast sports 

while mitigating costs, thereby ensuring a continuously competitive 

company  in  the  sporting  goods  industry. 

  see  Corporate  Strategy,  p. 48 

supply chain.

Global Operations delivers upon its mission to:
 — Create the best product by focusing on innovative materials and 

manufacturing capabilities.

 — Provide  the  best  service  by  enabling  product  availability  as 
the consumer chooses through the company’s omni-channel 

approach to supply chain agility.

We will leverage market and sell-through data in new ways, respond 

quickly to deliver concepts that are fresh and desirable and made 

available when and where they are wanted by the consumer across 

our wholesale, retail and eCommerce channels. Bringing products to 

market faster allows our customers and direct-to-consumer channel 

to place orders closer to the actual time of sale, facilitating buying 

decisions that are based on better market knowledge. Consequently, 

adidas will move away from predominantly developing product ranges 

 — Enable  the  best  experience  by  creating  tools  that  engage 
consumers  through  interactive  mobile  platforms,  in-store 

in advance of seasonal merchandising calendars and towards creation 

and production capabilities that respond to consumer demands with 

technology and the ability to co-create.

an in-season development and rapid replenishment manufacturing. 

Fresher and more desirable products will increase the company’s 

Within  our  strategic  business  plan  ‘Creating  the  New’,  Global 

full-price share of sales and reduce the risk of overbuying. By 2020, 

Operations focuses on delivering against three strategic priorities 

our target is to achieve 50% of the company’s net sales through 

driven by several initiatives:
 — Become the first fast sports company.
 — Create a seamless consumer experience.
 — Transform the way we create and manufacture.

speed-enabled articles. For this part of our business, we expect to 

achieve a 20% higher share of full-price sales compared to the regular 

range which, driven by higher brand and product desirability, will also 

see significant increases in the full-price sell-through.

By  delivering  on  these  priorities,  Global  Operations  leverages 

Global Operations is scaling the fast replenishment capabilities of 

efficiencies  across  infrastructure  and  processes  and  ensures  a 

best-selling seasonal articles, creating more articles within season 

competitive  digital  ecosystem  and  supply  chain.  This  continues 

based on sales data and ensuring constant availability of long life 

to be underlined by our strong ‘On-Time In-Full’ (OTIF) metric, a 

cycle  products.  To  adjust  product  supply  flows  to  the  changing 

non-financial KPI for our company, measuring the adidas delivery 

demands of markets, the function is building a more integrated and 

performance towards our customers and our own-retail stores. In 

agile planning environment with flexibility for deploying products to 

2016, adidas delivered 77% (2015: 81%) of its adidas and Reebok 

markets. In 2016, Global Operations continued to expand its efforts 

brand products ‘on time’ and ‘in full’. While this is broadly in line 

to ‘enable later ordering’ and further reduced production lead times. 

with the target of around 80%, the decline compared to the prior year 
reflects the strong increase in volumes throughout 2016. For 2017, 
Global Operations strives to increase OTIF to a strong level of 80%. 
OTIF was measured for 68% of net sales of all adidas and Reebok 

The function succeeded in providing 60-day production lead times on 
80% of apparel volumes in the fall/winter ‘17 season. The majority 
of footwear volumes are already on 60 days or less production lead 
times.

62

63

2
GROUP MANAGEMENT REP ORT  – OU R  C OMPA NY
Global Operations

01  GLOBAL OPERATIONS IN GO-TO-MARKET PROCESS

Global Operations

Marketing

Design

Product
Development

Sourcing

Supply Chain 
Management & 
Market IT

Global  
Sales 

Briefing

Concept

Product Creation

Manufacturing

Distribution

Sales

Global IT 

adidas is leveraging its strengths in sourcing and partnering with 

In  2016,  Global  Operations  focused  on  further  optimising  the 

industrial and academic experts to develop smart manufacturing 
solutions that can react quickly to consumer trends. In this context, 

Speedfactory is one way we are moving production closer to key 

distribution  centre  network,  while  at  the  same  time  preparing 

it  for  rapid  business  growth.  In  this  context,  we  opened  a  new 
distribution centre in Hong Kong/China. 2016 also saw extensions 

markets while developing high-quality performance products faster 

and improvements in our distribution centres in Pyeongtaek/South 

than ever before. Powered by intelligent robotic, process and material 

Korea, as well as Manchester/UK. Lastly, Global Operations kicked 

technologies, Speedfactory allows us to support the growing demands 

off its new e-commerce distribution centre ‘Campus North’ in Rieste/

for  product  individualisation,  in  a  socially  and  environmentally 

Germany – a multi-million euro project focused on ensuring we get 

responsible way. As well as providing fast reaction times to consumer 

our e-commerce products to our consumers across Western Europe 

needs, we envision a Speedfactory network which will enhance the 

whenever and wherever they want them.

consumer experience, enabling them to co-create in an interactive 

production process. 

 see Research and Development, p. 67

Global  Operations  is  developing  further  IT  capabilities  to  build 

CREATE A SEAMLESS CONSUMER EXPERIENCE

platforms that support key initiatives which drive brand desire, such 

as personalised footwear tools. With the close collaboration of Global 

IT and our brands, efforts are focused on delivering fresh and exciting 

Global Operations has a strong track record for establishing state-

consumer services with a ‘mobile first’ approach, allowing consumers 

of-the-art infrastructure, processes and systems that are required 

to connect to our brands at every touchpoint – from own-retail stores 

to support the company’s growth ambition. It has been successfully 

to e-commerce to social networks.

consolidating and improving legacy structures, thereby reducing 

complexity and costs for adidas. The function is focused on innovative 

distribution and IT capabilities, with the goal of providing the best 

service by enabling product availability as the consumer chooses 

TRANSFORM THE WAY WE CREATE AND 
MANUFACTURE

through the omni-channel approach to supply chain agility.

Global Operations is driving innovation in new materials, new product 

constructions and new ways of manufacturing that deliver consumer 

By  creating  a  higher  commonality  of  our  products  across  the 

value and enable competitive advantage. With the consolidation of 

various channels, Global Operations ensures higher flexibility at 

product features and investments in tools that more directly connect 

each consumer touchpoint. This, in turn, enables a broader range 

design  and  factory  production,  Global  Operations  is  changing 

of  products  to  be  available  at  the  point  of  sale,  including  online 

traditional models of development to deliver freshness, speed and 

orders able to be picked up in our own-retail stores or shipped from 

efficiency.

a store and own-retail stores able to sell inventory available in other 

own-retail stores. Through the inclusion of the IT organisation, Global 

Through ‘Digital Creation’, Global Operations, in cooperation with 

Operations is prioritising being ‘insights driven’. Data generated 

Design  and  IT,  has  already  improved  the  creation  process  from 

during  product  creation,  marketing  processes  and  at  consumer 

idea to market. With 3D software tools, we look at products the way 

interactions is being linked to create actionable insights which the 

the consumer sees them. Digital technology will allow us to take 

company makes use of to react more quickly to changing consumer 
needs. 

product decisions faster, improve collaboration between creation 
functions and our suppliers and reduce drop rates 
 see Glossary, p. 216. 
3D technology allows for more frequent and rapid virtual product 

63

2
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  OUR  C OMPANY
Global Operations

2

GROUP  MANAGE ME NT  RE PORT  –   OU R  C OM PA NY

Global Operations

iterations without increasing the need for physical samples. In 2016, 

all major business units tested the new 3D software tools in apparel 

MAJORITY OF PRODUCTION THROUGH  
INDEPENDENT SUPPLIERS

and footwear. From 2017 onwards, some of our business units will 

To minimise production costs, we outsource almost 100% of production 

begin using 3D technology as their new way of working in the product 

to independent third-party suppliers, primarily located in Asia. While 

creation process. 

 see Research and Development, p. 67

we  provide  them  with  detailed  specifications  for  production  and 

delivery, these suppliers possess excellent expertise in cost-efficient, 

The utilisation of state-of-the art digital technology not only drives 

high-volume production of footwear, apparel and hardware. Working 

creativity  and  efficiency  in  product  creation,  it  also  generates 

closely with key strategic partners, the vast majority of our products 

efficiencies  in  manufacturing  by  linking  the  creation  process 

are produced in fewer than 110 manufacturing facilities worldwide. 

directly with the factory. Global Operations continues to support the 

We  value  long-term  relationships:  Around  half  of  our  strategic 

Speedfactory programme by feeding product data straight into the 

suppliers have worked with adidas for more than ten years and, of 

Speedfactory  for  manufacturing  without  any  manual  interaction. 

these, close to 15% have a tenure of more than 20 years. The latest 

In  3D  printing,  Global  Operations  supports  the  cross-functional 

list of our suppliers can be found on our website. 

 www.adidas-group.com/

initiative called Futurecraft, which places open-source collaboration 

sustainability adidas also operates a limited number of own production 

and craftsmanship at the heart of design to drive innovation across 

and assembly sites in the USA (4), Canada (3) and Germany (1). In 

all areas of production. Being at the forefront of digital technology 

order to ensure the high quality that consumers expect from our 

and modernising our approach to product creation not only supports 

sustainability efforts to reduce the carbon footprint, but also attracts 

products, we enforce strict control and inspection procedures at our 
suppliers and in our own factories. In addition, we promote adherence 

the next generation of highly qualified ‘digital native’ employees. 

to social and environmental standards throughout our supply chain. 

Transitioning  to  a  set  pre-season  selection  of  standard  product 

 see Sustainability, p. 78

features  and  driving  consistent  executions  across  categories  for 

In 2016, Global Operations managed product development, sourcing 

core products has been underway for several seasons in apparel. 

and distribution for the adidas and Reebok brands as well as for adidas 

Meanwhile  Global  Operations  has  fully  embedded  the  modular 

Golf and Ashworth. Due to the specific sourcing requirements in their 

approach to creation as a ‘way of working’ that ensures a consistent 

respective fields of business, TaylorMade, CCM Hockey, Adams Golf 

brand footprint, captures cost savings in factory efficiencies and 

and the Sports Licensed Division were not serviced through Global 

expands product modules on faster production lead times. 

Operations, but instead utilised their own purchasing organisations. 

In  order  to  quickly  seize  short-term  opportunities  in  their  local 

In 2016, we laid the technical foundation to incorporate our new digital 

market or react to trade regulations, subsidiaries may also source 

creation tools into the modular approach, which further increases 

from selected local suppliers outside the realm of Global Operations. 

speed in creation of our core products and allows us to leverage 

Local purchases, however, account only for a minor portion of the 

automation opportunities. We will gradually roll out the new digitised 

company’s total sourcing volume.

way of working in 2017 as a first step to our vision of an end-to-end 

digital value chain from pre-season planning to product creation, 

production and sales. 

WORKING WITH 297 INDEPENDENT  
MANUFACTURING PARTNERS

Furthermore, we are investing in the next generation of materials by 

In 2016, Global Operations worked with 297 independent manufacturing 

focusing, amongst others, on knitted footwear and direct-to-textile 

partners (2015: 320). Of our independent manufacturing partners, 

digital printing. In addition, we are developing footwear manufacturing 

80% were located in Asia (2015: 79%), 12% in the Americas (2015: 9%), 

process innovations. Working cross-functionally, we intend to reduce 

7% in Europe (2015: 12%) and 1% in Africa (2015: 0%). 

 see Diagram 02

dependency on manual labour and to deliver compelling product 

concepts with integration into key footwear and apparel franchises.

64

65

2
GROUP MANAGEMENT REP ORT  – OU R  C OMPA NY
Global Operations

02  SUPPLIERS BY REGION 1

03  FOOTWEAR PRODUCTION BY REGION 1

7 1

12

80

80%

Asia

12%

Americas

7%

Europe

1%

Africa

12

97

97%

Asia

2%

Americas

1%

Europe

1   Figures include the adidas and Reebok brands, adidas Golf and Ashworth, but exclude local 
sourcing partners, sourcing agents, subcontractors, second-tier suppliers and licensee 
factories.

1  Figures include the adidas and Reebok brands, adidas Golf and Ashworth.

04  FOOTWEAR PRODUCTION 1 IN MILLION PAIRS

VIETNAM SHARE OF FOOTWEAR  
PRODUCTION INCREASES SLIGHTLY

97% of our total 2016 footwear volume was produced in Asia (2015: 

96%). Production in Europe and the Americas combined accounted 
 see Diagram 03 Vietnam 
for 3% of the sourcing volume (2015: 4%). 

represents our largest sourcing country with 42% of the total volume 

(2015: 41%), followed by Indonesia with 24% (2015: 24%) and China 

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

with 22% (2015: 23%). In 2016, our footwear suppliers produced 

1  Figures include the adidas and Reebok brands, adidas Golf and Ashworth.

approximately 360 million pairs of shoes (2015: 301 million pairs). 

 see Diagram 04 Our largest footwear factory produced approximately 

10% of the footwear sourcing volume (2015: 11%).

05  APPAREL PRODUCTION BY REGION 1

CHINA REMAINS LARGEST SOURCE  
COUNTRY FOR APPAREL

34

In  2016,  we  sourced  93%  of  the  total  apparel  volume  from  Asia 

(2015: 93%). Europe and the Americas represented 4% and 3% of 

the volume, respectively (2015: 3% each). 

 see Diagram 05 China is the 

93

largest source country, representing 27% of the produced volume 

(2015: 29%), followed by Cambodia with 22% (2015: 19%) and Vietnam 

93%

Asia

4%

Europe

3%

Americas

with 17% (2015: 16%). In total, our suppliers produced approximately 

1  Figures include the adidas and Reebok brands, adidas Golf and Ashworth.

382 million units of apparel in 2016 (2015: 364 million units). 

 see 

Diagram 06 The largest apparel factory produced approximately 11% of 

this apparel volume in 2016 (2015: 11%). 

06  APPAREL PRODUCTION 1, 2 IN MILLION UNITS

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

1  Figures include the adidas and Reebok brands, adidas Golf and Ashworth.
2   2012 and 2013 restated due to a reclassification of certain apparel accessories from 

apparel to hardware. 

65

360

301

258

256

240

382

364

309

292

262

2
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  OUR  C OMPANY
Global Operations

2

GROUP  MANAGE ME NT  RE PORT  –   OU R  C OM PA NY

Research and Development

The Sports Licensed Division sourced approximately 22 million units 

07 

 HARDWARE PRODUCTION BY REGION 1

of apparel and 10 million units of headwear (2015: 24 million and 

11 million, respectively). The majority of purchased apparel products 

were sourced as unfinished goods from Latin America (65%) and Asia 

(33%) (2015: 79% and 21%, 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%).

CHINA SHARE OF HARDWARE PRODUCTION 
INCREASES SLIGHTLY

In 2016, 79% of our hardware products, such as balls and bags, was 

produced in Asia (2015: 76%). European countries accounted for 18% 

3

18

79

79%

Asia

18%

Europe

3%

Americas

1  Figures include the adidas and Reebok brands, adidas Golf and Ashworth.

(2015: 20%), while the Americas represented 3% of the total volume 

08   HARDWARE PRODUCTION 1, 2 IN MILLION UNITS

(2015: 3%). 

 see Diagram 07 China remained our largest source country, 

accounting for 36% of the sourced volume (2015: 35%), followed by 

Pakistan and Turkey with 17% and 16%, respectively (2015: 15% 

and 19%, respectively). The total hardware sourcing volume was 
approximately 109 million units (2015: 113 million units), with the 

largest factory accounting for 12% of production (2015: 11%). 

 see 

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

Diagram 08

TaylorMade sourced more than 99% of their hardware volumes from 

Asia (2015: 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.

1  Figures include the adidas and Reebok brands, adidas Golf and Ashworth.
2   2012 and 2013 restated due to a reclassification of certain apparel accessories from 

apparel to hardware. 

109

113

99

94

93

66

67

2
GROUP MANAGEMENT REP ORT  – OU R  C OMPA NY
Research and Development

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 and a premise to being the best sports company in the world. We therefore remain 

highly committed to maintaining a full and innovative product pipeline, bringing new groundbreaking technologies and processes to 

life, investing into forward-looking and sustainable ways of production and exploring the many possibilities of digitalisation. True to 

the vision of creative collaboration, our research and development (R&D) approach is widely based on our Open Source mindset which 

is clearly visible in our numerous collaborations with athletes and consumers, universities, industry-leading companies as well as 

national and international governments.

R&D AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE PRODUCT AND USER 
EXPERIENCE CREATION PROCESS

Once  conceptualised,  new  product  technologies  are  engineered 

using state-of-the-art systems. Extensive virtual prototype testing 

R&D within the company follows a decentralised approach. In line 

and engineering loops are carried out on every technology. Once 

with their respective strategic and long-term visions and distinctive 
positioning,  each  brand  runs  its  own  R&D  activities.  However, 

a  new  product  technology  is  deemed  viable,  it  is  produced  as  a 
physical sample. These samples are then comprehensively tested 

fundamental research as well as expertise and competencies in 

by a broad range of users, including top athletes. Only when these 

sustainable product creation are shared across the company.

comprehensive  tests  have  been  successful  are  the  technologies 

commercialised to a final product.

For the adidas brand, R&D is closely integrated with the sourcing, 

design and product marketing functions. At the beginning of the 

To capitalise on our R&D achievements, we enforce the company’s 

product creation process, development priorities are defined, which, 

trademarks  and  patents  by  monitoring  the  marketplace  for 

in recent years, have increasingly included sustainability targets. 

infringements and taking action to prevent them. Likewise, we have 

These are derived on a case-by-case basis from a combination of 

comprehensive processes, and undertake significant research, to 

consumer research and feedback, competition analysis and own 

avoid infringement of third-party intellectual property rights. 

 see 

product testing.

Risk and Opportunity Report, p. 118

Based on the results, employees in our so-called FUTURE teams 

evaluate  and  incubate  new  materials,  production  processes  and 

FIVE PILLARS OF INNOVATION

scientific research to increase the scope and impact of idea generation. 

Within the framework of our strategic business plan ‘Creating the 

Their scope also extends to areas such as consumer insights and 

New’ we identified five strategic pillars within our R&D principles, 

social media. This helps to promote a holistic and innovation-focused 

which enable us to develop the best products and experiences for our 

culture which gives deeper consumer insights, while also fuelling 

athletes, while at the same time drive game-changing innovations in 

creativity and synergies across the organisation. To identify innovative 

the fields of manufacturing, digital and sustainability. In 2016, adidas 

materials as well as integrate sustainability, cost and production 

further refined these pillars and amplified its efforts to generate 

process aspects into the development phase, the FUTURE teams are 

brand desire through collaboration with the consumer. 

in close contact with our sourcing and material teams within product 

development who, in turn, work closely with our suppliers.

 —  ATHLETE INNOVATION
Our clear focus is to produce the best and most innovative products 

True to the vision of creative collaboration, our R&D approach is 

for athletes to enable them to perform at their very best. To achieve 

founded on our Open Source mindset which is clearly visible in our 

this, we work closely together with athletes as well as numerous 

numerous collaborations with athletes and consumers, universities, 

universities and industry-leading companies, to deliver against the 

industry-leading companies as well as national and international 

needs of our target consumer.

governments. We are the first sports company that invites creators to 

be part of our brands while already working with some of the world’s 

most creative and innovative people and organisations. 

 see Corporate 

Strategy, p. 48

Boost: Launched in cooperation with BASF, Boost is an industry-
first cushioning technology designed to deliver maximum energy 

return, responsiveness and comfort to athletes. In 2016, Boost saw 

a  roll-out  into  additional  categories  and  new  Boost  franchises. 
Particular highlights in this regard were the launch of the NMD, a 
technical runner silhouette realised as a lifestyle sneaker as well as 
the Colour Boost, introducing new colourways to the Boost midsole, 
released with the launch of the UltraBOOST Uncaged. 

67

2
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  OUR  C OMPANY
Research and Development

2

GROUP  MANAGE ME NT  RE PORT  –   OU R  C OM PA NY

Research and Development

Clima:  Clima  is  a  sports  apparel  concept  offering  adidas  brand 
clothing  for  sporting  activities  in  any  weather  across  different 

Runtastic Shoe Tracking: The Runtastic Shoe Tracking feature in the 
Runtastic running app automatically assigns covered distances to a 

categories such as training, running or outdoor. The series includes 

designated shoe used for running workouts, hiking tours or Nordic 

the franchises ClimaHeat, ClimaChill and ClimaProof, which apply 

walking sessions. It allows athletes to track the lifespan of a pair of 

functional, moisture-wicking and breathable materials to ensure that 

running shoes and notifies consumers when to replace them in order 

athletes enjoy ideal conditions to perform their training 365 days a 

to protect joints and prevent injuries.

year. 

Futurecraft M.F.G.: In 2016, we launched Futurecraft M.F.G. (Made 
for Germany), the first shoe to come out of Speedfactory, a platform 

Storefactory:  In  2016,  adidas  introduced  its  first  Storefactory  in 
the form of a new pop-up store called ‘Knit for You’ in the Bikini 

Berlin  shopping  mall  for  a  temporary  three-month  trial  period. 

that – among several other benefits – will ultimately allow for the 

In addition to offering personalised manufacturing in-store in an 

creation of footwear made for the specific fit and functional needs 

urban environment, the Storefactory allows consumers to experience 

of consumers. The running shoe is part of an initial market test, 

and interact with the creation and manufacturing process of their 

consisting of 500 pairs, with a view to rolling it out across categories, 

garments in a simple and engaging manner. 

amplifying volumes in the years to come. 

 — MANUFACTURING INNOVATION
To simplify manufacturing, enable product innovation and increase 

 — SUSTAINABILITY INNOVATION
Our commitment to manage our business in a responsible way has 
long been one of the company’s principles. To stay at the forefront 

speed-to-market capabilities by bringing the production of apparel 

of sustainable innovation, adidas is pursuing a proactive approach 

and footwear closer to the consumer, the company’s R&D activities 
are  also  focused  on  new  manufacturing  technologies.  Our  goal 

to establish internationally recognised best practices and achieve 

scalable improvements. As part of our sustainability strategy we have 

is  to  combine  state-of-the-art  information  technology  with  new 

set ourselves the target for 2020 to invest in materials, processes and 

manufacturing processes and innovative products. For this reason, 

innovative machinery which will allow us to upcycle materials into 

we commit ourselves to long-term cooperation with industry-leading 

products and reduce waste. 

 see Sustainability, p. 78

companies and organisations to take a leading role in manufacturing 

innovation.

Parley for the Oceans: In 2016, the partnership with Parley for the 
Oceans, a thought leader in ocean conservation and eco innovation 

Speedfactory: In 2016, the Speedfactory pilot in Ansbach, Germany, 
served as a ‘proof of concept’ and a testing ground for the creation 

that creates awareness to end the destruction of the oceans, already 

yielded its first commercial performance products made with Parley 

of high-performance footwear within a new manufacturing model. In 

Ocean Plastic in the form of football jerseys for the world-leading 

the second half of 2016, the pilot was transferred to a larger facility 

clubs Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, as well as the UltraBOOST 

for the first large-scale manufacturing starting in 2017. As a next 

Uncaged Parley running shoe, with 7,000 pairs available. The first 

step, it is planned to introduce Speedfactory to the USA in 2017. Each 

commercialised product made of Parley Ocean Plastic underpins our 

Speedfactory is designed to produce up to 500,000 pairs of shoes per 

commitment to accelerating the creation of innovative products and 

year, with an option to extend and diversify production in the future. 

reinventing materials. This is also underlined by our goal to produce 

Futurecraft: Another important part of our manufacturing innovation 
approach is the Futurecraft series. In addition to Futurecraft M.F.G., 

2016 saw the introduction of another commercialisation of the series, 

one million pairs of shoes using Parley Ocean Plastic by the end of 

2017, and to further follow our ultimate ambition to eliminate virgin 

plastic from our supply chain. 

 see Corporate Strategy, p. 48

the 3D Runner. The shoe features an engineered 3D web structure 

with dense zones in high-force areas and less dense zones in the 

Biosteel: Another milestone in 2016 was the launch of the world’s 
first performance shoe made using Biosteel fibre, a nature-based 

low-force areas, allowing for the optimum level of performance. 

and completely biodegradable high-performance fibre, replicating 

The 3D Runner also features a 3D printed heel counter, which is 

natural silk, developed by the German biotech company AMSilk. The 

integrated into the midsole and avoids the typical process of gluing or 

Futurecraft Biofabric prototype shoe features an upper made from 

stitching. Benefits include greater elasticity, compliancy and support. 

100% Biosteel fibre, making us move beyond closed-loop production 

A Primeknit upper ensures high style, superior fit and performance.

into an infinite loop – or no loop at all.

 — DIGITAL AND EXPERIENCE INNOVATION 
The adidas brand was the first in the industry to comprehensively 

 — FEMALE ATHLETE INNOVATION
Our long-term commitment to the female athlete continues to be a 

bring  data  analytics  to  the  athlete.  With  decades  of  continuous 
investment  in  sports  science,  sensor  technology  and  digital 
communication platforms, adidas has already taken a leading role 
in terms of changing the sporting goods industry through technology. 
With the increasing speed of urban digitalisation, this field will remain 
one of our core areas. 

focus for the company. To fuel the growth of our women’s business, 
we  have  taken  a  holistic  approach  to  understanding  the  female 
athlete’s performance and non-performance needs throughout her 
active life by looking at her as an integrated part of our business 
but from a separate and unique angle. With a focus on the female 
athlete, it is crucial to fully understand the particular anatomy and 

68

69

2
GROUP MANAGEMENT REP ORT  – OU R  C OMPA NY
Research and Development

specific product needs of the female consumer to help unlock her 

SUCCESSFUL COMMERCIALISATION OF INNOVATIONS

athletic potential. To enable this, we are working to establish a robust 

We  believe  developing  industry-leading  technologies  and  user 

network of industry leaders and academic experts such as Christine 

experiences is only one aspect of being an innovation leader. Equally 

Day with our ‘Path to Expert’ approach, which will help to accelerate 

important is the successful commercialisation of those technological 

the building of insights and foresights that keep us at the forefront 

innovations. The awards we attained in 2016 confirm our continuous 

of product innovation. 

efforts  to  become  the  technology  leader  in  the  sporting  goods 

Ace and X football boots: The adidas brand launched the first versions 
of its Ace and X boots created explicitly for female players. Using all 

As in prior years, the majority of adidas brand sales were generated 

its technical expertise and key insights provided by numerous female 

with products newly introduced in the course of 2016. New products 

players, we were able to analyse the unique shape of the female foot to 

tend to have a higher gross margin compared to products which have 

create football boots which feature a different combination of shape, 

been in the market for more than one season. As a result, newly 

design and traction to meet the special needs of the female athlete.

launched products contributed over-proportionately to net income 

industry. 

 see Table 01

Avenue A: In 2016, the adidas brand introduced Avenue A, a quarterly 
women-only subscription service that offers a curated box containing 

premium running and training products. While the content of each 

shipment is a surprise, the box is filled with three to five premium 
items  –  a  mix  of  footwear,  apparel  and  accessories  appropriate 

for the season. Here, the brand collaborates with fashion-forward 

trendsetters and trainers to hand-pick an array of products for each 

shipment that exemplify style and performance.

in 2016. We expect this development to continue in 2017 as we will 

present a wide range of new, innovative products. 

 see Subsequent Events 

and Outlook, p. 115

01  2016 MAJOR AWARDS

Brand

Product/Campaign

Category

Award

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

Originals

Originals

Originals

Originals

Originals

Originals

Originals

Originals

Outdoor

Running

Running

Running

adidas Brand

Highsnobiety Crown 2016 – Gold, Most Relevant Brand

Your Future Is Not Mine campaign

Cannes Cyber Lion – Gold, Best Music/Brand Partnership

Your Future Is Not Mine campaign

Cannes Cyber Lion – Gold, Use of Original Music

Your Future Is Not Mine campaign

Cannes Design Lion – Bronze, Music Video – Brand and/or Product Integration

Strikethrough campaign

Cannes Design Lion – Bronze, Logo Design: International Companies & Brands

Originals Yeezy Boost 350 V2 shoe

Highsnobiety Crown 2016 – Gold, Best Sneaker

Originals Yeezy Boost 350 V2 shoe

complex.com – The Best Sneakers of 2016

Pitch Black NMD shoe

complex.com – The Best Sneakers of 2016

Pharrell Human Race NMD shoe

complex.com – The Best Sneakers of 2016

TERREX Parley T-shirt 

Outdoor Industry Award

Supernova Glide 8 Boost shoe

Solerview’s top pick for 2016 – The Best Running Shoe of 2016

adizero adios 3 shoe

Runner’s World (US) – Best Update 2016

Solebox x adidas Consortium UltraBOOST 
Uncaged shoe

Highsnobiety Crown 2016 – Bronze, Best Sneaker

Reebok

Training

Speed TR shoe

Men’s Health – Best Gym Shoe 

TaylorMade

TaylorMade

TaylorMade

Golf

Golf

Golf

M1 & M2 metalwoods

M1 & M2 irons

TP putter collection

Golf Digest Hot List 2016

Golf Digest Hot List 2016

Golf Digest Hot List 2016

69

2
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  OUR  C OMPANY
Research and Development

2

GROUP  MANAGE ME NT  RE PORT  –   OU R  C OM PA NY

Research and Development

SUCCESSFUL PRODUCT LAUNCHES ACROSS ALL 
MAJOR ADIDAS BRAND CATEGORIES

In 2016, adidas brand sales were again driven by the latest product 

offerings,  with  products  launched  during  the  course  of  the  year 

accounting for 77% of brand sales (2015: 81%). Only 1% of sales 

were generated with products introduced three or more years ago 

(2015: 3%).

02  MAJOR PRODUCT LAUNCHES IN 2016

Product

Crazy Explosive basketball shoe

D Lillard 2 basketball shoe

D Rose 7 basketball shoe

Harden Vol. 1 basketball shoe

X and Ace 16 football boots

The adidas brand introduced numerous major product innovations 

X and Ace women's football boots

in 2016. These included:
 — Glitch: Glitch is a new football concept introduced in late 2016. 
The two-piece interchangeable construction, made of an inner 

shoe and an outer skin, is designed to suit the modern game with 

a focus on adaptability. Glitch utilises the brand’s leading football 

technologies, including a laceless upper, to create a football boot 

experience like no other.

Messi 16 football boot

Copa 17 football boot

Glitch football boot

Confed Cup jersey

Parley x Real Madrid/FC Bayern jersey

adizero adios running shoe

AlphaBOUNCE running shoe

PureBOOST X running shoe

 — UltraBOOST Uncaged: Built on Open Source consumer insights, 
the shoe combines the performance and innovation of the original 

UltraBOOST Uncaged running shoe

Gazelle Originals shoe

UltraBOOST running shoe, providing outstanding comfort and 

NMD R2 Originals shoe

energy return, with a full adidas Primeknit upper featuring an 

internal  support  system.  Furthermore,  the  new  UltraBOOST 

Uncaged also introduced new colourways to the Boost midsole 

alongside the iconic white midsole.

 — Z.N.E.: In August 2016, the adidas brand officially introduced 
adidas  Athletics.  The  highlight  product  of  this  newly  created 

Tubular Shadow Originals shoe

Tubular Instinct Originals shoe

Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Originals shoe

Originals by Rita Ora collection

Originals by Alexander Wang collection

Originals by Kanye West Yeezy Season 3 collection

Originals by Pharrell Williams Hu collection

product  line  is  the  Z.N.E.  hoodie,  a  fresh  take  on  traditional 

pre-game outwear, using unique design elements, making it 

ClimaHeat apparel

Stellasport training apparel

a very recognisable silhouette that we can further build on in 

Athletics Z.N.E. training apparel

the future.

REEBOK INTRODUCES NEW TECHNOLOGY PLATFORMS

In 2016, Reebok’s latest products continued to generate the majority 

of the brand’s sales, with 73% of footwear sales coming from products 

launched in 2016 (2015: 73%). Only 11% of footwear product sales 

relate to products introduced three or more years ago (2015: 14%).

In 2016, Reebok presented several key product introductions. Some 

of the highlights included:
 — CrossFit  Nano  6.0:  In  2016,  Reebok  celebrated  its  six-year 
partnership with CrossFit with the launch of the CrossFit Nano 

6.0. This training shoe was developed by Reebok in association 

with  the  CrossFit  community  and  saw  the  first  evolution  of 

Kevlar infused on the upper to provide durability and lightweight 

TERREX x-king outdoor shoe

Cloudfoam neo shoe

Graphic Tees neo collection

CrossFit Nano 6.0 training shoe

JJ I training shoe

ZPrint running shoe

HexaWarm apparel

Classic Leather shoe

M2 driver line

Spider Limited putter

TP putter collection

Tour360 Prime Boost golf shoe

USA Golf Team apparel

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

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

Reebok

Reebok

Reebok

Reebok

Reebok

TaylorMade

TaylorMade

TaylorMade

adidas Golf

adidas Golf

 — Liquid Factory: In November 2016, Reebok introduced its Liquid 
Factory manufacturing concept with a 300 pair limited release of 

strength. The Nano 6.0 also features a re-engineered anatomical 

its first shoe, the Liquid Speed. The Liquid Factory ‘3D Drawing’ 

design for a natural and secure fit.

 — ZPrint:  In  2016,  Reebok  introduced  the  ZPrint  cushioning 
system, inspired by digital maps of feet in motion. The unique, 

foot-mapped bottom cushions high-impact zones and propels at 

take-off. The ride stays stable around the edges thanks to a firm 
perimeter grid. ZPrint delivers cushioning where it is needed 
most.

process is an entirely new way to create shoes without moulds, 

allowing  both  rapid  customisation  and  ultimately  more  local 

manufacturing.

70

7 1

2
GROUP MANAGEMENT REP ORT  – OU R  C OMPA NY
Research and Development

INNOVATION AN IMPORTANT FACTOR FOR 
TAYLORMADE-ADIDAS GOLF

R&D EXPENSES INCREASE 18%
R&D expenses include expenses for personnel and administration, 

At TaylorMade-adidas Golf, current products (i.e. products launched 

but exclude other costs, for example those associated with the design 

in the last 18 months, which is the typical product life cycle in golf) 

aspect of the product creation process. In 2016, as in prior years, all 

represented 72% of total hardware sales in 2016 (2015: 80%). Products 

R&D costs were expensed as incurred. The company’s R&D expenses 

that had been brought to market three or more years ago accounted 

increased 18% to € 164 million from € 139 million in the prior year.

for 13% of sales in 2016 (2015: 7%).

Among the highlight product launches in 2016 were:
 — M2:  Following  the  successful  launch  of  the  M1  in  the  prior 
year, TaylorMade expanded the M family in 2016 with the intro-

As our R&D departments comprise experienced and multi-skilled 

people  from  different  areas  of  technical  expertise  and  from 

diverse cultural backgrounds, personnel expenses represent the 

largest portion of R&D expenses, accounting for 73% of total R&D 

duction of the M2. Like its predecessor, the M2 family consists of 

expenditure. The number of people employed in R&D activities at 

drivers, fairways and rescue clubs, utilising the same proprietary 

December 31, 2016, was 1,128, compared to 993 employees in the 

multi-material combination, including the seven-layer carbon 

prior year. This represents 2% of total employees.

composite crown found in the M1, to develop a line of products 

that  deliver  two  highly  sought-after  performance  benefits: 

In 2016, R&D expenses represented 2.0% of other operating expenses 

distance and forgiveness. 

 — Tour360 Prime Boost: In 2016, adidas Golf released the new 
Tour360  Prime  Boost.  Designed  for  stability  and  traction  on 

uneven ground, the shoe features a flexible adidas Primeknit 

upper for an enhanced fit built on a responsive Boost midsole. 

(2015: 1.9%). R&D expenses as a percentage of sales remained stable 
at 0.8% (2015: 0.8%). 

 see Table 03

03  KEY R&D METRICS 1

R&D expenses (€ in millions)

R&D expenses (in % of net sales)

R&D expenses (in % of other operating expenses)

R&D employees

2016

164

0.8

2.0

1,128

2015

139

0.8

1.9

993

2014

126

0.9

2.0

985

2013

124

0.9

2.0

992

2012

128

0.9

2.1

1,035

1  2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 reflect continuing operations as a result of the divestiture of the Rockport business.

71

2
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  OUR  C OMPANY
Our People

GROUP  MANAGE ME NT  RE PORT  –   OU R  C OM PA NY

2

Our People

OUR PEOPLE

At adidas, we believe that our people are the key to the company’s success. Their performance, well-being and knowledge have a 

significant impact on brand desire, consumer satisfaction and, ultimately, our financial performance. Through the delivery of our 

People Strategy, we focus our efforts on four fundamentals: the attraction and retention of the right talents, role model leadership, 

diversity and inclusion, as well as the creation of a unique corporate culture.

PEOPLE STRATEGY ENABLES A CULTURE FOR 
DELIVERING ‘CREATING THE NEW’

The People Strategy is implemented through a portfolio of projects 

which  will  directly  deliver  into  each  of  the  four  pillars.  In  2016, 

As an integral part of ‘Creating the New’, the People Strategy is a 

testament to thinking that our 2020 strategy can only be executed if we 

we  made  good  progress  by  successfully  delivering  the  following 
initiatives:

speak to our people on all levels and win both their hearts and minds.

The People Strategy consists of four pillars that serve as a basis 
for creating our culture and environment for our people in order to 

successfully support the company strategy. 

 see Diagram 01 These four 

Meaningful reasons to join and stay:
 — Enabled by a new global mobility policy, our Talent Carousel 
career  development  programme  entered  its  second  year. 
Employees from all over the world were once again asked to 

pillars also serve as a tool for prioritisation, sense-checking and 

apply for this programme that would see its 20 finalists take a 

measuring our HR actions and initiatives.

cross-functional and international career step by starting a new 

role in a new location in 2017. Successful candidates remain in the 

programme for 24 months with the right to return to their home 

location while being prepared for a future senior management 

position.

01  THE FOUR PILLARS OF OUR PEOPLE STRATEGY

Attraction & retention  
of the right talents

Meaningful reasons to join 
and stay

Attract and retain great talent by 
offering personal experiences, 
choices and individual careers.

People Strategy
Defines and inspires the right organisational culture for ‘Creating the New’

Role model leadership

Diversity & inclusion

Culture

Role models who inspire us

Bring forward fresh and diverse 
perspectives

A creative climate to make 
a difference

Nurture and inspire role model 
leadership.

Represent and live the diversity of 
our consumers in our people.

It is our goal to develop a culture 
that cherishes collaboration, 
creativity and confidence – three 
behaviours we deem crucial to the 
successful delivery of our corporate 
strategy.

Choice & Agility & Speed

72

73

2
GROUP MANAGEMENT REP ORT  – OU R  C OMPA NY
Our People

 — In  September  2016,  we  introduced  a  new  employee  Stock 
Purchasing Programme for Germany, the US, the Netherlands and 
Hong Kong. A total of 16.3% of around 16,000 eligible employees 

Bring forward fresh and diverse perspectives:
 — We successfully hired the first dedicated Diversity Director in the 
company’s history. Reporting into the Head of HR Strategy, the 

decided to participate in the first enrolment period. It is planned to 

extend this programme to further countries in the coming months.
 — A newly introduced central onboarding process at our headquarters 
in Herzogenaurach/Germany now ensures new starters enjoy a 

high-quality, consistent experience upon joining the company. 

Diversity Director is in charge of formulating the global diversity 
strategy and driving its implementation together with leaders 

and HR Partners.

 — For the second consecutive year, adidas North America achieved a 
perfect 100 point score on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate 

The new process is the result of a cross-functional continuous 

Equality Index.

improvement initiative and provided important learnings for the 

global onboarding initiative which is aimed at introducing standard 

 — We  introduced  a  global  data  simulation  tool  that  allows  HR 
managers  to  calculate  and  set  more  realistic  gender  and 

onboarding tools across the company starting in 2017.

age targets for their functional areas by taking criteria such 

 — Since 2016, employees at our headquarters in Herzogenaurach 
have been able to take advantage of our Employee Assistance 

as  business  growth,  attrition,  promotions  and  hirings  into 

consideration.

Service. By calling an external hotline, employees can get support 

with finding and organising child care, elder care and household 

 — Functional and local market teams continued to develop dedicated 
plans to invest in a stronger female talent pipeline, data analysis 

services.

on gender balance and action plans to establish a more balanced 
organisation in terms of gender, age and race.

Role models who inspire us:
 — In 2016, we offered our first-time people managers across EMEA, 
Asia and the US our Fit2Lead training. This training is specially 

designed for all first-time people managers who lead up to five 

A creative climate to make a difference:
 — In 2016, we cascaded and hard-wired our three company behav-
iours – creativity, collaboration and confidence – into our global 

people. It provides them with basic knowledge on how to become 

Performance Management system and approach, The Score. 

a good people manager, manage their business and continue 

Creativity, collaboration and confidence – the ‘3Cs’ – are behav-

to develop themselves throughout their career. The course can 

iours  we  as  a  company  deem  to  be  crucial  for  employees  to 

also be booked by managers who would like to refresh their 

display on a daily basis in order to execute our Creating the New 

people management skills. This curriculum is complemented 

strategy and become an even more consumer-focused organi-

by  the  Fit2Lead  Experienced  Manager  training,  a  new  offer 

sation. As we enter 2017, we will focus on continuing to detail out 

we introduced in 2016. The Experienced Manager training is 

the exact definition of the 3Cs and use them as the foundation of 

geared towards managers who bring more than five years of 

our company leadership framework.

management experience and/or lead or influence larger teams. 

It is an experiential learning programme with a focus on how to 

 — In a continued effort to provide our employees with the best work 
environment possible, further construction work has started on 

lead those around you to perform better – as a team and as an 

our headquarters campus in Herzogenaurach. A new landmark 

individual. 

building called ‘Arena’ will become the company’s new main 

 — First leadership and executive groups started to take a newly 
designed  gender  intelligence  training  aimed  at  challenging 

office at the end of 2018, offering over 2,000 employees a new 

home and centralising most of the employees in Herzogenaurach 

gender  stereotypes  as  well  as  providing  leaders  with  data, 

on the World of Sports campus. A new restaurant and multi-

insights and tools for practising inclusive leadership to build a 

purpose conference centre called ‘HalfTime’ will be set up. 2016 

more balanced organisation.

also saw the construction of a second future workplace space: 

‘Pitch 2’. Employees based in Pitch 1 and Pitch 2 work according 

to the activity-based working concept: employees no longer have 

assigned desks but can choose from a multitude of different types 

of rooms and spaces (e.g. project room, focus box) based on the 

tasks they have on hand. Change management in these new 

buildings is supported through a dedicated mobile app as well 

as employee-led feedback groups and regular feedback surveys.

73

2
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  OUR  C OMPANY
Our People

GROUP  MANAGE ME NT  RE PORT  –   OU R  C OM PA NY

2

Our People

 — At our headquarters in Herzogenaurach, we also opened the 
MakerLab. It serves as a dedicated space providing tools such as 
laser cutters and 3D printers and know-how to help employees 

MEASURING THE SUCCESS OF OUR HR INITIATIVES:  
EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT AND EMPLOYER RANKINGS

Our  HR  function  measures  the  success  and  the  effectiveness  of 

realise their ideas and create prototypes. The MakerLab idea has 

the company’s efforts with regard to its people initiatives through a 

its roots in the ‘hacker space’ concept, where all employees are 

set of chosen KPIs. We will use two leading people KPIs: employee 

given free rein to create and bring their ideas to life. 

experience (eNPS) as an internal measure and employer rankings 

 — In Moscow, we opened a brand-new office building called ‘The 
Home of Sport’. It includes store facilities, a state-of-the-art gym 

as an external measure.

as well as modern offices and open-plan spaces. 

HR FOUNDATIONS FOR OUR PEOPLE STRATEGY

Employee engagement: adidas 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 company. 

 see Internal Management System, p. 86 Following a successful 

In  2016,  the  adidas  HR  function  launched  the  People  OneView 

pilot  within  HR  in  2016,  a  new  approach  towards  measuring  the 

employee  profile.  People  OneView  is  a  self-service  online  portal 

employee experience in the company will be launched during the 

that allows employees, leaders and HR Partners to both access and 

first half of 2017.

manage the most important personal and work data such as salary, 

career and team information as well as HR applications. By providing 
direct access to People OneView, users are now more empowered as 

Employer rankings: Our ‘employer of choice’ status continues to 
garner worldwide recognition and enables us to attract, retain and 

they can manage their most important personal data without having 

engage industry-leading talent to sustain the company’s success and 

to go via their HR Partner. HR Partners in turn gain back valuable 

growth. In 2016, adidas locations around the world leveraged our 

time to counsel and support employees. 

employer brand attributes for attraction, retention and engagement 

With the introduction of the HR Shared Service Centre for Germany, 

worldwide and has also enabled us to recruit some of the industry’s 

all  employee  queries  relating  to  compensation,  benefits,  time 

top talent. 

 see Diagram 02

strategies.  This  work  contributed  to  several  Top  Ten  rankings 

management and HR systems are now centrally channelled and 

managed  through  this  newly  founded  department.  HR  Partners 

are thus enabled to focus fully on supporting line managers and 

employees on topics such as career counselling, people management 

and coaching. 

02  AWARDS

The World’s Most Attractive 
Employers/Universum

Corporate Health Award ’Special 
Award for healthy nutrition’/EuPD 
Research Sustainable Management, 
Handelsblatt, TÜV SÜD Akademie 
and ias-Gruppe

Best Employer 2017/glassdoor 
Germany

trendence Graduate Barometer – 
Business Edition/trendence

74

75

2
GROUP MANAGEMENT REP ORT  – OU R  C OMPA NY
Our People

FOCUS ON PERFORMANCE:  
OUR PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

Apprenticeships and internships: Our development programmes 
are complemented by apprenticeship and internship programmes. 

To further drive high performance within the company, we use a 

The  adidas  apprenticeship  offers  young  people  who  want  to  join 

performance management approach called ‘The Score’. It brings 

our company directly out of school the opportunity to gain business 

target setting, employee development and performance appraisal 

experience  in  a  two-  to  three-year  rotation  programme.  The 

under one common process. The Score also brings focus, simplicity 

programme includes vocational training in retail, shoe technology 

and alignment to the setting of team goals and individual targets. 

and IT, as well as integrated study programmes in fields such as 

Each employee is evaluated and receives feedback at least twice a 

digital  commerce,  finance  or  international  business.  At  the  end 

year.

of 2016, we employed 63 apprentices in Germany (2015: 63) and 

35  integrated  study  programme  students  (2015:  40).  Our  global 

Our remuneration system is based on this performance management 

internship programme offers students three to six months of work 

approach. As part of this system, we are committed to rewarding 

experience  within  adidas.  In  2016,  we  employed  623  interns  in 

our employees with compensation and benefit programmes that 

Germany (2015: 553).

are competitive in the marketplace. Remuneration throughout the 

company  comprises  fixed  and  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 

Succession management: Our 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. We conduct 

regular reviews to ensure individual development plans are in place 

market-driven and performance-oriented way. The various variable 

to prepare successors for their potential next steps.

compensation components we offer our employees include:
 — Bonus programme – short-term incentive programme
 — Profit participation programme – ‘Champions Bonus’
 — Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) for leaders and Executive Board 

ONLINE PLATFORMS TO DRIVE EMPLOYEE 
COLLABORATION AND LEARNING

members

We believe that a robust and state-of-the-art internal communication 

 — 401-K  Retirement  Plan  (USA)  and  the  adidas  Pension  Plan 

platform is essential for driving employee engagement and fostering 

(Germany)

 — adidas Stock Purchase Plan.

learning as well as open collaboration within our organisation. We 

use  an  enterprise  collaboration  platform  called  ‘a-LIVE’,  which 

encourages  employees  to  share  knowledge,  collaborate  and 

Our  subsidiaries  also  grant  a  variety  of  benefits  to  employees, 

discuss current topics. In addition, we have established an ‘Ask the 

depending  upon  locally  defined  practices  and  country-specific 

Management’ platform on our intranet, enabling employees to openly 

regulations and norms.

OUR TALENT AND SUCCESSION MANAGEMENT

Trainee programme: 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 adidas. The programme comprises 

six three-month assignments in various departments. At least one 

of  these  assignments  takes  place  abroad.  At  year-end  2016,  we 

employed 49 participants in our global FTP (2015: 27).

address questions to our senior leaders. Via a-LIVE we also offer 

all employees access to the ‘Learning Campus’, a state-of-the-art 

learning platform that provides opportunities for both e-learning 

and knowledge sharing. Employees are able to access content 24/7 

in a virtual environment.

75

2
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  OUR  C OMPANY
Our People

GROUP  MANAGE ME NT  RE PORT  –   OU R  C OM PA NY

2

Our People

DEDICATED PROGRAMME TO SUPPORT  
WORK-LIFE INTEGRATION

 — We provide quarterly diversity reports to management to support 

decision making and target setting.

We aim to harmonise the commercial interests of the company with 

 — We provide diversity training to our employees and gender intel-

the professional, private and family needs of our employees. Our 

ligence training to our leaders.

Work-Life Integration Programme includes flexible work time and 

place, people development and leadership competence related to 

 — Within the company, for example, we support the 500-member 
strong  Women’s  Networking  group  in  Herzogenaurach. 

work-life integration, as well as family-oriented services. In addition 

Additionally, we continue our support of the international LGBT 

to providing flexible working arrangements, teleworking, sabbaticals 

community, which is also driven by our employees at our major 

and parent/child offices, we have child-care facilities at our company 

locations. The key objectives and contributions to adidas of the 

premises in Canton, USA, and a day-care centre at our headquarters 

latter are providing awareness and education, acting as an infor-

in Herzogenaurach, Germany.

mational resource to interlinking departments and engaging 

with the outside LGBT communities to combat prejudice and 

In 2016, the employer rating service glassdoor rated adidas as the 

discrimination.

best employer in Germany with regard to work-life balance offerings.

 — We have been participating in diversity career fairs in Germany, 

EMBRACING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

such as the Sticks & Stones in Berlin.

 — adidas is listed in the genderdax 
 — We regularly take part in benchmark studies in order to review 

 see Glossary, p. 217.

We believe it is crucial for the success of our company to have a very 

our activities in the fields of diversity and inclusion.

diverse workforce and individuals with different ideas, strengths, 

interests and cultural backgrounds. We see a great benefit in the 

diversity of our employees as this helps us to better fulfil the wishes 

03  EMPLOYEE STATISTICS 1

and multi-faceted demands of our consumers around the world. All 

our employees are appreciated – regardless of gender, nationality, 

ethnic origin, religion, world view, disability, age, sexual orientation 

or identity.

At our global headquarters in Herzogenaurach, we have employees 

Total number of employees 2

Total employees (in %)

Male

Female

from more than 80 nations. As part of our global diversity approach 

Management positions (in %)

we proactively pursue a portfolio of internal and external activities 

as well as memberships:
 — Our active membership in ‘Charta der Vielfalt’ (‘Diversity Charter’), 
Prout at Work, the Diversity and Inclusion in Asia Network (DIAN) 

and the non-profit organisation Catalyst allows us to promote 

communication and the sharing of best practices and insights.
 — We have regular events highlighting diversity as a key topic, such 

as our global Diversity Day.

Male

Female

Management positions (in %) within adidas AG 3

Male

Female

Average age of employees (in years)

Average length of service (in years)

2016

2015

60,617

55,555

50%

50%

70%

30%

73%

27%

30

5

50%

50%

71%

29%

76%

24%

30

4

1   At year-end. Figures reflect continuing operations as a result of the divestiture of the 

Rockport business.

