A Closer Look at Adidas and its Finances: Strong Performance and Sustainability Efforts

Estimated read time 5 min read
SVG from original logo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Adidas is a multinational corporation that designs and manufactures athletic and lifestyle footwear, apparel, and accessories. The company is known for its iconic three-stripe logo and its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Adidas and its finances.

Adidas was founded in 1949 by Adolf Dassler, who had previously founded a shoe company with his brother Rudolf. After a falling out with his brother, Adolf went on to establish Adidas, which quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality athletic footwear. Over the years, Adidas has expanded its product line to include apparel and accessories, and has become a leading brand in the global sports market.

Financial Performance

Adidas has experienced strong financial performance in recent years, with a steady increase in revenue and profit. In 2020, the company reported revenue of €19.8 billion, an increase of 1% compared to the previous year. The company’s net income for the year was €1.1 billion, a decrease of 62% due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy. Despite this, the company remains financially stable and has continued to invest in its growth and development.

In terms of market capitalization, Adidas is currently valued at over $75 billion, making it one of the largest companies in the global sports industry. The company’s stock is publicly traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and is included in several major stock market indices, including the DAX 30, Euro Stoxx 50, and FTSE Eurotop 100.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Adidas is committed to sustainability and social responsibility, and has made significant efforts to reduce its environmental impact and improve the lives of workers in its supply chain. In 2015, the company launched its “Creating Lasting Change” sustainability strategy, which includes goals such as sourcing sustainable cotton, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and eliminating plastic waste. The company has also made a commitment to pay a living wage to all workers in its supply chain by 2030.

In addition to its sustainability efforts, Adidas has also been involved in several social responsibility initiatives. The company has partnered with organizations such as Parley for the Oceans, which aims to reduce plastic waste in the oceans, and has donated millions of dollars to support various social causes, including COVID-19 relief efforts.

Conclusion

Adidas is a leading brand in the global sports industry, with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility. The company’s financial performance has been consistently strong in recent years, despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. With its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, Adidas is well-positioned to continue its growth and development in the years to come.

Here’s a timeline of Adidas:

  • 1920: Adidas is founded by German shoemaker Adi Dassler in Herzogenaurach, Germany.
  • 1936: Adidas gains international recognition when Jesse Owens wins four gold medals at the Berlin Olympics wearing Adi Dassler’s shoes.
  • 1954: The German national football team wins the World Cup while wearing Adidas boots, solidifying Adidas’ position as a leader in football (soccer) footwear.
  • 1971: Adidas introduces its famous three-stripe logo.
  • 1984: Adidas launches its first major advertising campaign, featuring the slogan “Impossible is Nothing.”
  • 1997: Adidas acquires Salomon Group, a French ski equipment company, and renames itself Adidas-Salomon AG.
  • 2005: Adidas-Salomon AG acquires Reebok International Ltd., expanding its presence in the U.S. market.
  • 2011: Adidas sells Salomon Group to Amer Sports, focusing solely on its Adidas brand.
  • 2016: Adidas launches its “Creating Lasting Change” sustainability strategy, aiming to reduce its environmental impact and improve social responsibility.
  • 2019: Adidas announces its “Made to be Remade” sustainability initiative, pledging to use only recycled polyester in all of its products by 2024.
  • 2020: Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Adidas reports revenue of €19.8 billion and a net income of €1.1 billion.
  • 2021: Adidas partners with Parley for the Oceans to create a new material made from recycled plastic waste for use in its products.

This is just a brief overview of Adidas’ timeline, but it gives a sense of the company’s evolution and key milestones over the years.

Here are 10 interesting facts about Adidas:

  1. Adidas was founded by a German shoemaker named Adi Dassler in 1920.
  2. The name “Adidas” comes from Dassler’s nickname, “Adi,” and the first three letters of his last name.
  3. The company’s famous three-stripe logo was first used on Adidas footwear in 1949.
  4. Adidas was the first sportswear company to use a celebrity endorsement when they signed a deal with U.S. tennis player Stan Smith in 1971.
  5. The company’s headquarters are located in Herzogenaurach, Germany, and the town is split into two parts, with Adidas and its rival Puma headquartered on opposite sides.
  6. Adidas sponsored the 1974 World Cup in West Germany, and the ball used in the tournament, the Adidas Telstar, is one of the most iconic soccer balls of all time.
  7. In the 1980s, Adidas became a popular brand in hip-hop culture, with artists like Run-DMC famously wearing the brand’s sneakers.
  8. The company’s Boost technology, introduced in 2013, uses thousands of tiny foam pellets to create a highly responsive and comfortable running shoe.
  9. Adidas has a long-standing commitment to sustainability, with initiatives including using recycled materials in its products and reducing its carbon footprint.
  10. Adidas has partnered with a number of high-profile athletes and teams over the years, including Lionel Messi, the New York Yankees, and the German national football team.

These are just a few of the many interesting facts about Adidas, a company with a rich history and a strong presence in the world of sportswear and fashion.

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