2  Number of employees on a headcount basis. 
3   Calculated in accordance with German Act on Equal Participation of Women and Men in 

Executive Positions in the Private and Public Sector in Germany.

76

7 7

2
GROUP MANAGEMENT REP ORT  – OU R  C OMPA NY
Our People

MIXED LEADERSHIP TEAMS AND PROMOTING WOMEN

04  EMPLOYEES BY FUNCTION 1

Already in 2011, adidas proactively set itself the goal of increasing 

the number of women in leadership positions in the coming years. 

Specifically, the percentage share of women in management positions 

is targeted to be increased globally from 30% today to 32% by 2017.

Irrespective of this, German law states that, from January 1, 2016, 

at least 30% of Supervisory Board representatives of publicly listed 

companies such as adidas AG shall be women. 

7 2 2 2

9

9

10

58

58%

10%

Own retail

Logistics

9% 
9%

7%

2%

2%

2%

Central functions & administration

Marketing

Sales

Production

IT

Research & development

As a result, the Supervisory Board and Executive Board of adidas AG 

1  At year-end.

have set the following specific targets to be achieved by June 30, 2017:
 — The Supervisory Board will appoint one woman to the adidas AG 

Executive Board.

05  EMPLOYEES BY REGION 1

 — The percentage share of women at Board -1 level will be increased 

from 11% (as at July 2, 2015) to 18%.

 — The percentage share of women at Board -2 level will be increased 

from 26% (as at July 2, 2015) to 30%.

A prerequisite for increasing the number of women at the highest 

levels of management is the general promotion of women within the 

company worldwide at all levels of management. 

 www.adidas-group.

com/s/employees

19

9
2

8

4

10

21

19

7

1  At year-end.

10%

Western Europe

19%

North America

7%

Greater China

21%

Russia/CIS

8%

Latin America

2%

Japan

9%

MEAA

19%

Group functions

4%

Other Businesses

GLOBAL EMPLOYEE BASE FURTHER INCREASES

On December 31, 2016, the company had 60,617 employees, which 

06  NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES BY FUNCTION 1

represents an increase of 9% versus 55,555 in the previous year. New 

hirings related to the global marketing and sales organisation aimed 

at further strengthening key growth areas and categories were the 

main driver of this development. On a full-time equivalent basis, 

Employees 2

Full-time equivalents 3

2016

2015

2016

2015

our company had 51,899 employees on December 31, 2016 (2015: 

Own retail

35,266

32,543

27,706

25,651

47,435). 

 see Table 06 

Personnel  expenses  increased  to  € 2.532 billion  in  2016  (2015: 

€ 2.184 billion), representing 13% of sales (2015: 13%). 

 see Note 33, 

p. 189 An overview of the development of our employee base in the 

Sales

Logistics

Marketing

Central functions and 
administration

Production

past ten years can be found in our ten-year overview. 

 see Ten-Year 

Research & development

Overview, p. 212

IT

Total

4,447

6,337

5,605

5,250

1,416

1,128

1,168

3,868

6,132

4,737

4,774

1,351

993

1,157

4,333

6,021

5,349

4,948

1,352

1,058

1,131

3,763

5,598

4,580

4,508

1,286

927

1,123

60,617

55,555

51,899

47,435

1   At year-end. Figures reflect continuing operations as a result of the divestiture of the 

Rockport business.

2  Number of employees on a headcount basis. 
3   Number of employees on a full-time equivalent basis. 

77

2
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  OUR  C OMPANY
Sustainability

GROUP  MANAGE ME NT  RE PORT  –   OU R  C OM PA NY

2

Sustainability

SUSTAINABILITY

Our Sustainability Strategy ensures the alignment of our sustainability work with our overall business goals. While it addresses our 

responsibility towards our employees, the people who make our products, the environment and the communities we operate in, it also 

follows the ambitious plan to grow our business even further. 

SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY AS A DIRECT  
OUTCOME OF ‘CREATING THE NEW’

CROSS-FUNCTIONAL GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE 
SUPPORTS EXECUTION OF STRATEGY

Our new Sustainability Strategy ‘Sport needs a space’, our roadmap 

A cross-functional governance structure ensures timely and straight 

towards 2020 and beyond, is a direct outcome of our business strategy 

execution of the strategy. Reporting directly to the Executive Board, 

‘Creating the New’. It translates our overall sustainability efforts 

a sponsor board composed of all functional heads from Social & 

into tangible goals that have a direct impact on the world of sport 

Environmental  Affairs  (SEA),  Global  Operations,  Global  Brands, 

we operate in. Introduced in 2016, the Sustainability Strategy builds 

Human  Resources,  Global  Workplaces,  Retail  Concept,  Sales, 

on existing programmes and tackles these subjects that are most 
material to our business and our stakeholders. It seamlessly supports 

Finance and Communication oversees the progress made towards 
our 2020 goals and gives direction for further development of the 

our overall business goals and is directly linked to our core DNA as 

strategy. The sponsor board also works in close alignment with the 

a global sports company.

strategic working group that is tasked with the monitoring of ongoing 

relevant developments within the company and reporting of progress 

We believe that through sport we have the power to change lives. But 

to the sponsor board. Ultimately, the programme owners ensure 

sport needs a space to exist, such as a field to play on and a mountain 

operational execution of the strategy. 

to climb. These spaces are increasingly endangered due to man-made 

issues, including human rights violations, pollution, growing energy 

consumption and waste. Our holistic strategy ‘Sports needs a space’ 

addresses the challenges that endanger the spaces of sport and 

IDENTIFYING STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:  
ONGOING MATERIALITY ANALYSIS

simultaneously our planet and people.

We seek to ensure that our Sustainability Strategy addresses the 

SIX STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOR 2020 

topics that are most salient to our business as well as the challenges 

ahead. Equally, they must seamlessly support our overall business 

goals and are directly linked to our core DNA as a global sports 

‘Sport needs a space’ identifies six strategic priorities to address the 

company. Our last extensive materiality assessment involved a wide 

issues and challenges of the spaces where sport is made (all places 

range of internal and external stakeholders and since then has been 

where products are created, designed, manufactured and shipped), 

regularly updated based on our ongoing stakeholder engagement. 

where sport is sold (own retail, wholesale and e-commerce in our 

 www.adidas-group.com/s/materiality-analysis

markets) and where sport is played (from the indoor court to the 

outdoor pitch all over the world). 

As a result we have chosen the following six strategic ambitions and 

embedded goals within the two dimensions of ‘product’ and ‘people’ 

These strategic priorities are cross-cutting and relevant for all ‘spaces’ 

that we aim to reach by 2020. 

and have been translated into tangible and measurable goals. They 

specifically focus on two dimensions: our products, which include 

materials, technologies, the manufacturing process, shop fittings and 

infrastructure, and people, for example our own employees as much 

as our factory workers, fans and athletes. 

 see Diagram 01 

A full overview of our 2020 goals and ambitions can be found on 

our  website.  For  a  detailed  overview  of  the  progress  we  have 

made towards these goals, please see our Sustainability Progress 

Report 2016 (as of April 2017). 

 www.adidas-group.com/s/sustainability-strategy  

 www.adidas-group.com/s/sustainability-reports

78

79

2
GROUP MANAGEMENT REP ORT  – OU R  C OMPA NY
Sustainability

01  OUR SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY

SPORT NEEDS A SPACE

WE TAKE RESPONSI B I LITY FOR TH E ENTI RE LI FE CYCLE OF SPORT:

IN ALL SPACES WHERE SPORT IS 

 MADE 

 SOLD 

 PLAYED

1
WE VALUE 
WATER

PRODUCT

2
WE INNOVATE 
MATERIALS AND
PROCESSES

PEOPLE

3
WE CONSERVE 
ENERGY

1
WE EMPOWER 
PEOPLE

2
WE IMPROVE 
HEALTH

3
WE INSPIRE 
ACTION

PRODUCT PRIORITY NO. 1: 
WE VALUE WATER

Further, we want to achieve rolling out a global product take-back 

programme to all of our key cities and markets and will be investing 

Water is essential for life. It is also a key resource for our industry. In 

in materials, processes and innovative machinery which will allow 

order to tackle the ever-growing issue of water scarcity and achieve 

us to upcycle materials into products and reduce waste. Ongoing 

water stewardship, we have developed an approach addressing water 

examples  include  Sport  Infinity  and  Futurecraft  Tailored  Fibre. 

efficiency, quality and accessibility. 

Lastly,  we  plan  to  achieve  100%  sustainable  input  chemistry  by 

adopting  the  ZDHC  Manufacturing  Restricted  Substances  List, 

The goals we want to achieve by 2020 include 20% water savings at 

phasing  out  hazardous  chemicals  and  providing  our  strategic 

our strategic suppliers, 50% water savings at our apparel material 

suppliers with a list of positive chemistry (the bluesign bluefinder). 

suppliers and 35% water savings per employee at our own sites. 

  see Research & Development, p. 67 

 www.adidas-group.com/s/sustainability-innovation 

Additionally, we will further expand the use of waterless technologies 

 www.adidas-group.com/s/chemical-footprint

for our products and continue to develop programmes focused on 

providing  access  to  clean  water  in  the  communities  we  operate 

in. 

 www.adidas-group.com/s/environmental-approach 

 www.adidas-group.com/s/

sustainability-innovation

PRODUCT PRIORITY NO. 3: 
WE CONSERVE ENERGY

PRODUCT PRIORITY NO. 2: 
WE INNOVATE MATERIALS & PROCESSES

We create the best products for the athlete, while optimising our 

The responsible use of energy is critical for our planet to survive. 

In order to mitigate climate change, we are committed to reducing 
our absolute energy consumption and CO² emissions, transitioning 
to clean energy and looking into energy-harvesting opportunities.

environmental  impact.  We  are  committed  to  steadily  increasing 

Goals we have set ourselves for 2020 include 20% energy savings 

the use of more sustainable materials in our production, products 

and stores. At the same time, we are driving towards closed-loop 

solutions. 

at our strategic suppliers, 3% absolute annual reduction in Scope 1 
and Scope 2 1 CO² emissions at our own sites, further expansion 
of ISO 14001 to key sites globally at our own operations and LEED 

certification for new corporate construction key projects. Additionally, 

Examples  of  the  goals  we  want  to  achieve  by  2020  include  20% 

we will reduce the environmental footprint of our consumer events. 

waste reduction at our strategic suppliers, 50% waste diversion for 

owned operations to minimise landfill and 75% paper reduction per 

In order to contribute to these ambitious targets, Green Company, 

employee at our own sites. Additionally, we are working on replacing 

the  successful  programme  to  drive  environmental  performance 

conventional  cotton,  with  the  aim  of  achieving  100%  sustainable 
cotton by 2018, and on phasing out the use of virgin plastic. In 2016, 
we already successfully eliminated plastic bags in all our own stores 
and franchise stores globally. We strive to steadily increase the use 
of recycled polyester in our products and create a completely new 
supply chain for Ocean Plastic together with our partner Parley for 
the Oceans. 

at  our  own  sites  globally,  was  expanded  in  2016  to  include  new 
aspects. For the very first time, it now covers our own-retail stores 

1   Scope 1: Emissions that arise directly from sources that are owned or controlled by adidas 
entities, such as fuels used in our boilers; Scope 2: emissions generated by purchased 
electricity consumed by adidas entities.

79

2
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  OUR  C OMPANY
Sustainability

GROUP  MANAGE ME NT  RE PORT  –   OU R  C OM PA NY

2

Sustainability

and includes, for example, LEED-certifying our new flagship stores. 

refugees, giving them a change from their everyday life through sports 

More information about our progress will be available in our Green 

activities and language tuition and offering them a positive outlook. 

Company Performance Analysis 2016 (as of April 2017). 

 www.adidas-

group.com/s/environmental-approach

PEOPLE PRIORITY NO. 1: 
WE EMPOWER PEOPLE

We  are  actively  participating  in  refugee-related  networks,  such 

as  ‘Unternehmen  integrieren  Flüchtlinge’  (Companies  integrate 

refugees) or ‘Wir zusammen’ (Us Together). ‘Wir zusammen’ is an 

ideal platform for coordinating our activities with other companies 

and  maximising  our  impact.  Since  the  start  of  ‘Wir  zusammen’, 

People are at the heart of everything we do. Like a coach ensures 

the  number  of  participants  in  the  network  has  risen  to  150.  

that all of the players on the pitch are in the right position for the 

 www.adidas-group.com/s/community-engagement 

 www.unternehmen-integrieren-

best results, we empower people to exercise their rights and unlock 

fluechtlinge.de 

 www.wir-zusammen.de

their potential.

By 2020, we will empower our supply chain workers by expanding 

and refining grievance systems and skill training programmes, which 

PEOPLE PRIORITY NO. 2: 
WE IMPROVE HEALTH

include the expansion of the Workers’ Hotline to the countries where 

Sport is the key to an individual’s health and happiness. Our aim is 

our strategic suppliers are located. We will further drive and support 
our suppliers and licensees in achieving top scores as defined by our 

to enable people around the world to participate in sports, while 
educating them on physical and mental health, fitness and nutrition. 

rigid sustainability assessment and scoring method using our C KPI 
and E KPI 2. We will foster cross-functional and cross-cultural careers 
and  experiences  for  our  employees  –  this  includes  volunteering 

This will ultimately allow them to lead a healthier and more fulfilled 

lifestyle.

programmes together with the adidas Fund and Reebok BOKS, a 

By 2020, we will introduce education and upskilling measures on 

free before-school physical activity programme mastered by Reebok 

health and work-life balance topics for our employees, develop a 

and the Reebok foundation, which also enhances soft skills such as 

global Health Management strategy for our employees and utilise 

teamwork, leadership, decision-making and communication while 

sport as a tool to teach values and boost young people’s academic 

increasing our employees’ commitment and motivation. And lastly 

and physical performance, adding to their overall confidence and 

we will champion diversity – regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic 

well-being. Through the BOKS programme, we will refine and perfect 

origin, religion, world view, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. 

the collective impact model with our other partners, including those 

 see Internal Management System, p, 86 

 www.adidas-group.com/s/supply-chain-approach 

from the healthcare industry, to provide a solution to the physical 

 www.adidas-group.com/s/employees

inactivity epidemic. We also aim to increase the number of enrolled 

BOKS schools by 50% in our target areas. 

 www.adidas-group.com/s/employees 

Social  engagement  and  support  for  people  in  need  are  key 

 www.adidas-group.com/s/community-engagement

components of our corporate culture. For many years now, we have 

been working closely with several organisations on both a local and 

global level, which the company supports with monetary and in-kind 

donations. In 2016, this included more than € 600,000 for refugee 

PEOPLE PRIORITY NO. 3: 
WE INSPIRE ACTION

aid in Europe and the Middle East. In addition, the company donated 

We work hard every day to inspire and enable people to harness the 

considerable volumes of products for refugees worldwide, largely 

power of sport in their lives. Likewise, we want to keep driving change 

in close cooperation with ‘Luftfahrt ohne Grenzen’ (‘Wings of Help’). 

in our industry by leading by example.

In its support for refugees, adidas follows a holistic concept based 

We will continue to focus on rewarding our employees’ commitment 

on  three  pillars:  humanitarian  help,  enable  and  support,  and 

and contributions to our company’s purpose, strategy and success, 

employment integration. In 2016, activities focused on employment 

and  on  encouraging  and  supporting  employee  volunteering.  We 

integration and training of refugees. As a result, we were able to offer 

will  engage  with  creators  and  influencers  and  drive  innovative 

33 refugees the opportunity to do an internship. In addition, adidas 

collaborations, inspire consumers, key partners, brand assets and 

grants every employee participating in voluntary work with refugees 

others to join us on our journey. Furthermore, we continue to team 

that exceeds a certain number of hours three days’ special leave for 

up with our athletes who will act as role models for young creators, 

such activities. In 2016, our employees invested around 1,300 hours 

sharing  experiences  and  showing  that  sport  is  about  passion, 

into the integration of refugees. This enables the company, together 

determination, teamwork, helping others and being active.

with the adidas Fund and external partners, to help a large number of 

2   The C KPI rating is our tool to measure the social compliance performance of our suppliers. 
The E KPI rating is our tool to measure the environmental performance of our suppliers.

8 0

81

2
GROUP MANAGEMENT REP ORT  – OU R  C OMPA NY
Sustainability

OUR FUNDAMENTALS:  
COMPLIANCE AND TRANSPARENCY

PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS

ENABLING FAIR AND ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND 
WORKING CONDITIONS IN OUR SUPPLY CHAIN

Our  ‘Workplace  Standards’,  the  supply  chain  code  of  conduct 

established  in  1997,  are  a  contractual  obligation  under  the 

adidas recognises its responsibility to respect human rights and the 

manufacturing agreements the company signs with its main business 

importance of showing that we are taking the necessary steps to fulfil 

partners  to  ensure  workers’  health  and  safety  and  they  provide 

this social obligation as a business. We do this by striving to operate 

provisions  to  ensure  environmentally  sound  factory  operations. 

responsibly along the entire value chain, by safeguarding the rights 

These standards follow International Labour Organization (ILO) and 

of our own employees and those of the workers who manufacture 

United Nations conventions relating to human rights and employment 

our products through our ‘Workplace Standards’, and by applying our 

practices, as well as the model code of conduct of the World Federation 

influence to affect change wherever human rights issues are linked 

of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI). 

to our business activities. 

To enforce compliance with these standards, the SEA team regularly 

Since its inception in 1997, our human and labour rights programme 

conducts  announced  and  unannounced  social  compliance  and 

has  been  built  on  the  back  of  intense  stakeholder  outreach  and 

environmental  audits  and  assesses  suppliers  by  means  of  an 

engagement: seeking to understand and define the most salient 

innovative rating system using a score between 1C/1E (worst) and 

issues  to  address  as  a  company.  Recent  highlights  of  our  work 
include the publication of our approach to support human rights 

5C/5E (best). According to the results, our Sourcing teams decide 
the course of action ranging from training needs at the factories to 

defenders,  our  participation  in  a  pilot  to  create  an  international 

reinforcement mechanisms such as sending warning letters or even 

corporate  human  rights  benchmark  for  business  globally  and 

termination of contracts. Potential new suppliers are assessed in a 

our  ongoing  disclosure  of  cases  received  through  our  third-

similar way and orders can only be placed if SEA approval has been 

party complaints mechanism, which is part of our long-standing 

granted. 

 www.adidas-group.com/s/supply-chain-approach 

 see Table 02 

 see Table 03 

approach to transparency and accountability. Our work was awarded 

 see Diagram 04

with a leadership position in the KnowTheChain ranking in 2016.  

 www.adidas-group.com/s/human-rights

02  PERFORMANCE DATA 

Factory visits

Social compliance audits (external and internal) 1

Environmental audits

Audits FLA

Training sessions 2

Social compliance performance (C KPI)

Termination for compliance reasons

Better Cotton used (2018 target: 100%)

1,225 (2015: 1,255)

989 (2015: 1,135)

143 (2015: 138)

4 (2015: 4)

171 (2015: 120)

see Diagram 04

10 (2015: 3)

68% (2015: 43%)

1   In 2016, the total number of social compliance audits declined slightly compared to the previous year. This has several reasons, including the increased collaboration with other brands and the decrease 

in the number of audits required for our high-performing suppliers.

2  Due to the restructuring of our teams into two specialised teams for Advisory and Monitoring, we had more capacities to provide considerably more training to our suppliers.

03  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.

81

2
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  OUR  C OMPANY
Sustainability

GROUP  MANAGE ME NT  RE PORT  –   OU R  C OM PA NY

2

Sustainability

04  DEVELOPMENT BY COMPLIANCE RATINGS 1 IN %

1C

2C

3C

4C

5C

47

43

50

34

30

32

23

16

14

2

1

1

3

3

1

50

40

30

20

10

0

■ 2014  ■ 2015  ■ 2016

1   We saw a slight decline in the number of our high-performing suppliers as a result of the implementation of a more consistent application of our rigid audit process.

To  best  reduce  our  suppliers’  environmental  impacts  at  their 
manufacturing plants we help them establish sound environmental 

based on findings in our ongoing dialogue with scientific organisations. 
Both our own quality assurance laboratories and external testing 

management  systems.  We  have  specific  guidelines  and  training 

institutes are used to constantly monitor material samples to ensure 

programmes in place for our suppliers, using the environmental 

supplier compliance with these requirements. Materials that do not 

performance  of  our  own  sites  as  best-practice  examples.  Our 

meet our standards and specifications are rejected. 

 www.adidas-group.

suppliers’ environmental impacts and progress are tracked through 

com/s/product-safety

a tailored data management system that requires them to report 

environmental data such as carbon emissions, energy and water 

consumption  as  well  as  waste  volumes  on  a  regular  basis.  The 

majority of our footwear sourcing volume is produced in factories 

DRIVING STAKEHOLDER DIALOGUE AND  
INCREASING TRANSPARENCY 

which are OHSAS 18000 and/or ISO 14001 certified. The remaining 

We  openly  engage  with  numerous  stakeholders,  involving  them 

part of our footwear sourcing volume is produced in factories that 

in key social and environmental decisions that shape day-to-day 

have management systems in place but have not yet been certified. 

operations. Through active participation in, for example, the Better 

All footwear factories are regularly assessed against our standards 

Cotton Initiative (BCI), the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), the 

on environment and workplace health and safety. 

 www.adidas-group.

Leather Working Group (LWG) and the AFIRM Working Group, we 

com/s/policies

ENSURING OUR PRODUCTS ARE SAFE

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 

We have company-wide product safety policies in place that ensure 

Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI), the Fair Factories Clearinghouse 

we  consistently  apply  physical  and  chemical  product  safety  and 

(FFC) and the Fair Labor Association (FLA). In addition, we build 

conformity  standards  across  all  brands.  Since  pioneering  the 

awareness, capacity and knowledge of laws and rights among factory 

Restricted Substances Policy in 1998, we continue to develop policies 

management and workers by partnering with leading providers such 

which  ban  or  restrict  chemicals  in  our  products.  The  Restricted 

as the EHS+ Centre in China and the ILO’s Better Work programme. 

Substances Policy for product materials covers the strictest local 

requirements and includes best-practice standards as recommended 

A key element of our transparent communication is the disclosure 

by  consumer  organisations.  It  prohibits,  for  example,  the  use  of 

of our global supplier factory list on our website. First published in 

chemicals considered harmful or toxic, the sourcing or processing 

2007 and updated twice a year, it is complemented with factories 

of raw materials from any endangered or threatened species and 

that manufactured products for major sports events such as the 

the use of leathers, hides or skins from animals that have been 

FIFA World Cup or Olympic Games. 

 www.adidas-group.com/s/partnerships  

inhumanely treated, whether these animals are wild or farmed. They 

 www.adidas-group.com/s/supply-chain-approach

are mandatory for all business partners and are updated regularly 

82

83

 
2
GROUP MANAGEMENT REP ORT  – OU R  C OMPA NY
Sustainability

ADIDAS AG IN SUSTAINABILITY INDICES

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 initiatives. In 2016, adidas AG was again 

represented in a variety of high-profile sustainability indices. For the 

17th 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. As one of the top-scoring companies 

in our industry, adidas AG has received the Gold Class and Industry 

Mover distinction for excellent sustainability performance. Within 

each  industry,  companies  with  a  minimum  total  score  of  60  and 

whose score is within 1% of the top-performing company’s score 

receive the RobecoSAM Gold Class award. In the sector ‘Textiles, 
Apparel  &  Luxury  Goods’,  adidas  AG  was  rated  industry  best  in 

the criteria Brand Management, Innovation Management, Risk & 

Crisis Management, Environmental Policy & Management Systems, 

Operational Eco-Efficiency, Corporate Citizenship & Philanthropy 

and Stakeholder Engagement. Furthermore, in 2016, adidas was 

ranked fifth among the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in 

the World (Global 100 Index), making it to the Top Ten for the third 

consecutive year. The company has also again received recognition 

for  outstanding  environmental  performance  of  its  supply  chain 

in  China,  ranking  first  in  the  textile  industry  in  the  annual  CITI 

(Corporate Information Transparency Index) evaluation for the second 

year in a row. The ranking was developed jointly by the Institute of 

Public & Environmental Affairs (IPE) and the Natural Resources 

Defense Council (NRDC) and identifies the top brands to carry out 

environmental management towards their supply chains in China. 

 — Dow Jones Sustainability Index (World and Europe)
 — Euronext Vigeo Indices (Eurozone 120 and Europe 120)
 — ECPI Ethical Equity Indices (Euro and EMU) & ECPI ESG Equity 

(Euro and World)

 — Ethibel Sustainability Indices (Global and Europe)
 — FTSE4Good Index Series
 — MSCI Global Sustainability Indices & MSCI SRI Indices
 — STOXX ESG Leaders
 — Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World  

(Global 100 Index)

 — Carbon Disclosure Project Climate Change (Score B)  

and Water (Score B)

83

A

FIN
E
R
VIE

N

CIA
L
W

85

Group Management Report – Financial Review

3

—  INTERNAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 
—  BUSINESS PERFORMANCE 

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 

—  BUSINESS PERFORMANCE BY SEGMENT 

Western Europe 
North America 
Greater China 
Russia/CIS 
Latin America 
Japan 
MEAA 
Other Businesses 

—  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS AND OUTLOOK 

Subsequent Events 
Outlook 

—  RISK AND OPPORTUNITY REPORT 

Illustration of Material Risks 
Illustration of Opportunities 

—  MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENT OF   
PERFORMANCE, RISKS AND 
 OPPORTUNITIES, AND OUTLOOK 

86

90
90
92
96
101
104

107

111
111
111
112
112
113
113
113
114

115
115
115

118
123
131

133

GROUP MANAGEMENT REPORT
This report contains the Group Manage  ment Report of the 
adidas Group, comprising adidas AG and its consolidated 
subsidiaries, and the Manage ment Report of adidas AG.

85

FIN

A

N

CIA

L

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Internal Management System

GROUP  MANAGE ME NT  RE PORT  –   FI NANC IAL  RE VIEW

Internal Management System

3

INTERNAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

In order to increase shareholder value, adidas aims to maximise operating cash flow. We strive to achieve this by continually improving 

our top- and bottom-line performance while at the same time optimising the use of invested capital. In addition, we focus on driving 

strong earnings growth in the interest of our shareholders. Our company’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.

INTERNAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM DESIGNED 
TO DRIVE SHAREHOLDER VALUE

We believe operating cash flow 
important drivers to increase shareholder value. To support this, 

 see Glossary, p. 218 is one of the most 

the company’s Management focuses on a set of major financial Key 

is our approach to a systematic and consistent consideration of the 

company’s major value drivers such as our employees, our brands, 

sustainability and financials in decision-making.

Performance Indicators (KPIs). 
 see Diagram 01 Increasing net sales 
and operating profit are the main contributors to improve operating 

OPERATING MARGIN AS MAJOR KPI FOR  
OPERATIONAL PROGRESS

cash  flow.  In  addition,  strict  management  of  operating  working 

Operating margin (defined as operating profit as a percentage of 

capital and value-enhancing capital expenditure are beneficial for 

net sales) is one of our company’s major KPIs to drive and improve 

operating cash flow development. In order to maximise operating 

our operational performance. It highlights the quality of our top line 

cash  flow  generation  across  our  organisation,  the  management 

and operational efficiency. The primary drivers central to enhancing 

teams of our operating segments are responsible for improving net 

operating margin are as follows:

sales and operating profit as well as optimising operating working 

capital and capital expenditure. In addition, to keep Management 

focused on driving strong returns in the interest of our shareholders, 

 — Sales and gross margin development: Management focuses 
on identifying and exploiting growth opportunities that not only 

the development of the company’s net income position, as well as 

provide for future top-line improvements, but also have potential 

earnings per share (EPS), is of high importance. 

 see Diagram 01

to increase our gross margin. Major levers for enhancing our 

In order to encourage long-term performance improvements, we 

sales and gross margin include:
 — Minimising  clearance  activities,  while  at  the  same  time 

measure the development of the business units over a multi-year 

increasing the full-price share of sales.

period. In this context, we also recognise that the long-term success 

of  our  company  depends  on  our  ability  to  identify,  measure  and 

manage  all  relevant  tangible  and  intangible  value  drivers  of  the 

 — Optimising our product mix.
 — Improving the quality of distribution, with a particular focus 
 see Glossary, p. 216.

on controlled space 

entire organisation. As a consequence, in 2016, we continued our 

 — Realising supply chain efficiency initiatives.

efforts towards Integrated Performance Management (IPM), which 

01  MAJOR KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIS)

Net sales

Operating profit

Operating working capital

Capital expenditure

Net income/EPS

Operating cash flow

Shareholder return

Shareholder  
value

8 6

87

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Internal Management System

 — Operating expense control: Management puts high emphasis on 
tightly controlling operating expenses to leverage sales growth 
through to the bottom line. This requires a particular focus on 

ensuring flexibility in the company’s cost base. Expenditure for 
marketing investments 
operating  expenses  and  at  the  same  time  one  of  the  most 

 see Glossary, p. 217 is one of our largest 

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE TARGETED  
TO MAXIMISE FUTURE RETURNS

Improving the effectiveness of capital expenditure is another major 

lever  to  maximise  our  operating  cash  flow.  We  control  capital 

expenditure with a top-down, bottom-up approach. In a first step, 

Management defines focus areas and an overall investment budget 

important mechanisms for driving brand desirability and top-line 

based  on  investment  requests  from  various  functions  within  the 

growth sustainably. Therefore, we are committed to improving the 

organisation. Then, in a second step, our operating segments align 

efficiency of our marketing investments. This includes concen-

their initiatives within the scope of assigned priorities and available 

trating our communication efforts on key global brand initiatives 

budget. We evaluate potential return on planned investments utilising 

and focusing our promotion spend on well-selected partnerships 

the net present value method. Risk is accounted for, adding a risk 

with top events, leagues, clubs, athletes and artists.

premium to the cost of capital and thus reducing our estimated future 

We also aim to increase operational efficiency by tightly managing 
operating overhead expenses 
we regularly review our operational structure – streamlining 

 see Glossary, p. 218. In this respect, 

business processes, eliminating redundancies and leveraging 
the  scale  of  our  organisation.  These  measures  may  also  be 

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.

supplemented  by  short-term  initiatives  such  as  temporarily 

In addition to optimising return on investments, we evaluate larger 

curtailing operational investments, for example staff hiring.

projects upon completion and document learnings for future capital 

expenditure decisions.

TIGHT OPERATING WORKING CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

Due  to  a  comparatively  low  level  of  fixed  assets  required  in  our 

business,  the  efficiency  of  the  balance  sheet  depends  to  a  large 

NET INCOME AND EARNINGS PER SHARE  
TO FOCUS ON SHAREHOLDER INTERESTS

degree on our operating working capital management. In this context, 

Beyond  our  ambition  to  maximise  operating  cash  flow,  we  are 

our key metric is average operating working capital as a percentage 

committed to a continuous improvement in the company’s bottom line. 

of net sales. Monitoring the development of this metric facilitates 

We are convinced that, by doing so, we place an even stronger focus on 

the measurement of our progress in improving the efficiency of our 

the interests of our shareholders. Consequently, Management closely 

business cycle.

monitors the development of both net income and earnings per share 

(EPS) and executes against these two major financial KPIs. 

 see 

We strive to proactively manage our inventory levels to meet market 

Diagram 01 Our strong focus on driving the company’s bottom line is also 

demand and ensure fast replenishment. Inventory ageing is controlled 

reflected in the fact that our Management’s variable compensation is 

carefully to reduce inventory obsolescence and to minimise clearance 

linked to the company’s net income growth. 

 see Compensation Report, p. 32

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.

87

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Internal Management System

GROUP  MANAGE ME NT  RE PORT  –   FI NANC IAL  RE VIEW

Internal Management System

3

NON-FINANCIAL KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

for our brands, underpinned by the fact that brand advocates on 

In addition to the major financial KPIs to assess the performance 

average buy more than non-advocates. In addition, a large part of 

and  operational  success  of  our  company,  as  outlined  above,  we 

our consumers rely on referrals by friends or family when making 

have identified a set of non-financial KPIs that help us track our 

purchase decisions. Consequently, the results from our NPS system 

progress in areas that are critical for our long-term success but are, 

are also reflected in the variable compensation for Executive Board 

however, not directly reflected in the financial statements. These 

members and a large number of our employees. 

 see Compensation 

non-financial KPIs are assessed on a regular basis and managed 

Report, p. 32

by  the  respective  business  functions.  Non-financial  KPIs  which 

we are closely monitoring include, amongst others, Net Promoter 

Score (NPS), market share, backlogs and sell-through data as well 

Market share: To measure the operational performance of our brands 
relative to our major competitors, we continuously collect, on a market 

as our customer delivery performance (On-Time In-Full), employee 

and category level, market share data. 

 see Corporate Strategy, p. 48 The 

engagement  and  a  set  of  KPIs  in  the  area  of  our  sustainability 

findings provide detailed insights for our senior management team 

performance.

into which markets and categories we have been able to gain market 

share relative to our peers, enabling us to leverage those insights 

Net  Promoter  Score  (NPS):  Maintaining  and  enhancing  brand 
desirability through the creation of strong brand identities is crucial 

across the organisation. 

 see Management Assessment of Performance, Risks and 

Opportunities, and Outlook, p. 133 In addition, the results help us to define 

for sustaining and driving profitable growth. Therefore, mainly on 
a market and category level, we invest in primary qualitative and 

clear roles and responsibilities for each of our markets and categories 
within our long-term strategic aspirations, based on their overall 

quantitative research such as trend scouting and consumer surveys 

positioning within the sporting goods industry.

to determine brand loyalty and brand strength. Measures that are 

tracked include brand awareness, likeability and purchase intent. 

Furthermore,  within  the  framework  of  Creating  the  New,  we 

Backlogs and sell-through data: To manage demand planning and 
better anticipate our future performance, backlogs 
 see Glossary, p. 216 
comprising orders received up to nine months in advance of the actual 

implemented an NPS system, which strengthens our capabilities to 

sale are monitored closely. However, due to the growing share of 

more carefully review brand advocacy as NPS tells us how likely it 

own retail in our business mix, fluctuating order patterns among 

is that consumers will recommend our brands. NPS is a key pillar 

our customers as well as an increasing part of our business being 

in transforming our company into a consumer-centric organisation. 

realised under significantly shortened lead times, orders received 

It  represents  a  holistic  and  transparent  measure  of  brand 

from our retail partners are less indicative of anticipated revenues 

performance and has been successfully applied in other industries 

for adidas compared to the past. Therefore, qualitative feedback 

and organisations. NPS comes from the following question asked to 

from our retail partners on the full-price sell-through success of 

a surveyed group of people: ‘How likely is it that you would recommend 

our collections at the point of sale as well as data received from our 

this brand to a friend?’ The answer has a scale from 0 to 10 with 10 

own-retail activities is becoming increasingly important.

being the most likely. NPS is calculated using Promoters (consumers 

that answered 9 or 10) minus Detractors (consumers that answered 

0 to 6). Consumers answering 7 or 8 are called Neutrals or Passives 

On-Time  In-Full  (OTIF):  OTIF  measures  the  company’s  delivery 
performance towards customers and our own-retail stores. Managed 

and are not taken into consideration for the calculation of the NPS. 

by our Global Operations function, OTIF assesses to what degree 

Our efforts around NPS (both our own NPS as well as the NPS of 

 see Global Operations, p. 62 It helps us to investigate improvement potential 

our major competitors) are driven by an independent agency and 

in the area of order book management and logistics processes. It 

monitored by our internal global consumer insight teams on a regular 

therefore also helps us to improve our delivery performance, which 

basis. We firmly believe that advocacy will create sustained growth 

is a major aspect when it comes to customer satisfaction. The OTIF 

customers received what they ordered and if they received it on time. 

assessment covers both the adidas and Reebok brands in most of 

our key markets. 

 see Management Assessment of Performance, Risks and Opportunities, 

and Outlook, p. 133

8 8

89

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Internal Management System

Employee engagement: To measure the level of engagement and 
motivation of our employees, adidas carries out employee engagement 

Taking into account year-to-date performance as well as opportunities 

and risks, the company’s full year financial performance is forecasted 

surveys. These surveys aim to provide key insights into how well we, as 

four times a year. In this respect, also backlogs, sell-through data, 

an employer, are doing in engaging our employees. They thus enable 

feedback from customers and own-retail stores are assessed as 

us to develop the right focus and future people strategies across 

available. Finally, as a further early indicator for future performance, 

our organisation. Against the background of organisational changes 

the results of any relevant recent market and consumer research are

within the company, the existing engagement survey approach has 

assessed as available.

been re-designed with regard to the survey’s scope and frequency. 

The new survey approach is planned to be introduced in 2017. 

 see 

Our People, p. 72

ENHANCED INTEGRATED BUSINESS PLANNING  
AND MANAGEMENT APPROACH

Sustainability  performance:  We  have  a  strong  commitment  to 
enhance the social and environmental performance of our company. 

In order to further optimise profitability and working capital efficiency 

as well as operating cash flow development, we continue to drive our 

By doing so, we firmly believe we will not only improve the company’s 

Integrated Business Planning initiative (IBP). This initiative focuses 

overall reputation, but also increase its economic value. We have 

on developing and forming an enhanced forecasting approach by 

therefore  implemented  a  comprehensive  Sustainability  Strategy 

aligning processes and timelines of major business functions such 

under which we regularly review our performance. We closely monitor 
our sustainability targets and have set ourselves clear milestones. A 

as marketing, sales and operations at a market and global level. 
The  centre-point  of  this  approach  is  to  improve  the  reliability  of 

major focus lies on monitoring and rating our supplier factories with 

future business planning, leading to a new efficiency level of order 

regard to compliance with our Workplace Standards and rating the 

book building and conversion. This, in turn, is expected to lead to an 

effectiveness of compliance systems. A rating tool helps us evaluate 

increase in the full-price share of sales.

six  fundamental  elements  of  social  compliance. 

  see  Sustainability, 

p. 78 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 include more 

details and additional data, are provided on our corporate website.  

 see Management Assessment of Performance, Risks and Opportunities, and Outlook, p. 133 

 www.adidas-group.com/s/sustainability-reports

STRUCTURED PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM

We  have  developed  an  extensive  performance  measurement 

system, which utilises a variety of tools to measure the company’s 

performance. Key performance indicators as well as other important 

financial metrics are monitored and compared against initial targets 
as well as rolling forecasts 
When negative deviations exist between actual and target numbers, 

 see Glossary, p. 218 on a monthly basis. 

we perform a detailed analysis to identify and address the cause. If 

necessary, action plans are implemented to optimise the development 

of our operating performance. To assess current sales and profitability 

development, Management continuously analyses the performance 

of our operating segments. We also benchmark our financial results 

with those of our major competitors on a regular basis.

89

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Business Performance – Economic and Sector Development

3

BUSINESS PERFORMANCE

2016 marked a year of strong operational and financial performance for adidas. Revenues increased 18% on a currency-neutral basis, 

driven by strong double-digit growth at the adidas brand and mid-single-digit sales increases at the Reebok brand. All market segments 

recorded currency-neutral sales increases, with double-digit growth across all regions except Russia/CIS, where revenues grew at 

a low-single-digit rate. Despite severe pressure from negative currency effects, the gross margin increased 0.3 percentage points to 

48.6%, reflecting an improved pricing, product and channel mix as well as lower input costs. Other operating expenses as a percentage 

of sales were down 0.3 percentage points to 42.8%. In combination with a non-recurring gain related to the early termination of the 

Chelsea F.C. contract, the operating margin increased a robust 1.3 percentage points to 7.7%, excluding last year’s goodwill impairment 

losses. As a result, net income from continuing operations, excluding goodwill impairment losses in the prior year, increased 41% to 

€ 1.019 billion. At € 4.99, diluted EPS from continuing operations grew 41%, excluding goodwill impairment losses in the prior year.

ECONOMIC AND SECTOR DEVELOPMENT

GLOBAL ECONOMY EXPANDS 2.3% IN 2016 1
2016  marked  another  challenging  year  for  the  global  economy, 

USA, remained major sources of uncertainty and continued to weigh 

on economic activity. Developing economies grew 3.4% in 2016, mainly 
reflecting improving domestic demand, the modest stabilisation in 

commodity prices as well as accommodative macroeconomic policies. 

which grew at a slower rate than initially projected. With global gross 

Nonetheless, weak investment and productivity growth negatively 

domestic product (GDP) growth of 2.3%, 2016 experienced the lowest 

impacted the economic recovery in those markets. At 1.6%, growth 

economic expansion since 2009. The weaker-than-expected economic 

in developed economies decelerated, as several markets continued to 

activity reflects sluggish global trade, lacklustre investment spending, 

face significant challenges, such as weak external demand, lacklustre 

policy  uncertainties  as  well  as  volatile  financial  markets.  These 

investment activity, policy uncertainties and sluggish productivity 

developments, in combination with heightened geopolitical tensions 

growth. Nevertheless, improving labour market conditions as well 

and political discord such as the unexpected UK vote in favour of leaving 

as accommodative monetary policies supported the overall economic 

the European Union (‘Brexit’) as well as the electoral outcome in the 

activity. 

1  Sources: World Bank Global Economic Prospects and HSBC Global Research.

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)

2.7

2.7

2.3

2.0

1.7

1.6

3.0

1.7

0.8

2.6

2.4

1.6

4.0

4.1

3.9

1.0

0.2

(0.5)

■ 2014  ■ 2015  ■ 2016

1  Real, percentage change versus prior year; 2014 and 2015 figures restated compared to prior year.
2  Source: World Bank.
3  Source: HSBC.
4  Includes Japan and Area Pacific.

90

91

 
3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Business Performance – Economic and Sector Development

02   QUARTERLY UNEMPLOYMENT RATE BY REGION 1  

03   QUARTERLY DEVELOPMENT OF CONSUMER  

IN % OF TOTAL ACTIVE POPULATION

PRICE INDEX 1 BY REGION

Q4 2015

Q1 2016

Q2 2016

Q3 2016

Q4 2016

Q4 2015

Q1 2016

Q2 2016

Q3 2016

Q4 2016

USA 2

Euro area 3

Japan 4

China 5

Russia 6

Brazil 7

5.0

10.5

3.3

4.1

5.8

7.4

5.0

10.2

3.2

4.0

6.0

7.9

4.9

10.1

3.1

4.1

5.4

4.9

9.8

3.0

4.0

5.2

4.7

9.6

3.1

4.0

5.3

11.2

11.7

11.9

USA 2

Euro area 3

Japan 4

China 5

Russia 6

Brazil 7

0.7

0.2

0.2

1.6

12.9

10.7

0.9

0.0

0.0

2.3

7.3

9.4

1.0

0.1

(0.4)

1.9

7.5

8.8

1.5

0.4

(0.5)

1.9

6.4

8.5

2.1

1.1

0.3

2.1

5.4

6.3

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.

MOMENTUM IN THE SPORTING GOODS  
INDUSTRY CONTINUES 2
In 2016, the global sporting goods industry grew at robust rates, 

supported  by  rising  consumer  spending  in  both  developing  and 

developed markets, the ongoing athleisure trend as well as higher 

USA 2

sports participation and increasing health awareness around the 

Euro area 3

world. In addition, the industry benefited from major sporting events, 

such as the 2016 Olympic Games hosted by Brazil as well as the 

UEFA EURO 2016, held in France. Moreover, social trends including 

social  fitness  remained  strong  catalysts,  significantly  impacting 

the  overall  sports  industry.  The  e-commerce  channel  continued 

to  see  rapid  expansion,  as  retailers  leveraged  a  wide  variety  of 

commercial opportunities across mobile technologies and social 

media. Nevertheless, the industry was negatively impacted by the 

bankruptcy of several retailers, with the majority of their business 

not yet fully recovered by other physical stores. From a category 

Japan 4

China 5

Russia 6

Brazil 7

04   QUARTERLY CONSUMER CONFIDENCE  

DEVELOPMENT 1 BY REGION

Q4 2015

Q1 2016

Q2 2016

Q3 2016

Q4 2016

96.3

(5.7)

41.3

103.7

(26.0)

96.3

96.1

(9.7)

41.3

100.0

(30.0)

97.6

97.4

(7.2)

42.1

102.9

(26.0)

101.0

103.5

(8.2)

42.6

104.6

(19.0)

103.1

113.3

(5.1)

42.3

108.4

(18.0)

100.3

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.

perspective, athletic footwear sales posted a strong performance in 

05  EXCHANGE RATE DEVELOPMENT 1 € 1 EQUALS

2016. In particular, the casual athletic category continued to enjoy 

strong momentum throughout the year, fuelled by retro running 

and  tennis  silhouettes.  In  addition,  running  footwear  recorded 

further  improvements  in  2016,  supported  by  fashion  and  retro 

silhouettes. Basketball footwear remained challenged, reflecting 

the shift in fashion away from the basketball styles. Furthermore, the 

athletic apparel category delivered solid gains throughout the year, 

mainly benefiting from stronger demand in activewear apparel, as 

USD

GBP

JPY

RUB

CNY

Average 
rate 2015

1.1101

0.7259

134.42

67.682

6.9721

Q1 2016

Q2 2016

Q3 2016

Q4 2016

1.1385

0.7916

127.90

76.971

7.3561

1.1102

0.8265

114.05

71.339

7.3620

1.1161

0.8610

113.09

70.491

7.4531

1.0541

0.8562

123.40

63.938

7.3123

Average 
rate 2016

1.1069

0.8188

120.40

74.278

7.3515

consumers continued to shift their preferences from more traditional 

1  Spot rates at quarter-end.

and technical apparel to activewear. Despite the ongoing challenging 

equipment business environment, the category managed to post sales 

growth especially in the US market. 

06   2016 OIL PRICE DEVELOPMENT 1 IN US $ PER BARREL

|  Jan. 1, 2016 

Dec. 31, 2016  |

2  Sources: NPD Market Research and Deutsche Bank Market Research.

50

40

30

1  West Texas Intermediate Cushing crude oil. 

Source: Bloomberg.

91

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Business Performance – Income Statement

3

INCOME STATEMENT

ADIDAS DELIVERS STRONG FINANCIAL  
PERFORMANCE IN 2016

ADIDAS BRAND REVENUES GROW AT STRONG 
DOUBLE-DIGIT RATE

Currency-neutral  revenues  for  the  adidas  brand  increased  22%, 

driven by double-digit sales increases in the training and running 

In 2016, revenues increased 18% on a currency-neutral basis. In euro 

categories as well as at adidas Originals and adidas neo. In addition, 

terms, revenues grew 14% to € 19.291 billion from € 16.915 billion 

high-single-digit sales increases in the football category as well as 

in 2015. 

 see Diagram 07 

mid-single-digit growth in the outdoor category also contributed to 

this development. Currency-neutral Reebok brand sales were up 

From a market segment perspective the combined currency-neutral 

6% versus the prior year, reflecting double-digit sales increases in 

sales of the adidas and Reebok brands grew at double-digit rates in 

Classics as well as mid-single-digit growth in the training and running 

nearly all regions in 2016. Revenues in Western Europe increased 

categories. Revenues at TaylorMade-adidas Golf were down 1% on 

20% on a currency-neutral basis, driven by double-digit sales growth 

a currency-neutral basis, as growth at TaylorMade and adidas Golf 

in all major countries. Currency-neutral sales in North America and 

was more than offset by sales declines at Ashworth and Adams Golf. 

Greater China increased 24% and 28%, respectively. Revenues in 

Russia/CIS grew 3% on a currency-neutral basis. In Latin America, 

revenues  grew  16%  on  a  currency-neutral  basis,  as  all  major 

countries grew at double-digit rates with the exception of Brazil, 
where sales increased at a low-single-digit rate. In Japan, sales were 

SALES GROW AT DOUBLE-DIGIT RATES  
IN FOOTWEAR AND APPAREL

Currency-neutral footwear sales grew 26% in 2016, driven by double-

up 16% on a currency-neutral basis. Revenues in MEAA grew 16% on a 

digit increases in all major categories. Apparel revenues grew 11% on 

currency-neutral basis, reflecting broad-based strength and double-

a currency-neutral basis, due to double-digit increases in the training 

digit growth in almost all of the region’s countries. 

and running categories as well as at adidas Originals and adidas 

Revenues in Other Businesses were up 1% on a currency-neutral 

contributed to this development. Currency-neutral hardware sales 

basis. Strong increases in Other centrally managed businesses and 

were up 9%, driven by high-single-digit growth in the football and 

Runtastic were only partly offset by sales declines at CCM Hockey 

training categories. 

 see Diagram 09

neo. In addition, mid-single-digit growth in the football category also 

and TaylorMade-adidas Golf.

07  NET SALES 1 € IN MILLIONS

09  NET SALES BY PRODUCT CATEGORY € IN MILLIONS

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

 19,291 

 16,915 

 14,534 

 14,203 

 14,883 

Footwear

Apparel

Hardware

Total

2016

2015

Change

Change 
(currency-
neutral)

10,135

7,476

1,681

8,360

6,970

1,585

19,291

16,915

21%

7%

6%

14%

26%

11%

9%

18%

1   2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 reflect continuing operations as a result of the divestiture of the 

Rockport business.

08  NET SALES BY REGION 1 IN % OF NET SALES

10  NET SALES BY PRODUCT CATEGORY IN % OF NET SALES

6

9
4

14

30

16

21

30%

Western Europe

21%

North America

16%

Greater China

4%

Russia/CIS

9%

Latin America

6%

Japan

14%

MEAA

1   Figures reflect all operating activities of the operating segments, including Other 

Businesses.

9

39

53

53%

Footwear

39%

Apparel

9%

Hardware

92

93

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Business Performance – Income Statement

GROUP SALES DEVELOPMENT SUPPORTED  
BY DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH IN RETAIL

In 2016, retail revenues increased 23% on a currency-neutral basis, 

mainly as a result of strong double-digit sales growth at the adidas 

brand.  Reebok  brand  revenues  increased  at  a  mid-single-digit 

rate. In euro terms, retail sales grew 19% to € 5.003 billion from 

€ 4.221 billion in the prior year. From a store format perspective, 

sales from concept stores and factory outlets both grew at double-

digit rates, while revenues from concession corners were up at a 

low-single-digit rate. The company ended 2016 with a total of 2,811 

adidas and Reebok brand stores compared to the prior year-end 

12  GROSS PROFIT 1 € IN MILLIONS

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

9,379

8,168

6,924

7,001

7,103

1   2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 reflect continuing operations as a result of the divestiture of the 

Rockport business.

level of 2,722. 

 see Table 11 Currency-neutral comparable store sales 

13  GROSS MARGIN 1 IN %

increased 12% versus the prior year, with double-digit sales growth 

in all market segments except Russia/CIS, where comparable store 

sales increased at a high-single-digit rate. eCommerce revenues 

grew 59% on a currency-neutral basis.

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 cost of 

sales. However, these expenses represent only a very small portion 

of  total  cost  of  sales.  In  2016,  cost  of  sales  was  € 9.912 billion, 

representing an increase of 13% compared to the prior year level of 

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

48.6

48.3

47.6

49.3

47.7

1   2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 reflect continuing operations as a result of the divestiture of the 

Rockport business.

GROSS MARGIN IMPROVES 0.3 PERCENTAGE POINTS 
DESPITE SEVERE CURRENCY HEADWINDS 

€ 8.748 billion. This development reflects the strong growth of our 

In 2016, despite severe headwinds from negative currency effects, the 

business. 

gross profit increased 15% to € 9.379 billion from € 8.168 billion in 

2015, representing a gross margin increase of 0.3 percentage points 

to 48.6% (2015: 48.3%). 

 see Diagram 12 

 see Diagram 13 This development 

11  RETAIL NUMBER OF STORES DEVELOPMENT

was due to the positive effects from a significantly better pricing, 

Total

Concept 
stores

Factory 
outlets

Concession 
corners 

product and channel mix as well as lower input costs.

December 31, 2015

2,722

1,698

872

152

Opened

Closed

Opened (net)

337

248

89

235

176

59

85

55

30

17

17

–

December 31, 2016

2,811

1,757

902

152

ROYALTY AND COMMISSION INCOME DECLINES

Royalty and commission income for the company decreased 8% both 

on a currency-neutral basis and in euro terms to € 109 million (2015: 

€ 119 million).

OTHER OPERATING INCOME INCREASES STRONGLY

In  2016,  other  operating  income  rose  175%  to  € 266 million 

from  € 96 million  in  2015.  This  development  mainly  reflects  two 

non-recurring gains during the second quarter of 2016, which were 

related to the early termination of the Chelsea F.C. contract as well 

as the divestiture of the Mitchell & Ness business.

93

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Business Performance – Income Statement

3

OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES AS A PERCENTAGE  
OF SALES DOWN 0.3 PERCENTAGE POINTS

for the adidas brand. Expenditure for point-of-sale and marketing 

investments for the Reebok brand was down 1% to € 265 million 

Other operating expenses, including depreciation and amortisation, 

from € 267 million in the prior year. As a percentage of sales, the 

consist of expenditure for point-of-sale and marketing investments as 

company’s expenditure for point-of-sale and marketing investments 

well as operating overhead costs. In 2016, other operating expenses 

declined 0.8 percentage points to 13.1% from 13.9% in 2015, reflecting 

were up 13% to € 8.263 billion (2015: € 7.289 billion), reflecting an 

the company’s strong top-line improvement. 

 see Diagram 17

increase in expenditure for point-of-sale and marketing investments 

as well as higher operating overhead expenditure. 

 see Diagram 14 

As  a  percentage  of  sales,  other  operating  expenses  decreased 

0.3 percentage points to 42.8% from 43.1% in 2015. 

 see Diagram 15

EXPENDITURE FOR POINT-OF-SALE AND  
MARKETING INVESTMENTS AS A PERCENTAGE OF 
SALES DECREASES 0.8 PERCENTAGE POINTS

OPERATING OVERHEAD EXPENSES AS A PERCENTAGE 
OF SALES GROW 0.6 PERCENTAGE POINTS

Operating overheads include overhead costs related to marketing, 

logistics, sales and R&D as well as central administration. In 2016, 

operating overhead expenses grew 16% to € 5.742 billion versus 

€ 4.941 billion  in  2015,  and,  as  a  percentage  of  sales,  increased 

0.6 percentage  points  to  29.8%  (2015:  29.2%).  This  development 

Expenditure for point-of-sale and marketing investments 
p. 218 relates to the company’s initiatives to strengthen the desirability 
of  our  brands  and  products.  While  expenditure  for  point-of-sale 

 see Glossary, 

was  primarily  a  result  of  an  increase  in  costs  related  to  central 

administration  and  sales  expenditure,  which  primarily  includes 
further investments to spur the strategic business plan ‘Creating 

investments mainly consists of expenses to support the company’s 

the New’, accruals for bonus payments for employees due to the 

full-price sell-through development at the point of sale, expenditure 

company’s strong operational performance as well as restructuring 

for marketing investments consists of items such as expenses for 

costs at Reebok and TaylorMade. 

promotion  partnerships,  advertising,  public  relations  and  other 

communication activities. In absolute terms, expenditure for point-

of-sale and marketing investments amounted to € 2.521 billion in 

16  OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES BY AREA € IN MILLIONS

2016 compared to € 2.348 billion in the prior year, which represents an 

increase of 7%. By brand, expenditure for point-of-sale and marketing 

investments increased 11% to € 2.102 billion (2015: € 1.897 billion) 

14 

 OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES 1 € IN MILLIONS

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

Point-of-sale investments

Marketing investments

Marketing overhead

Sales force

Logistics

Research & development

Central administration

Total

■ 2016  ■ 2015

8,263

7,289

6,203

6,013

6,150

2016

2015

540

1,981

684

2,237

967

164

462

1,886

554

2,040

859

139

1,690

1,350

8,263

7,289

1   2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 reflect continuing operations as a result of the divestiture of the 

Rockport business.

15 

 OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES 1 IN % OF NET SALES

17 

 POINT-OF-SALE AND MARKETING INVESTMENTS 1  
IN % OF NET SALES

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

42.8

43.1

42.7

42.3

41.3

1   2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 reflect continuing operations as a result of the divestiture of the 

Rockport business.

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2.8

2.7

2.6

2.4

2.0

10.3

11.2

10.6

10.2

10.1

Total

13.1

13.9

13.2

12.6

12.1

■ Point-of-sale investments  ■ Marketing investments

1   2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 reflect continuing operations as a result of the divestiture of the 

Rockport business.

94

95

 
3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Business Performance – Income Statement

EBITDA INCREASES 28%

18  EBITDA 1 € IN MILLIONS

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) increased 28% 

to € 1.883 billion in 2016 versus € 1.475 billion in 2015. 

 see Diagram 18 

Depreciation and amortisation expense for tangible and intangible 

assets (excluding impairment losses/reversal of impairment losses) 

increased 10% to € 373 million in 2016 (2015: € 338 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 

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

1,883

1,475

1,283

1,496

1,445

1   2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 reflect continuing operations as a result of the divestiture of the 

Rockport business.

additionally when there are indications of potential impairment. In 

19  OPERATING PROFIT 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 € IN MILLIONS

this connection, no impairment of intangible assets with unlimited 

useful lives was incurred in 2016.

NO GOODWILL IMPAIRMENT LOSSES IN 2016

No goodwill impairment losses occurred in 2016. In the prior year 

period,  the  company  recorded  goodwill  impairment  losses  in  an 

amount of € 34 million, mainly related to the company’s Russia/CIS 

and Latin America cash-generating units.

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

1,491

1,094

961

1,233

1,185

1   2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 reflect continuing operations as a result of the divestiture of the 

Rockport business.

2  2015 excluding goodwill impairment of € 34 million. 
3  2014 excluding goodwill impairment of € 78 million. 
4  2013 excluding goodwill impairment of € 52 million. 
5  2012 excluding goodwill impairment of € 265 million. 

OPERATING MARGIN EXCLUDING GOODWILL 
IMPAIRMENT INCREASES 1.3 PERCENTAGE POINTS

Excluding the goodwill impairment losses in the prior year, operating 

20  OPERATING MARGIN 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 IN %

profit grew 36% to € 1.491 billion in 2016 versus € 1.094 billion in 

2015. 

 see Diagram 19 This represents an operating margin increase 

of 1.3 percentage points to 7.7% compared to the prior year level of 

6.5%. 

 see Diagram 20 This development was due to the gross margin 

increase, the positive effects from lower other operating expenses 

as a percentage of sales as well as the non-recurring gain related to 

the early termination of the Chelsea F.C. contract.

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

NET FINANCIAL EXPENSES INCREASE STRONGLY

Financial  income  decreased  40%  to  € 28 million  in  2016  (2015: 

€ 46 million), mainly due to the non-recurrence of positive exchange 

rate  effects.  Financial  expenses  were  up  11%  to  € 74 million 

1   2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 reflect continuing operations as a result of the divestiture of the 

Rockport business.

2  2015 excluding goodwill impairment of € 34 million. 
3  2014 excluding goodwill impairment of € 78 million. 
4  2013 excluding goodwill impairment of € 52 million. 
5  2012 excluding goodwill impairment of € 265 million. 

compared to € 67 million in 2015, reflecting an increase in interest 

21  NET FINANCIAL EXPENSES € IN MILLIONS

expenses. As a result, the company recorded net financial expenses 

of € 46 million. This represents a significant increase compared to 

net financial expenses of € 21 million in the prior year. 

 see Diagram 21

NET INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 
EXCLUDING GOODWILL IMPAIRMENT INCREASES 41%

Excluding  the  goodwill  impairment  losses  in  the  prior  year,  the 

2016 tax rate reached a level of 29.5%, representing a decline of 

3.4 percentage points compared to the prior year level of 32.9%. Net 
income from continuing operations was up 41% to € 1.019 billion 
versus € 720 million in 2015. Basic EPS from continuing operations 
increased 43% from € 3.54 in 2015 to € 5.08 in 2016. Diluted EPS from 
continuing operations was up 41% to € 4.99 in 2016 (2015: € 3.54). 

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

95

7.7

6.5

6.6

8.7

8.0

46

21

48

68

69

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Business Performance – Statement of Financial Position and Statement of Cash Flows

The company’s net income attributable to shareholders, which in 

addition  to  net  income  from  continuing  operations  includes  the 

result from discontinued operations, grew 52% to € 1.017 billion 

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AND 
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(2015: € 668 million). 

 see Diagram 22 Basic EPS from continuing and 

DIVESTITURE OF ROCKPORT AND MITCHELL & NESS

discontinued operations increased 53% to € 5.08 versus € 3.32 in 

As of July 31, 2015, the Rockport operating segment was divested. In 

2015. Diluted EPS from continuing and discontinued operations grew 

addition, the Mitchell & Ness business was divested as of June 30, 

51% to € 4.99 (2015: € 3.32). 

 see Diagram 23 The weighted average 

2016. As a result, all relevant assets and liabilities were derecognised 

number of shares used in the calculation of basic earnings per share 

from the consolidated statement of financial position as of these 

was 200,188,276 (2015: 201,536,418).

dates. 

 see Note 11, p. 161

NET INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 
INCLUDING GOODWILL IMPAIRMENT UP 49%

24 

 STRUCTURE OF STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 1  
IN % OF TOTAL ASSETS

2016

2015

15,176

13,343

9.9

14.5

24.8

35.4

15.4

10.2

15.4

23.3

37.4

13.7

Including the goodwill impairment losses in the prior year, operating 

profit  grew  41%  to  € 1.491 billion  in  2016  (2015:  € 1.059 billion), 

representing an operating margin increase of 1.5 percentage points 

Assets (€ in millions)

versus the prior year to 7.7% (2015: 6.3%). The company’s tax rate 

decreased 4.5 percentage points to 29.5% from 34.0% in 2015. Net 
income from continuing operations was up 49% to € 1.019 billion 

(2015: € 686 million). Basic EPS from continuing operations increased 

50% from € 3.37 in 2015 to € 5.08 in 2016. Diluted EPS from continuing 

operations was up 48% to € 4.99 in 2016 (2015: € 3.37). Net income 

attributable  to  shareholders  grew  60%  to  € 1.017 billion  versus 

€ 634 million in 2015. Basic EPS from continuing and discontinued 

operations increased 62% to € 5.08 (2015: € 3.15) and diluted EPS 

from continuing and discontinued operations was up 59% to € 4.99 

compared to € 3.15 in 2015.

Cash and cash equivalents

Accounts receivable

Inventories

Fixed assets

Other assets

■ 2016  ■ 2015

1  For absolute figures see adidas AG Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, p. 138.

25 

 STRUCTURE OF STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 1  
IN % OF TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

22   NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS 1, 2, 3, 4, 5  

€ IN MILLIONS

2016

2015

Liabilities and equity (€ in millions) 

15,176

13,343

Short-term borrowings

Accounts payable

Long-term borrowings

Other liabilities

Total equity

■ 2016  ■ 2015

4.2

16.4

6.5

30.4

42.5

2.7

15.2

11.0

28.8

42.3

1  For absolute figures see adidas AG Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, p. 139.

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

1  Includes continuing and discontinued operations.
2  2015 excluding goodwill impairment of € 34 million. 
3  2014 excluding goodwill impairment of € 78 million. 
4  2013 excluding goodwill impairment of € 52 million. 
5  2012 excluding goodwill impairment of € 265 million. 

23 

 DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 IN €

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

1  Includes continuing and discontinued operations.
2  2015 excluding goodwill impairment of € 34 million. 
3  2014 excluding goodwill impairment of € 78 million. 
4  2013 excluding goodwill impairment of € 52 million. 
5  2012 excluding goodwill impairment of € 265 million. 

1,017

668

568

839

791

4.99

3.32

2.72

4.01

3.78

96

3

97

 
 
3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Business Performance – Statement of Financial Position and Statement of Cash Flows

ASSETS

26  TOTAL ASSETS € IN MILLIONS

At  the  end  of  December  2016,  total  assets  were  up  14%  to 

€ 15.176 billion versus € 13.343 billion in the prior year, as a result 

of an increase in both current assets as well as non-current assets. 

 see Diagram 26

Total current assets increased 19% to € 8.886 billion at the end of 

December 2016 compared to € 7.497 billion in 2015. Cash and cash 

equivalents were up 11% to € 1.510 billion at the end of December 

2016 from € 1.365 billion in the prior year, as net cash generated 

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

from operating activities was only partly offset by net cash used in 

27  INVENTORIES € IN MILLIONS

investing and financing activities. Currency effects had a negative 

impact on cash and cash equivalents in an amount of € 35 million. 

Inventories increased 21% to € 3.763 billion at the end of December 

2016 from € 3.113 billion in 2015. 

 see Note 09, p. 160 

 see Diagram 27 On 

a currency-neutral basis, inventories grew 19%, reflecting higher 

stock levels to support the company’s top-line momentum. Accounts 
receivable increased 7% to € 2.200 billion at the end of December 

2016 (2015: € 2.049 billion). 

  see Note 07, p. 159 

  see Diagram 28 On a 

currency-neutral basis, receivables were also up 7%, and thus well 

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

below the company’s top-line development during the year, reflecting 

28  ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE € IN MILLIONS

our  strict  discipline  in  trade  terms  management  and  concerted 

collection efforts. Other current financial assets almost doubled to 

€ 729 million at the end of December 2016 from € 367 million in 2015. 

 see Note 08, p. 160 This development was driven by an increase in the 

fair value of financial instruments as well as an increase in other 

financial assets, which was mainly related to the early termination 

of the Chelsea F.C. contract. Other current assets were up 19% to 

€ 580 million at the end of December 2016 (2015: € 489 million), 

mainly due to an increase in prepaid promotion contracts as well as 

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

higher other prepaid expenses. 

 see Note 10, p. 160

29  ACCOUNTS PAYABLE € IN MILLIONS

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

Total  non-current  assets  grew  8%  to  € 6.290 billion  at  the  end 

of  December  2016  from  € 5.846 billion  in  2015.  Fixed  assets 

increased 8% to € 5.367 billion at the end of December 2016 versus 

€ 4.986 billion in 2015. Additions of € 708 million were primarily 

related  to  own-retail  activities,  investments  into  the  company’s 

logistics and IT infrastructure as well as the further development 

of  the  company’s  headquarters  in  Herzogenaurach.  Currency 

translation effects of € 103 million also contributed to the increase 

in fixed assets. Additions and positive currency translation effects 

were partly offset by depreciation and amortisation of € 395 million 

as well as disposals and transfers to assets held for sale in a total 

amount of € 36 million. Other non-current financial assets decreased 

3% to € 96 million from € 99 million at the end of 2015. 

 see Note 16, 

p. 165 This development was mainly due to the reclassification of fixed 

promissory notes related to the divestiture of the Rockport business to 

current financial assets, partly offset by an increase in the fair value 

of financial instruments and security deposits.

97

15,176

13,343

12,417

11,599

11,651

3,763

3,113

2,526

2,634

2,486

2,200

2,049

1,946

1,809

1,688

2,496

2,024

1,652

1,825

1,790

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Business Performance – Statement of Financial Position and Statement of Cash Flows

3

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Total  non-current  liabilities  decreased  16%  to  € 1.957 billion  at 

Total  current  liabilities  increased  26%  to  € 6.765 billion  at  the 

the end of December 2016 from € 2.332 billion in the prior year. 

end  of  December  2016  from  € 5.364 billion  in  2015.  Short-term 

Long-term borrowings were down 33% to € 982 million at the end of 

borrowings grew 74% to € 636 million at the end of December 2016 

December 2016 from € 1.463 billion in the prior year, reflecting the 

(2015: € 366 million), reflecting the reclassification of the company’s 

reclassification of the company’s convertible bond outstanding to 

convertible bond outstanding to short-term borrowings as well as 

short-term borrowings. 

 see Note 18, p. 166 Other non-current financial 

an increase in bank loans. These effects were partly offset by first 

liabilities were up 24% to € 22 million at the end of December 2016 

conversions of convertible bonds into adidas AG shares during the 

from € 18 million in 2015, mainly due to the earn-out components 

year as well as a decrease in private placements. Accounts payable 

for Runtastic. 

 see Note 25, p. 173

were up 23% to € 2.496 billion at the end of December 2016 versus 

€ 2.024 billion in 2015. 

 see Diagram 29 On a currency-neutral basis, 

Shareholders’ equity increased 14% to € 6.472 billion at the end of 

accounts  payable  grew  23%,  as  a  result  of  higher  inventories 

December 2016 versus € 5.666 billion in 2015. 

 see Diagram 30 The 

compared to the prior year. Other current financial liabilities were 

net income generated during the last twelve months, the reissuance 

up 41% to € 201 million from € 143 million in 2015, mainly due to 

of treasury shares (due to the conversion of convertible bonds) of 

an increase in the negative fair value of financial instruments. 

 see 

€ 240 million as well as positive currency effects of € 71 million were 

Note 19, p. 167 Other current provisions increased 26% to € 573 million 

partly offset by the dividend of € 320 million paid to shareholders for 

at the end of December 2016 versus € 456 million in 2015, driven 
by an increase in operational provisions. Current accrued liabilities 

the 2015 financial year and the repurchase of treasury shares in the 
amount of € 229 million. The company’s equity ratio increased slightly 

grew  20%  to  € 2.023 billion  at  the  end  of  December  2016  from 

to 42.6% compared to 42.5% in the prior year. 

 see Note 26, p. 173

€ 1.684 billion in 2015, mainly as a result of an increase in accruals 

for personnel, invoices not yet received and customer discounts. 

Other current liabilities were up 31% to € 434 million at the end of 

OPERATING WORKING CAPITAL

December 2016 from € 331 million in 2015, mainly due to an increase 

in customers with credit balances as well as higher miscellaneous 

Operating  working  capital 
€ 3.468 billion at the end of December 2016 compared to € 3.138 billion 

  see  Glossary,  p.  218  increased  11%  to 

taxes payable. 

 see Note 22, p. 168

in 2015. Average operating working capital as a percentage of sales 

from continuing operations decreased 0.3 percentage points to 20.2% 

(2015: 20.5%), reflecting the strong top-line development during the 

last twelve months as well as the company’s continued focus on tight 

working capital management. 

 see Diagram 31

30   SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY  

€ IN MILLIONS

31 

 AVERAGE OPERATING WORKING CAPITAL 1  
IN % OF NET SALES

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

6,472

5,666

5,624

5,489

5,304

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

20.2

20.5

22.4

21.3

20.0

1   2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 reflect continuing operations as a result of the divestiture of the 

Rockport business.

98

9 9

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Business Performance – Statement of Financial Position and Statement of Cash Flows

INVESTMENT ANALYSIS

LIQUIDITY ANALYSIS

Capital expenditure is defined as the total cash expenditure for the 

In 2016, net cash generated from operating activities increased to 

purchase of tangible and intangible assets (excluding acquisitions). 
Capital expenditure increased 27% to € 651 million in 2016 (2015: 

€ 1.348 billion (2015: € 1.090 billion), driven by an increase in income 

before taxes which was partly offset by higher operating working 

€ 513 million). Capital expenditure for property, plant and equipment 

capital requirements as well as an increase in income taxes paid. 

was  up  26%  to  € 586 million  compared  to  € 464 million  in  the 

Net cash used in investing activities increased to € 614 million (2015: 

prior year. The company invested € 65 million in intangible assets, 

591 million). The majority of investing activities in 2016 related to 

representing  a  33%  increase  compared  to  the  prior  year  (2015: 

spending for property, plant and equipment, such as investments in 

€ 49 million). Depreciation and amortisation excluding impairment 

the furnishing and fitting of our own-retail stores and investments in 

losses/reversal of impairment losses of tangible and intangible assets 

IT systems. Net cash used in financing activities totalled € 553 million 

increased 10% to € 373 million in 2016 (2015: € 338 million).

(2015: € 691 million). This development was mainly related to the 

The majority of the company’s capital expenditure was related to 

shares. Exchange rate effects negatively impacted the company’s cash 

our controlled space initiatives. Investments in new or remodelled 

position by € 35 million. As a result of all these developments, cash 

own-retail  and  franchise  stores  as  well  as  in  shop-in-shop 

and cash equivalents increased by € 145 million to € 1.510 billion at 

presentations  of  our  brands  and  products  in  our  customers’ 

the end of December 2016 compared to € 1.365 billion at the end of 

dividend paid to our shareholders and the repurchase of adidas AG 

stores  accounted  for  55%  of  total  capital  expenditure  (2015: 
45%). Expenditure for IT and logistics represented 10% and 8%, 

December 2015. 

 see Diagram 34

respectively  (2015:  11%  and  21%,  respectively).  In  addition, 

expenditure for administration represented 9% (2015: 6%), while 18% 

Net borrowings 
€ 103 million, compared to net borrowings of € 460 million in 2015, 

 see Glossary, p. 217 at December 31, 2016 amounted to 

of total capital expenditure was recorded for other initiatives (2015: 

representing a decrease of € 357 million compared to the prior year. 

16%). 

 see Diagram 32 From a regional perspective, the majority of the 

This development is mainly a result of first conversions of convertible 

capital expenditure was recorded at the company’s headquarters 

bonds into adidas AG shares as well as an increase in cash generated 

in Herzogenaurach, Germany, accounting for 32% (2015: 45%). In 

from operating activities partly offset by the utilisation of cash for the 

addition, capital expenditure in Greater China accounted for 15% 

purchase of fixed assets, the dividend payment and the continued 

(2015:  15%)  of  the  total  capital  expenditure,  followed  by  North 

repurchase of adidas AG shares. 

 see Treasury, p. 101 The company’s 

America with 13% (2015: 6%), Western Europe with 12% (2015: 12%), 

ratio of net borrowings over EBITDA amounted to 0.1 at the end of 

MEAA with 9% (2015: 7%), Russia/CIS and Latin America with 7% 

December 2016 (2015: 0.3), which is below the company’s mid-term 

each (2015: 3% and 6%, respectively), and Japan with 2% (2015: 2%). 

target corridor of below two times. 

 see Diagram 34

Expenditure for Other Businesses accounted for 2% of total capital 

expenditure (2015: 4%). 

 see Diagram 33

32  CAPITAL EXPENDITURE BY TYPE IN % OF TOTAL CAPEX

33  CAPITAL EXPENDITURE BY REGION IN % OF TOTAL CAPEX

8

9

10

18

55

55%

Controlled space

18%

Other

10%

IT

9%

Administration

8%

Logistics

32

2

9

12

13

15

2

77

12%

Western Europe

13%

North America

15%

Greater China

7%

Russia/CIS

7%

Latin America

2%

Japan

9%

MEAA

2%

Other Businesses

32%

HQ/Consolidation

99

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Business Performance – Statement of Financial Position and Statement of Cash Flows

3

Operating  cash  flow,  as  described  in  the  Internal  Management 

34  NET BORROWINGS/EBITDA 1 € IN MILLIONS

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

0.1

0.3

0.1

(0.2)

(0.3)

1   2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 reflect continuing operations as a result of the divestiture of the 

Rockport business.

System, increased 45% to € 901 million in 2016 from € 620 million 

in 2015, mainly due to a higher operating profit. 

 see Internal Management 

System, p. 86

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ITEMS

The  company’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 company 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 € 2.501 billion at December 31, 2016, compared 

to  € 2.199 billion  at  the  end  of  December  2015,  representing  an 

increase of 14%. 

 see Note 29, p. 179 At the end of December 2016, 

financial commitments for promotion and advertising decreased 2% 

to € 5.643 billion in 2016 (2015: € 5.779 billion). 

 see Note 39, p. 199

35  CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS € IN MILLIONS

Cash and cash equivalents  
at the end of  
2015

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  
2016

1,348

 (614)

1,365

(553)

(35)

1,510

10 0

1 01

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Business Performance – Treasury

TREASURY

CORPORATE FINANCING POLICY

the organisation. The company’s debt is generally unsecured and may 

include standard covenants, which are reviewed on a quarterly basis. 

We maintain good relations with numerous partner banks, thereby 

In order to be able to meet the company’s payment commitments 

avoiding a high dependency on any single financial institution. Banking 

at  all  times,  the  major  goal  of  our  financing  policy  is  to  ensure 

partners of the company and our subsidiaries are required to have at 

sufficient liquidity reserves, while at the same time minimising our 

least a BBB+ long-term investment grade rating by Standard & Poor’s 

financial expenses. The operating activities of our segments and 

or an equivalent rating by another leading rating agency. 

 see Risk 

the resulting cash inflows represent the company’s main source 

and Opportunity Report, p. 118 Only in exceptional cases are our companies 

of liquidity. Liquidity is planned on a rolling monthly basis under a 

authorised to work with banks with a lower rating. To ensure optimal 

multi-year financial and liquidity plan. This comprises all consolidated 

allocation of the company’s liquid financial resources, subsidiaries 

companies. Our in-house bank concept takes advantage of any surplus 

transfer excess cash to our headquarters in all instances where it is 

funds of individual companies to cover the financial requirements 

legally and economically feasible. In this regard, the standardisation 

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 

and  consolidation  of  our  global  cash  management  and  payment 
processes, including automated domestic and cross-border cash 
pools 
 see Glossary, p. 216, is a key priority for our Treasury department.

account transactions and thus bank charges. Effective management 

of our currency exposure and interest rate risks are additional goals 

and responsibilities of our centrally managed Treasury department.

FINANCIAL FLEXIBILITY

TREASURY POLICY AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The company’s financial flexibility is ensured by the availability of 

unutilised credit facilities of € 2.024 billion at the end of 2016 (2015: 

€ 1.906 billion), consisting of committed and uncommitted bilateral 

Our Treasury Policy governs all treasury-related issues, including 

credit lines at different banks with a remaining time to maturity of up 

banking  policy  and  approval  of  bank  relationships,  financing 

to five years. At the end of 2016, committed and uncommitted bilateral 

arrangements and liquidity/asset management, currency and interest 

credit lines grew 13% to € 2.403 billion compared to € 2.134 billion 

risk management as well as the management of intercompany cash 

in the prior year. Committed and uncommitted credit lines represent 

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 Treasury 

approximately  43%  and  57%  of  total  short-term  bilateral  credit 

lines, respectively (2015: 47% and 53%, respectively). 

 see Diagram 38 

In addition, we have an unused multi-currency commercial paper 

Policy and provide strategic guidance for managing treasury-

programme in the amount of € 2.0 billion available (2015: € 2.0 billion). 

related topics. Major changes to our Treasury Policy are subject 

We monitor the ongoing need for available credit lines based on the 

to the prior approval of the Treasury Committee.

current level of debt as well as future financing requirements.

 — The Treasury department is responsible for specific centralised 
treasury transactions and for the global implementation of our 

Treasury Policy.

36  TOTAL CREDIT FACILITIES € IN MILLIONS

 — On  a  subsidiary  level,  where  applicable  and  economically 
reasonable, local managing directors and finance directors are 

responsible for managing treasury matters in their respective 

subsidiaries. Controlling functions on a corporate level ensure 

that  the  transactions  of  the  individual  business  units  are  in 

compliance with our Treasury Policy.

CENTRALISED TREASURY FUNCTION

Bilateral credit lines

Private placements

Eurobonds

Convertible bond

Total 

In accordance with our Treasury Policy, all worldwide credit lines are 

■ 2016  ■ 2015

directly or indirectly managed by the Treasury department. Portions of 

those lines are allocated to our subsidiaries and backed by adidas AG 

guarantees. As a result of this centralised liquidity management, the 

company is well positioned to allocate resources efficiently throughout 

2016

2015

2,403

2,134

–

982

257

138

981

483

3,642

3,736

101

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Business Performance – Treasury

3

37 

 REMAINING TIME TO MATURITY OF AVAILABLE 
 FACILITIES € IN MILLIONS

STANDARD COVENANTS

In the case of our committed credit facilities, we have entered into 

various legal covenants. These legal covenants may include limits on 

the disposal of fixed assets, the amount of debt secured by liens, cross 

default provisions and change of control. Our financial arrangements 

no longer contain any financial 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, 2016, we were in full compliance with all of our 

covenants. We are fully confident we will continue to be compliant 

with these covenants going forward. We believe that cash generated 

< 1 year

1 to 3 years

3 to 5 years

> 5 years

Total 

from operating activities, together with access to external sources 

■ 2016  ■ 2015

of funds, will be sufficient to meet our future operating and capital 

needs. 

 see Subsequent Events and Outlook, p. 115

38  BILATERAL CREDIT LINES € IN MILLIONS

EUROBONDS WITH AN OVERALL VOLUME  
OF € 1.0 BILLION OUTSTANDING

In  2014,  we  issued  two  Eurobonds  with  an  overall  volume  of 

€ 1.0 billion, thereby taking the opportunity of a low interest rate 

environment  in  the  Eurobond  market  to  further  strengthen  the 

company’s financing mix while increasing the overall duration. The 

Committed

Uncommitted

Total 

seven-year Eurobond of € 600 million matures on October 8, 2021 and 

■ 2016  ■ 2015

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%. 

 see Table 39 

 see Note 18, p. 166

2016

2015

2,160

2,272

150

945

387

483

–

981

3,642

3,736

2016

2015

1,041

1,362

1,008

1,126

2,403

2,134

39  ISSUED BONDS AT A GLANCE € IN MILLIONS

Convertible bond

Eurobond

Eurobond

Volume

Coupon

Maturity

EUR 500

EUR 600

EUR 400

fixed

fixed

fixed

2019

2021

2026

GROSS BORROWINGS DECREASE

Gross borrowings decreased 12% to € 1.618 billion at the end of 2016 

from € 1.830 billion in the prior year. 

 see Diagram 40 This development 

was mainly due to the conversion of convertible bonds in the amount 

of € 240 million and the repayment of a US private placement of US 

$ 150 million, partly offset by an increase in short-term borrowings. 

Bank borrowings amounted to € 379 million compared to € 229 million 

in the prior year. At the end of 2016 there was no commercial paper 

outstanding (2015: no commercial paper outstanding). Convertible 

bonds outstanding decreased 47% to € 257 million from € 483 million 

in  the  prior  year. 

  see  Table  41  This  was  mainly  a  result  of  first 

conversions into adidas AG shares that occurred in the course of 2016, 

partly offset by an increase in the convertible bond’s debt component. 

 see Our Share, p. 41 The conversions were done on a non-cash basis 

using treasury shares. At issuance in 2012, the convertible bond was 

split – after 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 € 260 million until 2017 by use of the effective interest 

method. The total amount of bonds outstanding at the end of 2016 

was € 1.239 billion (2015: € 1.463 billion).

102

1 03

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Business Performance – Treasury

40   REMAINING TIME TO MATURITY OF GROSS 

BORROWINGS € IN MILLIONS

< 1 year

1 to 3 years

3 to 5 years

> 5 years

Total 

■ 2016  ■ 2015

EURO DOMINATES CURRENCY MIX

The vast majority of our gross borrowings are denominated in euros 

and US dollars. At the end of 2016, gross borrowings denominated 

in euros accounted for 77% of total gross borrowings (2015: 80%). 

The share of gross borrowings held in US dollars decreased to 10% 

(2015: 15%). 

 see Diagram 42

STABLE DEBT MATURITY PROFILE

2016

2015

636

–

595

387

366

483

–

981

1,618

1,830

Over the course of 2016, the company’s financing maturity profile 

remained stable, excluding the anticipated conversion of convertible 

bonds. In 2017, assuming unchanged maturities, debt instruments 

of € 636 million will mature of which € 257 million consist of the 

anticipated  conversions.  This  compares  to  € 366 million  which 

41  FINANCING STRUCTURE € IN MILLIONS

matured during the course of 2016. 

 see Diagram 40

Cash and short-term financial assets

1,515

1,370

2016

2015

Bank borrowings 

Private placements

Eurobonds

Convertible bond

Gross total borrowings

Net borrowings

379

–

982

257

229

138

981

483

1,618

1,830

103 

460 

42  CURRENCY SPLIT OF GROSS BORROWINGS € IN MILLIONS

NET BORROWINGS POSITION OF € 103 MILLION

Net borrowings at December 31, 2016 amounted to € 103 million, 

compared to net borrowings of € 460 million in 2015, representing 

a decrease of € 357 million versus the prior year. 

 see Diagram 43 This 

development was mainly a result of first conversions of convertible 

bonds into adidas AG shares as well as an increase in cash generated 

from operating activities partly offset by the utilisation of cash for the 

purchase of fixed assets, the dividend payment and the continued 

repurchase of adidas AG shares.

EUR

USD

All others

Total 

■ 2016  ■ 2015

43   NET CASH/(NET BORROWINGS) € IN MILLIONS

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2016

2015

1,242

1,463

157

219

282

85

1,618

1,830

(103)

(460)

(185)

295

448

103

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Business Performance – Financial Statements and Management Report of adidas AG

3

INTEREST RATE DECREASES

The  weighted  average  interest  rate  on  the  company’s  gross 
 see Diagram 44 
borrowings decreased to 2.3% in 2016 (2015: 2.4%). 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND MANAGEMENT 
REPORT OF ADIDAS AG

This development was mainly due to the repayment of a US private 

adidas AG is the parent company of the adidas Group. It includes 

placement  of  US  $  150 million,  which  carried  a  higher  coupon. 

operating business functions, primarily for the German market, as 

Fixed-rate financing represented 77% of total gross borrowings at 

well as corporate headquarter functions such as Marketing, Treasury, 

the end of 2016 (2015: 87%). Variable-rate financing accounted for 

Taxes, Legal and Finance. adidas AG also administers the company’s 

23% of total gross borrowings at the end of the year (2015: 13%).

shareholdings. 

EFFECTIVE CURRENCY MANAGEMENT A KEY PRIORITY

As  a  globally  operating  company,  adidas  is  exposed  to  currency 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES AND CAPITAL  
STRUCTURE OF ADIDAS AG

risks. Therefore, effective currency management is a key focus of our 

The majority of the operating business of adidas AG consists of the 

Treasury department, with the aim of reducing the impact of currency 

sale of merchandise to retailers and own-retail activities.

fluctuations on non-euro-denominated net future cash flows. In this 

regard, hedging US dollars is a central part of our programme. This 

In addition to its own trading activities, the results of adidas AG are 

is a direct result of our Asian-dominated sourcing, which is largely 
 see Global Operations, p. 62 In 2016, Treasury 

denominated in US dollars. 
managed a net deficit of around US $ 6.5 billion related to operational 

significantly influenced by its holding function for the company as a 
whole. This is reflected primarily in currency effects, transfer of costs 

for services provided, interest result and income from investments 

activities (2015: US $ 6.2 billion). Thereof, around US $ 3.5 billion 

in related companies.

was against the euro (2015: US $ 3.6 billion). As governed by our 

Treasury Policy, we have established a hedging system on a rolling 

The opportunities and risks as well as the future development of 

basis up to 24 months in advance, under which the vast majority of 

adidas AG largely reflect those of the company as a whole. 

 see 

the anticipated seasonal hedging volume is secured approximately 

Subsequent Events and Outlook, p. 115 

 see Risk and Opportunity Report, p. 118

six months prior to the start of a season. As a result, we had largely 

covered our anticipated hedging needs for 2017 as of year-end 2016 

The asset and capital structure of adidas AG is significantly impacted 

and have already started hedging our exposure for 2018. In 2017, we 

by its holding and financing function for the company. For example, 

expect a negative effect from less favourable conversion rates, mainly 

53% of total assets as at December 31, 2016 related to financial 

as a result of the continued strengthening of the US dollar. The use 

assets (2015: 56%), which primarily consist of shares in affiliated 

or combination of different hedging instruments, such as forward 

companies.  Intercompany  accounts,  through  which  transactions 

exchange contracts, currency options and swaps, protects us against 

between affiliated companies are settled, represent another 35% of 

unfavourable currency movements. 

 see Risk and Opportunity Report, p. 118

total assets (2015: 27%) and 45% of total equity and liabilities as at 

December 31, 2016 (2015: 44%).

44  INTEREST RATE DEVELOPMENT 1 IN %

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

1  Weighted average interest rate of gross borrowings.

PREPARATION OF ACCOUNTS

2.3

2.4

3.1

3.8

4.4

Unlike the consolidated financial statements, which are in conformity 

with  the  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  (IFRS), 

as adopted by the European Union as at December 31, 2016, the 

following financial statements of adidas AG have been prepared in 

accordance with the rules set out in the German Commercial Code 

(Handelsgesetzbuch – HGB). 

10 4

1 05

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Business Performance – Financial Statements and Management Report of adidas AG

In  the  financial  statements  as  at  December  31,  2016,  the 

46  ADIDAS AG NET SALES € IN MILLIONS

requirements of the German Accounting Directive Implementation 
Act (Bilanzrichtlinie-Umsetzungsgesetz – BilRUG), as adopted by 

the Bundestag on June 18, 2015, have been implemented for the 

2016

2015 
New Version

2015 
Old Version

first time. In particular, the new definition of revenues pursuant to 

Royalty and commission income

1,580

1,373

1,371

§ 277 section 1 HGB (new version) and the related adjustment of cost 

of materials have impacted the financial statements. This resulted 

in reclassifications from other operating income to sales and from 

other operating expenses to cost of materials. Detailed explanations 

as well as the presentation of the effects from the restatement are 

contained in the financial statements of adidas AG in the section 

‘Notes to the annual financial statements of adidas AG for the year 

adidas Germany

Foreign subsidiaries

Y-3

Other revenues

Total

939

137

89

544

821

137

63

439

821

139

63

22

3,289

2,833

2,416

ended  December  31,  2016’. 

 http://adidas-group.com/s/financial-report-2016 

NET SALES INCREASE 16%

Furthermore, for the sake of better comparability, adidas AG has 

opted to present a three-column income statement. This contains 

Sales  of  adidas AG  comprise  external  revenues  generated  by 
adidas Germany with products of the adidas and Reebok brands, 

the prior year income statement pursuant to § 277 section 1 HGB, 

external  revenues  from  Y-3  products  as  well  as  revenues  from 

the prior year income statement prepared in accordance with the 
provisions of the new version of § 277 section 1 HGB and the income 

foreign subsidiaries. Reported revenues also include royalty and 
commission income, mainly from affiliated companies, and other 

statement for the year under review.

revenues. In 2016, adidas AG net sales grew 16% to € 3.289 billion 

(2015: € 2.833 billion). This growth was mainly due to an increase in 

All references to prior year figures hereinafter refer to the prior year 

royalty income from affiliated companies as well as higher sales at 

figures after application of the new version of § 277 section 1 HGB.

adidas Germany. 

 see Table 46

INCOME STATEMENT

OTHER OPERATING INCOME DOWN 59% 

45   STATEMENT OF INCOME IN ACCORDANCE WITH 

€ 439 million (2015: € 1.060 billion). This was primarily attributable 

In  2016,  other  operating  income  of  adidas AG  decreased  59%  to 

HGB (CONDENSED) € IN MILLIONS

Net sales

Total output

Other operating income

Cost of materials

Personnel expenses

Depreciation and amortisation

2016

2015 
New Version

2015 
Old Version

3,289

3,289

439

(1,127)

(588)

(100)

2,833

2,833

1,060

(947)

(488)

(96)

2,416

2,416

1,478

(663)

(488)

(96)

to a decline in income from currency translation as well as in income 

from the disposal of fixed assets. 

OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES DECLINE 12%

Other operating expenses of adidas AG decreased 12% in 2016 to 

€ 1.803 billion (2015: € 2.039 billion). 

 see Table 45 This was largely 

due to a decline in losses from currency translation, which was partly 

offset by an increase in intercompany cost transfers as well as legal 

Other operating expenses

(1,803)

(2,039)

(2,324)

and consultancy expenses.

Operating profit

Financial result

Taxes

Net income

Retained earnings brought forward

Allocation to other revenue reserves

Utilisation for the repurchase of treasury 
shares

Retained earnings

110

600

(93)

617

322

(300)

(11)

629

323

394

(78)

639

4

0

0

323

394

(78)

639

4

0

0

DEPRECIATION AND AMORTISATION INCREASES 4%

Depreciation and amortisation for adidas AG rose 4% to € 100 million 

in 2016 (2015: € 96 million), mainly as a result of an increase in 

depreciation and amortisation of operating and office equipment.

643

643

OPERATING PROFIT DECLINES 66%

Operating profit decreased 66% to € 110 million (2015: € 323 million), 

primarily due to the decline in other operating income. 

 see Table 45

105

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Business Performance – Financial Statements and Management Report of adidas AG

3

FINANCIAL RESULT IMPROVES STRONGLY

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY UP 15%

The financial result of adidas AG improved 52% to € 600 million in 

Shareholders’  equity  rose  15%  to  € 2.395 billion  at  the  end  of 

2016 (2015: € 394 million). The increase was attributable to higher 

December 2016 (2015: € 2.087 billion). 

 see Table 47 The equity ratio 

income from investments. 

rose slightly to 29.9% (2015: 27.8%).

NET INCOME DECLINES SLIGHTLY

PROVISIONS INCREASE 18% 

Net income, after taxes of € 93 million (2015: € 78 million), amounted 

Provisions were up 18% to € 525 million at the end of 2016 (2015: 

to € 617 million in 2016 and was thus 3% below the prior year level 

€ 446 million). 

 see Table 47 The increase primarily resulted from 

(2015: € 639 million). 

 see Table 45

higher pension provisions and other provisions for personnel.

BALANCE SHEET

LIABILITIES AND OTHER ITEMS UP 2%

47 

 BALANCE SHEET IN ACCORDANCE WITH HGB 
(CONDENSED) € IN MILLIONS

At the end of December 2016, liabilities and other items increased 2% 

to € 5.083 billion compared to the prior year level of € 4.985 billion. 

 see Table 47 This increase was mainly a result of higher payables to 

Dec. 31, 
2016

Dec. 31, 
2015

affiliated companies.

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

Active difference from asset allocation

112

493

4,205

4,810

50

2,968

28

3,046

143

4

118

449

4,216

4,783

48

2,157

447

2,652

82

1

Total assets

8,003

7,518

Equity and liabilities

Shareholders' equity

Provisions

Liabilities and other items

Total equity and liabilities

2,395

525

5,083

8,003

2,087

446

4,985

7,518

CASH OUTFLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES 
REFLECTS CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

adidas AG generated a positive cash flow from operating activities of 

€ 263 million (2015: € 1.076 billion). The change versus the prior year 

was mainly a result of higher receivables from affiliated companies. 

Net cash outflow from investment activities was € 133 million (2015: 

€ 830 million). This was primarily attributable to capital expenditure 

for tangible fixed assets of € 143 million, partly offset by disposals 

from financial assets of € 13 million. Financing activities resulted 

in a net cash outflow of € 549 million (2015: € 733 million). The net 

cash outflow from financing activities mainly relates to the dividend 

payment  in  an  amount  of  € 320 million  and  the  share  buyback 

programme in an amount of € 229 million. As a result of all these 

developments, cash and cash equivalents of adidas AG decreased to 

€ 28 million compared to € 447 million at the end of the prior year. 

adidas AG has bilateral credit lines of € 1.7 billion. In addition, the 

company has a multi-currency commercial paper programme in an 

amount of € 2.0 billion. 

 see Treasury, p. 101

TOTAL ASSETS ABOVE PRIOR YEAR

At the end of December 2016, total assets rose 6% versus the prior 

adidas AG is able to meet its financial commitments at all times. 

year  to  € 8.003 billion  (2015:  € 7.518 billion),  as  an  increase  in 

receivables and other assets was only partly offset by a decrease in 

cash and cash equivalents. 

 see Table 47

10 6

1 07

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Business Performance – Disclosures pursuant to § 315 Section 4 and § 289 Section 4 of the German Commercial Code

DISCLOSURES PURSUANT TO § 315 SECTION 4 
AND § 289 SECTION 4 OF THE GERMAN 
COMMERCIAL CODE

COMPOSITION OF SUBSCRIBED CAPITAL

The shares that were issued in the context of the Stock Purchase Plan 

to employees of adidas AG and employees of subsidiaries participating 

in the Stock Purchase Plan are not subject to any lock-up periods, 

unless  such  a  waiting  period  is  stipulated  in  locally  applicable 

regulations. Employees who hold the shares which they purchased 

The nominal capital of adidas AG amounts to € 209,216,186 (as at 

themselves (investment shares) for at least one year will subsequently 

December 31, 2016) and is divided into the same number of registered 

receive one share for every six investment shares without having to 

no-par-value shares with a pro-rata amount in the nominal capital 

pay for such share (so-called matching share) if they are still adidas 

of € 1 each (‘shares’). Pursuant to § 4 section 10 of the Articles of 

employees at that point in time. If employees transfer, pledge or 

Association, shareholders’ claims to the issuance of individual share 

hypothecate investment shares in any way during the one-year vesting 

certificates are, in principle, excluded. Each share grants one vote 

period, the right to receive matching shares shall cease.

at the Annual General Meeting. All shares carry the same rights 

and obligations. As at December 31, 2016, adidas AG held 7,726,876 

treasury  shares,  which  however  do  not  confer  any  rights  to  the 

company in accordance with § 71b German Stock Corporation Act 

(Aktiengesetz – AktG). 

 see Note 26, p. 173

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 equal one 

share. 

 see Our Share, p. 41

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 

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 

guideline of adidas AG and based on Article 19 section 11 of the 

exercise their control rights directly in accordance with statutory 

Market Abuse Regulation, however, particular lock-up periods do 

provisions  and  the  Articles  of  Association.  The  shares  which 

exist for members of the Executive Board with regard to the purchase 

employees acquire in the context of the Stock Purchase Plan are held 

and sale of adidas AG shares. These lock-up periods are connected, 

in trust centrally by a service provider on behalf of the participating 

in particular, with the (time of) publication of quarterly and full year 

employees. As long as the shares are held in trust, the trustee shall 

results. Lock-up periods stipulated in the Code of Conduct and the 

take reasonable measures to allow participating employees to directly 

internal guideline also exist for employees who have access to yet 

or indirectly exercise their voting rights in respect of the shares held 

unpublished financial results.

in trust.

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. 

EXECUTIVE BOARD APPOINTMENT AND DISMISSAL
Pursuant  to  § 6  of  the  Articles  of  Association  and  § 84  AktG,  the 

German Securities Trading Act (Wertpapierhandelsgesetz – WpHG).

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 

107

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Business Performance – Disclosures pursuant to § 315 Section 4 and § 289 Section 4 of the German Commercial Code

3

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. 16

AUTHORISATIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
The  authorisations  of  the  Executive  Board  are  regulated  by  

§§ 76 et seq. AktG in conjunction with §§ 7 and 8 of the Articles of 

The Supervisory Board may revoke the appointment of an individual 

managing the company and represents the company judicially and 

Association. The Executive Board is responsible, in particular, for 

as member of the Executive Board or CEO for good cause, such as 

extra-judicially.

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 

AUTHORISATION OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD  
TO ISSUE SHARES
The authorisation of the Executive Board to issue shares is regulated 

appointment of Executive Board members and also their dismissal 

by § 4 of the Articles of Association and by statutory provisions:

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. 

Authorised Capital
 — Until June 2, 2018, the Executive Board is authorised to increase 
the nominal capital, subject to Supervisory Board approval, by 

The appointment or dismissal is then made in a second vote with a 
simple majority of the votes cast by the Supervisory Board members. 

issuing new shares against contributions in kind once or several 
times  by  no  more  than  € 25,000,000  altogether  (Authorised 

Should the required majority not be established in this case either, a 

Capital 2015).

third vote, again requiring a simple majority, must be held in which, 

however, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board has two votes.

 — 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 

If  the  Executive  Board  does  not  have  the  required  number  of 

times  by  no  more  than  € 50,000,000  altogether  (Authorised 

members, the competent court shall, in urgent cases, make the 

Capital 2013/I).

necessary  appointment  upon  application  by  any  party  involved  

(§ 85 section 1 AktG).

 — 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 

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 

Capital 2013/III).

 — Until June 14, 2021, the Executive Board is authorised to increase 
the nominal capital, subject to Supervisory Board approval, by 

resolution  passed  by  the  Annual  General  Meeting.  Pursuant  to 

issuing new shares against contributions in cash once or several 

§ 21  section 3  of  the  Articles  of  Association  in  conjunction  with 

times by no more than € 4,000,000 altogether (Authorised Capital 

§ 179  section 2  sentence 2  AktG,  the  Annual  General  Meeting  of 

2016).

adidas AG principally resolves upon amendments to the Articles 

of Association with a simple majority of the votes cast and with a 

Subject to Supervisory Board approval, shareholders’ subscription 

simple majority of the nominal capital represented when passing 

rights are partially excluded or may be excluded in certain cases for 

the resolution. However, if mandatory legal provisions stipulate a 

the above-mentioned, cumulative authorisations. 

 see Note 26, p. 173

larger majority of voting rights or capital, this is applicable. When it 

comes to amendments solely relating to the wording, the Supervisory 

Board is authorised to make these modifications in accordance with 

§ 179 section 1 sentence 2 AktG in conjunction with § 10 section 1 

Contingent Capital
 — The nominal capital of the company is conditionally increased 
by up to € 36,000,000 (Contingent Capital 2010). The Contingent 

sentence 2 of the Articles of Association. 

Capital serves the purpose of granting holders or creditors of 

bonds that were issued up to May 5, 2015 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.

10 8

1 09

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Business Performance – Disclosures pursuant to § 315 Section 4 and § 289 Section 4 of the German Commercial Code

On March 14, 2012, following the approval of the Supervisory Board, 

the Executive Board resolved to make partial use of the authorisation 
granted by the Annual General Meeting on May 6, 2010 and issued 

a convertible bond, excluding shareholders’ subscription rights, on 

March 21, 2012. 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 

amounted to up to 6,097,243 shares as at December 31, 2015. Due to 

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.

AUTHORISATION OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD  
TO REPURCHASE SHARES
The authorisations of the Executive Board to repurchase adidas AG 

the fact that conversion rights were exercised, which were all serviced 

shares arise from §§ 71 et seq. AktG and, as at the balance sheet 

with treasury shares of the company, the remaining number of shares 

date, from the authorisation granted by the Annual General Meeting 

to be issued to bondholders in case of full conversion amounted to 

on May 12, 2016.

up to 3,182,525 shares as at December 31, 2016.

Moreover, the authorisation to issue bonds with warrants and/or 

 — Until May 11, 2021, the Executive Board is authorised to repur-
chase adidas AG shares in an amount totalling up to 10% of the 

convertible bonds granted on May 6, 2010 was cancelled by resolution 

nominal capital at the date of the resolution (or, as the case may 

of the Annual General Meeting on May 8, 2014.

be, a lower amount of nominal capital at the date of utilisation 

 — Furthermore, the nominal capital of the company is conditionally 
increased by up to € 12,500,000 (Contingent Capital 2014). The 

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 

Contingent Capital serves the purpose of granting holders or 

account of the company or its subordinated Group companies or 

creditors  of  bonds  that  were  issued  based  on  the  resolution 

third parties assigned by the company or one of its subordinated 

of the Annual General Meeting on May 8, 2014 subscription or 

Group companies.

conversion rights relating to no more than a total of 12,500,000 

shares in compliance with the corresponding conditions of the 

The  repurchase  can  be  carried  out  via  the  stock  exchange, 

bonds. Based on the authorisation granted by the Annual General 

through  a  public  invitation  to  submit  sale  offers,  through  a 

Meeting  on  May  8,  2014,  the  Executive  Board  is  authorised, 

public repurchase offer, or through granting tender rights to 

subject  to  Supervisory  Board  approval,  to  issue  bonds  with 

shareholders. Furthermore, the authorisation sets out the lowest 

warrants and/or convertible bonds in an aggregate nominal value 

and highest nominal value that may be granted in each case. 

of up to € 1,000,000,000 with or without a limited term, against 

contributions in cash once or several times until May 7, 2019, and 

The purposes for which adidas AG shares repurchased based 

to guarantee bonds issued by subordinated Group companies. 

on this authorisation may be used are set out in the resolution 

The Executive Board is also authorised, subject to Supervisory 

on Item 9 of the Agenda for the Annual General Meeting held on 

Board approval, to exclude shareholders’ subscription rights for 

May 12, 2016. The shares may in particular be used as follows:

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 

 — They may be sold via the stock exchange, through a public 
share  purchase  offer  made  to  all  shareholders  or  sold 

are entitled. Furthermore, the Executive Board is authorised, 

otherwise against cash (limited to 10% of the nominal capital 

subject to Supervisory Board approval, to also exclude share-

taking into account certain offsets) at a price not signifi-

holders’ subscription rights if the issue price of the bonds is not 

cantly below the stock market price of shares with the same 

significantly below the hypothetical market value of these bonds 

features.

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 

 — They  may  be  offered  and  assigned  as  consideration  for 
the  direct  or  indirect  acquisition  of  companies,  parts  of 

treasury shares must be taken into account when calculating the 

companies, participations in companies or other economic 

limit of 10% in certain other specific cases.

assets or within the scope of company mergers.

 — They may be offered and sold as consideration for the acqui-
sition  of  industrial  property  rights  or  intangible  property 

10 9

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Business Performance – Disclosures pursuant to § 315 Section 4 and § 289 Section 4 of the German Commercial Code

GROUP  MANAGE ME NT  RE PORT  –   FI NANC IAL  RE VIEW

Business Performance by Segment

3

3

rights or for the acquisition of licences relating to such rights, 

are limited to a maximum value of 5% of the nominal capital 

also through subordinated Group companies.

existing at the date on which the resolution was adopted by the 

 — They may be used for purposes of meeting the subscription 
or conversion rights or obligations or the company’s right to 

Annual General Meeting (or, as the case may be, a lower amount 

of nominal capital at the date of utilisation of the authorisation). 

delivery of shares arising from bonds with warrants and/or 

The term of the options may not exceed 18 months and must 

convertible bonds issued by the company or its subordinated 

furthermore be chosen in such a way that the shares are acquired 

Group companies.

 — In connection with employee share purchase plans, up to 
4,000,000 shares may be issued in favour of (current or former) 

employees of the company and its affiliated companies as 

upon the exercise of the options no later than May 11, 2021. 

The authorisation furthermore sets out the lowest and highest 

nominal value that may be granted in each case.

well as in favour of (current and former) management bodies 

For  excluding  subscription  rights  as  well  as  for  the  use  and 

of the company’s affiliated companies.

cancellation of shares purchased using equity derivatives, the general 

 — They  may  be  cancelled  without  the  cancellation,  or  the 
execution thereof, requiring an additional resolution of the 

Annual General Meeting.

provisions adopted by the Annual General Meeting (set out above) are 

applicable accordingly.

Furthermore,  the  shares  may  be  assigned  to  members  of  the 
Executive Board as compensation by way of a stock bonus subject 

CHANGE OF CONTROL/COMPENSATION AGREEMENTS
Material agreements entered into by adidas AG containing a change-

to the provision that resale by the Executive Board members shall 

of-control clause relate to financing agreements. In the case of a 

only be permitted following a retention period of at least three years 

change of control, these agreements, in accordance with common 

from the date of assignment. Responsibility in this case lies with the 

practice, entitle the creditor to termination and early calling-in of 

Supervisory Board.

any outstanding amounts.

In case of utilisation of shares for the above-mentioned purposes, 

No  compensation  agreements  exist  between  adidas  AG  and 

except for the cancellation of shares, shareholders’ subscription 

members of the Executive Board or employees relating to the event 

rights are excluded.

of a takeover bid.

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  8,  2016  up  to  and  including  December  31,  2016,  and 

moreover until January 31, 2017, adidas AG bought back 2,128,200 

treasury shares via the stock exchange. 

 see Note 26, p. 173

 — In the scope of the authorisation resolved by the Annual General 
Meeting on May 12, 2016, 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 
 see Glossary, p. 216 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 

11 0

1 11

1 11

3
3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Business Performance by Segment

BUSINESS PERFORMANCE BY SEGMENT

adidas has divided its operating activities into the following operating segments: Western Europe, North America, Greater China, 

Russia/CIS, Latin America, Japan, Middle East, South Korea, Southeast Asia/Pacific, TaylorMade-adidas Golf, CCM Hockey, Runtastic 

and Other centrally managed businesses. While the business segments Western Europe, North America, Greater China, Russia/CIS, 

Latin America and Japan are reported separately, the markets Middle East, South Korea and Southeast Asia/Pacific are combined to 

the segment MEAA (’Middle East, Africa and other Asian markets’). Each market comprises all business activities in the wholesale 

and retail distribution channels of the adidas and Reebok brands. The segmental results of TaylorMade-adidas Golf, CCM Hockey, 

Runtastic and Other centrally managed businesses, including brands such as Y-3 and Five Ten, are aggregated under Other Businesses. 

Segmental operating expenses primarily relate to expenditure for point-of-sale and marketing investments as well as expenditure 

for sales force, logistics and administration.

01  NET SALES BY SEGMENT € IN MILLIONS

adidas Originals and adidas neo. In addition, high-single-digit sales 

2016

2015

Change

Change  
(currency-
neutral)

5,291

3,412

3,010

679

1,731

1,007

2,685

1,475

4,539

2,753

2,469

739

1,783

776

2,388

1,467

19,291

16,915

17%

24%

22%

(8%)

(3%)

30%

12%

1%

14%

20%

24%

28%

3%

16%

16%

16%

1%

18%

increases in the football and training categories also contributed 
to  this  development.  Reebok  brand  revenues  in  Western  Europe 

increased 18% on a currency-neutral basis, mainly due to double-

digit sales growth in the training category as well as in Classics. From 

a country perspective, the main contributors to the increase in the 

combined revenues of the adidas and Reebok brands were the UK, 

Germany, Italy, France, Poland and Spain, where revenues grew at 

double-digit rates each. 

 see Table 02

Gross margin in Western Europe decreased 3.1 percentage points 

to 44.4% from 47.5% in 2015. The significant positive effects from a 

more favourable pricing, product and channel mix as well as lower 

Western Europe

North America

Greater China

Russia/CIS

Latin America

Japan

MEAA

Other Businesses 1

Total

1   Figures reflect continuing operations as a result of the divestiture of the Rockport business.

input costs were more than offset by the severe negative impact from 

WESTERN EUROPE

unfavourable currency developments. Operating expenses were up 

12% to € 1.398 billion versus € 1.248 billion in 2015. This development 

mainly  reflects  an  increase  in  expenditure  for  point-of-sale  and 

In  2016,  sales  in  Western  Europe  increased  20%  on  a  currency-

marketing investments as well as higher logistic costs. Operating 

neutral basis. In euro terms, sales in Western Europe grew 17% to 

expenses as a percentage of sales were down 1.1 percentage points 

€ 5.291 billion from € 4.539 billion in 2015. adidas brand revenues 

to 26.4% (2015: 27.5%). The operating margin declined 2.1 percentage 

grew  20%  on  a  currency-neutral  basis,  driven  by  double-digit 

points to 18.0% (2015: 20.0%), as the positive effect of lower operating 

sales growth in the running and outdoor categories as well as at 

expenses as a percentage of sales was more than offset by the gross 

02  WESTERN EUROPE AT A GLANCE € IN MILLIONS

2016

2015

Change

Change  
(currency-
neutral)

Net sales

adidas brand

Reebok brand

Gross profit

Gross margin

Segmental operating profit 

5,291

4,889

402

2,350

44.4%

951

4,539

4,193

347

2,157

47.5%

909

17%

17%

16%

9%

(3.1pp)

5%

Segmental operating margin

18.0%

20.0%

(2.1pp)

20%

20%

18%

–

–

–

–

margin decrease. Operating profit in Western Europe increased 5% 

to € 951 million versus € 909 million in the prior year. 

 see Table 02

NORTH AMERICA

North America revenues increased 24% both on a currency-neutral 

basis and in euro terms to € 3.412 billion from € 2.753 billion in 2015. 

adidas brand sales increased 30% on a currency-neutral basis, driven 

by double-digit sales growth in the running, training and US sports 

categories as well as at adidas Originals and adidas neo. In addition, 

mid-single-digit increases in the football category also contributed 

to this development. Revenues of the Reebok brand in North America 

decreased 1% on a currency-neutral basis as double-digit sales 
growth in Classics as well as low-single-digit increases in the running 
category were more than offset by sales declines in other categories, 
including the training category. 

 see Table 03

11 1
11 1

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Business Performance by Segment

3

3

03  NORTH AMERICA AT A GLANCE € IN MILLIONS

Gross margin in Greater China increased 0.4 percentage points to 

Net sales

adidas brand

Reebok brand

Gross profit

Gross margin

Segmental operating profit 

Segmental operating margin

2016

2015

Change

Change  
(currency-
neutral)

3,412

2,897

514

1,286

37.7%

214

6.3%

2,753

2,231

523

1,008

36.6%

69

2.5%

24%

30%

(2%)

28%

1.1pp 

209%

3.8pp 

24%

30%

(1%)

–

–

–

–

57.5% (2015: 57.1%), reflecting lower input costs as well as a more 

favourable channel, product and pricing mix, partly offset by negative 

currency effects. Operating expenses were up 23% to € 671 million 

versus € 545 million in 2015. This development reflects a significant 

increase  in  sales  expenditure  as  well  as  higher  expenditure  for 

point-of-sale and marketing investments. Operating expenses as a 

percentage of sales increased 0.2 percentage points to 22.3% (2015: 

22.1%). As a result of the gross margin improvement, which was 

partly offset by the negative effect of higher operating expenses as 

a percentage of sales, the operating margin grew 0.1 percentage 

points to 35.2% versus 35.1% in 2015. Operating profit in Greater 

China increased 22% to € 1.060 billion from € 866 million in 2015. 

Gross margin in North America increased 1.1 percentage points to 

 see Table 04

37.7% (2015: 36.6%) driven by a more favourable product and pricing 

mix as well as lower input costs, partly offset by negative currency 
effects. Operating expenses were up 15% to € 1.124 billion versus 
€ 977 million in 2015, reflecting higher sales expenditure as well as 

RUSSIA/CIS

Sales in Russia/CIS increased 3% on a currency-neutral basis. In 

higher expenditure for point-of-sale investments. Operating expenses 

euro  terms,  sales  in  Russia/CIS  decreased  8%  to  € 679 million 

as a percentage of sales decreased 2.5 percentage points to 32.9% 

from € 739 million in 2015. adidas brand revenues were up 1% on a 

(2015: 35.5%). As a result of the strong top-line development, the 

currency-neutral basis, supported by double-digit sales increases in 

gross margin increase as well as the positive effect of lower operating 

the running category as well as at adidas neo. In addition, mid-single-

expenses as a percentage of sales, the operating margin improved 

digit sales growth in the football category also contributed to this 

3.8 percentage points to 6.3% from 2.5% in 2015. Operating profit in 

development. Revenues of the Reebok brand in Russia/CIS increased 

North America increased 209% to € 214 million versus € 69 million 

9% on a currency-neutral basis, due to double-digit sales growth in 

in 2015. 

 see Table 03

the training and running categories. 

 see Table 05

GREATER CHINA

Gross margin in Russia/CIS increased 2.1 percentage points to 58.1% 

from 56.0% in 2015, reflecting a significantly better pricing mix which 

Sales in Greater China grew 28% on a currency-neutral basis. In 

more than compensated severe negative currency effects. Operating 

euro terms, sales in Greater China were up 22% to € 3.010 billion 

expenses  were  down  12%  to  € 290 million  (2015:  € 329 million), 

from € 2.469 billion in 2015. Revenues of brand adidas grew 28% on 

reflecting a significant decline in sales expenditure as well as lower 

a currency-neutral basis. This development was due to strong double-

expenditure for point-of-sale and marketing investments. Operating 

digit sales growth in the training, running and football categories 

expenses as a percentage of sales were down 1.8 percentage points to 

as well as at adidas Originals and adidas neo. Reebok brand sales 

42.7% versus 44.6% in the prior year. As a result of the gross margin 

in Greater China grew 17% on a currency-neutral basis, driven by 

increase as well as the positive effect of lower operating expenses as 

double-digit sales increases in the training and running categories 

a percentage of sales, the operating margin improved 4.0 percentage 

as well as in Classics. 

 see Table 04

points to 15.4% from 11.4% in 2015. Operating profit in Russia/CIS 

increased 24% to € 105 million versus € 85 million in 2015. 

 see 

Table 05

04  GREATER CHINA AT A GLANCE € IN MILLIONS

05  RUSSIA/CIS AT A GLANCE € IN MILLIONS

Net sales

adidas brand

Reebok brand

Gross profit

Gross margin

Segmental operating profit 

Segmental operating margin

2016

2015

Change

Change  
(currency-
neutral)

3,010

2,944

67

1,731

57.5%

1,060

35.2%

2,469

2,411

58

1,411

57.1%

866

35.1%

22%

22%

15%

23%

0.4pp 

22%

0.1pp 

28%

28%

17%

–

–

–

–

2016

2015

Change

Change  
(currency-
neutral)

Net sales

adidas brand

Reebok brand

Gross profit

Gross margin

679

514

166

395

739

570

170

414

58.1%

56.0%

Segmental operating profit 

105

85

Segmental operating margin

15.4%

11.4%

(8%)

(10%)

(2%)

(5%)

2.1pp 

24%

4.0pp 

3%

1%

9%

–

–

–

–

11 2

1 13

1 13

3
3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Business Performance by Segment

LATIN AMERICA

Revenues in Latin America were up 16% on a currency-neutral basis. 
In euro terms, sales in Latin America were down 3% to € 1.731 billion 

by high-single-digit sales increases in Classics as well as low-single-

digit growth in the training category. 

 see Table 07

from € 1.783 billion in 2015. Revenues of brand adidas increased 19% 

Gross margin in Japan increased 2.3 percentage points to 49.4% 

on a currency-neutral basis. This development was driven by double-

versus 47.1% in 2015, driven by a better pricing, product and channel 

digit sales growth in the football, running and training categories as 

mix, which more than offset the significant impact from negative 

well as at adidas Originals and adidas neo. Reebok brand sales in 

currency effects. Operating expenses were up 31% to € 304 million 

Latin America grew 1% on a currency-neutral basis, as double-digit 

from € 231 million in 2015, reflecting higher sales expenditure as 

growth in the training category as well as in Classics was partly offset 

well as an increase in expenditure for point-of-sale and marketing 

by sales declines in the running category. From a country perspective, 

investments. Operating expenses as a percentage of sales increased 

the combined revenues of the adidas and Reebok brands grew in 

0.4 percentage points to 30.2% (2015: 29.8%). The operating margin 

all major markets at double-digit rates with the exception of Brazil, 

grew 1.6 percentage points to 20.6% versus 19.0% in 2015, reflecting 

where sales increased at a low-single-digit rate. 

 see Table 06

the  gross  margin  increase,  which  was  only  partly  offset  by  the 

negative  effect  of  higher  operating  expenses  as  a  percentage  of 

Gross  margin  in  Latin  America  remained  stable  at  42.4%  (2015: 

sales. Operating profit in Japan increased 41% to € 207 million from 

42.4%), as the positive effects from a more favourable pricing, channel 

€ 147 million in 2015. 

 see Table 07

and product mix were offset by negative currency effects. Operating 

expenses were down 3% to € 507 million from € 521 million in 2015, 

reflecting lower expenditure for marketing investments as well as a 

MEAA

decline in sales expenditure. Operating expenses as a percentage of 

Revenues in MEAA were up 16% on a currency-neutral basis. In euro 

sales grew 0.1 percentage points to 29.3% (2015: 29.2%). As a result 

terms, sales in MEAA grew 12% to € 2.685 billion from € 2.388 billion 

of higher operating expenses as a percentage of sales, the operating 

in 2015. Sales of the adidas brand increased 18% on a currency-

margin declined 0.1 percentage points to 13.1% from 13.2% in 2015. 
Operating profit in Latin America decreased 3% to € 227 million 

neutral basis, due to double-digit sales growth in the training and 

running categories as well as at adidas Originals and adidas neo. 

versus € 235 million in 2015. 

 see Table 06

Reebok brand revenues in MEAA were up 3% on a currency-neutral 

JAPAN

basis, driven by double-digit increases in the running category as 

well as low-single-digit growth in the training category, partly offset 

by declines in Classics. From a country perspective, the increase in 

Sales  in  Japan  increased  16%  on  a  currency-neutral  basis.  In 

the combined revenues of the adidas and Reebok brands was driven 

euro  terms,  revenues  in  Japan  increased  30%  to  € 1.007 billion 

by double-digit growth in almost all of the countries in the region. 

from  776 million  in  2015.  adidas  brand  revenues  grew  17%  on  a 

 see Table 08

currency-neutral basis, driven by double-digit sales increases at 

adidas Originals as well as high-single-digit growth at adidas neo. 

Gross margin in MEAA decreased 1.4 percentage points to 50.0% 

In addition, mid-single-digit increases in the training and running 

(2015: 51.4%), as the positive effects from an improved pricing and 

categories also contributed to this development. Sales of the Reebok 

product  mix  as  well  as  lower  input  costs  were  more  than  offset 

brand in Japan were up 12% on a currency-neutral basis, supported 

by significant negative currency effects. Operating expenses were 

06  LATIN AMERICA AT A GLANCE € IN MILLIONS

07  JAPAN AT A GLANCE € IN MILLIONS

2016

2015

Change

Change  
(currency-
neutral)

2016

2015

Change

Change  
(currency-
neutral)

Net sales

adidas brand

Reebok brand

Gross profit

Gross margin

1,731

1,515

216

734

1,783

1,516

266

756

(3%)

(0%)

(19%)

(3%)

42.4%

42.4%

(0.0pp)

Segmental operating profit 

227

235

(3%)

Segmental operating margin

13.1%

13.2%

(0.1pp)

16%

19%

1%

–

–

–

–

Net sales

adidas brand

Reebok brand

Gross profit

Gross margin

1,007

907

100

497

776

696

80

365

49.4%

47.1%

Segmental operating profit 

207

147

Segmental operating margin

20.6%

19.0%

30%

30%

25%

36%

2.3pp 

41%

1.6pp 

16%

17%

12%

–

–

–

–

11 3
11 3

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Business Performance by Segment

3

3

08  MEAA AT A GLANCE € IN MILLIONS

2016

2015

Change

Change  
(currency-
neutral)

Net sales

adidas brand

Reebok brand

Gross profit

Gross margin

Segmental operating profit 

2,685

2,385

301

1,344

50.0%

722

2,388

2,091

298

1,228

51.4%

664

12%

14%

1%

9%

(1.4pp)

9%

Segmental operating margin

26.9%

27.8%

(0.9pp)

16%

18%

3%

–

–

–

–

Gross margin was up 3.6 percentage points to 37.5% (2015: 33.9%), 

driven  by  significantly  higher  product  margins  at  TaylorMade-

adidas  Golf.  Operating  expenses  decreased  3%  to  € 576 million 

from € 596 million in 2015, reflecting a decline in expenditure for 

point-of-sale and marketing investments. As a percentage of sales, 

operating expenses were down 1.6 percentage points to 39.0% versus 

40.6% in 2015. While Other Businesses recorded a negative operating 

margin of 0.9%, this represents an improvement of 5.1 percentage 

points compared to the prior year (2015: negative operating margin of 

6.1%). Other Businesses recorded an operating loss of € 14 million, 

an improvement of 84% compared to the prior year (2015: operating 

loss of € 89 million). 

 see Table 09

up 10% to € 624 million versus € 565 million in 2015, mainly due 

to higher sales expenditure. As a percentage of sales, operating 

10  OTHER BUSINESSES NET SALES BY REGION 1 € IN MILLIONS

Western Europe

North America

Greater China

Russia/CIS

Latin America

Japan

MEAA

Total

2016

2015

Change

Change  
(currency-
neutral)

438

719

18

1

10

180

110

383

783

22

3

11

156

109

1,475

1,467

14%

(8%)

(19%)

(79%)

(12%)

15%

1%

1%

18%

(8%)

(16%)

(77%)

12%

3%

4%

1%

1   Figures reflect continuing operations as a result of the divestiture of the Rockport business.

expenses declined 0.4 percentage points to 23.2% from 23.7% in 

2015. The operating margin was down 0.9 percentage points to 26.9% 
(2015: 27.8%), as the positive effect of lower operating expenses as 

a percentage of sales was more than offset by the gross margin 

decline.  Operating  profit  in  MEAA  increased  9%  to  € 722 million 

versus € 664 million in 2015. 

 see Table 08

OTHER BUSINESSES

Revenues in Other Businesses grew 1% both on a currency-neutral 

basis and in euro terms to € 1.475 billion from € 1.467 billion in 2015. 

Revenues at TaylorMade-adidas Golf decreased 1% on a currency-

neutral basis, as growth at TaylorMade and adidas Golf was more 

than offset by sales declines at Ashworth and Adams Golf. Currency-

neutral  CCM  Hockey  sales  were  down  13%,  mainly  due  to  sales 

decreases in the licensed apparel business as well as in the sticks 

and skates categories. Other centrally managed businesses revenues 

increased 19% on a currency-neutral basis, mainly as a result of 

strong double-digit sales growth at Y-3. 

 see Table 09

09  OTHER BUSINESSES AT A GLANCE 1 € IN MILLIONS

2016

2015

Change

Change  
(currency-
neutral)

Net sales

1,475

1,467

TaylorMade-adidas Golf 

CCM Hockey 

Other centrally managed 
businesses 

Gross profit

Gross margin

Segmental operating profit

892

271

289

553

902

317

242

497

37.5%

33.9%

(14)

(89)

Segmental operating margin

(0.9%)

(6.1%)

1%

(1%)

1%

(1%)

(14%)

(13%)

19%

11%

3.6pp 

84%

5.1pp 

19%

–

–

–

–

1   Figures reflect continuing operations as a result of the divestiture of the Rockport business.

11 4

1 15

1 15

3
3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Subsequent Events and Outlook

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS AND OUTLOOK

In 2017, despite continuing uncertainties regarding the economic outlook for both advanced and emerging economies, we expect the 

global economy and consumer spending to grow, providing a positive backdrop for moderate growth and expansion of the sporting 

goods industry. Through our extensive pipeline of new and innovative products, increased brand-building activities, the tight control 

of inventory levels and stringent cost management, we project strong top- and bottom-line improvements in 2017. We forecast sales 

to increase at a rate between 11% and 13% on a currency-neutral basis. Gross margin is projected to grow up to 0.5 percentage points 

to a level of up to 49.1%. Operating margin is expected to increase between 0.6 and 0.8 percentage points to a level between 8.3% 

and 8.5%, reflecting the gross margin expansion as well as the positive effect of lower other operating expenses as a percentage of 

sales. As a result, we project net income from continuing operations to increase at a rate between 18% and 20% to a level between 

€ 1.200 billion and € 1.225 billion.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

NO SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

a major contributor to the global economic expansion in 2017. At 

4.2%, their growth rate is projected to accelerate compared to 2016. 
More specifically, developing economies are expected to benefit from 

Since the end of 2016, there have been no significant organisational, 

the gradual recovery of commodity prices, resulting in improving 

management, economic, socio-political, legal or financial changes 

domestic demand and less divergent growth outlooks for commodity-

which we expect to influence our business materially going forward.

importing and commodity-exporting countries. However, a risk to 

OUTLOOK

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

growth  is  forecasted  to  persist  throughout  the  year,  reflecting 

weak global trade, lacklustre investment and policy uncertainty in 

developed economies. GDP in developed economies is expected to 

grow at a level of 1.8% in 2017. This development will be mainly 

supported  by  accommodative  monetary  and  fiscal  policies,  firm 

export growth as well as improvements in consumer confidence and 

This  Management  Report  contains  forward-looking  statements 

labour markets. Despite these improvements, political tensions as 

that reflect Management’s current view with respect to the future 

well as the economic uncertainties arising from the Brexit vote and 

development of our company. The outlook is based on estimates that 

the outcome of the US elections will continue to pose a threat to the 

we have made on the basis of all the information available to us at this 

economic outlook. 

point in time. In addition, such forward-looking statements are subject 

to uncertainties which are beyond the control of the company. 

 see 

Risk and Opportunity Report, p. 118 In case the underlying assumptions turn 

out to be incorrect or described risks or opportunities materialise, 

actual results and developments may materially deviate (negatively 

SPORTING GOODS INDUSTRY EXPANSION  
TO CONTINUE IN 2017 2
In the absence of any major economic shocks, we expect the global 

or positively) from those expressed by such statements. adidas does 

sporting goods industry to grow at a mid-single-digit rate in 2017, in 

not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements 

spite of the non-recurrence of major sporting events that took place in 

made  in  this  Management  Report  beyond  statutory  disclosure 

2016, such as the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil as well as the UEFA 

obligations.

EURO 2016 in France. Consumer spending on sporting goods in the 

developing economies is expected to grow faster than in the more 

developed markets. Strong wage growth and domestic consumption 

GLOBAL ECONOMY TO GROW IN 2017 1
Global GDP is projected to increase moderately by 2.7% in 2017. 

in many developing economies are predicted to propel industry growth 

throughout the year. In developed economies, the sporting goods 

This  development  will  be  supported  by  a  further  stabilisation  in 

industry is forecasted to improve moderately, as wage increases will 

commodity prices as well as continuous accommodative fiscal and 

support consumer spending on sporting goods and fuel the industry’s 

monetary policies. Nevertheless, subdued prospects for developed 

growth. In addition, rising sports participation and health awareness 

economies, heightened policy uncertainty, weak productivity growth 

as well as demographic pressures are expected to weigh on the 

economic recovery. Developing economies are forecasted to remain 

globally  is  projected  to  continue  to  boost  sportswear  demand. 
The  athleisure 
dominant  structural  growth  driver  for  the  industry  as  a  whole, 

  see  Glossary,  p. 216  trend  is  forecasted  to  remain  a 

1  Sources: World Bank Global Economic Prospects and HSBC Global Research.

2  Source: NPD Market Research.

11 5
11 5

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Subsequent Events and Outlook

GROUP  MANAGE ME NT  RE PORT  –   FI NANC IAL  RE VIEW

Subsequent Events and Outlook

3

fuelling the demand for athletic casual and activewear products. 

Furthermore, innovation in the supply chain and breakthroughs in 

new manufacturing techniques are projected to improve the speed-

CURRENCY-NEUTRAL COMBINED SALES OF  
THE ADIDAS AND REEBOK BRANDS EXPECTED  
TO INCREASE IN ALL MARKET SEGMENTS

to-market capabilities of sports brands, getting products more quickly 

In  2017,  we  expect  currency-neutral  combined  revenues  of  the 

and more sustainably to the marketplace. E-commerce, which is 

adidas and Reebok brands to increase in all our market segments. 

already a significant growth driver for the industry, is anticipated 

While currency-neutral sales are expected to grow at double-digit 

to  expand  further  and  investments  in  digital  transformation  are 

rates in Western Europe, North America, Greater China and Russia/

projected to rise across the sporting goods industry.

CIS, currency-neutral sales in Latin America, Japan and MEAA are 

CURRENCY-NEUTRAL SALES TO INCREASE  
AT A RATE BETWEEN 11% AND 13% IN 2017

forecasted to improve at a high-single-digit rate each. Currency-

neutral revenues of Other Businesses are expected to be below the 

prior year level, due to currency-neutral sales decreases at CCM 

Hockey.  Currency-neutral  sales  at  TaylorMade-adidas  Golf  are 

We expect sales to increase at a rate between 11% and 13% on a 

expected to grow at a mid-single-digit rate. 

currency-neutral  basis  in  2017. 

  see  Table  01  Despite  continued 

uncertainties regarding the global economic outlook, the company’s 

sales development will be favourably impacted by rising consumer 

spending, the ongoing robust athleisure trend as well as increased 
health  awareness  and  sports  participation  in  most  geographical 

GROSS MARGIN EXPECTED TO INCREASE  
TO A LEVEL OF UP TO 49.1%

In  2017,  the  gross  margin  is  forecasted  to  increase  up  to 

areas. In addition, the further expansion and improvement of our 

0.5 percentage points to a level of up to 49.1% (2016: 48.6%). 

 see 

controlled space initiatives, in particular through our own eCommerce 

Table 01 Gross margin will benefit from the positive effects of a more 

channel, as well as major product launches will more than offset the 

favourable  pricing,  product,  channel  and  regional  mix.  Higher 

non-recurrence of sales related to the UEFA EURO 2016 and the Copa 

product margins at TaylorMade-adidas Golf compared to the prior 

América. 

 see Table 02

01  2017 OUTLOOK

Currency-neutral sales development (in %):

adidas

Western Europe 1

North America 1

Greater China 1

Russia/CIS 1

Latin America 1

Japan 1

MEAA 1

Other Businesses

TaylorMade-adidas Golf

CCM Hockey

Gross margin

year are also expected to positively impact the company’s gross 

margin development. These improvements will be partly offset by 

the projected increase in costs for our Asian-dominated sourcing 

as a result of less favourable US dollar hedging rates, rising labour 

expenditures as well as higher commodity prices.

to increase at a rate between 11% and 13%

double-digit rate increase

double-digit rate increase

double-digit rate increase

double-digit rate increase

high-single-digit rate increase

high-single-digit rate increase

high-single-digit rate increase

below prior year level

mid-single-digit rate increase

below prior year level

to increase up to 0.5 percentage points to a level of up to 49.1%

Other operating expenses in % of sales 

below prior year level

Operating profit

Operating margin

to increase at a rate between 18% and 20%

to increase between 0.6 and 0.8 percentage points to a level between 8.3% and 8.5%

Net income from continuing operations

to increase at a rate between 18% and 20% to a level between € 1.200 billion and € 1.225 billion 

Basic earnings per share from continuing operations

to increase at a rate between 18% and 20%

Average operating working capital in % of sales

Capital expenditure

modest increase

around € 1.1 billion

1  Combined sales of the adidas and Reebok brands.

11 6

1 17

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Subsequent Events and Outlook

OPERATING MARGIN TO GROW TO A LEVEL  
BETWEEN 8.3% AND 8.5%

IMPACT OF PLANNED DIVESTITURES  
ON 2017 OUTLOOK 

In  2017,  other  operating  expenses  as  a  percentage  of  sales  are 

As part of the company’s ‘Creating the New’ acceleration plan, it is 

expected to be below the prior year level of 42.8%. This, together 

our ambition to focus even more on the adidas and Reebok brands 

with  the  strong  top-line  growth  and  the  projected  gross  margin 

going forward. In this context, we announced our intention to divest 

improvement, is expected to drive an increase in operating profit of 

the TaylorMade business with the brands TaylorMade, Adams Golf 

between 18% and 20%. Consequently, we expect the operating margin 

and Ashworth as well as the CCM Hockey business. 

 see Corporate 

to increase between 0.6 and 0.8 percentage points to a level between 

Strategy,  p. 48  These  divestitures  are  likely  to  occur  in  2017.  In  this 

8.3% and 8.5% compared to the prior year level of 7.7%. 

 see Table 01

case, the company’s outlook for 2017 will be impacted to the extent 

NET INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS TO 
INCREASE AT A RATE BETWEEN 18% AND 20%

that both 2016 and 2017 will be reported excluding the respective 

businesses expected to be divested in the financial year. In the event 

that the planned divestitures occur, we project currency-neutral 

sales in 2017 to increase between 12% and 14% (2016 adjusted net 

Net income from continuing operations is projected to increase at 

sales: € 18.5 billion). In addition, the gross margin would increase 

a rate between 18% and 20% to a level between € 1.200 billion and 

by up to 0.3 percentage points to a level of up to 49.5%. This together 

€ 1.225 billion compared to € 1.019 billion in 2016. Basic earnings per 

with lower other operating expenses as a percentage of sales will 

share from continuing operations are also expected to increase at a 
rate between 18% and 20% compared to the prior year level of € 5.08. 

 see Table 01 Net financial expenses are forecasted to increase slightly 

result in an increase in the company’s operating margin of between 

0.2 and 0.4 percentage points to a level between 8.6% and 8.8%. Net 
income from continuing operations is forecasted to increase at a rate 

in 2017, mainly as a result of an increase in interest expenses. The 

between 13% and 15% to a level between € 1.200 billion and € 1.225 

tax rate is projected to be around the prior level of 29.5%.

billion in 2017. 

 see Management Assessment of Performance, Risks and Opportunities, 

and Outlook, p. 133

AVERAGE OPERATING WORKING CAPITAL AS A 
PERCENTAGE OF SALES TO INCREASE MODESTLY

02  MAJOR 2017 PRODUCT LAUNCHES

In 2017, average operating working capital as a percentage of sales 

is projected to increase modestly compared to the prior year level 

Product

(2016: 20.2%).

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE TO INCREASE  
TO A LEVEL AROUND € 1.1 BILLION

Ace 17 football boot

COPA 17 football boot

Glitch 17 football boot

UltraBOOST Cleat football boot

adidas x Paul Pogba collection

In 2017, capital expenditure is expected to be around € 1.1 billion 

UltraBOOST X running shoe

and thus significantly above the prior year level (2016: € 651 million). 

Investments will mainly focus on controlled space initiatives of the 

adidas and Reebok brands, the company’s logistics infrastructure 

as well as the further development of the corporate headquarters in 

Herzogenaurach, Germany. 

PureBOOST running shoe

CMMTTD training apparel

Z.N.E. 90/10 training apparel

adidas x Wanderlust collection

Superstar BOOST Originals shoe

EQT Support ADV Originals shoe

EQT Support Ultra Originals shoe

MANAGEMENT TO PROPOSE DIVIDEND OF € 2.00

Originals by Kanye West Yeezy Season 5 collection

neo cloudfoam QT Racer shoe

As a result of the strong operational and financial performance in 2016, 

Club C 85 Classics shoe

our strong financial position as well as Management’s confidence in 

Nano 7.0 training shoe

our short- and long-term growth aspirations, the adidas AG Executive 

and Supervisory Boards will recommend paying a dividend of € 2.00 

per dividend-entitled share for 2016 to shareholders at the Annual 

General Meeting (AGM) on May 11, 2017 (2015: € 1.60), representing 

an increase of 25% compared to the prior year. 

 see Our Share. p. 41

Pump Supreme training shoe

Floatride running shoe

All-Terrain Super 3.0 running shoe

Spider Tour putter

Powerband Boa BOOST golf shoe

Crossknit BOOST golf shoe

Brand

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

adidas

Reebok

Reebok

Reebok

Reebok

Reebok

TaylorMade

adidas Golf

adidas Golf

11 7

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Risk and Opportunity Report

GROUP  MANAGE ME NT  RE PORT  –   FI NANC IAL  RE VIEW

Risk and Opportunity Report

3

RISK AND OPPORTUNITY REPORT

In order to remain competitive and ensure sustainable success, adidas consciously takes certain risks and continously explores and 

develops opportunities. Our risk and opportunity management principles and system provide the framework for our company to conduct 

business in a well-controlled environment.

RISK AND OPPORTUNITY MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES

management system. These duties are undertaken by the Supervisory 

We define risk as the potential occurrence of an external or internal 
event (or series of events) that may negatively impact our ability 

Board’s Audit Committee. In addition, the Internal Audit department 
includes an assessment of the effectiveness of risk management 

to  achieve  the  company’s  business  objectives  or  financial  goals. 

processes and compliance with the company’s Risk Management 

Opportunity is defined as the potential occurrence of an external 

Policy as part of its regular auditing activities with selected adidas 

or  internal  event  (or  series  of  events)  that  can  positively  impact 

subsidiaries or functions each year.

the company’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

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  the  corporate  and 

The adidas AG Executive Board has overall responsibility for operating 

management culture of the company. This system focuses on the 

an effective risk and opportunity management system that ensures 

identification,  evaluation,  handling,  monitoring  and  systematic 

comprehensive and consistent management of all material risks 

reporting  of  risks  and  opportunities.  The  key  objective  of  the 

and opportunities. 

 see Diagram 01 The Risk Management department 

risk and opportunity management system is to support business 

coordinates the execution and further development of the company’s 

success and protect the company as a going concern through an 

risk and opportunity management system and is the owner of the 

opportunity-focused but risk-aware decision-making framework. 

centrally managed risk and opportunity management process on 

Our  Risk  Management  Policy  outlines  the  principles,  processes, 

behalf of the adidas AG Executive Board. The adidas AG Supervisory 

tools, risk areas, key responsibilities, reporting requirements and 

Board is responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of the risk 

communication timelines within our company.

01 

 ADIDAS RISK AND OPPORTUNITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

utilises critical day-to-day management insight from both global and 

Risk and opportunity management is a company-wide activity which 

local business units and functions.

Supervisory and Executive Boards

Our  risk  and  opportunity  management  process  comprises  the 

following steps:

Risk Management
Risk Management Policy & Methodology/Support

 — Risk and opportunity identification: adidas continuously monitors 
the macroeconomic environment and developments in the sporting 

goods industry, as well as internal processes, to identify risks and 

Monitoring &  
Reporting

Risk Owners

Identification

opportunities as early as possible. Our company-wide network of Risk 

Owners (generally all direct reports to the adidas AG Executive Board, 

including the Managing Directors of our markets) ensures effective 

identification  of  risks  and  opportunities.  The  Risk  Management 

Handling

Evaluation

department has defined a catalogue of potential risk areas (Risk 

Universe) to assist Risk Owners in identifying and categorising risks 

and opportunities.

11 8

1 19

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Risk and Opportunity Report

02  RISK EVALUATION CATEGORIES

Almost certain

> 85%

Material risks

Very likely

50% – 85%

d
o
o
h
i
l
e
k
L

i

Likely

Possible

Unlikely

30% – 50%

15% – 30%

< 15%

Very low

Low

Medium

High

Very high

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

Potential impact

Risk classification:  ■ Marginal  ■ Minor  ■ Moderate  ■ Significant  ■ Major 

1  Based on operating profit, financial result or tax expenses.

The Risk Owners use various instruments in the risk and opportunity 

According to our methodology, risks and opportunities are evaluated 

identification process, such as primary qualitative and quantitative 

by looking at two dimensions: the potential impact and the likelihood 

research including trend scouting and consumer surveys as well 

that this impact materialises. Based on this evaluation, we classify 

as  feedback  from  our  business  partners  and  controlled  space 

risks  and  opportunities  into  five  categories:  marginal,  minor, 

network. These efforts are supported by global market research 

moderate, significant and major.

and competitor analysis. Through this process, we seek to identify 

the markets, categories, consumer target groups and product styles 

The potential impact is evaluated using five categories: very low, low, 

which show most potential for future growth at a local and global 

medium, high and very high. 

 see Diagram 02 These categories represent 

level. Equally, our analysis focuses on those areas that are at risk of 

quantitative or equivalent qualitative measurements. The quantitative 

saturation or exposed to increased competition or changing consumer 

measurements are based on the potential financial effect on the 

tastes. However, our risk and opportunity identification process is not 

relevant income statement metrics (operating profit, financial result 

only limited to external risk factors or opportunities; it also includes 

or tax expenses). Qualitative measurements used are, for example, 

an internal perspective that considers processes, projects, human 

the degree of media exposure or additional senior management 

resources and compliance aspects.

 — Risk and opportunity evaluation: We evaluate identified risks 
and  opportunities  individually  according  to  a  systematic  evalu-

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, 

ation methodology, which allows adequate prioritisation as well as 

very likely and almost certain.

allocation of resources. Risk and opportunity evaluation is also part 

of the Risk Owners’ responsibility. The Risk Management department 

When  evaluating  risks  and  opportunities,  we  also  consider  the 

supports and guides the Risk Owners in the evaluation process.

earliest time period when the company’s target achievement may be 

impacted, in order to provide a broad perspective and ensure early 

identification and mitigation. Short-term risks and opportunities may 

affect the achievement of the company’s objectives already in the 
current financial year, mid-term risks and opportunities would impact 
the company’s target achievement in the next financial year, while 
long-term risks and opportunities might only have an effect on the 
achievement of the company’s objectives after the next financial year.

11 9

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Risk and Opportunity Report

GROUP  MANAGE ME NT  RE PORT  –   FI NANC IAL  RE VIEW

Risk and Opportunity Report

3

We consider both gross and net risks in our risk assessments. While 

Regular risk reporting consists of a two-step reporting stream that is 

the gross risk reflects the inherent (‘worst-case’) risk before any 
mitigating action, the net risk reflects the residual (‘expected’) risk 

supported and facilitated by a globally used company-wide IT solution. 

Firstly, on a quarterly basis, Risk Owners are required to report to Risk 

after all mitigating action. On the one hand, this approach allows 

Management risks that have a possible gross impact rating of at least 

for a good understanding of the impact of mitigating action taken; 

medium or a net impact rating of at least low, both regardless of the 

on the other hand, it provides the basis for scenario analysis. Our 

likelihood of materialising. Risk Owners are also required to report 

assessment of risks presented in this report only reflects the net risk 

all opportunities that have an impact rating of at least low. Secondly, 

perspective. We measure the actual financial impact of high-level 

Risk Management aggregates the reported risks and opportunities 

risks that materialised against the original assessment on a yearly 

and, also on a quarterly basis, provides a consolidated company-wide 

basis. In this way, we ensure continuous monitoring of the accuracy of 

report based on the Risk Owners’ input, which specifically highlights 

risk evaluations across the company, which enables us to continuously 

substantial  individual  risks  and  opportunities  as  well  as,  on  an 

improve evaluation methodology based on our findings.

aggregated level, key areas of risk and opportunity.

In assessing the potential effect from opportunities, each opportunity 

Material changes in previously reported risks and/or newly identified 

is appraised with respect to viability, commerciality and potential 

risks with a potential net impact of at least medium, and any issues 

risks. This approach is applied to longer-term strategic prospects 

identified which, due to their material nature, require immediate 

but also to shorter-term tactical and opportunistic initiatives at the 

corporate level as well as at the market and brand level. In contrast 

to the risk evaluation, only the net perspective exists for assessing 

opportunities.

reporting to the Executive Board, are also reported outside the regular 
quarterly reporting stream on an ad hoc basis.

 — Risk  and  opportunity  handling:  Risks  and  opportunities  are 
treated  in  accordance  with  the  company’s  risk  and  opportunity 

COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM  
(ADIDAS FAIR PLAY COMPLIANCE FRAMEWORK)

We consider compliance with the law as well as with external and 

management principles as described in the Risk Management Policy. 

internal regulations to be imperative. Every employee is required to 

Risk Owners are in charge of developing and implementing appro-

act ethically and in compliance with the law as well as with external 

priate  risk-mitigating  action  and  exploiting  opportunities  within 

and internal regulations while executing the company’s business. 

their area of responsibility. In addition, the Risk Owners need to 

Violations must be avoided under all circumstances. As a company 

determine a general risk-handling strategy for the identified risks, 

with worldwide operations and more than 60,000 employees, however, 

which is either risk avoidance, risk reduction with the objective to 

we  realise  that  it  will  never  be  possible  to  exclude  compliance 

minimise impact and/or likelihood, risk transfer to a third party or 

violations with absolute certainty.

risk acceptance. The decision on the implementation of the respective 

risk-handling strategy also takes into account the costs in relation to 

The  adidas  Fair  Play  Compliance  Framework  and  our  risk  and 

the effectiveness of any planned mitigating action if applicable. The 

opportunity management system are closely aligned and both are 

Risk Management department works closely with the Risk Owners 

overseen by the company’s Chief Compliance Officer who reports 

to monitor the continuous progress of planned mitigating action and 

directly to the company’s Chief Executive Officer. We see compliance 

assess the viability of already implemented mitigating action.

as all-encompassing, spanning all business functions throughout the 

 — Risk and opportunity monitoring and reporting: Our integrated 
risk and opportunity management system aims to increase the trans-

entire value chain, from supply chain through to the end consumer. 

Consequently, the identification, analysis and evaluation of potential 

compliance risks is an essential part of our risk and opportunity 

parency of risks and opportunities. As both risks and opportunities 

management process. The Risk Management department works 

are subject to constant change, Risk Owners not only monitor devel-

closely with the Risk Owners and responsible Compliance Officers 

opments but also the adequacy and effectiveness of the current risk-

to conduct a systematic assessment of key compliance risks on a 

handling strategy on an ongoing basis.

quarterly basis. In addition, the Compliance department regularly 

conducts  detailed  compliance  risk  assessments  within  selected 

entities.

12 0

1 21

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Risk and Opportunity Report

The company’s compliance management system is based on the 

03   REPORTING OF POTENTIAL COMPLIANCE  

OECD Principles of Corporate 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.

 — 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 

company and its brands through compliant conduct.

 — Preserve diversity by fighting harassment and discrimination.

Our Fair Play Code of Conduct, which is applicable globally and for 

all business areas, stipulates guidelines for behaviour in everyday 

VIOLATIONS IN %

30

37

33

37%

Anonymous call to hotline

33%

Named call to hotline

30%

Compliance Officer

work, which all employees are obliged to comply with. The Code of 

To ensure timely detection of potential infringements of statutory 

Conduct is accessible on our website, on our intranet and as an app for 

regulations  or  internal  guidelines,  we  have  implemented 

smartphones. 

 www.adidas-group.com/s/code-of-conduct The Code of Conduct is 

whistleblowing procedures which allow employees to either report 

the cornerstone of our compliance management programme which is 
founded on three pillars: prevention, detection and response.

concerns over wrongdoing/potential compliance violations internally 
(e.g. directly to their supervisor, to the Chief Compliance Officer or 

Prevention includes, for example, policies such as the company’s 

Council)  or  externally  via  an  independent,  confidential  reporting 

Code  of  Conduct,  the  anti-bribery  and  corruption  policy  or  the 

hotline or email service. The hotline (named ‘Fair Play hotline’) is 

privacy policy, training of employees or targeted compliance-related 

available at all times worldwide. In case of reported or suspected 

communication by management or the Compliance department. In 

compliance violations, the Chief Compliance Officer or the Compliance 

2016, more than 4,700 employees participated in our web-based 

department undertake the required investigations.

other Compliance Officers, the relevant HR manager or the Works 

Code of Conduct training, which is a major component of employee 

onboarding, while around 2,700 employees completed our web-based 

anti-bribery and corruption training. In addition, 12,200 employees 

completed the Securing Information and Protecting Privacy training. 

Furthermore,  80  senior  executives  were  selected  and  trained  in 

dedicated three-hour compliance workshops.

04  POTENTIAL COMPLIANCE VIOLATIONS 

Financial,  
including theft

Malfeasance, including 
conflicts of interest  
and corruption

Competition

Behavioural

Other 1

180

150

120

90

60

30

0

89

26

2

1  Includes payroll issues, intellectual property and leaks of confidential information, inter alia.

157

57

121

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Risk and Opportunity Report

3

3

Appropriate and timely response to compliance violations is essential. 

We regard the internal control and risk management system as a 

Therefore, we have established a global network of local Compliance 
Officers reporting directly to the adidas Chief Compliance Officer as 

process based on the principle of segregation of duties, encompassing 
various  sub-processes  in  the  areas  of  Accounting,  Controlling, 

contact persons to whom complaints and information concerning 

Taxes,  Treasury,  Planning,  Reporting  and  Legal,  focusing  on  the 

compliance violations can be reported. We track, monitor and report 

identification, assessment, treatment, monitoring and reporting of 

potential incidents of non-compliance worldwide using a web-based 

financial reporting risks. Clearly defined responsibilities are assigned 

reporting solution. In 2016, we recorded 331 potential compliance 

to each distinct sub-process. In a first step, the internal control and 

violations, representing a slight increase compared to the prior year 

risk management system serves to identify and assess as well as to 

when 314 potential violations were recorded. 

 see Diagram 03 

 see 

limit and control risks identified in the consolidated financial reporting 

Diagram 04 This increase is attributable to ongoing senior management 

process which might result in our consolidated financial statements 

communication, training and workshops, which have led to improved 

not being in conformity with internal and external regulations.

employee awareness with respect to ethical conduct. 

Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICoFR) serves to provide 

Appropriate sanction mechanisms (ranging from warnings through to 

reasonable  assurance  regarding  the  reliability  of  reporting  and 

termination of employment) are used to react promptly to confirmed 

compliance with applicable laws and regulations despite identified 

compliance  violations.  Insights  gained  from  the  investigation  of 

financial  reporting  risks.  To  monitor  the  effectiveness  of  ICoFR, 

past violations are used to continuously improve the compliance 
management system.

the  Policies  &  Internal  Controls  department  and  the  Internal 
Audit department regularly review accounting-related processes. 

Monthly  key  performance  indicators  (KPIs),  including  those  for 

selects  and  examines  internal  controls,  including  IT  controls,  to 

participation in training and for compliance violations, are reported 

assess their effectiveness. The Audit Committee of the adidas AG 

to the Executive Board by the Compliance department. The Chief 

Supervisory Board also monitors the effectiveness of ICoFR. However, 

Compliance Officer regularly reports to the Chief Executive Officer 

due to the limitations of ICoFR, even with appropriate and functional 

on  the  further  development  of  the  compliance  programme  and 

systems absolute certainty about the effectiveness of ICoFR cannot 

Additionally,  as  part  of  the  year-end  audit,  the  external  auditor 

on major compliance cases, which are also reported to the Audit 

be guaranteed.

Committee. Further, he reports to the Audit Committee at one of its 

meetings at least once a year concerning the contents and the further 

All Group companies are required to comply with the consolidated 

development of the compliance programme. 

financial reporting policies (Finance Manual), which are available to 

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)

all employees involved in the financial reporting process through the 

company-wide intranet. We update the Finance Manual on a regular 

basis, dependent on regulatory changes and internal developments. 

Changes to the 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 company. We aim to ensure compliance with 

The internal control and risk management system relating to the 

the Finance Manual through continuous adherence to the four-eyes 

consolidated financial reporting process of the company represents 

principle in accounting-related processes. In addition, each quarter, 

a process embedded within the company-wide corporate governance 

the local manager responsible for the accounting process within 

system.  It  aims  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  the 

the respective company and the respective local Managing Director 

reliability of the company’s external financial reporting by ensuring 

confirm adherence to the Finance Manual and to IFRS in a signed 

company-wide compliance with statutory accounting regulations, in 

representation letter to the Accounting department.

particular the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and 

internal consolidated financial reporting policies (Finance Manual). 

12 2

1 23

1 23

3
3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Risk and Opportunity Report – Illustration of Material Risks

The  accounting  for  Group  companies  is  conducted  either  locally 

or by an adidas Shared Service Centre. Most of the IT Enterprise 
Resource Planning (ERP) systems used are based on a company-wide 

ILLUSTRATION OF MATERIAL RISKS

This report includes an explanation of what we perceive as material 

standardised SAP system. Some Group companies use Navision-

risks to the achievement of the company’s objectives in 2017. Besides 

based ERP software. As part of an initiative aimed at harmonising our 

these material risks, we also report risks we deem to be relevant in 

system infrastructure (One ERP), we will also introduce an SAP-based 

2017 as well as credit risks, interest rate risks, and financing and 

ERP system within these Group companies in the medium term. 

liquidity risks. The risk overview table shows the assessment of all 

Following approval by the Finance Director of the respective Group 

risks described below. 

 see Table 05

company, the local financial statements are transferred to a central 

consolidation system based on SAP SEM-BCS. At the corporate level, 

the regularity and reliability of the financial statements prepared by 

STRATEGIC RISKS

Group companies are reviewed by the Accounting and Controlling 

departments. These reviews include automated validations in the 

Risks related to organisational structure and change
Operating in a dynamic and fast-moving competitive environment, 

system as well as the creation of reports and analyses to ensure 

the company needs to cope with constantly changing requirements 

data  integrity  and  adherence  to  the  reporting  logic.  In  addition, 

in respect of the workforce (e.g. adaptability, learning, skillsets, 

differences between current year and prior year financial data as 

mobility,  diversity)  and  workplace  (e.g.  flexibility  and  space 

well as budget figures are analysed on a market level. If necessary, 
the company seeks the opinion of independent experts to review 

management). Therefore, organisational flexibility and the ability to 
adapt quickly to new competitive circumstances are critical to remain 

business transactions that occur infrequently and on a non-routine 

successful. A complex organisational structure and unclear roles and 

basis. After ensuring data plausibility, the centrally coordinated and 

responsibilities can lead to delayed or sub-optimal decision-making, 

monitored consolidation process begins, running automatically on 

as well as inefficient and ineffective processes. Improper planning 

SAP SEM-BCS. Controls within the individual consolidation steps, 

and execution of reorganisation and transformation initiatives may 

such  as  those  relating  to  the  consolidation  of  debt  or  of  income 

reduce employee engagement and cause business disruption and 

and  expenses,  are  conducted  both  manually  and  system-based, 

inefficiencies. Frequent organisational changes could cause fatigue 

using automatically created consolidation logs. Any inadequacies 

among the workforce and lead to reduced efficiency and productivity. 

are remedied manually by systematically processing the individual 

The HR function therefore plays a key role in driving effective change 

errors as well as differences and are reported back to the Group 

management.

companies. After finalisation of all consolidation steps, all items in the 

consolidated income statement and in the consolidated statement of 

We mitigate these risks through continuous, open and transparent 

financial position are analysed with respect to trends and variances. 

communication with our employees. Our Executive Board members 

Unless already otherwise clarified, the Group companies are asked 

as well as the senior management team across the company regularly 

to explain any identified material deviations.

update employees on organisational changes and openly explain the 

reasons for change. To adequately manage change and to ensure 

All  financial  systems  used  are  protected  against  malpractice  by 

clarity about roles and responsibilities throughout the organisation, 

means of appropriate authorisation concepts, approval concepts 

we also utilise internal and external experts in project management, 

and access restrictions. Access authorisations are reviewed on a 

change management and communication, who actively educate and 

regular basis and updated if required. The risk of data loss or outage 

engage the workforce to embrace and support new organisational 

of accounting-related IT systems is minimised through central control 

structures and processes. To increase flexibility and adaptability in 

and monitoring of virtually all IT systems, centralised management 

the workforce and workplace and thereby reduce risks related to 

of change processes and regular data backups.

organisational change, we implement various mitigating measures 

such as strategic workforce planning, tailored on-the-job learning 

programmes and development plans for our employees, as well as 

the future workplace concept. 

 see Our People, p. 72 In this context, the 

company continues to roll out its ‘MyArena’ concept, aimed at creating 

a flexible and attractive work environment that stimulates innovation, 

collaboration and creativity. 

123
123

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Risk and Opportunity Report – Illustration of Material Risks

3

05  RISK OVERVIEW 

Strategic risks

Risks related to organisational structure and change

Risks related to distribution strategy

Competition risks

Risks related to media and stakeholder activities

Macroeconomic, sociopolitical and regulatory risks

Operational risks

Personnel risks

Business partner risks

IT risks

Inventory risks

Legal & Compliance risks

Risks related to customs and tax regulations

Financial risks

Currency risks

Risks related to impairment of goodwill/other intangible assets

Credit risks

Interest rate risks

Financing and liquidity risks

Potential  
impact

Change 
(2015 rating)

Likelihood

Change 
(2015 rating)

 (Possible)

 (Possible)

Very high

Medium

Medium

Medium

Very high

High

High

High

High

High

Very high

Very high

High

Low

Very low

 (High)

 (High)

 (High)

 (Very high)

Unlikely

Likely

Possible

Possible

Unlikely

Possible

Possible

Possible

Unlikely

Likely

Likely

Likely

 (Very high)

Unlikely

Likely

Likely

Risks related to distribution strategy
The inability to appropriately influence the channels in which the 

Competition risks
Strategic alliances amongst competitors and/or retailers, the increase 

company’s products are sold constitutes a continuous risk. Grey 

of retailers’ own private label businesses and intense competition for 

market activity or parallel imports could negatively affect our own 

consumers and promotion partnerships between well-established 

sales  performance  and  the  image  of  our  brands.  Furthermore, 

industry peers and new market entrants (e.g. new brands, vertical 

changes  to  segmentation  and  channel  strategies  could  lead  to 

retailers) pose a substantial risk to adidas. This could lead to harmful 

inadequate utilisation of our multiple distribution channels as well 

competitive behaviour, such as price wars in the marketplace or 

as strong retaliation from our customers. An unbalanced portfolio 

bidding wars for promotion partnerships. Sustained pricing pressure 

of own-retail stores (e.g. overexposure to certain markets or store 

in key markets could threaten the company’s financial performance 

formats) or inappropriate store locations may result in worse-than-

and  the  competitiveness  of  our  brands.  Aggressive  competitive 

expected sales development and lower profitability.

practices could also drive increases in marketing costs and market 

share losses, thus hurting the company’s profitability and market 

To mitigate these risks, adidas has developed and implemented clearly 

position. World leaders in digital technologies could threaten adidas’ 

defined distribution policies and procedures to avoid over-distribution 

success in markets for sport, health and fitness apps.

of products in a particular channel and limit the exposure to grey 

markets. We continuously monitor our own-retail store portfolio, 

To mitigate competition risks, we continuously monitor and analyse 

which helps us identify imbalances and quickly take appropriate 

information on our competitors and markets in order to be able to 

action such as store closure or remodelling. New store openings are 

anticipate unfavourable changes in the competitive environment 

managed according to a standardised company-wide business plan 

rather than reacting to such changes. This enables us to proactively 

model, taking into account our many years of own-retail experience 

adjust our marketing and sales activities when needed. Continuous 

and best practices from around the world. In addition, we conduct 

investment in research and development ensures that we remain 

specific training for our sales force to appropriately manage product 

innovative and distinct from competitors. 

 see Research and Development, 

distribution and ensure that the right product is sold at the right point 

p. 67 We also pursue a strategy of entering into long-term agreements 

of sale to the right consumer at an appropriate price.

with key promotion partners such as FC Bayern Munich or Lionel 
Messi,  as  well  as  adding  new  partners  to  refresh  and  diversify 

124

1 25

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Risk and Opportunity Report – Illustration of Material Risks

our portfolio, e.g. Paul Pogba, Kristaps Porzingis or Gigi Hadid. In 

To mitigate these macroeconomic, sociopolitical and regulatory risks, 

addition, our product and communication initiatives are designed to 

adidas strives to balance sales across key regions and also between 

increase brand desire, drive market share growth and strengthen 

developed and emerging markets. We also continuously monitor 

our brands’ market position.

the macroeconomic, political and regulatory landscape in all our 

key markets to anticipate potential problem areas, so that we are 

Risks related to media and stakeholder activities
The company faces considerable risk if we are unable to uphold high 

able to quickly adjust our business activities accordingly upon any 

change in conditions. Potential adjustments may be a reallocation 

levels of consumer awareness, affiliation and purchase intent for 

of  investments  to  alternative,  more  attractive  markets,  changes 

our brands. Adverse or inaccurate media coverage of our products 

in product prices, closure of own-retail stores, more conservative 

or business practices as well as negative social media discussion 

product  purchasing,  tight  working  capital  management  and  an 

may significantly harm the company’s reputation and brand image, 

increased focus on cost control. In addition, by building on our leading 

lead  to  public  misperception  of  our  business  performance  and 

position within the sporting goods industry, we actively engage in 

eventually result in a sales slowdown. Similarly, certain activities on 

supporting policymakers and regulators in their efforts to liberalise 

the part of key stakeholders (e.g. non-governmental organisations, 

global trade and curtail trade barriers and also in order to proactively 

governmental institutions) could cause reputational damage, distract 

adapt to significant changes in the regulatory environment.

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)  on 

OPERATIONAL RISKS

Personnel risks
Achieving the company’s strategic and financial objectives is highly 

a  continuous  basis.  In  addition,  we  have  established  clear  crisis 

dependent on our employees and their talents. In that respect, strong 

communication processes to ensure a quick and effective response 

leadership and a performance-enhancing culture are critical to the 

to adverse developments. We have also strengthened social media 

company’s success. Therefore, inconsistent or ineffective leadership 

capabilities and created various digital newsrooms worldwide that 

as well as the failure to instil and maintain a performance-oriented 

enable continuous monitoring of social media content related to the 

culture  and  ensure  strong  employee  engagement  amongst  our 

company’s products and activities and allow early management of 

workforce could also substantially impede our ability to achieve our 

potentially damaging social media discussion. On a case-by-case 

goals. In addition, global competition for highly qualified personnel 

basis, we seek external advice from experts in communication and 

remains fierce. As a result, the loss of key personnel in strategic 

stakeholder management.

Macroeconomic, sociopolitical and regulatory risks
Growth  in  the  sporting  goods  industry  is  highly  dependent  on 

positions and the inability to identify, recruit and retain sufficient 

numbers of highly qualified and skilled people who best meet the 

specific needs of our company pose substantial risks to our business 

performance.  Unattractive  or  non-competitive  management  and 

consumer spending and consumer confidence. Economic downturns 

employee remuneration may exacerbate these risks. In addition, a 

and  sociopolitical  factors  such  as  military  conflicts,  changes 

lack of sufficient training measures and inadequate documentation 

of  government,  civil  unrest,  nationalisation  or  expropriation,  in 

of critical know-how might dilute or lead to a loss of key capabilities.

particular in regions where the company is strongly represented, 

therefore pose a significant risk to the company’s business activities 

Our  People  Strategy,  aimed  at  fostering  a  corporate  culture  of 

and  top-  and  bottom-line  performance.  In  addition,  substantial 

confidence, creativity and collaboration that is needed to be successful, 

changes in the regulatory environment (e.g. trade restrictions, tax 

is  an  essential  part  of  our  strategic  business  plan  ‘Creating  the 

legislation, economic and political sanctions) could lead to potential 

New’ and is designed to reduce these risks. 

 see Our People, p. 72 We 

sales shortfalls or cost increases. Recent developments, such as the 

continuously invest in improving employer branding activities to be 

result of the referendum in the United Kingdom in favour of leaving 

the ‘employer of choice’ in our industry and as a result attract and 

the European Union (‘Brexit’), increase the level of uncertainty and 

retain the right talent. We have also established a global recruiting 

thereby related potential risks.

organisation to enhance our internal and external recruiting services 

and capabilities. In addition, we strengthen employee retention by 

providing employees with development and career opportunities (e.g. 

via our Talent Carousel programme) and we focus on promoting from 

within the organisation rather than recruiting externally. We also have 

attractive reward and incentive schemes in place, designed to further 

support long-term employee commitment.

125

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Risk and Opportunity Report – Illustration of Material Risks

3

Business partner risks
adidas  interacts  and  enters  into  partnerships  with  various  third 
parties such as promotion partners, retail partners or suppliers. As 

company’s top executives and second-line management. We also 

utilise a broad distribution strategy which includes further expansion 
of our controlled space activities to reduce the risk of over-reliance on 

a result, the company is exposed to a multitude of business partner 

particular key customers. Specifically, no single customer accounted 

risks.

for more than 5% of the company’s sales in 2016. To reduce the risk 

of business interruption in the supply chain, we work with suppliers 

Injuries to individual athletes or poor on-field performance on the part 

who demonstrate reliability, quality and innovation. Furthermore, 

of sponsored teams or athletes could reduce their consumer appeal 

in  order  to  minimise  any  potential  negative  consequences  such 

and eventually result in lower sales and diminished attractiveness of 

as  a  violation  of  our  Workplace  Standards  by  our  suppliers,  we 

our brands. Failure to cement and maintain strong relationships with 

enforce strict control and inspection procedures at our suppliers 

retailers could have substantial negative effects on our wholesale 

and also demand adherence to social and environmental standards 

activities and thus the company’s business performance. Losing 

throughout our supply chain. 

 see Sustainability, p. 78 In addition, we 

important customers in key markets due to sub-par relationship 

have selectively bought insurance coverage for the risk of business 

management would result in significant sales shortfalls. In a few 

interruptions caused by physical damage to suppliers’ premises. To 

individual markets, we work with distributors or strategic partners 

reduce dependency on any particular supplier, the company follows 

whose approach might differ from our own distribution practices 

a strategy of diversification. In this context, adidas works with a broad 

and standards, which could also negatively impact the company’s 
business  performance.  Similarly,  failure  to  maintain  strong 

network of suppliers and, for the vast majority of its products, does 
not have a single-sourcing model 

 see Glossary, p. 218.

relationships with suppliers or service providers could negatively 

impact the company’s sales and profitability. Risks may also arise 

from a dependence on particular suppliers, customers or service 

IT risks
Theft or leakage of confidential and sensitive information or data 

providers. Over-reliance on a supplier for a substantial portion of 

(e.g. product data, employee data, consumer data) could lead to 

the company’s product volume, or over-dependence on a particular 

reputational  damage,  penalties  and  higher  costs.  Data  leakage 

customer, increases the company’s vulnerability to delivery and sales 

could trigger in-depth forensic investigation resulting in temporary 

shortfalls and could lead to significant margin pressure. Business 

unavailability of key systems and business interruption. Key business 

partner default (including insolvency) or other disruptive events such 

processes,  including  product  marketing,  order  management, 

as strikes may negatively affect the company’s business activities and 

warehouse management, invoice processing, customer support and 

result in additional costs and liabilities as well as lower sales for the 

financial reporting, are all dependent on IT systems. A significant 

company. Unethical business practices or improper behaviour on 

systems  outage  or  application  failure  could  therefore  result  in 

the part of business partners could have a negative spill-over effect 

considerable disruptions to our business. Virus or malware attacks 

on the company’s reputation, lead to higher costs or liabilities and 

could also lead to systems disruption and may result in the loss of 

disrupt business activities.

business-critical and/or confidential information.

To mitigate business partner risks, adidas has implemented various 

To mitigate these risks, our IT organisation proactively engages in 

measures. For example, we generally include clauses in contractual 

system  preventive  maintenance,  service  continuity  planning  and 

agreements with athletes, clubs and federations or other promotion 

adherence to applicable IT policies. Data security is managed by 

partners that allow us to suspend or even terminate our partnership 

restricting user access based on job description and adhering to 

in case of improper or unethical conduct. In addition, we work with a 

data  protection  regulations.  We  conduct  security  reviews  of  key 

broad portfolio of promotion partners, including individual athletes, 

systems and applications on a regular basis and have established 

club  teams  and  federations  or  associations  in  numerous  sports 

monitoring and alert systems to detect and properly tackle IT security 

in order to reduce the dependence on the success and popularity 

incidents. Additional security measures such as anti-virus software 

of a few individual partners. To ensure strong relationships with 

and firewalls are designed to further protect our systems and critical 

retailers, adidas is committed to delivering outstanding customer 

information. We perform multiple backups at alternating data centre 

service and providing our retail partners with the support and tools 

locations for the company’s core ERP system on a daily basis. In 

required to establish and maintain a mutually successful business 

addition, for the ERP system, our contingency solution allows us 

relationship. Customer relationship management is not only a key 

to quickly switch to a remote site if necessary – without any loss of 

activity for our sales force but also of utmost importance to our 

data. System security, controls and reliability are regularly reviewed 

and tested by the Internal Audit department. To increase awareness 

amongst employees with regard to information security and data 

privacy,  we  conduct  various  training  programmes  and  regular 
information campaigns. 

126

1 27

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Risk and Opportunity Report – Illustration of Material Risks

Inventory risks
As we place initial production orders up to nine months in advance of 

delivery, adidas is exposed to inventory risks relating to misjudging 

LEGAL & COMPLIANCE RISKS

Risks related to customs and tax regulations
Numerous laws and regulations regarding customs and taxes affect 

consumer demand at the time of production planning. Overestimating 

the company’s business practices worldwide. Non-compliance with 

demand  could  result  in  inappropriate  capacity  utilisation  at  our 

regulations concerning product imports (including calculation of 

suppliers’  factories,  lead  to  over-production  and  cause  excess 

customs values), intercompany transactions or income taxes could 

inventory for the company as well as in the marketplace. This can have 

lead to substantial financial penalties and additional costs as well 

negative implications for our financial performance, including product 

as negative media coverage and therefore reputational damage, for 

returns,  inventory  obsolescence  and  higher  levels  of  clearance 

example in case of understatements or underpayments of corporate 

activity as well as reduced liquidity due to higher operating working 

income taxes or customs duties.

capital requirements. Similarly, underestimating demand can lead 

to product shortfalls at the point of sale. In this situation, adidas 

To  proactively  manage  such  risks,  we  constantly  seek  expert 

faces the risk of missed sales opportunities and/or customer and 

advice  from  specialised  law  and  tax  advisory  firms.  We  closely 

consumer disappointment, which could lead to a reduction in brand 

monitor changes in legislation in order to properly adopt regulatory 

loyalty and hurt our reputation as an On-Time In-Full supplier.  

 see 

requirements  regarding  customs  and  taxes.  In  addition,  our 

Global Operations, p. 62 In addition, the company faces potential profitability 

internal legal, customs or tax departments advise our operational 

impacts from additional costs such as airfreight in efforts to speed 

up replenishment. 

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 

In  order  to  mitigate  these  risks,  we  actively  manage  inventory 

and import regulations and obtain the required clearance of products 

levels,  for  example  by  continuous  monitoring  of  stock  levels  as 

to fulfil sales demand. In order to reduce the financial risk, we also 

well  as  centralising  stock  holding  and  clearance  activities.  We 

create provisions in our financial statements in accordance with the 

also continuously strive to improve our forecasting and material 

relevant accounting regulations to account for potential disputes with 

planning  processes.  Our  integrated  business  planning  process 

customs or tax authorities.

ensures alignment of demand and supply planning on a monthly 

basis and thus facilitates inventory and order book management. 

 see Internal Management System, p. 86 In addition, our Global Operations 

FINANCIAL RISKS

function is continuously improving the agility and flexibility of our 

planning environment in order to shorten order-to-delivery times 

Currency risks
Currency risks for adidas are a direct result of multi-currency cash 

and  ensure  availability  of  products  while  trying  to  avoid  excess 

flows within the company. Furthermore, translation impacts from 

inventories. In this context, the company’s strategic priority ‘Speed’ 

the conversion of non-euro-denominated results into the company’s 

is an important driver, leveraging market and sell-through data in 

functional currency, the euro, might lead to a material negative impact 

new ways. This, in turn, enables us to respond quickly to consumer 

on our company’s financial performance. The biggest single driver 

demand and to deliver concepts that are fresh and desirable and 

behind this risk results from the mismatch of the currencies required 

made available when and where they are wanted by the consumer. 

for sourcing our products versus the denominations of our sales. The 

 see Corporate Strategy, p. 48

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. Exposures are presented in the respective table. 

 see Table 

06 The exposure from firm commitments and forecasted transactions 

was calculated on a one-year basis.

127

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Risk and Opportunity Report – Illustration of Material Risks

3

In line with IFRS 7 requirements, we have calculated the impact on 

However, many other financial and operational variables that could 

net income and shareholders’ equity based on changes in our most 

potentially reduce the effect of currency fluctuations are excluded 

important currency exchange rates. The calculated impacts mainly 

result from changes in the fair value of our hedging instruments. 

from the analysis. For instance:
 — Interest rates, commodity prices and all other exchange rates 

The analysis does not include effects that arise from the translation 

are assumed constant.

of  our  foreign  entities’  financial  statements  into  the  company’s 

reporting currency, the euro. The sensitivity analysis is based on the 

 — Exchange rates are assumed at a year-end value instead of the 
more relevant sales-weighted average figure, which we utilise 

net balance sheet exposure, including intercompany balances from 

internally to better reflect both the seasonality of our business 

monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. 

and intra-year currency fluctuations.

Moreover, all outstanding currency derivatives were re-evaluated 

using hypothetical foreign exchange rates to determine the effects 

 — The underlying forecasted cash flow exposure (which the hedge 
instrument mainly relates to) is not required to be revalued in 

on net income and equity. The analysis was performed on the same 

this analysis.

basis for both 2015 and 2016.

 — Operational issues, such as potential discounts for key accounts, 
which have high transparency regarding the impacts of currency 

Based on this analysis, a 10% increase in the euro versus the US 

on our sourcing activities (due to their own private label sourcing 

dollar at December 31, 2016 would have led to a € 7 million increase 

efforts), are also excluded from this analysis.

in net income. 
 see Table 07 The more negative market values of the 
US dollar hedges would have decreased shareholders’ equity by 

€ 277 million. A 10% weaker euro at December 31, 2016 would have 

Utilising a centralised currency risk management system, we hedge 
currency needs for projected sourcing requirements on a rolling basis 

led to a € 8 million decrease in net income. Shareholders’ equity 

up to 24 months in advance. In rare instances, hedges are contracted 

would have increased by € 355 million. The impacts of fluctuations of 

beyond the 24-month horizon. 

 see Treasury, p. 101 Our goal is to have 

the US dollar against the Russian rouble and of the euro against the 

the vast majority of our hedging volume secured six months prior to 

British pound and the Japanese yen on net income and shareholders’ 

the start of a given season. The company also largely hedges balance 

equity are also included in accordance with IFRS requirements.

sheet risks. Due to our strong global position, we are able to partly 

minimise currency risk by utilising natural hedges.

06  EXPOSURE TO FOREIGN EXCHANGE RISK BASED ON NOTIONAL AMOUNTS, € IN MILLIONS

USD

GBP

JPY

RUB

As at December 31, 2016

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, 2015

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

(6,763)

(478)

(7,241)

114

405

5,253

(1,469)

(5,849)

(429)

(6,278)

110

4,135

(2,033)

985

(11)

974

(985)

(11)

834

(47)

787

(59)

(549)

179

615

(6)

609

(54)

(578)

(23)

483

7

490

(414)

76

252

28

280

(53)

227

299

10

309

(47)

262

128

1 29

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Risk and Opportunity Report – Illustration of Material Risks

07  SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES € IN MILLIONS

As at December 31, 2016

Equity

Net income

Equity

Net income

As at December 31, 2015

Equity

Net income

Equity

Net income

USD

GBP

JPY

RUB

EUR +10%

EUR +10%

EUR +10%

USD +10%

(277)

7

85

1

53

1

–

5

EUR – 10%

EUR – 10%

EUR – 10%

USD – 10%

355

(8)

(104)

(1)

(66)

(1)

–

(5)

EUR +10%

EUR +10%

EUR +10%

USD +10%

(225)

7

61

4

40

(1)

–

4

EUR – 10%

EUR – 10%

EUR – 10%

USD – 10%

238

(9)

(61)

(5)

(41)

1

–

(4)

Our gross US dollar cash flow exposure after natural hedges calculated 

for 2017 was around € 7.2 billion at year-end 2016, which we hedged 

Credit risks
A credit risk arises if a customer or other counterparty to a financial 

using forward exchange contracts, currency options and currency 

instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. 

 see Note 30, p. 181 

swaps. 

 see Table 06 Our Treasury Policy allows us to utilise hedging 

adidas is exposed to credit risks from its operating activities and 

instruments, such as currency options or option combinations, which 

from certain financing activities. Credit risks arise principally from 

provide protection from negative exchange rate fluctuations while 

accounts receivable and, to a lesser extent, from other third-party 

– at the same time – retaining the potential to benefit from future 

contractual  financial  obligations  such  as  other  financial  assets, 

favourable exchange rate developments in the financial markets.

short-term  bank  deposits  and  derivative  financial  instruments. 

Without taking into account any collateral, the carrying amount of 

As 2017 hedging has almost been completed, it is foreseeable that the 

financial assets and accounts receivable represents the maximum 

EUR/USD conversion rate will be less favourable compared to 2016. 

exposure to credit risk.

Volume forecast variances and currency volatility in countries such 

as Argentina or Russia will expose the company to currency effects 

At the end of 2016, there was no relevant concentration of credit 

in 2017. 

 see Subsequent Events and Outlook, p. 115

risk by type of customer or geography. Our credit risk exposure is 

mainly  influenced  by  individual  customer  characteristics.  Under 

Risks related to impairment of goodwill/other  

the  company’s  credit  policy,  new  customers  are  analysed  for 

intangible assets
As a result of various acquisitions in the past, our balance sheet 

creditworthiness before standard payment and delivery terms and 

conditions  are  offered.  Tolerance  limits  for  accounts  receivable 

carries book values of approximately € 1.4 billion in goodwill and 

are  also  established  for  each  customer.  Both  creditworthiness 

€ 1.8 billion  in  other  intangible  assets  (including  trademarks). 

and accounts receivable limits are monitored on an ongoing basis. 

  see  Note  13,  p.  162 

  see  Note  14,  p.  163  Deterioration  in  the  business 

Customers that fail to meet the company’s minimum creditworthiness 

performance, and particularly in future business prospects, as well 

are, in general, allowed to purchase products only on a prepayment 

as significant exchange rate fluctuations could require corrections 

basis.

of these book values by incurring impairment charges. In addition, 

increases in market interest rates could trigger increases in discount 

Other  activities  to  mitigate  credit  risks  include  retention  of  title 

rates  used  in  our  impairment  test  for  goodwill/trademarks  and 

clauses as well as, on a selective basis, credit insurances, the sale 

require  impairment  charges.  An  impairment  charge  would  be  a 

of accounts receivable without recourse, and bank guarantees. 

purely accounting, non-cash effect impacting the company’s operating 

result.

Objective  evidence  that  financial  assets  are  impaired  includes, 

for instance, significant financial 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 company utilises allowance accounts for 
impairments that represent our estimate of incurred credit losses 
with respect to accounts receivable.

12 9

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Risk and Opportunity Report – Illustration of Material Risks

3

Allowance accounts are used as long as the company is satisfied 

08   SET-OFF POSSIBILITIES OF DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL 

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:
 — firstly, an allowance established for all receivables dependent on 

the ageing structure of receivables past due date and

 — secondly, a specific allowance that relates to individually assessed 

risks for each specific customer – irrespective of ageing.

At the end of 2016, no customer accounted for more than 10% of 

accounts receivable.

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES € IN MILLIONS

2016

2015

Assets

Gross amounts of recognised financial assets

383

228

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 agreeements

Total net amount of financial assets

0

383

(96)

287

0

228

(57)

171

Liabilities

The Treasury department arranges currency, commodity and interest 

Gross amounts of recognised financial liabilities

(112)

(61)

rate hedges, and invests cash, with major banks of a high credit 

standing throughout the world. Group companies are authorised to 

work with banks rated BBB+ or higher. Only in exceptional cases are 

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

subsidiaries authorised to work with banks rated lower than BBB+. 
 see Treasury, p. 101 To limit risk in these cases, restrictions are clearly 

Set-off possible due to master agreeements

Total net amount of financial liabilities

0

0

(112)

96

(16)

(61)

57

(4)

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.

Interest rate risks
Changes  in  global  market  interest  rates  affect  future  interest 

payments for variable-interest liabilities. As the company does not 

We  believe  our  risk  concentration  is  limited  due  to  the  broad 

have material variable-interest liabilities, even a significant increase 

distribution of our investment business with more than 20 globally 

in  interest  rates  should  have  only  slight  adverse  effects  on  the 

operating banks. At December 31, 2016, no bank accounted for more 

company’s profitability, liquidity and financial position. 

than 10% of our investments. Including subsidiaries’ short-term 

deposits in local banks, the average concentration was 1%. This leads 

In 2016, the company did not use interest-rate derivatives to mitigate 

to a maximum exposure of € 96 million in the event of default of any 

interest rate risks. 

single bank. We have further diversified our investment exposure by 

investing into AAA-rated money market funds.

To reduce interest rate risks and maintain financial flexibility, a core 

tenet of our company’s financial strategy is to continue to use surplus 

In addition, in 2016, we held derivatives with a positive fair market 

cash flow from operations to reduce gross borrowings. Beyond that, 

value in the amount of € 406 million. The maximum exposure to any 

we may consider adequate hedging strategies through interest rate 

single bank resulting from these assets amounted to € 92 million and 

derivatives in order to mitigate interest rate risks. 

 see Treasury, p. 101

the average concentration was 3%.

In  accordance  with  IFRS  7,  the  following  table  includes  further 

levels. Given the central banks’ current interest rate policies and 

information about set-off possibilities of derivative financial assets 

macroeconomic uncertainty, we do not expect any major interest 

and  liabilities. 

  see  Table  08  The  majority  of  agreements  between 

rate increases in Europe in 2017. Due to the positive macroeconomic 

financial institutions and adidas include a mutual right to set off. 

development  in  the  USA,  however,  we  believe  an  increase  in  US 

However, these agreements do not meet the criteria for offsetting 

interest rates is likely. At December 31, 2016, 77% of the company’s 

in the statement of financial position, because the right to set off is 

financing was denominated in euros.

In 2016, interest rates in Europe and North America remained at low 

enforceable only in the event of counterparty defaults.

The carrying amounts of recognised derivative financial instruments, 

Financing and liquidity risks
Liquidity  risks  arise  from  not  having  the  necessary  resources 

which are subject to the mentioned agreements, are also presented 

available  to  meet  maturing  liabilities  with  regard  to  timing, 

in the following table. 

 see Table 08

volume  and  currency  structure.  In  addition,  the  company  faces 

the risk of having to accept unfavourable financing terms due to 

13 0

1 31

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Risk and Opportunity Report – Illustration of Opportunities

09  FUTURE CASH OUTFLOWS € IN MILLIONS

Up to  
1 year 

Up to  
2 years

Up to  
3 years

Up to  
4 years

Up to  
5 years

More than  
5 years

Total

As at December 31, 2016

Bank borrowings

Private placements 1

Eurobond 1

Convertible bond 2

Accounts payable

Other financial liabilities

Accrued liabilities 3

Derivative financial liabilities

Total

As at December 31, 2015

Bank borrowings

Private placements 1

Eurobond 1

Convertible bond

Accounts payable

Other financial liabilities

Accrued liabilities 3

Derivative financial liabilities

Total

379

16

2,496

90

704

110

3,795

229

142

16

1

2,024

58

596

60

3,126

16

16

9

3

44

16

502

18

0

536

16

17

616

435

1,116

379

0

16

0

17

0

616

0

435

16

16

16

1,053

2,496

107

713

113

4,924

229

142

1,133

503

2,024

76

596

60

0

16

0

16

0

16

0

1,053

4,763

1  Including interest payments.
2  We do not expect cash outflow but conversions into adidas AG shares.
3  Accrued interest excluded.

liquidity restraints. Our Treasury department uses an efficient cash 

management system to manage liquidity risk. At December 31, 2016, 

ILLUSTRATION OF OPPORTUNITIES

cash  and  cash  equivalents  together  with  marketable  securities 

In this report, we focus on opportunities we deem to be relevant 

amounted to € 1.515 billion (2015: € 1.370 billion). Moreover, our 

for adidas in 2017. The assessment is shown in the opportunities 

company maintains € 2.403 billion (2015: € 2.134 billion) in bilateral 

overview table. 

 see Table 10

credit lines, which are designed to ensure sufficient liquidity at all 

times. Of these, € 700 million consist of core committed lines. 

 see 

Treasury, p. 101

Future  cash  outflows  arising  from  financial  liabilities  that  are 

recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position are 

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 

presented in the table above. 

 see Table 09 This includes payments 

the constantly changing sporting goods retail environment and have 

to settle obligations from borrowings as well as cash outflows from 

made controlled space initiatives a strategic priority. 

 see Corporate 

cash-settled  derivatives  with  negative  market  values.  Financial 

Strategy, p. 48 This includes retail space management with key retail 

liabilities that may be settled in advance without penalty are included 

partners, the further expansion of our e-commerce activities as well 

on the basis of the earliest date of potential repayment. Cash flows 

as the introduction of new own-retail store formats. We also continue 

for variable-interest liabilities are determined with reference to the 

to expand our direct-to-consumer activities in emerging markets 

conditions at the balance sheet date.

such as South East Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. Successful 

results from these initiatives could enable us to accelerate top- and 

We ended the year 2016 with net borrowings of € 103 million (2015: 

bottom-line growth.

€ 460 million). Thus, the ratio of net borrowings over EBITDA was 

0.1 times at year-end, which is below the company’s mid-term target 
corridor of below two times.

131

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Risk and Opportunity Report – Illustration of Opportunities

GROUP  MANAGE ME NT  RE PORT  –   FI NANC IAL  RE VIEW

Management Assessment of  Performance, Risks and  Opportunities, and Outlook

3

3

10  CORPORATE OPPORTUNITIES OVERVIEW 

Potential  
impact

Change  
(2015 rating)

Likelihood

Change  
(2015 rating)

Strategic and operational opportunities

Organic growth opportunities

Opportunities related to organisational and process improvements

Financial opportunities

Favourable financial market changes

High

Medium

Very High

 (Medium)

Possible

Possible

Possible

Marketing  activation/promotion  partnerships:  Well-executed 
campaigns and marketing initiatives could increase brand desire 

In addition to the above-mentioned opportunities, we have identified 

various  other  strategic  and  operational  opportunities  which  are 

and  consumer  appeal,  which  may  drive  full-price  sell-through 

not considered to be relevant in 2017, however are considered to 

and  result  in  higher-than-expected  sales  and  profit.  In  addition, 

have a potential mid- to long-term positive impact on our top- and 

outstanding competitive performance of promotion partners, e.g. 
individual  athletes,  club  teams  or  national  teams,  may  further 

bottom-line performance. These opportunities include, amongst 
others: 

increase their popularity amongst consumers. As a result, adidas 

may generate higher sales of signature footwear or licensed apparel 

and accessories.

Partnerships: adidas is constantly evolving its partnership network 
within sport and culture, such as with academic organisations and 

companies from other industries in research and development. These 

Opportunities related to organisational and process 

partnerships have generated multiple new growth avenues for adidas, 

improvements
Process  optimisation:  Continued  optimisation  of  key  business 
processes and strict cost control are vital to achieving high profitability 

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 us to pursue further growth 

and return on invested capital. We are confident that there is still 

and efficiency opportunities.

significant opportunity to improve process efficiency and effectiveness 

and further streamline cost structures throughout our company. For 

example, more consistent, effective and efficient in-store execution 
could lead to an increase in conversion 
sell-through. As a result, we may achieve higher-than-expected top- 

 see Glossary, p. 216 and full-price 

and bottom-line growth. 

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  increase  productivity, 

efficiency  and  employee  engagement  and  generate  better-than-

expected top- and bottom-line results. In addition, the successful 

development of talents across the company may increase employee 

engagement and performance and thus contribute positively to sales 

FINANCIAL OPPORTUNITIES

and profitability improvements.

Favourable financial market changes
Favourable exchange and interest rate developments can potentially 

have  a  positive  impact  on  the  company’s  financial  results.  Our 

Macroeconomic, sociopolitical and regulatory opportunities: Since 
we  are  a  consumer  goods  company,  consumer  confidence  and 

Treasury  department  closely  monitors  the  financial  markets  to 

spending can impact our sales development. Therefore, better than 

identify  and  exploit  opportunities.  Translation  effects  from  the 

initially forecasted macroeconomic developments, which support 

conversion of non-euro-denominated results into our company’s 

increased private consumption, can have a positive impact on our 

functional currency, the euro, might positively impact our company’s 

sales and profitability. In addition, legislative and regulatory changes, 

financial performance. 

 see Treasury, p. 101

e.g. the elimination of trade barriers, can potentially open up new 

channels  of  distribution  or  create  cost  savings  and,  as  a  result, 

positively impact the company’s profitability.

132

1 33

1 33

3
3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Management Assessment of  Performance, Risks and  Opportunities, and Outlook

MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENT 
OF  PERFORMANCE, RISKS AND 
 OPPORTUNITIES, AND OUTLOOK

ASSESSMENT OF PERFORMANCE VERSUS TARGETS

In  2016,  we  saw  an  improvement  in  operating  working  capital. 

We communicate our financial targets on an annual basis. We also 
provide updates throughout the year as appropriate. In 2016, the 

While we had initially expected average operating working capital 
as a percentage of sales to be around the prior year level of 20.5%, 

company delivered a strong operational and financial performance. 

average operating working capital as a percentage of sales ended the 

Sales development was favourably impacted by rising consumer 

year 2016 at 20.2%, thus exceeding our initial expectations. Capital 

spending  on  sporting  goods,  supported  by  the  ongoing  robust 

expenditure (excluding acquisitions) amounted to € 651 million in 

athleisure trend as well as increased health awareness and sports 

2016, below our initial guidance of around € 750 million, reflecting 

participation  in  most  geographical  areas. 
  see  Economic  and  Sector 
Development, p. 90 Major sporting events, such as the UEFA EURO 2016 

fewer-than-expected  net  store  openings  throughout  the  year. 
Investments were mainly focused on controlled space initiatives of 

or the Copa América, also provided a positive stimulus to sales. In 

the adidas and Reebok brands, aimed at further strengthening our 

light of the accelerating brand momentum, driven by the successful 

own-retail activities, franchise store presence and shop-in-shop 

execution of the company’s strategic business plan ‘Creating the 

presentations.  Other  areas  of  investments  included  logistics 

New’, innovative and appealing product launches as well as inspiring 

infrastructure and IT systems as well as the further development 

marketing  campaigns,  we  increased  our  top-  and  bottom-line 

of our corporate headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany. 

 see 

guidance for the full year 2016 several times throughout the year, 

Statement of Financial Position and Statement of Cash Flows, p. 96

compared to our initial expectations. 

 see Table 01

Beyond  our  financial  performance,  we  also  actively  monitor 

In 2016, revenues increased 18% on a currency-neutral basis, driven 

non-financial  KPIs. 

  see  Internal  Management  System,  p.  86  In  2016,  our 

by strong growth at both the adidas and the Reebok brand. Currency-

Net Promoter Score (NPS) saw a strong improvement relative to 

neutral sales grew at double-digit rates in nearly all market segments. 

our  major  competitor,  reflecting  the  strong  enhancement  in  the 

As a result, revenues increased significantly above our initial guidance 

desirability of our brands and products throughout the year. We are 

of 10% to 12% currency-neutral sales growth. Gross margin increased 

confident that this positive trend will continue, as we project strong 

0.3 percentage points to 48.6%, exceeding our initial forecast of 47.3% 

improvements in our NPS relative to our major competitor in 2017 

to 47.8%. This development was due to the significantly larger-than-

as well. Also from a market share perspective, we continue to be 

expected positive effects from a better pricing, product and channel 

very encouraged by our strong performance in key categories as 

mix as well as lower input costs, which more than offset the severe 

well as key markets, as defined in the company’s strategic business 

headwinds from negative currency effects. The operating margin 

plan ‘Creating the New’. In particular, Greater China, North America 

increased  1.3  percentage  points  excluding  goodwill  impairment 

and Western Europe were notable standouts, as we improved our 

losses in the prior year to 7.7%. This was above our initial guidance 

market share in these regions. In North America, we saw momentum 

of an at least stable operating margin of 6.5% excluding goodwill 

accelerate considerably in the year, following significant investments 

impairment losses and a direct consequence of the gross margin 

in  the  region’s  organisational  set-up,  highly  engaging  consumer 

increase, the positive effects from lower operating expenses as a 

activation initiatives as well as innovative product launches. Our 

percentage of sales as well as the non-recurring gain related to 

diligence and discipline in sustainability matters continues to yield 

the early termination of the Chelsea F.C. contract. As a result, net 

strong recognition for our company. In 2016, adidas AG was again 

income from continuing operations was up 41% excluding goodwill 

represented in a variety of high-profile sustainability indices. For 

impairment losses in the prior year to € 1.019 billion and therefore 

the 17th consecutive time, adidas AG was selected to join the Dow 

well above our initial guidance of an improvement between 10% and 

Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI). In the sector ‘Textiles, Apparel & 

12% to around € 800 million.  

 see Income Statement, p. 92

Luxury Goods’, adidas AG was rated industry best in the criteria Brand 

133
133

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Management Assessment of  Performance, Risks and  Opportunities, and Outlook

GROUP  MANAGE ME NT  RE PORT  –   FI NANC IAL  RE VIEW

Management Assessment of  Performance, Risks and  Opportunities, and Outlook

3

Management, Innovation Management, Risk & Crisis Management, 

an official rating by any of the leading rating agencies. 

 see Treasury, 

Environmental  Policy  &  Management  Systems,  Operational 
Eco-Efficiency, Corporate Citizenship & Philanthropy and Stakeholder 

p.  101  We  remain  confident  that  our  earnings  strength  forms  a 
solid basis for our future business development and provides the 

Engagement. Furthermore, in 2016, adidas was ranked fifth among 

resources necessary to pursue the opportunities available to the 

the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World (Global 

company. Compared to the prior year, our assessment of certain risks 

100 Index), making it to the Top Ten for the third consecutive year. 

has changed in terms of likelihood of occurrence and/or potential 

 see Sustainability, p. 78 Finally, while we maintained a strong level of 

financial  impact.  The  partial  changes  in  risk  evaluation  have  no 

on-time in-full (OTIF) deliveries to our customers and own-retail 

substantial impact on the overall adidas risk profile, which we believe 

stores in 2016, the overall performance was slightly below the prior 

has improved compared to the prior year.

year level, reflecting the strong increase in volumes throughout the 

year. 

 see Global Operations, p. 62

ASSESSMENT OF FINANCIAL OUTLOOK

In March 2015, adidas unveiled its 2020 strategic business plan named 

ASSESSMENT OF OVERALL RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Creating the New, which defines strategies and objectives for the 

Our Risk Management team aggregates all risks and opportunities 

period up to 2020. The strategy aims at further accelerating growth 

reported  by  different  business  units  and  functions  through  the 

by significantly increasing brand desirability. This, in turn, is expected 

quarterly risk and opportunity assessment process. In addition, the 
Executive Board discusses and assesses risks and opportunities on a 

to spur top- and bottom-line growth for the company in the years to 
come. With 2016 marking the first full year of ‘Creating the New’, 

regular basis. 

 see Risk and Opportunity Report, p. 118 Taking into account the 

our success in 2016 is the direct result of our strategic business plan 

potential financial impact as well as the likelihood of materialising 

introduced in 2015 and proof positive that our brands and products, as 

of the risks explained within this report, and considering the strong 

a result of the Brand Leadership approach, are resonating extremely 

balance sheet as well as the current business outlook, we do not 

well with the consumer. 

 see adidas Brand Strategy, p. 55 Therefore, going 

foresee any material jeopardy to the viability of the company as a 

forward we will focus on further executing the strategy, while at the 

going concern. This assessment is also supported by the historical 

same time fine-tuning it wherever needed and whenever necessary. 

response to our financing demands. adidas therefore has not sought 

This will ensure we continue our momentum in 2017 and beyond, 

01  COMPANY TARGETS VERSUS ACTUAL KEY METRICS

Sales (year-over-year change, 
currency-neutral)

Gross margin

Other operating expenses (in % of net 
sales)

Operating profit (€ in millions)

Operating margin

Net income from continuing operations 
(€ in millions)

Basic earnings per share from 
continuing operations (in €)

Average operating working capital (in 
% of net sales)

2015 
Results 1

10%

48.3%

2016 
Targets 1

2016 
Results

2017 
Outlook

2017
Outlook (in case of  
planned divestitures) 2

to increase at a rate  
between 10% and 12%

18%

to increase at a rate  
between 11% and 13%

to increase at a rate  
between 12% and 14% 3

47.3% to 47.8%

48.6%

to increase up to 0.5pp  
to a level of up to 49.1%

to increase up to 0.3pp to a  
level of up to 49.5%

43.1%

below prior year level

42.8%

below prior year level

below prior year level

1,094 4

6.5% 4

720 4

3.54 4

n.a.

1,491

to increase at a rate  
between 18% and 20%

to increase at a rate  
between 13% and 15% 5

remain at least stable  
versus prior year level

to increase at a rate  
between 10% and 12%  
to around € 800 million

7.7%

1,019

to increase between 0.6pp and 
0.8pp to a level  
between 8.3% and 8.5%

to increase between 0.2pp  
and 0.4pp to a level  
between 8.6% and 8.8%

to increase at a rate  
between 18% and 20% to a level 
between € 1.200 billion  
and € 1.225 billion

to increase at a rate between 
13% and 15% to a level  
between € 1.200 billion  
and € 1.225 billion

n.a.

5.08

to increase at a rate between 
18% and 20%

to increase at a rate between 
13% and 15% 6

20.5%

around prior year level

20.2%

modest increase

modest increase

Capital expenditure 7 (€ in millions)

513

around 750

651

around € 1.1 billion

around € 1.1 billion

1  As published on March 3, 2016. The outlook was updated several times over the course of the year.
2  In case of the planned divestiture of the TaylorMade business with the brands TaylorMade, Adams Golf and Ashworth as well as the CCM Hockey business; 2016 and 2017 adjusted.
3  Based on adjusted 2016 net sales of € 18,483 million.
4  Excluding goodwill impairment of € 34 million.
5  Based on adjusted operating profit of € 1,552 million.
6  Based on adjusted basic earnings per share from continuing operations of € 5.30.
7  Excluding acquisitions and finance leases.

13 4

1 35

3
GROUP MANAGEMENT  REPORT  –  FINANCIA L REVIEW
Management Assessment of  Performance, Risks and  Opportunities, and Outlook

resulting in strong top- and bottom-line improvements until 2020. 

We project currency-neutral revenues to increase at a rate of 10% to 

12% on average per year until 2020 compared to the 2015 results. By 

outperforming the sporting goods industry, our brands will increase 

market share over the period. This, in combination with the expected 

gross margin improvement and our ability to generate operating 

leverage, will significantly increase our profitability. As a result, net 

income is expected to grow at a higher rate than the top line and is 

projected to expand by 20% to 22% on average per year during the 

five-year period. 

 see Corporate Strategy, p. 48

For  2017,  we  also  project  strong  revenue  and  profitability 

improvements which will be the result of our extensive pipeline of 

new and innovative products, increased brand-building activities, 

the tight control of inventory levels and stringent cost management. 

Our earnings position is expected to benefit from an expansion in 

gross margin as well as the positive effect of lower other operating 
 see Subsequent Events and Outlook, p. 115 

expenses as a percentage of sales.  
We believe that our outlook for 2017 is realistic within the scope of 

the current trading and economic environment.

Assuming no significant deterioration in the global economy, we are 

confident that we will significantly grow our top and bottom line in 

2017. However, ongoing uncertainties regarding the economic outlook 

and consumer sentiment in both developed and emerging economies 

as well as persisting high levels of currency volatility represent risks 

to the achievement of our stated financial goals and aspirations. 

 see 

Economic and Sector Development, p. 90 No other material event between the 

end of 2016 and the publication of this report has altered our view.

135

CIAL

D
E
AT
OLID
N
A
FIN

S
N
O
C
S

T

A

T

E

M

E

N

T

S

1 37

Consolidated Financial Statements

4

S

T

A

T

E

M

E

N

T

S

—  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF  

FINANCIAL POSITION 

—  CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT 
—  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF  
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
—  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF  

CHANGES IN EQUITY 

—  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 
—  NOTES 

Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 
Notes to the Consolidated Income Statement 
Additional Information 

—  STATEMENT OF MOVEMENTS OF  

INTANGIBLE AND TANGIBLE ASSETS 

—  SHAREHOLDINGS 
—  RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT 
—  AUDITOR’S REPORT 

138

140

141

142

143

144
159
188
194

202

204

208

209

137

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

4

CON SOL IDATE D FI NANCI AL  S TAT EM E NTS

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL 
POSITION

ADIDAS AG CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (IFRS) € IN MILLIONS

Note

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

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

Total assets

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

35 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

14 

15 

16 

35 

17 

1,510

5

2,200

729

3,763

98

580

–

8,886

1,915

1,412

1,680

167

194

96

732

94

1,365

5

2,049

367

3,113

97

489

12

7,497

1,638

1,392

1,628

188

140

99

637

124

6,290

5,846

15,176

13,343

10.6

2.5

7.4

98.7

20.9

1.1

18.5

(100.0)

18.5

16.9

1.4

3.2

(11.5)

38.3

(2.6)

14.9

(23.9)

7.6

13.7

138

1 39

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

ADIDAS AG CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (IFRS) € IN MILLIONS

Note

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

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

18 

19 

35 

20 

21 

22 

11 

18 

23 

24 

35 

20 

21 

25 

26 

28 

636

2,496

201

402

573

2,023

434

–

6,765

982

22

355

387

44

120

46

1,957

201

749

5,521

6,472

(17)

6,455

366

2,024

143

359

456

1,684

331

0

5,364

1,463

18

273

368

50

120

40

2,332

200

592

4,874

5,666

(18)

5,648

Total liabilities and equity

15,176

13,343

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

73.7

23.3

40.7

12.1

25.6

20.1

31.1

(100.0)

26.1

(32.9)

23.6

30.4

5.2

(11.1)

(0.2)

14.2

(16.1)

0.6

26.5

13.3

14.2

4.0

14.3

13.7

139

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Consolidated Income Statement

4

CON SOL IDATE D FI NANCI AL  S TAT EM E NTS

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

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)

Gains/(losses) from discontinued operations, net of tax

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 €)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Note

37

31

12, 14, 32

13

34

34

35

3

36

36

36

36

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2016

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2015

19,291

9,912

9,379

48.6%

109

266

8,263

42.8%

 - 

1,491

7.7%

28

74

1,444

7.5%

426

29.5%

1,019

5.3%

 1 

1,020

5.3%

1,017

5.3%

2

5.08

4.99

5.08

4.99

16,915

8,748

8,168

48.3%

119

96

7,289

43.1%

 34 

1,059

6.3%

46

67

1,039

6.1%

353

34.0%

686

4.1%

 (46)

640

3.8%

634

3.7%

6

3.37

3.37

3.15

3.15

Change

14.0%

13.3%

14.8%

0.3pp

(8.0%)

175.2%

13.4%

(0.3pp)

(100.0%)

40.7%

1.5pp

(40.1%)

11.3%

39.0%

1.3pp

20.6%

(4.5pp)

48.5%

1.2pp

n.a. 

59.3%

1.5pp

60.5%

1.5pp

(61.9%)

50.5%

47.9%

61.5%

58.7%

14 0

1 41

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

ADIDAS AG CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (IFRS) € IN MILLIONS

Net income after taxes

1,020 

640 

Note

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2016

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2015

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 are or will not be reclassified subsequently  
to profit or loss

Items of other comprehensive income that are or will be reclassified to profit or loss when specific 
conditions are met

Net gain/(loss) on cash flow hedges, net of tax

Reclassification of foreign currency differences on loss of significant influence

Currency translation differences

Subtotal of items of other comprehensive income that will be reclassified to profit or loss when 
specific conditions are met 

24

30

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income

Attributable to shareholders of adidas AG

Attributable to non-controlling interests

1  Includes actuarial gains or losses relating to defined benefit obligations, return on plan assets (excluding interest income) and the asset ceiling effect.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

(60)

(60)

87 

(0)

71 

158 

97 

1,117 

1,115 

2 

8 

8 

(118)

 5 

 129 

16 

24 

664 

659 

5 

141

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

4

CON SOL IDATE D FI NANCI AL  S TAT EM E NTS

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF 
CHANGES IN EQUITY

ADIDAS AG CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (IFRS) € IN MILLIONS

Note

Share 
capital

Capital 
reserve

Cumulative  
currency  
translation  
differences

Hedging 
reserve

Other 
reserves 1

Retained 
earnings

Share-
holders’ 
equity

Non-  
controlling  
interests

Total equity

Balance at December 31, 2014

204

777

Net income recognised directly in equity

Net income

Total comprehensive income

Repurchase of treasury shares

Dividend payment

Transactions with non-controlling 
interests

Balance at December 31, 2015

Net income recognised directly in equity

Net income

Total comprehensive income

Re-issuance of treasury shares due to 
the conversion of convertible bonds

Repurchase of treasury shares

Dividend payment

Equity-settled share-based payment

26

26

26

26

26

26

27

(257)

134

176

(117)

134

(117)

(4)

200

777

(123)

71

71

59

87

87

3

(2)

60

(117)

4,839

5,624

8

8

(13)

(122)

(60)

(60)

634

634

(297)

(303)

4,874

1,017

1,017

178

(228)

(320)

1

25

634

659

(301)

(303)

(13)

5,666

97

1,017

1,115

240

(229)

(320)

1

(7)

(1)

6

5

(6)

(10)

(18)

0

2

2

(2)

5,618

24

640

664

(301)

(309)

(24)

5,648

97

1,020

1,117

240

(229)

(322)

1

Balance at December 31, 2016

201

838

(52)

146

(182)

5,521

6,472

(17)

6,455

1  Reserves for remeasurements of defined benefit plans (IAS 19), option plans and acquisition of shares from non-controlling interest shareholders.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

142

1 43

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF 
CASH FLOWS

ADIDAS AG CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (IFRS) € IN MILLIONS

Operating activities:

Income before taxes 

Adjustments for:

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment losses

Reversals of impairment losses

Unrealised foreign exchange (gains)/losses, net

Interest income

Interest expense

(Gains)/losses on sale of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, net

Other non-cash income

Operating profit before working capital changes

Increase in receivables and other assets

Increase in inventories

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 (used in)/generated from operating activities – discontinued operations

Net cash generated from operating activities

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

Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale

Proceeds from sale of a disposal group

Acquisition of subsidiaries and other business units net of cash acquired

Proceeds from disposal of discontinued operations net of cash disposed

Purchase 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:

Repayments of long-term borrowings

Repayments of finance lease obligations

Dividend paid to shareholders of adidas AG 

Dividend paid to non-controlling interest shareholders

Acquisition of non-controlling interests

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 year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

143

Note

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2016

Year ending 
Dec. 31, 2015

1,444

1,039

12, 13, 14, 32, 34

31 

34 

34 

31, 32

11 

11

4

26 

28

26 

18 

5 

5 

397

(2)

(7)

(21)

70

(21)

(0)

1,859

(411)

(621)

1,006

1,834

(46)

(439)

1,348

(1)

1,348

(65)

0

(586)

5

14

29

– 

– 

(0)

(33)

21

(614)

– 

(614)

– 

(3)

(320)

(2)

(24)

(218)

150

(138)

(553)

(35)

145

1,365

1,510

393

(1)

36

(20)

65

15

(1)

1,527

(183)

(639)

823

1,527

(55)

(386)

1,086

3

1,090

(49)

0

(464)

6

– 

– 

(214)

164

(0)

(48)

20

(584)

(6)

(591)

(10)

(2)

(303)

(6)

–

(301)

35

(103)

(691)

(126)

(318)

1,683

1,365

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes

CON SOL IDATE D FI NANCI AL  S TAT EM E NTS

4

Notes

NOTES

adidas AG is a listed German stock corporation and parent of the adidas Group located at Adi-Dassler-Str. 1, 91074 Herzogenaurach, 

Germany, and is entered into the commercial register at the Local Court of Fürth (HRB 3868). adidas AG and its subsidiaries (collectively 

‘adidas’, ‘the Group’ or ‘the company’) design, develop, produce and market a broad range of athletic and sports lifestyle products. As at 

December 31, 2016, the operating activities of adidas are divided into 13 operating segments: Western Europe, North America, Greater 

China, Russia/CIS, Latin America, Japan, Middle East, South Korea, Southeast Asia/Pacific, TaylorMade-adidas Golf, CCM Hockey, Runtastic 

and Other centrally managed businesses. Due to the divestiture of the Rockport operating segment on July 31, 2015, income and expenses 

of the Rockport operating segment were reported as discontinued operations as at December 31, 2015. 

 see Note 03

Each market comprises all wholesale, retail and e-commerce business activities relating to the distribution and sale of products of the 

adidas and Reebok brands to retail customers and end consumers. adidas and Reebok branded products include footwear, apparel and 

hardware, such as bags and balls.

The operating segment 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.

CCM Hockey designs, produces and distributes ice hockey equipment such as sticks, skates and protection gear. In addition, CCM Hockey 

designs, produces and distributes apparel mainly under the brand name CCM.

Runtastic operates in the digital health and fitness space. The company provides a comprehensive ecosystem for tracking and managing 

health and fitness data.

The operating segment Other centrally managed businesses 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 own-retail activities of the adidas neo label as well as International Clearance Management.

01 — GENERAL 

The consolidated financial statements of adidas AG as at December 31, 2016 comprise adidas AG and its subsidiaries and are prepared in 

compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as to be applied in the European Union (EU) as at December 31, 2016, 

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 are effective for financial years 

beginning on January 1, 2016 and have been applied for the first time to the consolidated financial statements:
 — IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 28 Amendment – Investment Entities: Applying the Consolidation Exception (EU effective date: January 1, 2016): 
This amendment addresses issues that arose in the context of applying the consolidation exception for investment entities. This amendment 

had no impact on the consolidated financial statements of adidas AG.

 — IFRS 11 Amendment – Accounting for Acquisitions of Interests in Joint Operations (EU effective date: January 1, 2016): This amendment 
provides guidance for the accounting of the acquisition of an interest in a joint operation that is a business. This amendment had no impact 

on the consolidated financial statements of adidas AG.

 — IAS 1 Amendment – Disclosure Initiative (EU effective date: January 1, 2016): This amendment clarifies guidance for disclosures regarding 
materiality, aggregation and disaggregation of line items of the consolidated statement of financial position and of the consolidated 

income statement, the presentation of subtotals, the structure of the financial statements, and the disclosure of accounting policies. This 

amendment had no material impact on the consolidated financial statements of adidas AG.

 — IAS 16 and IAS 38 Amendment – Clarification of Acceptable Methods of Depreciation and Amortisation (EU effective date: January 1, 2016): 
This amendment clarifies when a depreciation method or amortisation method based on revenue may be appropriate. This amendment 

had no impact on the consolidated financial statements of adidas AG.

 — IAS 16 and IAS 41 Amendment – Agriculture: Bearer Plants (EU effective date: January 1, 2016): This amendment distinguishes bearer 
plants from other biological assets, classifying and accounting for such plants as plant, property and equipment. This amendment had no 

impact on the consolidated financial statements of adidas AG.

14 4

1 45

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes

 — IAS 19 Amendment – Defined Benefit Plans: Employee Contributions (EU effective date: February 1, 2015): This amendment clarifies 
guidance relating to the method for attributing contributions from employees or third parties that are linked to service periods to the 
related periods of service. In addition, a practical expedient is introduced for contributions that are independent from the number of years 

of service. This amendment had no material impact on the consolidated financial statements of adidas AG.

 — IAS 27 Amendment – Equity Method in Separate Financial Statements (EU effective date: January 1, 2016): This amendment reinstates 
the option to account for investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates according to the equity method in an entity’s separate 

financial statements. This amendment had no impact on the consolidated financial statements of adidas AG.

 — Improvements to IFRSs (2010-2012) (EU effective date: February 1, 2015): These improvements make clarifications to several standards 
along with changes to disclosure requirements. The improvements required additional disclosures in the consolidated financial statements 

of adidas AG.

 — Improvements to IFRSs (2012-2014) (EU effective date: January 1, 2016): The improvements make clarifications to several standards and 

interpretations. These improvements had no material impact on the consolidated financial statements of adidas AG.

New standards and interpretations as well as amendments to existing standards and interpretations are usually not applied by adidas before 

the EU effective date.

New standards and interpretations and amendments to existing standards and interpretations issued by the International Accounting 
Standards Board (IASB) and endorsed by the EU which will be effective for financial years beginning after January 1, 2016, and which have 

not been applied in preparing these consolidated financial statements are:
 — IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (EU effective date: January 1, 2018): The new standard prescribes rules for the accounting of financial 
instruments, replacing the current guidelines in IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. In particular, IFRS 9 

prescribes new classification methods for financial assets, which are likely to have an effect on the classification and subsequent 

presentation of the company’s financial assets. The new standard also introduces the ‘expected loss model’ for financial assets, which 

will require company-wide policy adjustments to the allowance for doubtful accounts relating to accounts receivable. According to the 

current status of the analysis, adidas expects to use the practical expedient to account for the allowance for doubtful accounts using lifetime 

expected credit losses. adidas also plans to make use of provision matrices in order to calculate lifetime expected credit losses of accounts 

receivable. This relates to historic information about default rates which, at the respective balance sheet date, are adjusted for current 

information and forecasts. Although the policy for allowances for doubtful accounts will change, due to the short-term nature of accounts 

receivable and the company’s current approach to the allowance for doubtful accounts, a material quantitative impact on the consolidated 

financial statements is therefore not expected. According to the new standard, an entity can choose to either account for hedge instruments 

according to IFRS 9 or continue accounting for hedge instruments according to IAS 39. If accounted for according to IFRS 9, the timing 

of the effectiveness date for hedge instruments would change. The ability to use this accounting policy choice depends on the abilities of 

technical systems and is still being evaluated by adidas. IFRS 9 will not have a significant effect on the company’s accounting for financial 

liabilities or on the derecognition of financial assets as the new guidelines are – to a large extent – adopted from IAS 39. The actual effects 

that IFRS 9 will have on the 2018 consolidated financial statements depends to a large extent on both the financial instruments which 

adidas holds and on the economic conditions at that point in time. Further analysis of the expected impact on the consolidated financial 

statements of adidas AG is ongoing.

 — IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers including Amendments to IFRS 15: Effective Date of IFRS 15 (EU effective date: 
January 1, 2018): This new standard replaces the current guidance on recognising revenue in accordance with IFRS, in particular IAS 18 
Revenue, IAS 11 Construction contracts and IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty Programmes and provides a holistic framework for all aspects of 

revenue recognition. IFRS 15 creates a centralised, single five-step model for recognising revenue arising from contracts with customers.

adidas offers its Wholesale customers various customer incentives such as volume rebates, cooperative advertising allowances and 

slotting fees. These might create additional performance obligations under IFRS 15 and require the inclusion of elements of variable 

consideration in the transaction price. Under the current approach, customer incentives which are contractually agreed upon in the 

trade term agreements are accounted for as sales discounts and are accrued over the financial year. Customer incentives which are not 

contractually agreed upon in the trade term agreements are accounted for as expenditure for marketing investments. Under IFRS 15, the 

amount and timing of revenue recognition with regard to customer incentives might be affected. Variable consideration will be included 

in the transaction price and the evaluation of variable consideration will require judgement in many cases. Revenue might be recognised 

before all contingencies are resolved, i.e. earlier than under current practice. 

145

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes

CON SOL IDATE D FI NANCI AL  S TAT EM E NTS

4

Notes

In accordance with IAS 18, adidas accrues revenue related to estimated returns based on past experience by means of a return provision 

which is recorded in the statement of financial position with a corresponding debit entry in the income statement in form of a reduction 

of gross sales. The current adidas policy requires that the provision is calculated on a net basis in the amount of the standard margin 

(i.e. the difference between gross sales and cost of sales) for the products sold which are expected to be returned. IFRS 15 requires a 

gross correction of expected returns by correcting gross sales and cost of sales in the full amounts. In addition, an asset for the right 

to recover products from customers upon settling the refund liability has to be recognised. The new approach is expected to result in 

a reduction in revenues and a decrease in the equity ratio due to the higher provision amount, in particular for the first set of adjusted 

financial statements where IFRS 15 is applied. Revenue for contracts where no reliable estimate of the amount of returns can be made 

is recognised before the return period ends in accordance with IFRS 15, i.e earlier than under the current practice.
No significant changes are expected with regard to revenue from own-retail transactions and from the licensing-out of trademarks 

compared to the current practice in accordance with IAS 18.

In addition, the new standard is expected to significantly increase the extent of disclosures relating to revenue, thus necessitating 

modifications to reporting methods and IT systems in order to collect necessary information. Additionally, methods for estimating 

amounts whose inclusion will not result in a significant reversal of revenue when uncertainty has been resolved need to be developed 

and implemented. adidas has not yet decided which of the available transition methods and practical expedients will be applied. Further 

analysis of the expected impact on the consolidated financial statements of adidas AG is in progress.

The following new standards and interpretations as well as amendments to existing standards and interpretations were issued by the IASB. 

These are not yet effective in the EU and hence have not been applied in preparing these consolidated financial statements:
 — IFRS 2 Amendment – Classification and Measurement of Share-Based Payment Transactions (IASB effective date: January 1, 2018): The 
amendment clarifies the accounting treatment for cash-settled share-based payment transactions that include a performance condition and 

the classification of share-based payment transactions with net settlement features. adidas does not have any cash-settled share-based 

payment transactions. This amendment is not expected to have any material impact on the consolidated financial statements of adidas AG.
 — IFRS 4 Amendment – Applying IFRS 9 Financial Instruments with IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts (IASB effective date: January 1, 2018): 
The amendment addresses the temporary accounting consequences of the different effective dates of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments and 

IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts. adidas does not have any insurance contracts accounted for under IFRS 4. Therefore, the amendment is not 

expected to have any impact on the consolidated financial statements of adidas AG.

 — IFRS 10 and IAS 28 Amendment – Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture (IASB effective 
date: indefinitely postponed): The amendment addresses an inconsistency between IFRS 10 and IAS 28 regarding the sale or contribution 
of assets between an investor and its associate or joint venture. This amendment is not expected to have any material impact on the 

consolidated financial statements of adidas AG.

 — IFRS 15 Amendment – Clarifications to IFRS 15 (IASB effective date: January 1, 2018): The amendment provides some transition relief 
for modified and completed contracts and adds guidance for identifying performance obligations, principal vs. agent considerations, and 

licensing. If the amendment is endorsed in the EU, the company expects to use the transition relief available for the transition method 

chosen by the company. The transition relief would reduce the workload necessary to analyse contracts with customers.

 — IFRS 16 Leases (IASB effective date: January 1, 2019): The new standard replaces the guidance in IAS 17 Leases and the respective 
interpretations IFRIC 4 Determining Whether an Arrangement Contains a Lease, SIC-15 Operating Leases – Incentives and SIC-27 

Evaluating the Substance of Transactions Involving the Legal Form of a Lease. IFRS 16 eliminates the required classification of leases 

into operating and finance leases in accordance with IAS 17, replacing it with a single accounting model requiring lessees to recognise 

a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability for leases with a lease term of more than twelve months. The new standard is 

expected to have a significant impact on the company’s consolidated statement of financial position and the consolidated income statement, 

in particular upon initial application. adidas has a significant number of operating leases worldwide – mainly pertaining to more than 

2,800 rented own-retail stores and rented warehouses. 

 see Note 29 Under IFRS 16, these have to be accounted for as right-of-use assets 

with corresponding lease liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial position. In addition, the nature of the expenses relating to 

lease obligations is going to change: depreciation expenses for the right-of-use assets and interest expenses for the lease obligations 

are to be reported in the consolidated income statement instead of rent expenses, which under IAS 17 were expensed to the consolidated 

income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term. adidas expects changes to key performance indicators (KPIs), in particular: 

an extension of the statement of financial position, a decrease in the equity ratio as well as an increase in EBITDA, EBIT, cash used in 

financing activities and cash generated from operating activities. The company does not expect any significant effects on its finance 

lease arrangements. According to the current status of the analysis, adidas expects to choose the modified retrospective method with 
optional practical expedients as the transition method. Further analysis of the expected impact on the company’s consolidated financial 
statements is still in progress.

14 6

1 47

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes

 — IAS 7 Amendment – Disclosure Initiative (IASB effective date: January 1, 2017): This amendment introduces a new disclosure relating 
to changes in liabilities arising from financing activities. The amendment is not expected to have any material impact on the consolidated 

financial statements of adidas AG.

 — IAS 12 Amendment – Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealised Losses (IASB effective date: January 1, 2017): This amendment 
clarifies existing guidance for recognising deferred tax assets. The amendment is not expected to have any material impact on the 

company’s consolidated financial statements.

 — IAS 40 Amendment – Transfers of Investment Property (IASB effective date: January 1, 2018): This amendment clarifies guidance for 
transfers of property to – or from – investment property. adidas does not have investment property and therefore this amendment will 

not have an effect on the company’s financial statements.

 — IFRIC 22 – Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration (IASB effective date: January 1, 2018): This new interpretation 
clarifies the accounting for transactions that include the receipt or payment of advance consideration in a foreign currency. The 

interpretation states that the transaction date, for the purpose of determining the exchange rate for a non-monetary prepayment asset 

or deferred income liability, is the date of the initial recognition of the non-monetary prepayment asset or deferred income liability. 

adidas already translates non-monetary items, such as prepayments, at the exchange rate as of the initial recognition date. Therefore, 

this interpretation is not expected to have an effect on the consolidated financial statements of adidas AG.

 — Improvements to IFRSs (2014–2016) – Amendments to IFRS 1 and IAS 28 (IASB effective date: January 1, 2018): These improvements 
include amendments to IFRS 1 and IAS 28. The amendments to IFRS 1 eliminated the short-term transition exemptions and the 
amendments to IAS 28 made a clarification about the choice for qualifying entities (such as venture capital organisations) to apply either 

the equity method or fair value through profit and loss to the measurement of associates or joint ventures at initial recognition. These 

improvements are not expected to have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements of adidas AG. 

 — Improvements to IFRSs (2014–2016) – Amendments to IFRS 12 (IASB effective date: January 1, 2017): These improvements include 
amendments to IFRS 12 which clarify the scope of the standard with regard to disclosure requirements. The improvement clarifies that 

the scope of the standard applies to an entity’s interests regardless of whether they are classified as held for sale, held for distribution 

or discontinued operations in accordance with IFRS 5. This amendment is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated 

financial statements of adidas AG.

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 exactly sum up to totals provided.

147

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes

CON SOL IDATE D FI NANCI AL  S TAT EM E NTS

4

Notes

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. An entity is considered a subsidiary if it is controlled by adidas AG. Control exists 

when adidas 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 developed as follows for the years ending December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively:

NUMBER OF CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

January 1

First-time consolidated subsidiaries

Thereof: newly founded

Thereof: purchased

Deconsolidated/divested subsidiaries

Intercompany mergers

December 31

2016

145

2

2

–

(3)

(1)

 143

2015

154

2

–

2

(11)

–

145

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. 204 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 recorded directly 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.

14 8

1 49

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes

Principles of measurement
The following table includes an overview of selected subsequent measurement principles used in the preparation of the consolidated financial 
statements.

OVERVIEW OF SELECTED SUBSEQUENT 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

Subsequent measurement principle

Nominal amount

At fair value through profit or loss

Amortised cost

Lower of cost and 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 company’s non-euro functional currency subsidiaries are translated into the presentation currency, the euro, 

which is also the functional currency of adidas AG, using 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.

149

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes

CON SOL IDATE D FI NANCI AL  S TAT EM E NTS

4

Notes

A summary of exchange rates to the euro for major currencies in which the Group operates is as follows:

EXCHANGE RATES 

€ 1 equals

USD

GBP

JPY

CNY

RUB

Average rates for the year ending Dec. 31,

Spot rates at Dec. 31,

2016

2015

2016

2015

1.1069

0.8188

120.4031

7.3515

74.2778

1.1101

0.7259

134.4180

6.9721

67.6825

1.0541

0.8562

123.4000

7.3123

63.9384

1.0887

0.7340

131.0700

7.0696

79.3474

Discontinued operations
A component of the company’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 company 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.

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 
adidas 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, adidas 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, adidas designates derivatives as either a hedge of a forecasted transaction (cash flow hedge) or a hedge of a net 

investment in a foreign operation.

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.

Certain derivative transactions, while providing effective economic hedges under the company’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 the hedging instrument is a deriv-

ative (e.g. a forward exchange contract) or 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 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. adidas 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 
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. 
adidas has exercised the option to calculate the amounts on counterparty level according to IFRS 13 ‘Fair Value Measurement’, paragraph 48.

15 0

1 51

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes

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 be reasonably attributed to finished goods. The allocation of overheads is based on 

the planned average utilisation. The net realisable value allowances are computed consistently throughout the company 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 any accumulated depreciation and 

accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is recognised for those assets, with the exception of land and construction in progress, 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.

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

Furniture and fixtures

Technical equipment and machinery as well as other equipment 

1  Or, if shorter, the lease term/useful life (see Note 29).

Years

indefinite

50 – 99

20 – 50 1

3 – 5

2 – 10 1

Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Renewals and improvements are capitalised and depreciated separately, 

if the recognition criteria are met.

151

 
 
4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes

CON SOL IDATE D FI NANCI AL  S TAT EM E NTS

4

Notes

Impairment losses  
If facts and circumstances indicate that non-current assets (e.g. property, plant and equipment and intangible assets including goodwill) 

might be impaired, the recoverable amount is determined. It is measured at the higher of its fair value less costs of disposal and value in 

use. Non-financial items measured at the recoverable amount primarily relate to impaired property, plant and equipment being measured 

based on value in use or on fair value taking unobservable inputs (e.g. profit or cash flow planning) into account. The fair value is measured 

at Level 3 according to IFRS 13 ‘Fair Value Measurement’.

An impairment loss is recognised in other operating expenses or reported in goodwill impairment losses if the carrying amount exceeds 

the recoverable amount.

The impairment test for goodwill is performed based on groups of cash-generating units which represent the lowest level within the company 

at which goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes. If there is an impairment loss for a group of cash-generating units, first 

the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the group of cash-generating units is reduced. Subsequently, provided that the recoverable 

amount is lower than the carrying amount, the other non-current assets of the group of cash-generating units are reduced pro rata on the 

basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the group of cash-generating units.

Irrespective of whether there is an impairment indication, intangible assets with an indefinite useful life (in particular trademarks) 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.

Impairment losses for financial assets are recognised when, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition 

of the financial asset, there is objective evidence that a financial asset is impaired. The amount of the impairment loss is measured as the 
difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the financial asset’s original 

effective interest rate, or as the difference between amortised cost and the fair value considering previous impairment losses.

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.

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.

152

1 53

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes

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 recog-

nition under IAS 38 ‘Intangible Assets’.

Estimated useful lives are as follows:

ESTIMATED USEFUL LIVES OF INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Trademarks

Software

Patents, trademarks and licences

Websites

 Years

 indefinite

5 – 7

5 – 15

2

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’. 

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 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 trans-

action 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.

153

 
 
4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes

CON SOL IDATE D FI NANCI AL  S TAT EM E NTS

4

Notes

Pensions and similar obligations  
Provisions and expenses for pensions and similar obligations relate to the company’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.

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 adidas. 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 39 

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 and the amount exceeding the nominal value will be added to retained earnings.

Revenue

Revenue in terms of income derived from the sale of goods is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the 

goods are transferred to the buyer and when adidas does not retain any continuing managerial involvement with the goods. The timing of 

the transfer of significant risks and rewards depends on the individual terms of the sales agreement (terms of delivery). In addition, revenue 

from the sale of goods is only recognised when the amount of revenue as well as associated costs can be measured reliably and when it is 

probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the company.

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, net of returns, early payment discounts and rebates.

Under certain conditions and in accordance with contractual agreements, customers of adidas have the right to return products and to 

either exchange them for similar or other products or to return the products against the issuance of a credit note. Revenue related to estimated 

returns is accrued based on past experience by means of a provision for returns, allowances and warranty. 

 see Note 20

Provided  that  the  customers  meet  certain  pre-defined  conditions,  adidas  grants  its  customers  different  types  of  globally  aligned 

 performance-based rebates. Examples are sales growth and loyalty as well as sell-out support, e.g. through retail space management/

franchise stores. When it is assumed that the customer fulfils the requirements for being granted the rebate, this amount is accrued by 

means of an accrued liability for marketing and sales. 

 see Note 21

In addition, adidas generates revenue from the licensing-out of the right to use the adidas, Reebok and TaylorMade brands as well as various 

other trademarks to third parties. The related 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 costs for media campaigns are expensed over their intended duration.

Promotional expenses including one-time up-front payments for promotion contracts are principally expensed on a straight-line basis 

over the term of the agreement.

15 4

1 55

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes

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.

Government grants 
adidas receives government grants related to income in the form of subsidies, subventions or premiums from local, national or international 

government authorities such as those of the Federal Republic of Germany, the European Union and the Free State of Bavaria.

Government grants related to income are recognised if there is reasonable assurance that the grants will be received and that adidas will 

comply with the conditions attached.

Grants related to income are reported in the consolidated income statement as a deduction from the related expenses.

Income taxes 
Current income taxes are computed in accordance with the applicable taxation rules established in the countries in which adidas operates. 

adidas 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 the initial recognition of goodwill, adidas 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 entity 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.

Share-based payment
The cost of equity-settled share-based payment transactions with employees is determined by the fair value at the grant date using an 

appropriate valuation model. 

 see Note 27 That cost is recognised in personnel expenses, together with a corresponding increase in equity 

(retained earnings), over the period in which the service and, where applicable, the performance conditions are fulfilled (the vesting period). 

The cumulative expense recognised for equity-settled transactions at each reporting date until the vesting date reflects the extent to which 

the vesting period has expired and the company’s best estimate of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest.

Service and non-market performance conditions are not taken into account when determining the fair value of awards at the grant date, 

but the likelihood of the conditions being met is assessed as part of the company’s best estimate of the number of equity instruments that 

will ultimately vest. If the estimate would be changed, even a credit in the income statement for the period can be possible as it reflects the 

movement in cumulative expenses from the beginning to the end of that period.

No expense is recognised for awards that do not ultimately vest because non-market performance and/or service conditions have not 

been met.

Equity-settled share-based payment transactions with parties other than employees are generally measured at the fair value of the goods 

or services received, except where the fair value cannot be estimated reliably, in which case they are measured at the fair value of the equity 

instruments granted, measured at the date the entity obtains the goods or the counterparty renders the service.

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, deriva-

tives 

 see Note 30, deferred taxes 

 see Note 35 as well as litigation and other legal risks 

 see Note 39.

Judgements have also been used in classifying leasing arrangements as well as in determining valuation methods for intangible assets.

155

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes

CON SOL IDATE D FI NANCI AL  S TAT EM E NTS

4

Notes

03 — DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

In July 2015, adidas completed the sale of the Rockport operating segment for a preliminary cash consideration of US $ 181 million plus 

fixed and contingent promissory notes. The net result of discontinued operations presented in the consolidated income statement mainly 

contains the fair value adjustment of the contingent consideration.

The fair value of the contingent consideration was estimated by applying the discounted cash flow method. As at December 31, 2016, the 

fair value increased by US $ 2 million since December 31, 2015.

 The results of the former Rockport operating segment are shown as discontinued operations in the consolidated income statement:

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS 

€ in millions

Net sales

Expenses

(Loss) from operating activities 

Income taxes

(Loss) from operating activities, net of tax 

Gain/(loss) from the sale of discontinued operations

Income taxes

Gain/(loss) from the sale of discontinued operations, net of tax

Gain/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

Basic earnings per share from discontinued operations (€)

Diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations (€)

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2016

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2015

–

–

–

–

–

1

–

1

1

0.01

0.01

159

(173)

(14)

0

(13)

(40)

7

(32)

(46)

(0.23)

(0.23)

The gain from discontinued operations in an amount of € 1 million (2015: loss of € 46 million) was entirely attributable to the shareholders 

of adidas AG.

04 — ACQUISITION/DISPOSAL OF SUBSIDIARIES AS WELL AS ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

As of June 30, 2016 (closing date), the company formally completed the divestiture of the Mitchell & Ness business. The purchase price 

amounts to US $ 75 million in total. According to the purchase agreement, the first half of the total purchase price was received in cash and 

for the other half a note was issued by the buyer. All contractually agreed closing assets were transferred by adidas at the closing date. This 

is followed by a transition service period which is expected to end no later than June 30, 2017. 

adidas only has limited power to govern the core processes of the Mitchell & Ness business during the transition service period. Hence, 

adidas lost control over the Mitchell & Ness business at the closing date and has accounted for the sale. Consequently, all remaining assets 

and liabilities of the Mitchell & Ness business which are legally not yet transferred are not consolidated anymore and the subsidiary Refuel 

Limited is divested. A resulting gain from this transaction in an amount of € 39 million was accounted for as other operating income. Contrary 

to the initial plan at the time of sale, Refuel Limited was already sold again in 2016. 

 see Notes 31 and 38

Effective August 5, 2015, adidas International B.V. completed the acquisition of runtastic GmbH (‘Runtastic’) and consequently owns 100% 

of the voting rights. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Pasching near Linz/Austria, Runtastic is a health and fitness apps and related 

hardware company. Runtastic provides a comprehensive ecosystem for tracking and managing health and fitness data. With this acquisition, 

adidas intends to further expand its market position within the digital health and fitness space. Runtastic was acquired for a purchase price 

of € 213 million in cash plus earn-out components which are measured based on the discounted cash flow method. The earn-out compo-

nents are dependent on retention of the Runtastic management as well as on the achievement of certain performance measures over the first 

three years after the acquisition. At the acquisition date, the amount recognised as earn-out components was equivalent to the fair value. Any 

changes in the fair value at December 31, 2016 relate to discounting effects.

156

1 57

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes

At the acquisition date, the acquisition had the following effect on the Group’s assets and liabilities, based on a purchase price allocation:

NET ASSETS OF RUNTASTIC GMBH AT THE ACQUISITION DATE 

€ in millions

Cash and cash equivalents

Accounts receivable

Inventories

Other current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Trademarks

Other intangible assets

Deferred tax assets

Accounts payable

Income taxes

Other current provisions

Current accrued liabilities

Other current liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities

Net assets

Goodwill arising on acquisition

Purchase price in consideration of contingent payments

Less: contingent payments in subsequent years

Purchase price settled in cash

Less: cash and cash equivalents acquired 

Net cash outflow on acquisition

Pre-acquisition  
carrying amounts

Fair value adjustments

 Recognised values  
on acquisition

7

2

0

1

1

0

0

1

(1)

(1)

(1)

(3)

(2)

– 

3

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

31

21

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(13)

39

7

2

0

1

1

31

21

1

(1)

(1)

(1)

(3)

(2)

(13)

42

192

235

(21)

213

(7)

207

The fair value of intangible assets was measured by means of an independent valuation.

The following valuation methods for the acquired assets were applied:

 — Trademarks: The ‘relief-from-royalty method’ was applied for the trademarks/brand names. 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. 

 — Other intangible assets: For the valuation of customer relationships, the ‘multi-period-excess-earnings method’ was used. The respective 
future excess cash flows were identified and adjusted in order to eliminate all elements not associated with these assets. Future cash 

flows were measured on the basis of the expected net sales by deducting variable and sales-related imputed costs for the use of contrib-

utory assets. Subsequently, the outcome was discounted using the appropriate discount rate and adding a tax amortisation benefit. For 

the valuation of technology (internally generated software), the ‘depreciated-replacement-cost method’ was used. The replacement costs 

were determined by applying an index to the asset’s historical cost. The replacement costs were then adjusted for the loss in value caused 

by depreciation.

The excess of the acquisition cost paid versus the net of the amounts of the fair values assigned to all assets acquired and liabilities assumed, 

taking into consideration the respective deferred taxes, was recognised as goodwill. It mainly arose from expected synergies. Any acquired 

asset that did not meet the identification and recognition criteria for an asset was included in the amount recognised as goodwill.

The goodwill arising on this acquisition was allocated to the groups of cash-generating units of the regional markets which are respon-

sible for the joint distribution of adidas and Reebok based on the expected operating/contribution margin synergy potential. The goodwill is 

not deductible for tax purposes and is denominated in euro as the local functional currency.

The acquired subsidiary generated net sales in an amount of € 8 million as well as losses in an amount of € 0 million for the period from 

August 5 to December 31, 2015. If this acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2015, total adidas net sales would have been € 16.9 billion and 

net income attributable to shareholders would have been € 636 million for the year ending December 31, 2015.

157

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes

4

4

Effective January 2, 2015, Reebok International Limited completed the acquisition of Refuel (Brand Distribution) Limited (‘Refuel’) and 

consequently owns 100% of the voting rights. Based in London (UK), Refuel mainly markets and distributes apparel of Mitchell & Ness. 
With this acquisition, adidas took over all distribution rights of Mitchell & Ness outside of North America. The entire business of Refuel was 

acquired for a purchase price of GBP 11 million in cash.

The acquisition had the following effect on the Group’s assets and liabilities, based on a purchase price allocation:

NET ASSETS OF REFUEL (BRAND DISTRIBUTION) LIMITED AT THE ACQUISITION DATE 

€ in millions

Cash and cash equivalents

Accounts receivable

Inventories

Property, plant and equipment

Other intangible assets

Accounts payable

Income taxes

Deferred tax liabilities

Net assets

Goodwill arising on acquisition

Purchase price settled in cash

Less: cash and cash equivalents acquired 

Net cash outflow on acquisition

Pre-acquisition  
carrying amounts

Fair value adjustments

 Recognised values  
on acquisition

6

2

1

0

– 

(1)

(0)

(0)

8

– 

– 

0

– 

7

– 

– 

(1)

6

6

2

2

0

7

(1)

(0)

(1)

14

– 

14

(6)

7

The following valuation methods for the acquired assets were applied:
 — Inventories: The ‘pro rata basis valuation’ was applied for estimating the fair value of acquired inventories. Realised margins were added 
to the carrying amount of acquired inventories. Subsequently, the costs for completion for selling, advertising and general administration 

as well as a reasonable profit allowance were deducted.

 — Other intangible assets: For the valuation of customer relationships, the ‘multi-period-excess-earnings method’ was used. The respective 
future excess cash flows were identified and adjusted in order to eliminate all elements not associated with these assets. Future cash flows 

were measured on the basis of the expected net sales by deducting variable and sales-related imputed costs for the use of contributory 

assets. Subsequently, the outcome was discounted using the appropriate discount rate and adding a tax amortisation benefit.

The acquired subsidiary generated net sales in an amount of € 11 million as well as profits in an amount of € 0 million for the period from 

January 2 to December 31, 2015.

158

1 59

1 59

4
4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

05 — CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash at banks, cash on hand and short-term deposits. Short-term deposits 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.

06 — SHORT-TERM FINANCIAL ASSETS 

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.

07 — ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE 

Accounts receivable consist mainly of the currencies US dollar, euro, Chinese renminbi as well as 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

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

2,377 

(177)

2,200

2016

149

76 

(41)

(8)

0

0

177 

 2,198

 (149)

 2,049

2015

139

49

(33)

(6)

0

(1)

149

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE PAST DUE BUT NOT IMPAIRED

€ in millions

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Past due 
1 – 30 days

Past due 
31 – 60 days

Past due 
 61 – 90 days

Past due 
 91 – 180 days

Past due 
> 180 days

164 

189

63 

70

11 

9

5 

5

6 

3

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.

For further information about credit risks 

 see Risk and Opportunity Report, p. 118 

159
159

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

4

08 — OTHER CURRENT FINANCIAL ASSETS

Other current financial assets consist of the following: 

OTHER CURRENT FINANCIAL ASSETS 

€ in millions

Currency options

Forward exchange contracts

Security deposits

Financial assets related to the early termination of promotion contracts

Promissory notes

Sundry

Other current financial assets

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

20

348

81

77

15

187

729

5

202

67

–

–

93

367

The line item ‘Sundry’ mainly relates to credit cards and similar receivables. For further information about the early termination of promotion 

contracts 

 see Note 31

For further information about currency options and forward exchange contracts 

 see Note 30

09 — INVENTORIES 

Inventories by major classification are as follows:

INVENTORIES

€ in millions

Merchandise and finished goods on hand

Goods in transit

Raw materials

Work in progress

Inventories

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Gross
value

Allowance for
obsolescence

2,748

1,151

35

1

 3,935

(170)

–

(2)

–

(172)

Net
value

2,578

1,151

34

1

3,763

Gross
value

Allowance for
obsolescence

2,269

936

35

1

 3,241

(126)

–

(2)

–

(128)

Net
value

2,143

936

33

1

3,113

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. 

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

Prepaid expenses relate mainly to promotion and service contracts as well as rents. 

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

311

180

97

588

(8)

580

218

174

106

497

(8)

489

16 0

1 61

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

11 — ASSETS/LIABILITIES AND DISPOSAL GROUPS CLASSIFIED AS HELD FOR SALE 

The sale of land of adidas AG was completed in January 2016 due to the fulfilment of outstanding conditions arising from a signed contract of 
sale. Consequently, assets classified as held for sale at December 31, 2015 amounting to € 11 million are derecognised from the consolidated 

statement of financial position.

12 — PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 

€ in millions

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

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

1,395

325

1,710

3,430

(1,733)

1,697

218

1,915

1,319

300

1,502

3,121

(1,583)

1,538

100

1,638

Depreciation expenses were € 303 million and € 279 million for the years ending December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 

 see Note 32

As a general principle, it is regularly assessed whether there are any indications that furniture and fixtures might be impaired. Irrespective 

of the existence of such indications, furniture and fixtures in own-retail stores are tested annually for impairment whereby the recoverable 

amount is calculated using the discounted cash flow method as part of determining the profitability of the respective own-retail stores. 

Impairment losses amounted to € 10 million and € 19 million for the years ending December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 

 see Note 32 

These are related to other equipment, furniture and fixtures as well as buildings and leasehold improvements, mainly in the company’s 

own-retail activities, for which contrary to expectations there will be an insufficient flow of future economic benefits. In 2016, reversals of 

impairment losses were recorded in an amount of € 2 million (2015: € 1 million).

The increase in the line item ‘Construction in progress, net’ mainly relates to investments in the company’s headquarters in Herzogen-

aurach and to the expansion of the warehouse in Rieste, Germany.

Additionally, borrowing costs in an amount of € 1 million (2015: € 0 million) related to the construction of qualifying assets at adidas AG 

were capitalised using a capitalisation rate of 1.3 % (2015: 1.3 %).

For details see Attachment I to the consolidated financial statements. 

 see Statement of Movements of Intangible and Tangible Assets, p. 202

161

 
 
4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

4

13 — GOODWILL 

Goodwill primarily relates to the acquisitions of the Reebok, TaylorMade and Runtastic businesses as well as acquisitions of subsidiaries, 

primarily in the USA, Australia/New Zealand, the Netherlands, Denmark and Italy.

GOODWILL

€ in millions

Goodwill, gross

Less: accumulated impairment losses

Goodwill, net

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

1,908

 (496)

1,412

1,879

 (487)

1,392

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 € 20 million and positive € 65 million was recorded for the years ending December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

adidas determines whether goodwill impairment is necessary at least on an annual basis. The impairment test for goodwill is performed 

based on groups of cash-generating units which represent the lowest level within the company at which goodwill is monitored for internal 

management purposes. This requires an estimation of the recoverable amount of the groups of cash-generating units to which the goodwill is 

allocated. The recoverable amount of a group of cash-generating units is determined on the basis of value in use. Estimating the value in use 

requires adidas to make an estimate of the expected future cash flows from the groups of cash-generating units and also to choose a suitable 

discount rate in order to calculate the present value of those cash flows.

This calculation uses cash flow projections based on the financial planning covering a four-year period in total. The planning is based on 
long-term expectations of the company and reflects in total for the groups of cash-generating units an average annual mid-single- to low-double-

digit sales increase with varying forecasted growth prospects for the different groups of cash-generating units. Furthermore, adidas expects 

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 individual groups of cash-generating units. Cash flows beyond this four-year period 

are extrapolated using steady growth rates of 1.7% (2015: 1.7%). According to the company’s expectations, these growth rates do not exceed 

the long-term average growth rate of the business sector in which each group of cash-generating units 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 major competitors for each group of cash-generating units. The discount rates used are after-tax 

rates and reflect the specific equity and country risk of the relevant group of cash-generating units.

The groups of cash-generating units are defined as the regional markets which are responsible for the joint distribution of the adidas 

and Reebok brands as well as the other operating segments TaylorMade-adidas Golf, CCM Hockey and Runtastic. The regional markets are: 

Western Europe, North America, Greater China, Russia/CIS, Latin America, Japan, Middle East, South Korea and Southeast Asia/Pacific. The 

number of groups of cash-generating units amounted to a total of twelve at the end of both 2016 and 2015.

In the course of the annual impairment test, adidas assessed whether goodwill impairment was required. In this context, there was no 

need for goodwill impairment for the year ending December 31, 2016 (2015: € 34 million).

162

1 63

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

The carrying amounts of acquired goodwill allocated to the respective groups of cash-generating units and the respective discount rates 

applied to the cash flow projections are as follows:

ALLOCATION OF GOODWILL

Western Europe

Greater China

TaylorMade-adidas Golf

Other

Total

Goodwill 
€ in millions

Discount rate 
after taxes

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

643

231

293

245

632

226

292

240

7.7%

7.5%

6.5%

7.7%

7.4%

6.8%

7.3 – 8.9%

6.7 – 10.5%

1,412

1,392

‘Other’ comprises the groups of cash-generating units for which the respective carrying amount of allocated goodwill is not significant in 

comparison with the company’s total carrying amount of goodwill.

A change in the discount rate by up to approximately 1.6 percentage points or a reduction of planned free cash inflows by up to approxi-

mately 30% would not result in any additional impairment requirement.

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. 
The reconciliation of goodwill is as follows:

 see Statement of Movements of Intangible and Tangible Assets, p. 202

RECONCILIATION OF GOODWILL, NET 

€ in millions

Western Europe

Greater China

TaylorMade- 
adidas Golf

Other

Total

January 1, 2016

Currency translation differences

Increase in companies consolidated

Impairment losses 

December 31, 2016

632

11

–

–

643

226

5

–

–

231

292

1

–

–

293

240

5

–

–

245

1,392

20

–

–

1,412

14 — TRADEMARKS AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

Trademarks and other intangible assets consist of the following:

TRADEMARKS AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

€ in millions

Reebok

CCM Hockey

Runtastic

Other

Trademarks

Software, patents and licences

Less: accumulated amortisation and impairment losses

Other intangible assets

Trademarks and other intangible assets

Dec. 31, 2016 

Dec. 31, 2015

1,470

122

31

57

1,680

925

(758)

167

1,847

1,423

118

31

55

1,628

885

(697)

188

1,816

163

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

4

At December 31, 2016, trademarks, mainly related to the acquisition of Reebok International Ltd. (USA) in 2006 (trademarks Reebok and 

CCM Hockey) and runtastic GmbH in 2015, have indefinite useful lives. This is due to the expectation of permanent use of the acquired 
brand names.

adidas 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, adidas 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.

During the impairment test for trademarks, 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 by 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 projec-

tions of net sales related royalty savings, based on financial planning which covers a period of four years in total. The level of the applied 

royalty rate for the determination of the royalty savings is based on contractual agreements between adidas and external licensees as well 

as publicly available royalty rate agreements for similar assets. The royalty rates applied are in a range between 3% and 5% of the respective 

trademark-specific sales. Notional royalty savings beyond this period are extrapolated using steady growth rates of 1.7% (2015: 1.7%). The 

growth rates do not exceed the long-term average growth rate of the business to which the trademarks are allocated.

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 company’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 

6.5% and 9.0% (2015: between 6.8% and 8.4%).

adidas determined that there was no impairment necessary for any of its trademarks with indefinite useful lives in the years ending 

December 31, 2016 and 2015. In addition, an increase in the discount rate of up to approximately 1.7 percentage points or a reduction of cash 

inflows of up to approximately 27% would not result in any impairment requirement. However, future changes in expected cash flows and 

discount rates may lead to impairments of the accounted trademarks in the future. All other trademarks are part of the respective groups 

of cash-generating units.

As part of the goodwill impairment test, the Reebok and the Five Ten trademarks are allocated on a pro rata basis to the groups of cash-

generating units. Thereof, the major shares relate to Western Europe (€ 364 million), North America (€ 344 million), Russia/CIS (€ 205 million) 

and Latin America (€ 171 million).

Amortisation  expenses  for  intangible  assets  with  definite  useful  lives  were  € 70 million  and  € 60 million  for  the  years  ending 

December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. In 2016, impairment losses on other intangible assets amounted to € 10 million. 

 see Note 32 

For details see Attachment I to the consolidated financial statements. 

 see Statement of Movements of Intangible and Tangible Assets, p. 202

16 4

1 65

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

15 — LONG-TERM FINANCIAL ASSETS 

Long-term financial assets primarily include an 8.33% investment in FC Bayern München AG (2015: 8.33%) of € 81 million (2015: € 81 million). 
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, 2016.

The line item ‘Investments and loans’ comprises investments which are mainly invested in insurance products and are measured at fair value 

as well as other loans. The line item ‘Other financial assets’ includes the shares in Immobilieninvest und Betriebsgesellschaft Herzo-Base GmbH 

& Co. KG as well as other minority shareholdings amounting to € 50 million (2015: € 22 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.

LONG-TERM FINANCIAL ASSETS 

€ in millions

Investment in FC Bayern München AG

Investments and loans

Other financial assets

Long-term financial assets

Other financial assets mainly include unquoted equity instruments.

16 — OTHER NON-CURRENT FINANCIAL ASSETS 

Other non-current financial assets consist of the following: 

OTHER NON-CURRENT FINANCIAL ASSETS 

€ in millions

Currency options

Forward exchange contracts

Security deposits

Promissory notes

Sundry

Other non-current financial assets

Dec. 31, 2016 

Dec. 31, 2015

81

49

64

194

81

38

22

140

Dec. 31, 2016 

Dec. 31, 2015

18

13

34

30

0

96

20

2

26

42

10

99

For further information about currency options and forward exchange contracts 

 see Note 30 For information about promissory notes 

 see Note 03

17 — OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS 

Other non-current assets consist of the following: 

OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS 

€ in millions

Prepaid expenses

Sundry

Other non-current assets

Dec. 31, 2016 

Dec. 31, 2015

94

0

94

122

2

124

Prepaid expenses mainly include prepayments for long-term promotion contracts and rents. 

 see Notes 39 and 29

165

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

4

18 — BORROWINGS AND CREDIT LINES 

Borrowings are denominated in a variety of currencies in which adidas conducts its business. The largest portions of effective gross borrowings 
(before liquidity swaps for cash management purposes) as at December 31, 2016 are denominated in euros (2016: 77%; 2015: 80%) and US 

dollars (2016: 10%; 2015: 15%).

The weighted average interest rate on the Group’s gross borrowings decreased to 2.3% in 2016 (2015: 2.4%).

As at December 31, 2016, adidas had cash credit lines and other long-term financing arrangements totalling € 3.6 billion (2015: € 3.7 billion); 

thereof unused credit lines accounted for € 2.0 billion (2015: € 1.9 billion). In addition, as at December 31, 2016, adidas had separate lines for 

the issuance of letters of credit and guarantees in an amount of approximately € 0.2 billion (2015: € 0.2 billion). 

The Group’s outstanding financings are unsecured and may include standard financial covenants, which are reviewed on a quarterly basis. 

These legal covenants may include limits on the disposal of fixed assets, the maximum amount of debt secured by liens, cross default provi-

sions and change of control.

As at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, shareholders’ equity and the equity ratio were well above the agreed minimum values. 

Likewise, the relevant amount of net income clearly exceeded net loss covenants. 

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, 2016

€ in millions

Bank borrowings incl. commercial paper

Eurobond

Convertible bond

Total

 Up to
1 year 

379

–

257

 636

Between
1 and 3 years 

Between 
3 and 5 years 

More than 
5 years

–

–

–

–

–

595

–

595

–

387

–

387

Total

379

982

257

1,618

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 the outstanding portion of the convertible bond for an aggregate nominal amount of € 260 million 

(2015: € 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 3.2 million new or existing adidas AG shares. In 2016, the bondholders converted an aggregate nominal amount of € 240 million 

of the convertible bond into 2,947,127 adidas AG shares. 

 see Note 26

The convertible bond initially had 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 

€ 82.00 to € 81.57 (2015: € 82.56 to € 82.00) per share. This adjustment became effective on May 13, 2016. On June 14, 2017, the bondholders 

have the right to call the bond from adidas AG 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 € 81.57 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 short-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, 2016, the financial liability amounted to € 257 million 

(2015: € 483 million).

16 6

1 67

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

GROSS BORROWINGS AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2015 

€ in millions

Bank borrowings incl. commercial paper

Private placements

Eurobond

Convertible bond

Total

 Up to
1 year 

229

138

–

–

 366

Between
1 and 3 years 

Between 
3 and 5 years 

More than 
5 years

–

–

–

483

483

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

981

–

981

Total

229

138

981

483

1,830

For further details on future cash outflows 

 see Risk and Opportunity Report, p. 118

19 — OTHER CURRENT FINANCIAL LIABILITIES 

Other current financial liabilities consist of the following: 

OTHER CURRENT FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

€ in millions

Currency options

Forward exchange contracts

Finance lease obligations

Sundry

Other current financial liabilities

Dec. 31, 2016 

Dec. 31, 2015

1

109

3

88

201

2

59

3

79

143

The line item ‘Sundry’ mainly relates to payables due to customs duties. In 2015, it also includes purchase price obligations for non-controlling 

interests. For further information about currency options, forward exchange contracts and commodity futures 

 see Note 30 For further 

information about finance lease obligations 

 see Note 29

20 — OTHER PROVISIONS

Other provisions consist of the following:

OTHER PROVISIONS

€ in millions

Jan. 1, 2016 

Marketing

Personnel

Returns, allowances and warranty

Taxes, other than income taxes

Sundry

Other provisions

21

59

189

29

207

 506

Currency
translation
differences 

0 

1 

1 

(1)

1

2 

Usage 

Reversals 

Additions 

Transfers

Dec. 31, 2016

Thereof
non-current

(19)

(39)

(158)

(7)

(118)

(340)

(2)

(4)

(3)

(1)

(18)

 (28)

26

81

201

15

162

 485

–

1

–

1

(11)

(8)

28

99

230

36

224

 617

–

3

–

0

41

44

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.

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 adidas. 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.

167

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

4

Sundry provisions mainly include provisions for customs risks as well as for dismantling costs.

The reversal of sundry provisions in 2016 is mainly related to the completion of customs audits.

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.

21 — ACCRUED LIABILITIES 

Accrued liabilities consist of the following:

ACCRUED LIABILITIES 

€ in millions

Jan. 1, 2016 

Currency
translation
differences 

Usage 

Reversals 

Additions 

Transfers

Dec. 31, 2016

Thereof
non-current

Goods and services not yet invoiced

Marketing and sales

Personnel

Sundry

Accrued liabilities

604

688

470

42

1,805

1

(11)

7

0

(3)

(492)

(429)

(369)

(25)

(1,314)

(15)

(25)

(12)

(0)

(52)

610

523

538

37

1,708

–

–

(1)

–

(1)

708

748

633

54

2,143

9

2

102

7

120

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.

22 — OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES 

Other current liabilities consist of the following:

OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

€ in millions

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

Dec. 31, 2016 

Dec. 31, 2015

131

65

24

43

85

86

434

111

57

21

33

54

55

331

The line item ‘Sundry’ mainly consists of liabilities relating to franchise store openings and advance payments from customers.

16 8

1 69

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

23 — OTHER NON-CURRENT FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

Other non-current financial liabilities consist of the following:

OTHER NON-CURRENT FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

€ in millions

Currency options

Forward exchange contracts

Finance lease obligations 

Sundry

Other non-current financial liabilities

Dec. 31, 2016 

Dec. 31, 2015

1

2

4

16

22

0

0

6

12

18 

For further information about currency options and forward exchange contracts 

 see Note 30 For information about finance lease obligations 

 see Note 29 For further further information about earn-out components 

 see Note 04

24 — PENSIONS AND SIMILAR OBLIGATIONS 

adidas 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, 2016 

Dec. 31, 2015

Liability arising from defined benefit pension plans

Similar obligations

Pensions and similar obligations

 338

17

355

 246

26

273

Defined contribution pension plans 
The total expense for defined contribution plans amounted to € 66 million in 2016 (2015: € 59 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 South Korea. 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) and a pension fund (‘Pensionsfonds’) in combination with a reinsured provident fund (‘Unterstützungskasse’) for certain current and 

former members of the Executive Board of adidas AG. 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. 32

169

 
4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

4

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. 

The subsidiaries in South Korea grant a final pay pension plan to certain employees. This plan is closed to new entrants. The benefits are 

paid out in the form of a lump sum. The pension plan operates under the Employee Retirement Benefit Security Act (ERSA). This regulation 

requires a minimum funding amounting to 80% of the present value of the vested benefit obligation. Both subsidiaries annually contribute at 

least the minimum amount in order to meet the funding requirements.

BREAKDOWN OF THE PRESENT VALUE OF THE OBLIGATION ARISING FROM DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLANS  
IN THE MAJOR COUNTRIES 

€ in millions

Dec. 31, 2016

Active members

Former employees with vested rights

Pensioners

Total

Germany

211

76

86

375

UK

– 

69

4

73

South Korea

Germany

17

– 

– 

17

177

52

73

302

Dec. 31, 2015

South Korea

14

– 

– 

14

UK

– 

52

4

56

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 recog-

nised in the consolidated income statement, actuarial assumptions and further information.

AMOUNTS FOR DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLANS RECOGNISED IN THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 

€ in millions

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Present value of funded obligation from defined benefit pension plans

Fair value of plan assets

Funded status

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

485

(178)

307

31

0

338

338

275

(0)

–

394

(173)

221

25

0

246

247

206

(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.

170

1 71

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

WEIGHTED AVERAGE ACTUARIAL ASSUMPTIONS

in %

Discount rate

Expected rate of salary increases

Expected pension increases

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

 2.1

 3.1

 1.7

 2.8

 3.1

 1.7

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 South Korea, the KIDI 2015 tables from the Korean Insurance Development Institute are used.

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 expense

Thereof: interest cost

Thereof: interest income

Past service (credit)/cost

Gain on plan settlements

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, 2016

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2015

17

6

11

(5)

(0)

(1)

23

89

70

(1)

21

(6)

(0)

84

106

15

6

10

(4)

0

(4)

17

(12)

(23)

(1)

12

(1)

(0)

(13)

4

Of the total pension expenses recorded in the consolidated income statement, an amount of € 16 million (2015: € 14 million) relates to 

employees of adidas AG, € 0.2 million (2015: € 0.5 million) relates to employees in the UK and € 3 million (2015: € 3 million) relates to 

employees in South Korea. The gain on plan settlements in 2015 in an amount of € 4 million derives from the closure of the defined benefit 

plan in Japan effective as of March 31, 2015 and the relating introduction of a new defined contribution plan. The pension expense is mainly 

recorded within other operating expenses. The production-related part of the pension expenses is recognised within cost of sales.

17 1

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

4

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

Payments for plan settlements

Actuarial losses/(gains)

Thereof: due to changes in financial assumptions

Thereof: due to changes in demographic assumptions

Thereof: due to experience adjustments

Past service (credit)/cost

Gain on plan settlements

Business combinations/transfers/divestitures

Present value of the obligation from defined benefit pension plans as at December 31

2016

419

(8)

17

11

0

(11)

(2)

89

70

(1)

21

(0)

(1)

1

516

2015

427

8

15

10

0

(14)

(12)

(12)

(23)

(1)

12

0

(4)

0

419

The payments for plan settlements in 2015 in an amount of € 12 million result from the changes in the pension plans in Japan as described 

above.

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, the UK and South Korea the average duration of the obligation is shown.

SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS OF THE OBLIGATION FROM DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLANS 

€ in millions

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Germany

UK

South Korea

Germany

UK

South Korea

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)

375

344

412

18

73

63

85

30

17

16

18

8

302

277

330

18

56

49

65

28

14

14

15

8

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.

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)

Settlement payments

Fair value of plan assets at December 31

2016

173

(7)

(3)

6

0

5

6

(1)

178

2015

157

4

(4)

11

0

4

1

–

173

172

1 73

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

Approximately 92% (2015: 92%) of the total plan assets are allocated to plan assets in the UK (2016: 28%, 2015: 30%), Germany (2016: 57%, 

2015: 56%) and South Korea (2016: 8%, 2015: 6%). 

Part of the plan assets in Germany is held by a trustee under a Contractual Trust Arrangement (CTA) 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. 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 plan assets in the registered association are mainly invested in equity index funds, hybrid bonds, fixed and variable 

interest rate bonds and money market funds. Another part of the plan assets in Germany is invested in insurance contracts via pension funds 

or provident funds. For this portion, an insurance entity is responsible for the determination and the implementation of the investment strategy.

In the UK, the plan assets are held under trust within the pension fund. 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.

The expected payments for the 2017 financial year amount to € 48 million. Thereof, € 8 million relates to benefits directly paid to pensioners 

by the subsidiaries and € 39 million to employer contributions paid into the plan assets. In 2016, the actual return on plan assets was € 10 million 

(2015: € 5 million).

COMPOSITION OF PLAN ASSETS

€ in millions

Cash and cash equivalents

Equity instruments

Bonds

Real estate

Pension plan reinsurance

Insurance policies

Other assets

Fair value of plan assets

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

28

59

34

13

44

0

0

178

45

57

29

0

29

13

1

173

All equities and bonds are traded freely and have a quoted market price in an active market.

At each balance sheet date, the company analyses the over- or underfunding and, where appropriate, adjusts the composition of plan assets. 

25 — OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 

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, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

5

41

0

46

6

34

1

40

26 — SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

The nominal capital of adidas AG has remained unchanged since December 31, 2015. As at the balance sheet date, and in the period beyond, up 

to and including February 17, 2017, it amounted to € 209,216,186 divided into 209,216,186 registered no-par-value 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). As at the 

balance sheet date, adidas AG held 7,726,876 treasury shares, corresponding to a notional amount of € 7,726,876 in the nominal capital and 
consequently 3.69% of the nominal capital. As at February 17, 2017, adidas AG holds 8,072,349 treasury shares, corresponding to a notional 
amount of € 8,072,349 in the nominal capital and consequently 3.86% of the nominal capital.

173

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

4

Authorised Capital 
The Executive Board of adidas AG did not utilise the existing amount of authorised capital of up to € 99 million in the 2016 financial year or 

in the period beyond the balance sheet date up to and including February 17, 2017. 

The authorised capital of adidas AG, which is set out in § 4 sections 2, 3, 4 and 5 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 2, 2018
 — 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 2015);

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 entity’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 

entity 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;

until June 14, 2021
 — by issuing up to 4,000,000 new shares against contributions in cash once or several times by no more than € 4 million and, subject to Super-
visory Board approval, to determine the further content of the rights embodied in the shares and the terms and conditions of the share 

issuance. Shareholders’ subscription rights shall be excluded (Authorised Capital 2016). Any repurchased treasury shares of the entity 

which are used by the entity for employee stock purchase plans during the term of this authorisation shall be attributed to the maximum 

number of 4,000,000 shares. The new shares may only be issued to (current or former) employees of the entity and its affiliated companies 

as well as to (current and former) members of management bodies of the entity’s affiliated companies.

Contingent Capital 
The following description of the Contingent Capital is based on § 4 sections 6 and 7 of the Articles of Association of adidas AG 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 and Convertible Bond
The nominal capital of adidas AG is conditionally increased by up to € 36 million (Contingent Capital 2010). The Contingent Capital serves the 

purpose of granting holders or creditors of bonds that were issued up to May 5, 2015 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. 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.

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 (including a prolongation option) 

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 at any time 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) based on a conversion price of € 81.57 per share are convertible into 6,129,671 shares of adidas AG. The 
conversion price currently amounts to € 81.57 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 

174

1 75

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

bond, if, on 20 of 30 consecutive trading days, the share price of adidas AG exceeds the current conversion price of € 81.57 by at least 30%. 

The bonds are listed on the Open Market segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. For details regarding the servicing of the convertible 

bond with treasury shares 

 see Repurchase and use of treasury shares, p. 175

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.

The Executive Board of adidas AG did not issue shares from the Contingent Capital 2010 in the period up to the balance sheet date and 

in the period beyond the balance sheet date up to and including February 17, 2017.

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 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 entity 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 entity, 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 entity 

exercises its rights to choose to deliver shares in the entity 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 publicly 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 2016 financial year or in the period beyond 

the balance sheet date up to and including February 17, 2017.

Repurchase and use of treasury shares
Against the background of the introduction of an employee stock purchase plan, the Annual General Meeting of May 12, 2016 cancelled the 

authorisation of the Executive Board to repurchase treasury shares granted on May 8, 2014, which was used in 2014 and 2015. 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 11, 2021. The authorisation may be used by adidas AG but also by its subordinated Group companies or 
by third parties on account of adidas AG or its subordinated Group companies or third parties assigned by adidas AG 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.

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. This corresponded to a notional amount of € 4,889,142 in the nominal capital and consequently to 2.34% of the nominal capital. 

The shares were repurchased for cancellation (capital reduction) or otherwise used to meet obligations arising from the potential conversion 

of adidas AG’s € 500 million convertible bond.

Under the granted authorisation, adidas AG repurchased a total of 4,129,627 shares for a total price of € 299,999,992 (excluding incidental 

purchasing costs), i.e. for an average price of € 72.65 per share, in a second tranche between March 6, 2015 and June 15, 2015 inclusive. This 

corresponded to a notional amount of € 4,129,627 in the nominal capital and consequently to 1.97% of the nominal capital. The shares were 

repurchased for cancellation (capital reduction) or otherwise used to meet obligations arising from the potential conversion of adidas AG’s 

€ 500 million convertible bond.

Based on the authorisation granted by the Annual General Meeting on May 12, 2016, the share buyback programme was continued in a 

third tranche between November 8, 2016 and January 31, 2017 inclusive. The repurchased shares may either be cancelled, thus reducing 

the nominal capital, or may be used to meet obligations arising from the potential conversion of adidas AG’s € 500 million convertible bond 

and other admissible purposes under the authorisation granted by the Annual General Meeting on May 12, 2016.

In November 2016, 1,143,103 shares were repurchased for an average price of € 136.47, corresponding to a notional amount of € 1,143,103 

in the nominal capital and consequently to 0.55% of the nominal capital. In December 2016, 512,131 shares were repurchased for an average 

price of € 143.31, corresponding to a notional amount of € 512,131 in the nominal capital and consequently to 0.24% of the nominal capital. 
In January 2017, 472,966 shares were repurchased for an average price of € 149.29, corresponding to a notional amount of € 472,966 in the 
nominal capital and consequently to 0.23% of the nominal capital. On January 31, 2017, the third tranche of the share buyback programme 
was concluded. Under the granted authorisation, adidas AG repurchased a total of 2,128,200 shares for a total price of € 299,999,851 
(excluding incidental purchasing costs), i.e. for an average price of € 140.96 per share, in a third tranche between November 8, 2016 and 
January 31, 2017 inclusive. This corresponded to a notional amount of € 2,128,200 in the nominal capital and consequently to 1.02% of the 

175

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

4

nominal capital. adidas AG 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 HGB, p. 107

In the 2016 financial year, a total of 2,947,127 treasury shares were used to meet obligations arising from the conversion of adidas AG’s 

convertible bond. In the 2017 financial year up to and including February 17, 2017, a total of 127,493 treasury shares were used to meet obliga-

tions arising from the conversion of adidas AG’s convertible bond. Up to the balance sheet date and in the period beyond the balance sheet 

date up to and including February 17, 2017, adidas AG used a total of 3,074,620 treasury shares.

Employee stock purchase plan
In the 2016 financial year, adidas introduced an employee stock purchase plan in favour of employees. For details on the employee stock 

purchase plan 

 see Disclosures Pursuant to § 315 Section 4 and § 289 Section 4 HGB, p. 107 and 

 see Notes 02 and 27

Changes in the percentage of voting rights
Pursuant to § 160 section 1 no. 8 AktG, existing shareholdings which have been notified to adidas AG in accordance with § 21 section 1 or 

section 1a German Securities Trading Act (Wertpapierhandelsgesetz – WpHG) need to be disclosed.

The following table reflects reportable shareholdings in adidas AG, Herzogenaurach, as at the balance sheet date and up to and including 

February 17, 2017 which have each been notified to adidas AG in written form. The respective details are taken from the most recent voting 

rights notification received by adidas AG. All voting rights notifications disclosed by adidas AG in the year under review and up to and including 
 www.adidas-group.com/s/voting-rights-notifications The details on the percentage of shareholdings 

February 17, 2017 are available on the adidas website. 
and voting rights may no longer be up to date.

NOTIFIED REPORTABLE SHAREHOLDINGS AS AT FEBRUARY 17, 2017

Notifying party

Date of reaching, exceeding 
or falling below

Reporting threshold

Attributions in accordance 
with WpHG

Shareholdings  
in %

Number of  
voting rights

Elian Corporate Trustee (Cayman) Limited,  
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands 1

December 16, 2016

Exceeding 5% 

§§ 22, 25 sec. 1 no. 2

BlackRock, Inc., Wilmington, DE, USA 2

November 25, 2016

Exceeding 5%

§§ 22, 25 sec. 1 no. 1 and 
§ 25 sec.1 no. 2

Fidelity Mt. Vernon Street Trust,  
Boston, MA, USA 3

FMR LLC, Wilmington, DE, USA 4

O. Mason Hawkins, USA 5

Albert Frère / Desmarais Family Trust,  
Montréal, Canada 6

Capital Research and Management Company, 
Los Angeles, CA, USA 7

The Capital Group Companies, Inc.,  
Los Angeles, CA, USA 8

October 31, 2016

Exceeding 3% 

May 12, 2016

April 27, 2016

Exceeding 5% 

Falling below 3% 

January 14, 2016

Exceeding 5%

§ 21

§ 22

§ 22

§ 22

July 22, 2015

Exceeding 3%

§ 22 sec. 1 sent. 1 no. 6

July 22, 2015

Exceeding 3% 

§ 22 sec. 1 sent. 1 no. 6 
in conjunction with § 22 
sec. 1 sent. 2 and 3

5.71

5.29

3.01

5.31

2.94

5.0001

3.02

3.02

11,950,482

11,069,462

6,291,822

11,117,704

6,160,627

10,461,000

6,325,110

6,325,110

adidas AG, Herzogenaurach, Germany 9

April 9, 2015

Exceeding 3% 

3.002

6,281,429

1  See adidas AG’s disclosure dated December 22, 2016. 
2  See adidas AG’s disclosure dated December 2, 2016. 
3  See adidas AG’s disclosure dated November 4, 2016. 
4  See adidas AG’s disclosure dated May 19, 2016.
5  See adidas AG’s disclosure dated May 2, 2016.
6  See adidas AG’s disclosure dated January 22, 2016. 
7  See adidas AG’s disclosure dated July 29, 2015.
8  See adidas AG’s disclosure dated July 28, 2015.
9  See adidas AG’s disclosure dated April 10, 2015.

Capital management 
The company’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.

adidas 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 company further aims to maintain net debt below two times EBITDA over 

the long term.

176

1 77

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

Financial leverage amounts to 1.6% (2015: 8.1%) and 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 € 103 million (2015: € 460 million) and shareholders’ equity 

in an amount of € 6.472 billion (2015: € 5.666 billion). EBITDA (continuing operations) amounted to € 1.883 billion for the financial year ending 

December 31, 2016 (2015: € 1.475 billion). The ratio between net borrowings and EBITDA (continuing operations) amounted to 0.1 for the 

financial year ending December 31, 2016 (2015: 0.3).

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 the issued 

convertible bond.

 — Cumulative currency translation differences: comprises 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: comprises 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: comprises both amounts which are required by the Articles of Association and voluntary amounts that have been set 
aside by adidas. The reserve includes the unappropriated accumulated profits less dividends paid and consideration paid for the repur-

chase of treasury shares exceeding the nominal value. In addition, the item includes the effects of the employee stock purchase plan. 

Distributable profits and dividends 
Profits distributable 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 2016 Annual General Meeting, the dividend for 2015 was € 1.60 per share (total amount: € 320 million). The 

Executive Board of adidas AG will propose to use retained earnings of adidas AG in an amount of € 629 million as reported in the 2016 financial 

statements of adidas AG for a dividend payment of € 2.00 per dividend-entitled share and to allocate € 200 million to other revenue reserves. 

The subsequent remaining amount will be carried forward.

As at December 31, 2016, 201,489,310 dividend-entitled shares exist, resulting in a dividend payment of € 403 million.

27 — SHARE-BASED PAYMENT

In 2016, adidas announced the introduction of an open-ended employee stock purchase plan (the ‘plan’). The plan will be operated on a 

quarterly basis, with each calendar quarter referred to as an ‘investment quarter’. The first investment quarter went from October 1 to 

December 31, 2016. The plan enables employees to purchase adidas AG shares with a 15% discount (‘investment shares’) and to benefit from 

free matching shares. Currently, eligible employees of adidas AG and ten other subsidiaries can participate in the plan. Up to two weeks 

before the start of an investment quarter each eligible employee can enrol for the plan. The company accepts enrolment requests on the 

first day of the relevant investment quarter. This is the grant date for the investment and matching shares. The fair value at the vesting date 

is equivalent to the fair value of the granted equity instruments at this date. The employees invest an amount up to 10% of their gross base 

salary per quarter in the plan. A few days after the end of the investment quarter the shares are purchased on the market at fair market value 

and transferred to the employees. Thereby the amount invested during the quarter plus the step-up from adidas is used. These shares can 

be sold at any time by the employee. If the shares are held for a period of one year after the last day of an investment quarter, employees 

will receive one-time free matching shares (one matching share for every six adidas AG shares acquired). This plan currently constitutes an 

equity-settled share-based payment for both elements. For the specific period of service of the matching shares an appropriate discount is 

taken into account.The effects for 2016 are presented in the following table:

177

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

4

STOCK PURCHASE PLAN 

Grant date

Share price at grant date (in €)

Share price as at December 31, 2016 (in €)

Number of granted investment shares based on the share price as at December 31, 2016

Outstanding granted matching shares based on the share price as at December 31, 2016

Expenses recognised relating to investment shares (€ in millions)

Expenses recognised relating to vesting of matching shares (€ in millions)

Average remaining vesting period in months as at December 31

Dec. 31, 2016

October 1, 2016

157.40

150.15

24,665

4,110

0.6

0.1

12

As at December 31, 2016, a total amount of € 3 million was invested by the participants in the stock purchase plan and has been included in 

‘Other current financial liabilities’. 

 see Note 19

28 — NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS 

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 two and six subsidiaries as at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 

 see Attachment II to the 

Consolidated Financial Statements (see Shareholdings of adidas AG, Herzogenaurach, p. 204) 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.

As at December 31, 2015, signed purchase agreements which became effective as of January 2016 existed for the non-controlling interests 

of Life Sport Ltd. and adidas Levant Limited. adidas acquired 34% of Life Sport Ltd. and 45% of adidas Levant Limited. In accordance with 

the requirements of IAS 32, financial liabilities were recognised in the amount of the purchase prices. The difference between the purchase 

prices and the non-controlling interests was directly recognised in shareholders’ equity as at December 31, 2015. The purchase price was 

actually paid in 2016 and as a result included in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

For the following subsidiaries with non-controlling interests the main financial information is presented combined.

SUBSIDIARIES WITH NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS

Legal entity name

Principle place of business

adidas Levant Limited

adidas Levant Limited – Jordan

Life Sport Ltd.

Reebok India Company

Lebanon

Jordan

Israel

India

Ownership interests held by  
non-controlling interests  
(in %)

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

 0%

 0%

15%

6.85%

45%

45%

49%

6.85%

178

1 79

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

The following table presents the main financial information on subsidiaries with non-controlling interests.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION ON SUBSIDIARIES WITH NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS 

€ in millions

Net sales (third parties)

Net income

Net income/(loss) attributable to non-controlling interests

Other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests

Current assets

Non-current assets

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Net assets

Net assets attributable to non-controlling interests

Reclassification of non-controlling interests in accordance with IAS 32

Net assets attributable to non-controlling interests according to the consolidated statement of financial position

Net cash generated from/(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

1  Included in net cash generated from financing activities.

Non-controlling interests

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

168

15

2

(1)

15

2

85

16

(55)

(1)

44

(17)

–

 (17)

18

(8)

0

10

2

173

10

6

(20)

(10)

5

98

17

(76)

(1)

38

(8)

(10)

(18)

7

(4)

1

4

6

29 — LEASING AND SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS 

Operating leases 
adidas leases primarily retail stores as well as offices, warehouses and equipment. The contracts regarding these leases with expiration 

dates of between 1 and 21 years partly include renewal options and escalation clauses. Rent expenses (continuing operations), which partly 

depend on net sales, amounted to € 729 million and € 680 million for the years ending December 31, 2016 and 2015, 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, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

688

 1,289

523

 2,501

516

 1,143

540

 2,199

179

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

4

Finance leases 
adidas also leases various premises for administration and warehousing which are classified as finance leases.

The net carrying amount of these assets of € 6 million and € 8 million was included in property, plant and equipment as at December 31, 2016 

and 2015, respectively. For the year ending December 31, 2016, interest expenses (continuing operations) were € 0 million (2015: € 0 million) 

and depreciation expenses (continuing operations) were € 4 million (2015: € 4 million).

Minimum lease payments for finance leases in 2016 include land leases with a remaining lease term of 96 years. The minimum lease 

payments under these contracts amount to € 12 million. The estimated amount representing interest is € 10 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 2019 and the land leases 

with a remaining lease term of 96 years are as follows:

MINIMUM LEASE PAYMENTS FOR FINANCE LEASES 

€ in millions

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

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

3

1

12

16

(10)

6

3

1

2

3

3

12

18

(9)

9

3

3

3

Service arrangements 
adidas 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, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

134

 233

0

366

97

 253

0

349

18 0

1 81

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

30 — FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

Additional disclosures on financial instruments

CARRYING AMOUNTS OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2016, ACCORDING TO CATEGORIES OF IAS 39  
AND THEIR FAIR VALUES

Category
according to
IAS 39

Carrying
amount
Dec. 31, 2016

Amortised
cost

Measurement according to IAS 39

Fair value
recognised
in equity

Fair value
recognised
in net income

Measurement 
according to
 IAS 17

Fair value
Dec. 31, 2016

€ 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

Promissory notes

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

Promissory notes

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

Earn-out components

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

Earn-out components

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)

n.a.

FAHfT

LaR

n.a.

FAHfT

AfS

LaR

FAHfT

AfS

LaR

n.a.

FAHfT

AfS

LaR

LaR

FLAC

FLAC

FLAC

FLAC

FLAC

FLAC

n.a.

FLHfT

n.a.

FLAC

n.a.

FLAC

FLAC

FLAC

FLAC

FLAC

n.a.

FLHfT

n.a.

FLAC

n.a.

FLAC

5

44

15

81

17

30

24

7

1

15

1,510

5

2,200

325

44

15

345

81

102

10

15

17

30

34

– 

379

– 

– 

476

2,496

704

87

24

7

81

3

– 

– 

1,048

– 

9

2

1

15

0

4

– 

3

4

1,510

5

2,200

1,510

2,200

325

39

15

87

2

345

64

10

34

– 

379

– 

– 

257

2,496

704

81

– 

– 

982

– 

9

0

– 

325

44

15

345

81

102

10

15

17

30

34

– 

379

– 

– 

257

2,496

704

87

24

7

81

3

– 

– 

982

– 

9

2

1

15

0

4

– 

148

−

148

2,590

148

4,909

24

181

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

CARRYING AMOUNTS OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2015, ACCORDING TO CATEGORIES OF IAS 39  
AND THEIR FAIR VALUES

Category
according to
IAS 39

Carrying
amount
Dec. 31, 2015

Amortised
cost

Measurement according to IAS 39

Fair value
recognised
in equity

Fair value
recognised
in net income

Measurement 
according to
 IAS 17

Fair value
Dec. 31, 2015

€ 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

Promissory notes

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

Finance lease obligations

Earn-out components

thereof: other financial liabilities

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)

n.a.

FAHfT

LaR

n.a.

FAHfT

LaR

FAHfT

AfS

LaR

n.a.

FAHfT

AfS

LaR

LaR

FLAC

FLAC

FLAC

FLAC

FLAC

FLAC

n.a.

FLHfT

FLAC

n.a.

FLAC

FLAC

FLAC

FLAC

FLAC

n.a.

FLHfT

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

FLAC

179

36

2

36

1,365

2,049

160

22

1

36

0

229

138

– 

– 

2,024

596

79

– 

– 

981

483

14

0

5

28

81

20

42

25

0

21

12

1,365

5

2,049

179

28

160

81

58

1

2

20

42

36

0

229

138

– 

– 

2,024

596

36

25

79

3

– 

– 

997

629

14

– 

0

6

21

12

0

3

6

1,365

5

2,049

179

28

160

81

58

1

2

20

42

36

0

229

138

– 

– 

2,024

596

36

25

79

3

– 

– 

981

483

14

– 

0

6

21

12

0

133

−

133

2,246

100

4,543

26

182

4

1 83

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

FAIR VALUE HIERARCHY OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS ACCORDING TO IFRS 13 AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2016

€ in millions

Short-term financial assets

Derivative financial instruments

Derivatives being part of a hedge

Derivatives not being part of a hedge

Long-term financial assets

Promissory notes

Financial assets

Short-term borrowings

Derivative financial instruments

Derivatives being part of a hedge

Derivatives not being part of a hedge

Long-term borrowings

Earn-out components 

Financial liabilities

Fair value
Dec. 31, 2016

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

5

339

62

184

45

636

855

89

24

1,048

22

2,039

1,048

1,048

5

339

62

39

445

855

89

24

969

145

45

190

22

22

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). 

FAIR VALUE HIERARCHY OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS ACCORDING TO IFRS 13 AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2015

€ in millions

Short-term financial assets

Derivative financial instruments

Derivatives being part of a hedge

Derivatives not being part of a hedge

Long-term financial assets

Promissory notes

Financial assets

Short-term borrowings

Derivative financial instruments

Derivatives being part of a hedge

Derivatives not being part of a hedge

Long-term borrowings

Earn-out components 

Financial liabilities

Fair value
Dec. 31, 2015

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

5

181

47

139

42

414

366

36

26

1,626

21

2,075

1,626

1,626

5

181

47

36

269

366

36

26

428

102

42

145

21

21

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). 

183

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

4

RECONCILIATION OF FAIR VALUE HIERARCHY LEVEL 3 IN 2016

€ in millions

Long-term 
financial assets

Promissory 
notes

Investments 
in other equity 
instruments

Earn-out 
components 

This category relates to an 8.33% investment in FC Bayern 
München AG of € 81 million. Dividends are distributed by 
FC Bayern München AG instead of regular interest payments. 
These dividends are recognised in other financial income.

On January 23, 2015, adidas signed a definitive agreement to 
sell the Rockport operating segment which was divested on 
July 31, 2015. The transaction included contingent promissory 
notes. The discounted cash flow method is applied. The fair 
value adjustment is recognised in discontinued operations.

The change in fair value refers to recognised impairment 
losses resulting due to one or more events where objective 
evidence of an impairment was identified, considering 
expectations regarding future business development. The 
impairment is recognised in other financial result.

The acquisition of Runtastic includes earn-out compo-
nents which are measured based on the discounted cash 
flow method. The earn-out components are dependent on 
retention of the Runtastic management as well as on the 
achievement of certain performance measures over the first 
three years after the acquisition. The fair value adjustment 
refers to accretion and is recognised in interest result.

RECONCILIATION OF FAIR VALUE HIERARCHY LEVEL 3 IN 2015

Fair value
Jan. 1, 2016

Additions

Disposals

Gains

Losses

Currency 
translation

Fair value
Dec. 31, 2016

81

42

– 

– 

– 

– 

22

47

–

1

2

–

– 

– 

(5)

– 

81

1

–

45

64

21

– 

– 

– 

1

– 

22

€ in millions

Fair value
Jan. 1, 2015

Additions

Disposals

Gains

Losses

Fair value
Dec. 31, 2015

Long-term 
financial assets

This category relates to an 8.33% investment in FC Bayern München AG of 
€ 81 million. Dividends are distributed by FC Bayern München AG instead 
of regular interest payments. These dividends are recognised in other 
financial income.

Promissory 
notes

On January 23, 2015, adidas signed a definitive agreement to sell the 
Rockport operating segment which was divested on July 31, 2015. The 
transaction included contingent promissory notes. The discounted cash 
flow method is applied. The fair value adjustment is recognised in discon-
tinued operations.

Investments 
in other equity 
instruments

The change in fair value refers to recognised impairment losses resulting 
due to one or more events where objective evidence of an impairment was 
identified, considering expectations regarding future business devel-
opment. The impairment is recognised in other financial result.

Earn-out 
components 

The acquisition of Runtastic includes earn-out components which are 
measured based on the discounted cash flow method. The earn-out 
components are dependent on retention of the Runtastic management 
as well as on the achievement of certain performance measures over the 
first three years after the acquisition. The fair value adjustment refers to 
accretion and is recognised in interest result.

80

– 

– 

–

42

23

– 

– 

–

1

– 

–

– 

– 

(1)

81

42

22

– 

21

– 

– 

– 

21

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 equal 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 a company-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.

18 4

1 85

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS LEVEL 1 NOT MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE

Type

Valuation method

Significant unobservable inputs

Category

Convertible bond

The fair value is based on the market price of the convertible bond as at December 31, 2016.

Not applicable

Eurobond

The fair value is based on the market price of the Eurobond as at December 31, 2016.

Not applicable

FLAC

FLAC

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS LEVEL 2 MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE

Type

Valuation method

Significant unobservable inputs

Category

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 matur-
ities, it is assumed that their respective fair value is equal to the notional amount.

Not applicable

FAHfT

The fair value is based on the market price of the assets as at December 31, 2016.

Not applicable

AfS

Available-for-sale 
financial assets

Forward exchange 
contracts

For EUR/USD, EUR/CNH, USD/CNH, EUR/GBP, GBP/USD, EUR/JPY and USD/JPY adidas 
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.

Currency options

adidas applies the Garman-Kohlhagen model, which is an extended version of the Black-
Scholes model.

Commodity futures

The fair value is determined based on commodity forward curves, discounted by deposit and 
swap interest rates. 

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

n.a. respec-
tively FAHfT

n.a. respec-
tively FAHfT

n.a. respec-
tively FAHfT

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS LEVEL 2 NOT MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE

Type

Valuation method

Significant unobservable inputs

Category

Private placements

The discounted cash flow method is applied, which considers the present value of expected 
payments, discounted using a risk-adjusted discount rate.

Not applicable

FLAC

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS LEVEL 3 MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE

Type

Valuation method

Significant 
unobservable inputs

Inter-relationship between significant 
unobservable inputs and fair value measurement

Category 

Investment in FC 
Bayern München AG

Promissory notes

Investments in other 
equity instruments

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 FC Bayern 
München AG) are used in order to calculate the fair value as 
at December 31, 2016.

The discounted cash flow method is applied, which 
considers the present value of expected payments, 
discounted using a risk-adjusted discount rate. The 
expected payments are determined by considering the 
possible scenarios of forecasted dividends, the amount to 
be paid under each scenario and the probability of each 
scenario.

These equity instruments do not have a quoted market 
price in an active market. Existing contractual arrange-
ments are used in order to calculate the fair value as at 
December 31, 2016.

Earn-out components The discounted cash flow method is applied, which 
considers the present value of expected payments, 
discounted using a risk-adjusted discount rate.

See column 
‘Valuation 
method’

Risk-adjusted 
discount rate

See column 
‘Valuation 
method’

Risk-adjusted 
discount rate

FAHfT

AfS

AfS

n.a.

The estimated fair value would increase 
(decrease) if the dividends were higher 
(lower) or the risk-adjusted discount 
rate was lower (higher).

The estimated fair value would increase 
(decrease) if EBITDA were higher 
(lower) or the risk-adjusted discount 
rate were lower (higher).

185

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

4

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, 2016

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2015

1

–

1

(35)

(3)

15

1

–

1

(16)

(1)

10

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 
 Note 07 and the Group 

liabilities’) as well as 31 to 42 (‘Nature and Extent of Risks arising from Financial Instruments’) can be found in 

Management Report. 

 see Risk and Opportunity Report, p. 118

Financial instruments for the hedging of foreign exchange risk
adidas uses natural hedges and arranges forward exchange contracts, currency options and currency swaps to protect against foreign 

exchange risk. As at December 31, 2016, adidas had outstanding currency options with premiums paid totalling an amount of € 15 million 

(2015: € 0 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 € 9 million after taxes (2015: negative € 1 million) for currency options and an amount of positive € 226 million after taxes 

(2015: positive € 112 million) for forward exchange contracts were recorded in hedging reserves. Currency option premiums impacted net 

income in the amount of € 2 million in 2016 (2015: € 1 million). 

The total time value of the currency options not being part of a hedge in an amount of positive € 7 million (2015: positive € 0 million) was 

recorded in the income statement in 2016. In 2016, due to a change in the exposure, some of the currency hedges were terminated and conse-

quently an amount of negative € 1 million was reclassified from hedging reserves to the income statement. 

In the years ending December 31, 2016 and 2015, hedging instruments related to product sourcing were bought to hedge a total net amount 

of US $ 6.5 billion and US $ 6.2 billion, respectively.

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

Forward exchange contracts

Currency options

Total

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

11,750

 459

12,209

 8,926

 59

8,985

The comparatively high amount of forward exchange contracts is primarily due to currency swaps for liquidity management purposes and 

hedging transactions.

18 6

1 87

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

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

Forward exchange contracts

Currency options

Total

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

6,156

405

6,561

4,286

0

4,286

The fair value of all outstanding currency hedging instruments is as follows:

FAIR VALUES

€ in millions

Forward exchange contracts

Currency options

Total

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Positive
fair value 

Negative
fair value 

Positive
fair value 

Negative
fair value 

362

19

381

(112)

(1)

(113)

204

0

204

(59)

(1)

(60)

A total net fair value of positive € 240 million (2015: positive € 146 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 € 18 million (2015: negative € 2 million), mainly related to currency swaps for 

liquidity management purposes and to forward exchange contracts hedging intercompany dividend receivables, was recorded in the income 

statement. The total fair value of positive € 18 million (2015: negative € 1 million) for outstanding currency options related to cash flow 

hedges. This consists of a positive time value of € 9 million (2015: positive € 1 million) and of a negative time value of € 1 million (2015: 

negative € 0 million) and furthermore includes an intrinsic value of the options in an amount of € 10 million.

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 2017. At the balance sheet date, inventories 

were adjusted without affecting the consolidated income statement by positive € 12 million (2015: positive € 26 million) which will be recog-

nised in the consolidated income statement at the expected realisation of the hedged item in 2017.

In the hedging reserve, a negative amount of € 92 million (2015: negative € 56 million) is included for hedging the currency risk of net invest-

ments 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, 2016, 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, adidas uses generally accepted quantitative financial 

models based on market conditions prevailing at the balance sheet date.

In 2016, the fair values of the most material currency pairs (EUR/USD, EUR/CNH, USD/CNH, EUR/GBP, GBP/USD, EUR/JPY and USD/JPY) 

were determined applying the ‘par method’, which uses actively traded forward rates. For the other currency pairs the zero coupon method 

is applied.

187

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Income Statement

4

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

All figures related to the 2016 and 2015 financial years in the ‘Notes to the consolidated income statement’ refer to the company’s continuing 

operations unless otherwise stated.

31 — OTHER OPERATING INCOME

Other operating income consists of the following:

OTHER OPERATING INCOME

€ 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

Income from the early termination of promotion and advertising contracts 

Income from the divestiture of the Mitchell & Ness business

Sundry income

Other operating income

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2016

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2015

55

3

4

2

69

39

94

266

50

4

1

1

–

–

42

96

For further information about the line item ‘Income from the divestiture of the Mitchell & Ness business’ 

 see Note 04

Sundry income mainly relates to income from cost reimbursements.

32 — OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES 

Other operating expenses include expenses for sales, marketing, research and development, as well as for logistics and central administration 

less any income from government grants, if applicable. In addition, other operating expenses 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.

Expenditure for marketing investments is a material component of other operating expenses. The expenditure for marketing investments 

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 2016, expenditure for marketing 

investments accounted for 24% (2015: 26%) 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 for tangible and intangible assets (except goodwill impairment losses) and impairment losses 

were € 392 million and € 357 million for the years ending December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Thereof, € 4 million and € 3 million were 

recorded within the cost of sales as they are directly assigned to the production costs.

18 8

1 89

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Income Statement

Income from government grants is reported as a deduction from the related expenses and amounted to € 23 million in 2016 (2015: € 5 million).

OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES 

€ in millions

Expenditure for marketing investments

Expenditure for point-of-sale investments

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, 2016

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2015

1,981 

540 

684 

2,237 

967 

164 

1,690 

8,263 

388 

1,886

462

554

2,040

859

139

1,350

7,289

354

33 — 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 relating to the amount of inventories recognised as an expense during the period was € 9.776 billion and 

€ 8.602 billion for the years ending December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Personnel expenses
Personnel expenses were as follows:

PERSONNEL EXPENSES

€ in millions

Wages and salaries

Social security contributions

Pension expenses

Personnel expenses

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2016

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2015

2,238

206

89

2,532

1,921

187

76

2,184

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.

189

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Income Statement

4

34 — 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

Net foreign exchange gains

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

Other

Financial expenses

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2016

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2015

21

0

0

5

 1

28

19

1

0

25

1

 46

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2016

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2015

 70

0

0

4

74

 65

0

0

1

67

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.

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 € 4 million for the year ending December 31, 2016 

(2015: € 1 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 30

35 — INCOME TAXES 

adidas AG and its German subsidiaries are subject to German corporate and trade taxes. For the years ending December 31, 2016 and 

2015, 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.

19 0

1 91

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Income Statement

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

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities

Deferred tax assets, net

The movement of deferred taxes is as follows:

MOVEMENT OF DEFERRED TAXES 

€ in millions

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 the change in the effective portion of the fair value 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 Notes 03 and 11.
3  See Note 24.
4  See Note 30.

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015 

732

(387)

345

2016

269

56

1

0

21

(2)

0

345

637

(368)

269

2015

186

86

(14)

7

(3)

30

(23)

269

Gross company 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, 2016 

Dec. 31, 2015

202

193

334

76

805

346

68

46

460

345

216

183

276

56

731

348

80

34

462

269

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.

191

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Income Statement

4

Deferred tax assets for which the realisation of the related tax benefits is not probable increased from € 653 million to € 731 million for 

the year ending December 31, 2016. 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.

adidas 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 company were to sell its shareholdings in the subsidiaries.

Tax expenses 
Tax expenses are split as follows:

INCOME TAX EXPENSES

€ in millions

Current tax expenses

Deferred tax income

Income tax expenses

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2016

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2015

482

(56)

426

439

(86)

353

The deferred tax income includes tax income of € 29 million in total (2015: € 111 million) related to the origination and reversal of temporary 

differences.

The company’s effective tax rate differs from an assumed tax rate of 30% for the year ending December 31, 2016 as follows:

TAX RATE RECONCILIATION

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

Year ending Dec. 31, 2016

Year ending Dec. 31, 2015

€ in millions

in %

€ in millions

434

(160)

48

0

51

(8)

0

365

61

426

30.0

(11.0)

3.3

0.0

3.5

(0.5)

0.0

25.3

4.2

29.5

312

(139)

35

10

95

(21)

2

294

59

353

in %

30.0

(13.4)

3.4

1.0

9.2

(2.0)

0.1

28.3

5.7

34.0

For 2016 the effective tax rate is 29.5%. For 2015, the effective tax rate was affected by non-tax-deductible goodwill impairment losses. 

Excluding the goodwill impairment losses, the effective tax rate in 2015 was 32.9%. 

For 2016, the line item ‘Losses for which benefits were not recognisable and changes in valuation allowances’ mainly relates to changes in 

valuation allowances for Brazil. For 2015, this line item mainly related to changes in valuation allowances of the US tax group. 

For 2016 and 2015, the line item ‘Changes in tax rates’ mainly reflects a UK tax rate reduction effective in 2016 and 2015, respectively.

192

1 93

 
4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Notes to the Consolidated Income Statement

36 — EARNINGS PER SHARE 

Basic earnings per share 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 adidas and held as treasury shares.

It is necessary to include 6.0 million potential dilutive shares arising from the convertible bond issuance in March 2012 in the calculation 

of diluted earnings per share in 2016 as due to the potential dilutive shares a dilutive effect resulted as at the balance sheet date. 

 see Note 18 

The average share price reached € 124.57 per share during 2016 and thus exceeded the conversion price of € 81.57 per share. As a conse-

quence of contractual provisions relating to dividend protection, the conversion price was adjusted from € 82.00 to € 81.57 per share. This 

adjustment became effective on May 13, 2016.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

Net income from continuing operations (€ in 
millions)

Net income attributable to non-controlling 
interests (€ in millions) 

Net income attributable to shareholders (€ in 
millions)

Weighted average number of shares 

Basic earnings per share (in €) 

Net income attributable to shareholders (€ in 
millions)

Interest expense on convertible bond, net of taxes 
(€ in millions)

Net income used to determine diluted earnings 
per share (€ in millions)

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Total

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2016

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2015

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2016

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2015

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2016

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2015

1,019

2

1,016

686

6 

680

–

–

1

–

–

–

–

–

–

(46)

1,017

634

200,188,276

201,536,418

200,188,276

201,536,418

200,188,276

201,536,418

5.08 

3.37

0.01

(0.23)

5.08

3.15

1,016

12

1,028 

680

–

680

1

–

1

(46)

–

(46)

1,017

12

1,029

634

–

634

Weighted average number of shares

200,188,276

201,536,418

200,188,276

201,536,418

200,188,276

201,536,418

Weighted assumed conversion of the convertible 
bond

Weighted average number of shares for diluted 
earnings per share

5,958,632

–

5,958,632

–

5,958,632

-

206,146,908 

201,536,418

206,146,908 

201,536,418

206,146,908 

201,536,418 

Diluted earnings per share (in €) 

4.99 

3.37

0.01

(0.23)

4.99

3.15

For further information on basic and diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations 

 see Note 03

193

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Additional Information

4

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

37 — SEGMENTAL INFORMATION 

adidas operates predominantly in one industry segment – the design, distribution and marketing of athletic and sports lifestyle products.

As at December 31, 2016, following the company’s internal management reporting by markets and in accordance with the definition of 

IFRS 8 ‘Operating Segments’, 13 operating segments were identified: Western Europe, North America, Greater China, Russia/CIS, Latin 

America, Japan, Middle East, South Korea, Southeast Asia/Pacific, TaylorMade-adidas Golf, CCM Hockey, Runtastic and Other centrally 

managed businesses. Due to the divestiture of the Rockport operating segment on July 31, 2015, income and expenses of the Rockport 

operating segment were reported as discontinued operations as at December 31, 2015. 

 see Note 03 The markets Middle East, South Korea 

and Southeast Asia/Pacific were aggregated to the segment MEAA (’Middle East, Africa and other Asian markets’). According to the criteria 

of IFRS 8 for reportable segments, the business segments Western Europe, North America, Greater China, Russia/CIS, Latin America, Japan 

and MEAA are reported separately. The remaining operating segments are aggregated under Other Businesses due to their only subor-

dinate materiality. Historic and estimated future economic indicators that have been assessed in determining that the aggregated operating 

segments share similar characteristics were profitability characteristics on net margin and contribution level, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) 

growth rates as well as consumer price inflation.

Each market comprises all wholesale, retail and e-commerce business activities relating to the distribution and sale of products of the 

adidas and Reebok brands to retail customers and end consumers.

The operating segment TaylorMade-adidas Golf comprises the brands TaylorMade, adidas Golf, Adams Golf and Ashworth.

CCM Hockey designs, produces and distributes ice hockey equipment such as sticks, skates and protection gear. In addition, CCM Hockey 

designs, produces and distributes apparel mainly under the brand name CCM.

Runtastic operates in the digital health and fitness space. The company provides a comprehensive ecosystem for tracking and managing 

health and fitness data.

Other centrally managed businesses 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 Inter-

national Clearance Management.

Certain centralised Group functions do not meet the definition of IFRS 8 for an operating segment. This includes functions such as Global 

Brands and Global Sales (central brand and distribution management for the brands adidas and Reebok), central treasury, global sourcing 
as well as other headquarter functions. Assets, liabilities, income and expenses relating to these corporate functions are presented together 

with other non-allocable items and intersegment eliminations in the reconciliations.

The chief operating decision maker for adidas has been defined as the entire 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 

other operating expenses plus royalty and commission income and other operating income attributable to the segment or group of segments, 

however without considering headquarter costs and central expenditure for marketing investments.

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 attrib-

utable 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.

194

1 95

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Additional Information

SEGMENTAL INFORMATION I

€ in millions

Net sales (third parties) 1

Segmental operating profit 1

Segmental assets 2

Segmental liabilities 2

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

5,291

3,412

3,010

679

1,731

1,007

2,685

1,475

–

1,475

4,539

2,753

2,469

739

1,783

776

2,388

1,467

159

1,627

951

214

1,060

105

227

207

722

(14)

–

(14)

19,291

17,075

3,471

909

69

866

85

235

147

664

(89)

(18)

(107)

2,869

1,595

1,273

507

284

757

218

751

594

–

594

1,327

891

465

204

619

233

633

684

0

684

5,978

5,056

200

117

167

6

73

38

90

143

–

143

834

145

96

146

6

63

34

77

117

0

117

683

Western Europe

North America

Greater China

Russia/CIS

Latin America

Japan

MEAA

Other Businesses (continuing operations)

Other Businesses (discontinued operations)

Other Businesses (total)

Total

1  Year ending December 31.
2  At December 31.

SEGMENTAL INFORMATION II

€ in millions

Capital expenditure 1

Depreciation and amortisation 1

Impairment losses and reversals  
of impairment losses 1

Western Europe

North America

Greater China

Russia/CIS

Latin America

Japan

MEAA

Other Businesses (continuing operations)

Other Businesses (discontinued operations)

Other Businesses (total)

Total

1  Year ending December 31.

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

76

87

97

47

48

14

60

12

–

12

63

32

76

16

30

13

35

18

4

22

40

21

52

21

22

13

31

26

–

26

33

21

43

24

22

10

27

20

4

24

442

287

225

204

1

2

2

0

0

1

1

1

–

1

8

4

7

1

2

2

0

1

1

(0)

1

18

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.

NET SALES (THIRD PARTIES) 

€ in millions

Reportable segments

Other Businesses

Reclassification to discontinued operations

Total

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2016

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2015

17,816

1,475

–

19,291

15,448

1,627

(159)

16,915

195

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Additional Information

4

OPERATING PROFIT 

€ in millions

Operating profit for reportable segments

Operating profit for Other Businesses

Segmental operating profit

HQ/Consolidation

Central expenditure for marketing investments

Goodwill impairment losses

Reclassification to discontinued operations

Operating profit

Financial income

Financial expenses

Income before taxes

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2016

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2015

3,485

(14)

3,471

(1,278)

(703)

–

–

1,491

28

(74)

1,444

2,975

(107)

2,869

(1,172)

(621)

(34)

18

1,059

46

(67)

1,039

Operating profit of centralised functions which do not represent a segment, such as Global Brands and Global Sales (central brand and 

distribution management for the brands adidas and Reebok), central treasury and global sourcing as well as other headquarter departments, 
is shown under HQ/Consolidation.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE 

€ in millions

Reportable segments

Other Businesses

Reclassification to discontinued operations

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

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2016

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2015

430

12

–

209

651

265

22

(4)

230

513

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2016

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2015

199

26

–

147

373

181

24

(4)

138

338

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2016

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2015

7

1

–

9

18

16

1

0

35

52

196

1 97

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Additional Information

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

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 (THIRD PARTIES) 

€ in millions

Footwear

Apparel

Hardware

Reclassification to discontinued operations

Total

Dec. 31, 2016

 Dec. 31, 2015

5,385

594

5,978

(15)

2,245

678

6,290

–

4,372

684

5,056

106

1,737

598

5,846

(0)

15,176

13,343

Dec. 31, 2016

 Dec. 31, 2015

691

143

834

1,662

837

3,432

1,957

–

8,721

566

117

683

1,342

509

2,831

2,332

0

7,696

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2016

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2015

10,135

7,476

1,681

–

19,291

8,519

6,970

1,585

(159)

16,915

197

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Additional Information

4

Geographical information
Net sales (third parties) 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 (third parties)

Non-current assets

Western Europe

North America

Greater China

Russia/CIS

Latin America

Japan

MEAA

HQ/Consolidation

Reclassification to discontinued operations

Total

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2016

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2016

 Dec. 31, 2015

5,728

4,131

3,028

680

1,741

1,187

2,795

–

–

4,937

3,620

2,491

757

1,797

947

2,525

–

(159)

2,056

1,197

515

369

288

280

563

– 

– 

1,960

1,177

462

363

282

193

533

– 

– 

19,291

16,915

5,268

4,970

With regard to Germany, Western Europe contains net sales (third parties) (continuing operations) amounting to € 1,093 million and 

€ 936 million as well as non-current assets amounting to € 1,015 million and € 846 million for the years 2016 and 2015, respectively. With 

regard to the USA, North America contains net sales (third parties) (continuing operations) amounting to € 3,654 million and € 3,091 million 

as well as non-current assets amounting to € 1,062 million and € 967 million for the years 2016 and 2015, respectively. 

38 — ADDITIONAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

In 2016, the increase in cash generated from operating activities compared to the prior year was primarily due to an increase in income before 

taxes which was partly offset by higher operating working capital requirements as well as by an increase in income taxes paid.

Net cash outflow from investing activities in 2016 mainly related to spending for property, plant and equipment such as investments in the 

furnishing and fitting of own-retail stores, in new office buildings and IT systems.

Cash outflows from financing activities mainly related to the dividend paid to shareholders of adidas AG and to the repurchase of treasury 

shares.

As of July 31, 2015, the Rockport operating segment was divested. The following assets and liabilities were consequently derecognised 

from the consolidated statement of financial position as of July 31, 2015:

IMPACT OF DIVESTITURE ON ITEMS IN THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 

€ in millions

Cash and cash equivalents

Current assets

Non-current assets

Liabilities

Net assets

Consideration received in cash

Less: cash and cash equivalents disposed of

Net cash inflow

July 31, 2015

(1)

(138)

(123)

62

(201)

165

(1)

164

198

1 99

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Additional Information

NET CASH (USED IN)/GENERATED FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS 

€ in millions

Net cash (used in)/generated from operating activities

Net cash (used in) investing activities

Net cash (used in)/generated from financing activities

Net cash (used in) discontinued operations

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2016

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2015

(1)

– 

– 

(1)

3

(6)

– 

(3)

As of June 30, 2016, the company formally completed the divestiture of the Mitchell & Ness business 

 see Note 04 The following assets and 

liabilities were consequently derecognised from the consolidated statement of financial position as of June 30, 2016:

IMPACT OF DIVESTITURE ON ITEMS IN THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 

€ in millions

Cash and cash equivalents

Current assets

Non-current assets

Liabilities

Net assets

Consideration received in cash

Less: cash and cash equivalents disposed of

Net cash inflow

June 30, 2016

(2)

(22)

(8)

7

(25)

31

(2)

29

39 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES 

Other financial commitments 
adidas has other financial commitments (continuing operations) 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, 2016

 Dec. 31, 2015

988

2,585

2,070

5,643

982

2,593

2,204

5,779

Commitments with respect to promotion and advertising contracts maturing after five years have remaining terms of up to 14 years from 

December 31, 2016.

Compared to December 31, 2015, commitments for promotion and advertising contracts decreased mainly due to the early termination 

of the existing partnership with Chelsea F.C.

Information regarding commitments under lease and service contracts is also included in these Notes. 

 see Note 29

Litigation and other legal risks 
The company 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 company.

19 9

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Additional Information

4

40 — RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES 

According to the definitions of IAS 24 ‘Related Party Disclosures’, the Supervisory Board and the Executive Board of adidas AG have been 

identified as related parties who solely receive 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 41 and 

 see Compensation Report, p. 32

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 regis-

tered association. adidas AG has the right to claim a refund of pension payments from adidas Pension Trust e.V. under specific contractually 

agreed conditions.

41 — OTHER INFORMATION 

Employees 
The average numbers of employees (continuing operations) are as follows: 

EMPLOYEES 

Own retail 

Sales 

Logistics 

Marketing 

Central administration 

Production

Research and development 

Information technology 

Total 

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2016

Year ending  
Dec. 31, 2015

33,478

32,249

4,243

6,225

5,179

5,068

1,441

1,073

1,169

3,955

6,023

4,536

4,660

1,366

984

1,147

57,876

54,921

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 

2016, the expenses for the professional audit service fees for the auditor KPMG AG amounted to € 1.3 million (2015: € 1.3 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 (2015: € 0.0 million), € 0.0 million (2015: € 0.5 million) and € 0.1 million (2015: € 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 € 1.3 million (2015: € 1.2 million).

Members of the Supervisory Board were not granted any loans in 2016.

Executive Board

In 2016, the overall expenditure-based compensation of the members of the Executive Board totalled € 21.2 million (2015: € 12.0 million), 

€ 11.3 million thereof relates to short-term benefits (2015: € 7.4 million) and € 9.9 million to long-term benefits (2015: € 4.6 million). 

Post-employment benefits (costs for accrued pension entitlements for members of the Executive Board as well as a follow-up bonus for 

2016 for a resigned member of the Executive Board) totalled € 4.8 million (2015: € 1.8 million).

In 2016, former members of the Executive Board and their survivors received pension payments totalling € 3.6 million (2015: € 3.5 million).

Pension  obligations  relating  to  former  members  of  the  Executive  Board  and  their  survivors  amount  in  total  to  € 75.3 million 

(2015: € 55.4 million).

The benefits confirmed to a former member of the Executive Board in 2016 due to the termination of the Executive Board mandate were 

recognised in the consolidated income statement and amounted to € 2.6 million.

Members of the Executive Board were not granted any loans in 2016.
Further information on disclosures according to § 314 section 1 no. 6a HGB is provided in the Compensation Report. 

 see Compensation 

Report, p. 32

2 00

201

 
4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Notes – Additional Information

42 — INFORMATION RELATING TO THE GERMAN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CODE 

Information pursuant to § 161 German Stock Corporation Act (Aktiengesetz – AktG)
On March 3, 2016, the Executive Board and Supervisory Board of adidas AG made an intra-year change to the Declaration of Compliance in 

accordance with § 161 AktG issued on February 15, 2016 and made it permanently available to the shareholders. On February 13, 2017, the 

Executive Board and Supervisory Board issued the annually updated Declaration of Compliance in accordance with § 161 AktG and made it 

permanently available to the shareholders. The full text of the Declaration of Compliance is available on the company’s corporate website.

43 — EVENTS AFTER THE BALANCE SHEET DATE 

Company-specific subsequent events
No company-specific subsequent events are known which might have a material influence on the assets, liabilities, financial position and 

profit or loss of the company.

Date of preparation
The Executive Board of adidas AG prepared and approved the consolidated financial statements for submission to the Supervisory Board 

on February 17, 2017. It is the Supervisory Board’s task to examine the consolidated financial statements and give their approval and 

authorisation for issue.

Herzogenaurach, February 17, 2017

The Executive Board of adidas AG

2 01

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Statement of Movements of Intangible and Tangible Assets

4

CON SOL IDATE D FI NANCI AL  S TAT EM E NTS

Statement of Movements of Intangible and Tangible Assets

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 generated 

 Total intangible  

 Land, land leases, 

 Technical equipment 

 Other equipment, 

software 

assets 

buildings and leasehold 

and machinery 

furniture and fixtures 

 Construction  

in progress 

 Total tangible  

assets 

Acquisition cost

January 1, 2015 

Currency effect 

Additions 

Increase in companies consolidated 

Transfers 

Disposals 

December 31, 2015/January 1, 2016 

Currency effect 

Additions 

Transfers to assets held for sale 

Transfers 

Disposals 

December 31, 2016

Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment 

January 1, 2015 

Currency effect 

Additions 

Impairment losses 

Reversals of impairment losses 

Transfers 

Disposals 

December 31, 2015/January 1, 2016 

Currency effect 

Additions 

Impairment losses 

Reversals of impairment losses 

Transfers to assets held for sale 

Transfers 

Disposals 

December 31, 2016

Net carrying amount 

January 1, 2015

December 31, 2015

December 31, 2016

1,588

99

– 

192

– 

– 

1,879

29

– 

– 

– 

(0)

1,908

419

34

– 

34

– 

– 

– 

487

9

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(0)

496

1,169

1,392

1,412

1,432

164

– 

31

– 

(0)

1,628

53

– 

– 

0

– 

1,681

0

0

0

– 

– 

(0)

– 

0

0

0

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1

1,432

1,628

1,680

730

36

49

16

37

(2)

865

12

65

(6)

(2)

(29)

904

592

29

56

0

(0)

16

(2)

691

13

64

10

(0)

(1)

(4)

(25)

748

138

173

157

improvements 

3,792

1,074

299

49

252

4

(3)

93

65

(6)

(2)

4,392

(29)

4,513

1,029

1,184

63

60

34

(0)

0

(2)

22

70

10

(0)

(1)

(4)

(25)

1,255

2,763

3,208

3,259

53

156

– 

47

(11)

1,319

28

87

(0)

(8)

(31)

1,395

320

19

51

8

(0)

– 

(9)

389

56

6

2

(1)

(0)

(1)

(26)

425

753

930

970

41

– 

– 

12

(33)

(0)

20

20

17

(15)

(0)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

4

– 

– 

5

– 

5

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

10

24

15

10

268

5

31

0

4

(7)

300

10

27

(0)

13

(25)

325

122

3

35

0

– 

0

0

– 

(5)

155

8

35

(0)

6

(23)

180

145

145

145

1,323

(113)

1,502

13

237

1

41

33

272

(1)

79

(175)

1,710

(100)

1,039

926

10

193

11

(0)

0

28

213

8

(1)

(0)

0

397

463

582

(158)

1,128

159

(0)

41

– 

(96)

(3)

100

201

1

– 

(82)

(2)

218

0

(0)

(0)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

0

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

0

159

100

218

2,823

(134)

3,221

71

464

1

(4)

73

586

(1)

2

(233)

3,648

1,369

(114)

1,583

31

279

19

(1)

0

42

303

10

(2)

(0)

4

(207)

1,733

1,454

1,638

1,915

2 02

203

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
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 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 

Acquisition cost

January 1, 2015 

Currency effect 

Additions 

Transfers 

Disposals 

Currency effect 

Additions 

Increase in companies consolidated 

December 31, 2015/January 1, 2016 

Transfers to assets held for sale 

Transfers 

Disposals 

December 31, 2016

January 1, 2015 

Currency effect 

Additions 

Impairment losses 

Transfers 

Disposals 

Currency effect 

Additions 

Impairment losses 

Reversals of impairment losses 

December 31, 2015/January 1, 2016 

Reversals of impairment losses 

Transfers to assets held for sale 

Transfers 

Disposals 

December 31, 2016

Net carrying amount 

January 1, 2015

December 31, 2015

December 31, 2016

1,588

99

– 

192

1,879

29

(0)

1,908

419

34

– 

34

487

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

9

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(0)

496

1,169

1,392

1,412

1,432

164

– 

31

– 

(0)

1,628

53

1,681

– 

– 

0

– 

0

0

0

– 

– 

– 

0

0

0

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1

(0)

1,432

1,628

1,680

730

36

49

16

37

(2)

12

65

(6)

(2)

865

(29)

904

592

691

29

56

0

(0)

16

(2)

13

64

10

(0)

(1)

(4)

(25)

748

138

173

157

1,323

13

237

1

41

(113)

1,502

33

272

(1)

79

(175)

1,710

926

10

193

11

(0)

0

(100)

1,039

28

213

8

(1)

(0)

0

(158)

1,128

397

463

582

159

(0)

41

– 

(96)

(3)

100

1

201

– 

(82)

(2)

218

0

(0)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

0

(0)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

0

159

100

218

2,823

71

464

1

(4)

(134)

3,221

73

586

(1)

2

(233)

3,648

1,369

31

279

19

(1)

0

(114)

1,583

42

303

10

(2)

(0)

4

(207)

1,733

1,454

1,638

1,915

41

– 

– 

12

(33)

(0)

20

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

20

17

– 

4

– 

– 

(15)

(0)

5

– 

5

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

10

24

15

10

3,792

1,074

299

49

252

4

(3)

4,392

93

65

(6)

(2)

(29)

4,513

1,029

63

60

34

(0)

0

(2)

1,184

22

70

10

(0)

(1)

(4)

(25)

1,255

2,763

3,208

3,259

53

156

– 

47

(11)

1,319

28

87

(0)

(8)

(31)

1,395

320

19

51

8

(0)

– 

(9)

389

6

56

2

(1)

(0)

(1)

(26)

425

753

930

970

268

5

31

0

4

(7)

300

10

27

(0)

13

(25)

325

122

3

35

0

– 

0

(5)

155

8

35

0

– 

(0)

6

(23)

180

145

145

145

2 03

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Shareholdings

4

CON SOL IDATE D FI NANCI AL  S TAT EM E NTS

Shareholdings

SHAREHOLDINGS

SHAREHOLDINGS OF ADIDAS AG, HERZOGENAURACH AT DECEMBER 31, 2016

Attachment II

Company and Domicile

Currency

Equity
(currency units
in thousands)

Share in capital 
held by 1

in %

Germany

adidas Insurance & Risk Consultants GmbH 2

adidas Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH 2

adidas CDC Immobilieninvest GmbH 

adidas Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH 3

adidas anticipation GmbH 2

Europe (incl. Middle East and Africa)

adidas sport gmbh 

adidas Austria GmbH 

runtastic GmbH 

adidas France S.a.r.l. 

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

adidas International B.V. 

11

12

13

14

15

16

adidas International Trading B.V. 

adidas International Marketing B.V. 

adidas International Finance B.V. 

adidas International Property Holding B.V. 

adidas Infrastructure Holding B.V. 

adidas Benelux B.V. 

17 Hydra Ventures B.V. 

adidas (UK) Limited 

Refuel (Brand Distribution) Limited 4

Reebok International Limited 8

Trafford Park DC Limited 

RBK Holdings Limited 3, 8

Reebok Pensions Management Limited 3, 8

Reebok Europe Holdings 

Luta Limited 3, 8

Taylor Made Golf Limited 10

Ashworth U.K. Ltd. 3, 10

adidas (Ireland) Limited 

adidas International Re DAC 

Reebok Ireland Limited 3

Five Ten Europe NV 3

adidas España S.A.U. 

adidas Finance Spain S.A.U. 

Global Merchandising, S.L. 

adidas Italy S.p.A. 

adidas Portugal - Artigos de Desporto, S.A. 

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

Herzogenaurach (Germany)

Herzogenaurach (Germany)

Herzogenaurach (Germany)

Herzogenaurach (Germany)

Herzogenaurach (Germany)

Cham (Switzerland)

Klagenfurt (Austria)

Pasching (Austria)

Landersheim (France)

Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Stockport (Great Britain)

Aylesbury (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)

Lasne (Belgium)

Zaragoza (Spain)

Zaragoza (Spain)

Madrid (Spain)

Monza (Italy)

Lisbon (Portugal)

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

CHF

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

GBP

GBP

EUR

GBP

GBP

GBP

GBP

GBP

GBP

GBP

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

EUR

NOK

NOK

26 

681,990 

11,541 

4,328 

directly

directly

14

89

25 

directly

6,249 

6,955 

5,055 

188,185 

6,992,628 

823,032 

51,759 

54,597 

48,200 

(23)

6,272 

(10,108)

43,356 

–

372,916 

786 

–

–

26,248 

–

(9,064)

–

2,793 

19,649 

56 

(163)

38,229 

36,226 

4,261 

51,328 

5,344 

1,412 

27,999 

6,998 

directly

directly

6

10

directly

directly

9

10

10

10

100

10

directly

10

10

20

87

15

87

81

20

20

20

10

26

10

10

28

90

2

87

10

10

10

10

directly

directly

38

100

100

100

100

100

100

95.89

4.11

100

100

93.97

6.03

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

89

11

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

98

2

100

100

adidas Business Services Lda. 

Morea de Maia (Portugal)

adidas Norge AS 

Reebok-CCM Hockey AS 

Lillestrøm (Norway)

Lillestrøm (Norway)

1  The number refers to the number of the company.
2  Profit and loss transfer agreement 
3  Company with no active business
4  Legal owner of the shares with loss of control effective July 1, 2016
5  Sub-group Taylor Made Golf Co., Inc.

6  Sub-group Sports Licensed Division of the adidas Group, LLC
7  Sub-group Reebok-CCM Hockey U.S., Inc.
8  Sub-group Reebok International Limited
9  Sub-group Reebok International Ltd.
10  Sub-group Taylor Made Golf Limited

2 04

205

 
4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Shareholdings

SHAREHOLDINGS OF ADIDAS AG, HERZOGENAURACH AT DECEMBER 31, 2016

Attachment II

Company and Domicile

adidas Sverige AB 

adidas Finance Sverige AB 

Reebok-CCM Hockey AB 

adidas Suomi Oy 

Reebok-CCM Hockey Oy 

adidas Danmark A/S 

adidas CR s.r.o. 

adidas Budapest Kft. 

adidas Bulgaria EAD 

LLC ‘adidas, Ltd.’ 

adidas Poland Sp.z o.o. 

adidas Finance Poland S.A. 

adidas Romania S.R.L. 

adidas Baltics SIA 

adidas Slovakia s.r.o. 

adidas Trgovina d.o.o. 

SC ‘adidas-Ukraine’ 

adidas LLP 

adidas Serbia d.o.o. 

adidas Croatia d.o.o. 

adidas Hellas A.E. 

adidas (Cyprus) Limited 

adidas Spor Malzemeleri Satis ve Pazarlama A.S. 

Solna (Sweden)

Solna (Sweden)

Solna (Sweden)

Helsinki (Finland)

Espoo (Finland)

Copenhagen (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)

Belgrade (Serbia)

Zagreb (Croatia)

Athens (Greece)

Nicosia (Cyprus)

Istanbul (Turkey)

adidas Emerging Markets L.L.C 

Dubai (United Arab Emirates)

adidas Emerging Markets FZE 

adidas Levant Limited 

adidas Levant Limited – Jordan 

adidas Imports & Exports Ltd. 

adidas Sporting Goods Ltd. 

adidas Egypt Ltd. 3

Reebok Israel Ltd. 

Life Sport Ltd. 

adidas Morocco LLC 

adidas (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd. 

North America

adidas North America, Inc. 

adidas America, Inc. 

adidas International, Inc. 

adidas Team, Inc. 3

Taylor Made Golf Co., Inc. 5

Ashworth, LLC 3, 5

Dubai (United Arab Emirates)

Dubai (United Arab Emirates)

Amman (Jordan)

Cairo (Egypt)

Cairo (Egypt)

Cairo (Egypt)

Holon (Israel)

Holon (Israel)

Casablanca (Morocco)

Cape Town (South Africa)

Portland, Oregon (USA)

Portland, Oregon (USA)

Portland, Oregon (USA)

Portland, Oregon (USA)

Carlsbad, California (USA)

Carlsbad, California (USA)

The Reebok Worldwide Trading Company, LLC 

Wilmington, Delaware (USA)

Reebok Securities Holdings LLC 9

Textronics, Inc. 

Wilmington, Delaware (USA) 

Wilmington, Delaware (USA)

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

55

56

57

58

59

60

61

62

63

64

65

66

67

68

69

70

71

72

73

74

75

76

77

78

79

80

81

82

Currency

Equity
(currency units
in thousands)

Share in capital 
held by 1

in %

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

MAD

ZAR

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

78,678 

271,486 

60,434 

1,397 

3,068 

21,905 

130,979 

525,592 

13,401 

27,380,926

53,362 

97,876 

26,157 

2,399 

1,018 

514 

825,945 

4,481,584 

409,384 

34,915 

16,894 

601 

316,031 

18,470 

92,103 

2,955 

881 

(14,573)

181,815 

(1,831)

15,030 

106,880 

15,157 

251,160 

5,168,243 

155,451 

75,824 

(1,013)

345,859 

–

17,075 

–

11,987 

directly

89

40

10

10

10

directly

directly

directly

7

directly

87

10

10

directly

directly

directly

directly

10

10

directly

directly

10

indirectly

9

10

64

65

68

10

11

directly

directly

10

directly

directly

10

74

74

74

74

78

87

87

76

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

100

100

100

90

10

100

100

85

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

1  The number refers to the number of the company.
2  Profit and loss transfer agreement 
3  Company with no active business
4  Legal owner of the shares with loss of control effective July 1, 2016
5  Sub-group Taylor Made Golf Co., Inc.

6  Sub-group Sports Licensed Division of the adidas Group, LLC
7  Sub-group Reebok-CCM Hockey U.S., Inc.
8  Sub-group Reebok International Limited
9  Sub-group Reebok International Ltd.
10  Sub-group Taylor Made Golf Limited

2 05

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Shareholdings

4

CON SOL IDATE D FI NANCI AL  S TAT EM E NTS

Shareholdings

SHAREHOLDINGS OF ADIDAS AG, HERZOGENAURACH AT DECEMBER 31, 2016

Attachment II

Company and Domicile

Ashworth Acquisition Corp. 3, 5

Putter, LLC 3, 5

Onfield Apparel Group, LLC 3, 6

Reebok Onfield, LLC 3, 6

Reebok International Ltd. 9

Wilmington, Delaware (USA) 

Montgomery, Alabama (USA)

Dover, Delaware (USA)

Dover, Delaware (USA)

Canton, Massachusetts (USA)

Sports Licensed Division of the adidas Group, LLC 6

Boston, Massachusetts (USA)

83

84

85

86

87

88

89

90

91

92

93

94

95

96

97

98

99

Reebok-CCM Hockey U.S., Inc. 7

Stone Age Equipment, Inc. 

Spartanburg DC, Inc. 

adidas Canada Ltd. 

Sport Maska Inc. 

Asia

adidas Sourcing Limited 

adidas Services Limited 

adidas Hong Kong Limited 

Smedley Industries (Hong Kong) Limited 3, 7

Reebok Trading (Far East) Limited 

adidas (Suzhou) Co. Ltd. 

100 adidas Sports (China) Co. Ltd. 

101 adidas (China) Ltd. 

102 Zhuhai adidas Technical Services Limited 

103 adidas Logistics (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. 

104 adidas Business Services (Dalian) Limited 

105 adidas Japan K.K. 

106 Taylor Made Golf Co., Ltd. 

107 adidas Korea Ltd. 

108 Taylor Made Korea Ltd. 

109 adidas Korea Technical Services Limited 

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)

Seoul (Korea)

Seoul (Korea)

Pusan (Korea)

110 adidas India Private Limited 

New Delhi (India)

111 adidas India Marketing Private Limited 

New Delhi (India)

112 adidas Technical Services Private Limited 

113 Reebok India Company 

114 PT adidas Indonesia 

New Delhi (India)

New Delhi (India)

Jakarta (Indonesia)

115 adidas (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. 

Petaling Jaya (Malaysia)

116 adidas Philippines Inc. 

117 adidas Singapore Pte. Ltd. 

118 adidas Taiwan Limited 

119 adidas (Thailand) Co., Ltd. 

120 adidas Australia Pty Limited 

121 adidas New Zealand Limited 

Pasig City (Philippines)

Singapore (Singapore)

Taipei (Taiwan)

Bangkok (Thailand)

Mulgrave (Australia)

Auckland (New Zealand)

Currency

Equity
(currency units
in thousands)

Share in capital 
held by 1

in %

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

USD

CAD

CAD

USD

USD

HKD

HKD

USD

CNY

CNY

CNY

CNY

CNY

CNY

JPY

JPY

KRW

KRW

KRW

INR

INR

USD

INR

IDR

MYR

PHP

SGD

TWD

THB

AUD

NZD

–

–

–

–

(1,071,318)

76,481 

46,654 

11,006 

11,367 

117,830 

180,861 

490,123 

12,062 

362,938 

–

31,176 

227,446 

11,988,206 

750,510 

47,334 

141,095 

8,789 

12,863,253 

4,094,743

207,148,674 

436,747 

4,158,769 

4,630,379 

4,778,682 

3,346 

(22,152,801)

222,914,721 

52,260 

653,787 

12,472 

1,493,263 

1,185,847 

75,074 

10,075 

79

83

87

86

87

74

87

81

87

75

75

10

10

11

10

2

89

87

2

2

10

94

15

10

10

10

directly

directly

94

directly

10

110

10

94

123

10

directly

directly

10

directly

directly

10

directly

10

directly

100

100

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

10.68

89.32

98.99

1.01

100

93.15

99

1

60

40

100

100

100

100

100

100

1  The number refers to the number of the company.
2  Profit and loss transfer agreement 
3  Company with no active business
4  Legal owner of the shares with loss of control effective July 1, 2016
5  Sub-group Taylor Made Golf Co., Inc.

6  Sub-group Sports Licensed Division of the adidas Group, LLC
7  Sub-group Reebok-CCM Hockey U.S., Inc.
8  Sub-group Reebok International Limited
9  Sub-group Reebok International Ltd.
10  Sub-group Taylor Made Golf Limited

2 06

207

4
CONSOLIDATED  FINA NCIA L S TATEMENTS
Shareholdings

SHAREHOLDINGS OF ADIDAS AG, HERZOGENAURACH AT DECEMBER 31, 2016

Attachment II

Company and Domicile

Currency

Equity
(currency units
in thousands)

Share in capital 
held by 1

122 adidas Vietnam Company Limited 

123 Reebok (Mauritius) Company Limited 

Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)

Port Louis (Mauritius)

Latin America

124 adidas Argentina S.A. 

Buenos Aires (Argentina)

125 Reebok Argentina S.A. 

Buenos Aires (Argentina)

126 ASPA do Brasil Ltda. 3

127 adidas do Brasil Ltda. 

128 adidas Franchise Brasil Servicos Ltda. 

129 Reebok Produtos Esportivos Brasil Ltda. 

São Paulo (Brazil)

São Paulo (Brazil)

São Paulo (Brazil)

Jundiaí (Brazil)

130 adidas Chile Limitada 

Santiago de Chile (Chile)

131 adidas Colombia Ltda. 

132 adidas Perú S.A.C. 

133 adidas de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. 

134 adidas Industrial, S.A. de C.V. 

135 Reebok de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. 3

136 adidas Latin America, S.A. 

137 Concept Sport, S.A. 

138 adidas Market LAM, S.A. 3

139 3 Stripes S.A. (adidas Uruguay) 3

140 Tafibal S.A. 

141 Raelit S.A. 

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)

142 Reebok Central America S.A. 9

San Pedro Sula (Honduras)

143 adidas Corporation de Venezuela, S.A. 3

144 adisport Corporation 

Caracas (Venezuela) 

San Juan (Puerto Rico)

VND

USD

ARS

ARS

BRL

BRL

BRL

BRL

CLP

COP

PEN

MXN

MXN

MXN

USD

USD

USD

UYU

UYU

UYU

HNL

VEF

USD

92,441,962 

2,194 

1,137,171 

179,998 

75 

(25,513)

19,966 

9,368 

10

87

80

10

2

11

10

94

2

127

10

102,653,569 

directly

(42,585,326)

90,607 

286,931 

167,406 

(537,589)

(80,139)

1,622 

–

(436)

22,570 

40,629 

–

(17)

(2,851)

1

directly

directly

130

directly

directly

directly

directly

10

10

directly

directly

directly

87

80

directly

10

1  The number refers to the number of the company.
2  Profit and loss transfer agreement 
3  Company with no active business
4  Legal owner of the shares with loss of control effective July 1, 2016
5  Sub-group Taylor Made Golf Co., Inc.

6  Sub-group Sports Licensed Division of the adidas Group, LLC
7  Sub-group Reebok-CCM Hockey U.S., Inc.
8  Sub-group Reebok International Limited
9  Sub-group Reebok International Ltd.
10  Sub-group Taylor Made Golf Limited

in %

100

99

1

51.73

48.27

96.25

3.75

100

100

100

100

99

1

100

99.21

0.79

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

99.6

0.4

100

100

2 07

4
RESP ONSIBILITY S TATEMENT

4

AUD I TO R’S RE PORT

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 17, 2017

KASPER RORSTED 

CEO

ROLAND AUSCHEL

GLENN BENNETT

Global Sales

Global Operations

ERIC LIEDTKE

Global Brands

ROBIN J. STALKER

CFO

2 08

209

4
AUDITOR’S REPORT

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, 2016. 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 those 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, 

complies with the German statutory requirements, and as a whole provides a suitable view of the Group’s 

position and suitably presents the opportunities and risks of future development.

Munich, February 17, 2017

KPMG AG

Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft

(Original German version signed by:)

Braun 

Wolper

Wirtschaftsprüfer  
(German Public Auditor) 

Wirtschaftsprüfer
(German Public Auditor)

2 09

N

AL
R
ATIO
FO
N
DITIO
IN
M

D
A

21 1

N

ATIO

M

Additional Information

5

— TEN-YEAR OVERVIEW 
— GLOSSARY 
— DECLARATION OF SUPPORT 
— FINANCIAL CALENDAR 

212

216

219

220

21 1

5
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Ten-Year Overview

5

AD DI T IO NAL INFO RM AT IO N

Ten-Year Overview

TEN-YEAR OVERVIEW

TEN-YEAR OVERVIEW

Income Statement Data (€ in millions)

Net sales 2

Gross profit 2

Royalty and commission income 2

Other operating income 2

Other operating expenses 2

EBITDA 2

Operating profit 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 

Net financial result

Income before taxes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 

Income taxes 2

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests

Net income attributable to shareholders 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 

Income Statement Ratios

Gross margin 2

Operating margin 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Interest coverage 2

Effective tax rate 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Net income attributable to shareholders in % of net sales 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 

Net Sales by Brand (€ in millions)

adidas brand

Reebok brand

TaylorMade-adidas Golf 

CCM Hockey 

Net Sales by Product Category (€ in millions)

Footwear 2

Apparel 2

Hardware 2

Balance Sheet Data (€ in millions)

Total assets 

Inventories 

Receivables and other current assets

Working capital 

Net cash/(net borrowings)

Shareholders’ equity 

1  2011 restated according to IAS 8 in the 2012 consolidated financial statements.
2  2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 reflect continuing operations as a result of the divestiture of the Rockport business.
3  2015 excluding goodwill impairment of € 34 million.
4  2014 excluding goodwill impairment of € 78 million.
5  2013 excluding goodwill impairment of € 52 million.
6  2012 excluding goodwill impairment of € 265 million.
7  Includes continuing and discontinued operations.
8  Figures adjusted for 1:4 share split conducted on June 6, 2006.
9  Subject to Annual General Meeting approval.

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011 1

2010

2009

2008

2007

19,291

9,379

109

266

8,263

1,883

1,491

(46)

1,444

426

2

1,017

48.6%

7.7%

30.8

29.5%

5.3%

16,334

1,770

892

271

10,135

7,476

1,681

15,176

3,763

3,607

2,121

(103)

6,472

16,915

8,168

119

96

7,289

1,475

1,094

 (21)

1,073

353

6

668

48.3%

6.5%

23.8

32.9%

4.0%

13,939

1,751

902

317

8,360

6,970

1,585

13,343

3,113

3,003

2,133

(460)

5,666

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

210

4,751

4,426

1,121

8,325

1,629

2,048

1,522

(1,766)

3,023

21 2

21 3

TEN-YEAR OVERVIEW

Income Statement Data (€ in millions)

Net sales 2

Gross profit 2

Royalty and commission income 2

Other operating income 2

Other operating expenses 2

EBITDA 2

Operating profit 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 

Net financial result

Income before taxes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 

Income taxes 2

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests

Net income attributable to shareholders 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 

Income Statement Ratios

Gross margin 2

Operating margin 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Interest coverage 2

Effective tax rate 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Net Sales by Brand (€ in millions)

adidas brand

Reebok brand

TaylorMade-adidas Golf 

CCM Hockey 

Footwear 2

Apparel 2

Hardware 2

Total assets 

Inventories 

Balance Sheet Data (€ in millions)

Receivables and other current assets

Working capital 

Net cash/(net borrowings)

Shareholders’ equity 

Net Sales by Product Category (€ in millions)

Net income attributable to shareholders in % of net sales 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 

19,291

9,379

109

266

8,263

1,883

1,491

(46)

1,444

426

2

1,017

48.6%

7.7%

30.8

29.5%

5.3%

16,334

1,770

892

271

10,135

7,476

1,681

15,176

3,763

3,607

2,121

(103)

6,472

16,915

8,168

119

96

7,289

1,475

1,094

 (21)

1,073

353

6

668

48.3%

6.5%

23.8

32.9%

4.0%

13,939

1,751

902

317

8,360

6,970

1,585

13,343

3,113

3,003

2,133

(460)

5,666

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

269

6,658

6,279

1,597

12,417

2,526

2,861

2,970

(185)

5,624

5
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Ten-Year Overview

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011 1

2010

2009

2008

2007

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

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

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

210

4,751

4,426

1,121

8,325

1,629

2,048

1,522

(1,766)

3,023

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

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

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

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

200

5,389

5,380

1,221

10,618

2,119

2,324

1,972

(221)

4,616

21 3

5
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Ten-Year Overview

5

AD DI T IO NAL INFO RM AT IO N

Ten-Year Overview

TEN-YEAR OVERVIEW CONTINUED

Balance Sheet Ratios

Net borrowings/EBITDA 2

Average operating working capital in % of net sales 2

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 2

Return on equity 7

Return on capital employed 7

Data Per Share 8

Share price at year-end (in €) 

Basic earnings 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (in €) 

Diluted earnings 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (in €) 

Price/earnings ratio at year-end 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Market capitalisation at year-end (€ in millions)

Net cash generated from operating activities 7 (in €)

Dividend (in €) 

Dividend payout ratio 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (in %) 

Number of shares outstanding at year-end (in thousands) 

Employees

Number of employees at year-end 2

Personnel expenses 2 (€ in millions) 

1  2011 restated according to IAS 8 in the 2012 consolidated financial statements.
2  2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 reflect continuing operations as a result of the divestiture of the Rockport business.
3  2015 excluding goodwill impairment of € 34 million.
4  2014 excluding goodwill impairment of € 78 million.
5  2013 excluding goodwill impairment of € 52 million.
6  2012 excluding goodwill impairment of € 265 million.
7  Includes continuing and discontinued operations.
8  Figures adjusted for 1:4 share split conducted on June 6, 2006.
9  Subject to Annual General Meeting approval.

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011 1

2010

2009

2008

2007

0.1

20.2%

1.6%

42.6%

102.9%

134.0%

83.8%

41.4%

58.6%

22.4%

54.9%

110.6%

9.1

15.7%

24.2%

150.15

5.08

4.99

30.1

30,254

6.73

2.00 9

39.6

201,489

60,617

2,532

0.3

20.5%

8.1%

42.5%

96.9%

136.8%

89.3%

43.8%

56.2%

25.5%

63.7%

121.8%

7.9

11.2%

16.5%

89.91

3.32

3.32

27.1

18,000

5.41

1.60

47.9

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

53.9

200,197

204,327

209,216

209,216

209,216

209,216

209,216

193,516

203,629

55,555

2,184

53,731

1,842

39,596

1,352

38,982

1,283

(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

(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

21 4

21 5

5
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Ten-Year Overview

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011 1

2010

2009

2008

2007

(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

(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

Number of shares outstanding at year-end (in thousands) 

200,197

204,327

209,216

209,216

209,216

209,216

209,216

193,516

203,629

49,808

1,833

46,306

1,872

46,824

1,646

42,541

1,521

39,596

1,352

38,982

1,283

31,344

1,186

TEN-YEAR OVERVIEW CONTINUED

Average operating working capital in % of net sales 2

Fixed asset intensity of investments 

Current asset intensity of investments 

Balance Sheet Ratios

Net borrowings/EBITDA 2

Financial leverage 

Equity ratio 

Equity-to-fixed-assets ratio 

Asset coverage I 

Asset coverage II 

Liquidity I 

Liquidity II 

Liquidity III 

Working capital turnover 2

Return on equity 7

Return on capital employed 7

Data Per Share 8

Share price at year-end (in €) 

Basic earnings 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (in €) 

Diluted earnings 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (in €) 

Price/earnings ratio at year-end 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Market capitalisation at year-end (€ in millions)

Net cash generated from operating activities 7 (in €)

Dividend (in €) 

Dividend payout ratio 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (in %) 

Employees

Number of employees at year-end 2

Personnel expenses 2 (€ in millions) 

0.1

20.2%

1.6%

42.6%

102.9%

134.0%

83.8%

41.4%

58.6%

22.4%

54.9%

110.6%

9.1

15.7%

24.2%

150.15

5.08

4.99

30.1

30,254

6.73

2.00 9

39.6

201,489

60,617

2,532

0.3

20.5%

8.1%

42.5%

96.9%

136.8%

89.3%

43.8%

56.2%

25.5%

63.7%

121.8%

7.9

11.2%

16.5%

89.91

3.32

3.32

27.1

18,000

5.41

1.60

47.9

55,555

2,184

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

53.9

53,731

1,842

21 5

5
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Glossary

AD DI T IO NAL INFO RM AT IO N

5

Glossary

GLOSSARY

/ A

ATHLEISURE 
The term is composed of the words athletic and leisure. It describes 

CONCESSION CORNERS 
Retail space that is fully operated by one of the company’s brands and 

a fashion trend of sportswear no longer being just meant for training 

is part of a larger sales area operated by a retail partner. 

but increasingly shaping everyday clothing.

/ B

CONTROLLED SPACE 
Includes  own-retail  business,  mono-branded  franchise  stores, 

shop-in-shops, joint ventures with retail partners and co-branded 

BACKLOGS 
Also called order backlogs. The value of orders received for future 

stores. Controlled space offers a high level of brand control and 
ensures optimal product offering and presentation according to brand 

delivery. Most retailers’ orders are received six to nine months in 

requirements. 

advance. 

/ C

CALL AND PUT OPTIONS 
A call (put) option is a contractual agreement that gives the owner the 

right, not the obligation, to buy (sell) an underlying financial asset at 

a specified price within a specific period of time.

CONVERSION RATE 
A  key  ratio  in  retail  business  describing  the  number  of  buying 

customers compared to those who entered the store without buying 

something;  i.e.  a  25%  conversion  rate  means  that  100  persons 

entered a store with 25 of them buying something. 

/ D

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE 
Total cash expenditure used for the purchase of tangible and intangible 

DROP RATE
Share of articles that are dropped because they do not meet the 

assets, excluding acquisitions and finance leases. 

demand  or  strategic  direction  for  a  given  season,  despite  being 

CASH POOLING 
A cash management technique for physical concentration of cash. 

created initially. These articles are excluded from the range, do not 

go into serial production and are not sold to customers.

Cash pooling allows adidas to combine credit and debit positions 

from  various  accounts  and  several  subsidiaries  into  one  central 

/ F

account. This technique supports our in-house bank concept where 

advantage is taken of any surplus funds of subsidiaries to cover cash 

FINANCIAL LEVERAGE 
Ratio reflecting the role of borrowings within the financing structure 

requirements of other subsidiaries, thus reducing external financing 

of a company. 

needs and optimising our net interest expenses. 

COMPARABLE (COMP) STORE SALES 
Sales generated in stores which have been open for the entire prior 

Financial leverage

=

net borrowings

shareholders’ equity

× 100

financial year and are currently operating. Remodelled stores are 

included if the store format and store size have remained unchanged. 

FRANCHISE 
Type  of  licence  that  is  acquired  by  one  party  (the  franchisee)  to 

Comparable store sales therefore show the organic growth of the 

have access rights to another party’s (the franchisor’s) intellectual 

retail business and do not include sales generated from new store 

property, processes and trademarks in order to allow the franchisee 

openings. 

to sell a product or provide a service under the franchisor’s name.

21 6

21 7

 
5
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Glossary

/ G

GENDERDAX
An  industry-  and  science-based  gender  and  diversity  project, 

LIQUIDITY I, II, III 
The liquidity ratio indicates how quickly a company can liquidate its 

including a ranking of German companies which are committed to 

assets to pay for current liabilities. 

actively supporting highly qualified and career-oriented women within 

their human resource and diversity management.

Liquidity I

=

Cash + short-term financial assets

current liabilities

GERMAN CO-DETERMINATION ACT  
(MITBESTIMMUNGSGESETZ – MITBESTG)
An act that governs the form of co-determination of employees in 

corporations employing more than 2,000 employees. It stipulates, 

Liquidity II

=

among other things, that such a corporation’s Supervisory Board 

Liquidity III

=

must be composed of an equal number of employee and shareholder 

representatives. 

Cash + short-term financial assets +  
accounts receivable

current liabilities

Cash + short-term financial assets +  
accounts receivable + inventories

current liabilities

× 100

× 100

× 100

GOODWILL 
Intangible asset that quantifies the price that a buyer of a company 

has paid for the reputation, know-how and market position of the 

/ M

MARKETING INVESTMENTS 
Promotion  and  communication  spending  including  sponsorship 

acquired company. Goodwill is the excess of the amount paid over 

contracts with teams and individual athletes, as well as advertising, 

the fair value of the net assets acquired at the purchase date. It is 

events and other communication activities, but excluding marketing 

stated at cost and tested for impairment annually or on such other 

overhead expenses. 

occasions that events or changes in circumstances indicate that it 

might be impaired. 

/ H

HARDWARE 
A product category which comprises equipment that is used rather 

/ N

NET CASH/NET BORROWINGS 
Net cash is when the sum of cash and short-term financial assets 

exceeds gross borrowings. Net borrowings is the portion of gross 

borrowings not covered by the sum of cash and short-term financial 

than worn by the consumer, such as bags, balls, fitness equipment, 

assets. 

golf clubs and hockey sticks. 

/ L

Net cash/net borrowings

=

  cash and cash equivalents 
+   short-term financial assets 
–    short-term borrowings 
–  long-term borrowings

LICENSED APPAREL 
Apparel products which are produced and marketed under a licence 

NET PROMOTER SCORE (NPS)
A survey-based measure of how likely people are to recommend a 

agreement. adidas has licence agreements with several associations 

brand. The survey is based on one single question to consumers: ‘How 

(e.g. FIFA, UEFA), leagues (e.g. NBA, NHL), teams (e.g. Bayern Munich, 

likely are you to recommend this brand to your friends?’, which can 

Manchester United, Real Madrid) and universities (e.g. Arizona State 

be answered within a scale from 0 to 10. Promoters are consumers 

University, University of Miami). 

LICENSEES 
Companies that have the authorisation to use the name of a brand 

giving the brand a 9 or 10 rating, while detractors are those between 

a 0 and 6 rating. The NPS is the difference between promoters and 

detractors measured in percentage points.

or business for the production and sale of products. For example, for 

the adidas brand, licensed products include cosmetics, watches and 

NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS 
Part  of  net  income  or  equity  which  is  not  attributable  to  the 

eyewear, for Reebok, fitness equipment. 

shareholders  of  the  reporting  company  as  it  relates  to  outside 

ownership interests in subsidiaries that are consolidated with the 

parent company for financial reporting purposes. 

21 7

 
 
 
5
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Glossary

5

AD DI T IO NAL INFO RM AT IO N

Declaration of Support

/ O

/ R

OMNI-CHANNEL SALES APPROACH 
Describes  the  ambition  to  achieve  a  globally  consistent  product 

ROLLING FORECAST 
A projection about the future that is updated at regular intervals, 

offer,  brand  communication,  availability  and  service  across  all 

keeping the forecasting period constant (e.g. twelve months). 

sales channels (wholesale, retail and e-commerce) and consumer 

touchpoints. 

/ S

OPERATING CASH FLOW 
Comprises operating profit, change in operating working capital and 

SEGMENT 
Also called business segment. adidas is currently divided into 13 

net investments. 

Operating cash flow

operating profit 

+/–   change in operating working capital 
+/–   net investments  

=

(capital expenditure less depreciation 
and amortisation)

business  segments:  Western  Europe,  North  America,  Greater 

China, Russia/CIS, Latin America, Japan, Middle East, South Korea, 

Southeast  Asia/Pacific,  TaylorMade-adidas  Golf,  CCM  Hockey, 

Runtastic and Other centrally managed businesses.

OPERATING OVERHEAD EXPENSES 
Expenses  which  are  not  directly  attributable  to  the  products  or 

SHARE TURNOVER 
The total value of all shares traded in the share price currency over a 

specific period of time (normally daily). It is calculated by multiplying 

services sold, such as costs for distribution, marketing overhead 

the number of shares traded by the respective price. 

costs,  logistics,  research  and  development,  as  well  as  general 

and  administrative  costs,  but  not  including  costs  for  promotion, 

advertising and communication. 

OPERATING WORKING CAPITAL
A company’s short-term disposable capital which is used to finance 

its day-to-day business. In comparison to working capital, operating 

working  capital  does  not  include  non-operational  items  such  as 

financial assets and taxes. 

Operating working capital

=

  accounts receivable 
+   inventories 
–   accounts payable

/ P

PERFORMANCE BUSINESS 
In  the  sporting  goods  industry,  performance  business  relates  to 

technical footwear and apparel used primarily in doing sports. 

SINGLE-SOURCING MODEL 
Supply chain activities limited to one specific supplier. Due to the 

dependency on only one supplier, a company can face disadvantages 

during the sourcing process. 

SPEEDFACTORY 
Robotic technology is used in a smart, decentralised and flexible 

manufacturing process to bring production to where the consumer is. 

/ 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 

expenses have been deducted from revenues. The top line refers to 

a company’s sales or revenues. 

POINT-OF-SALE INVESTMENTS
Expenditures that relate to advertising and promotion initiatives at 

TOP-DOWN, BOTTOM-UP 
A specific concept for information and knowledge processing. In a 

first step, information and empowerment of management decisions 

the point of sale as well as to store fittings and furniture. 

is delegated from top to bottom. After going into more detail on the 

bottom level, the final information and decision are then transported 

PRICE POINTS 
Specific selling prices, normally using ‘psychological’ numbers, e.g. 

back to the top. 

a product price of US $ 99.99 instead of US $ 100. 

TREND SCOUTING 
Identification and commercialisation of future trends, particularly 

PROMOTION PARTNERSHIPS 
Partnerships with events, associations, leagues, clubs and individual 

athletes. In exchange for the services of promoting the company’s 

brands,  the  party  is  provided  with  products  and/or  cash  and/or 
promotional materials.

lifestyle trends. 

/ V

VERTICAL RETAILER 
A retail company that (vertically) controls the entire design, production 
and distribution processes of its products. 

21 8

21 9

 
5
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Declaration of Support

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 15, 2016, which is no longer valid. The declaration of support automatically ceases 

from the time that a company no longer is a subsidiary of adidas AG.

adidas (China) Ltd., Shanghai, China
adidas (Cyprus) Limited, Nicosia, Cyprus
adidas (Ireland) Limited, Dublin, Ireland
adidas (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Petaling Jaya, 

adidas Industrial, S.A. de C.V., Mexico City, 

Mexico

adidas Insurance & Risk Consultants GmbH, 

Herzogenaurach, Germany

adidas Sverige AB, Solna, Sweden
adidas Taiwan Limited, Taipei, Taiwan
adidas Trgovina d.o.o., Ljubljana, Slovenia
adidas Vietnam Company Limited,  

Malaysia

adidas International B.V., Amsterdam, 

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Great Britain

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 Argentina S.A., Buenos Aires, Argentina 
Reebok International Limited, London,  

Reebok International Ltd., Canton,  

Massachusetts, USA

Reebok Produtos Esportivos Brasil Ltda., 

Jundiaí, Brazil 

Reebok-CCM Hockey AB, Solna, Sweden
Reebok-CCM Hockey AS, Lillestrøm, 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

Stone Age Equipment, Inc., Redlands, California, 

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, London, Great Britain

adidas (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd., Cape Town, 

Netherlands

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 anticipation GmbH, Herzogenaurach, 

Germany

adidas Argentina S.A., Buenos Aires, Argentina
adidas Australia Pty Limited, Mulgrave, Australia
adidas Austria GmbH, Klagenfurt, Austria
adidas Baltics SIA, Riga, Latvia
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., Morea de Maia, 

Portugal

adidas Canada Ltd., Woodbridge, Ontario, 

adidas International Finance B.V.,  

Amsterdam, Netherlands

adidas International Marketing B.V.,  

Amsterdam, Netherlands

adidas International Property Holding B.V., 

Amsterdam, Netherlands

adidas International Re DAC, Dublin, Ireland
adidas International Trading B.V.,  

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 LLP, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan
adidas Logistics (Tianjin) Co., Ltd., Tianjin, China
adidas Morocco LLC, Casablanca, Morocco
adidas New Zealand Limited, Auckland,  

Canada

New Zealand

adidas CDC Immobilieninvest GmbH, 

Herzogenaurach, Germany

adidas Norge AS, Lillestrøm, Norway
adidas North America, Inc., Portland, Oregon, 

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, Copenhagen, 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,  

USA

adidas Perú 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.,  

Lisbon, Portugal

adidas Romania S.R.L., Bucharest, Romania
adidas Serbia d.o.o., Belgrade, Serbia
adidas Services Limited, Hong Kong, China
adidas Singapore Pte. Ltd., Singapore, Singapore
adidas Slovakia s.r.o., Bratislava, 

United Arab Emirates

Slovak Republic

adidas España S.A.U, Zaragoza, Spain
adidas France S.a.r.l., Landersheim, France
adidas Hellas A.E., Athens, Greece
adidas Hong Kong Limited, Hong Kong, China
adidas Imports & Exports Ltd., Cairo, Egypt
adidas India Marketing Private Limited,  

New Delhi, India

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

21 9

FINANCIAL CALENDAR

C

A

FIN
L
E

2
017

A

N

N

D

A

CIA
R

L 

MARCH

 8

FU LL  YEAR 2016 R ESULTS
Press conference in Herzogenaurach, Germany  / 

Press release  / Conference call and webcast  / 

Publication of 2016 Annual Report

MARCH

 14

I NVE STOR DAY
Press release  / 

Management presentations and webcast

MAY

 4

FI RST  QUARTER 2017 RESULTS
Press release  / Conference call and webcast  / 

MAY

 16

DIVIDEND PAYMENT
(Subject to Annual General Meeting approval) 

AUGUST

 3

 9

Publication of First Quarter Report

Publication of First Half Report

FIRST HALF 201 7 RESULTS
Press release  / Conference call and webcast  / 

MAY

 11

AN NUAL GENER AL MEETING
Fuerth (Bavaria), Germany  / 

NOVEMBER

NINE MONTHS 2017  RESULTS
Press release  / Conference call and webcast  / 

Webcast

Publication of Nine Months Report

2 20

FIN

A

N

CIA

L 

ADIDAS
AG

Adi-Dassler-Str. 1

91074 Herzogenaurach

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 - 29 20
FAX  + 49 (0) 91 32 84 - 31 27

INVESTOR.RELATIONS@ADIDAS–GROUP.COM
WWW.ADIDAS–GROUP.COM ⁄ INVESTORS

adidas is a member of DIRK
(German Investor Relations Association).

This report is also available in German.
For further publications, please see our 
corporate website or download our 
Investor Relations and Media App from 
the App Store.

To improve readability, registered trademarks 
as well as references to rounding differences 
are omitted in this Annual Report.

Concept and Design
Strichpunkt
— Stuttgart ⁄ Berlin

ADIDAS
AG

Adi-Dassler-Str. 1
91074 Herzogenaurach
Germany

©2017 adidas AG