Gross Profit Margin has been steady over the fiscal years 2012 to 2014, increasing from 43.5% in FY12 to 44.8% in FY14. FY12 ended with a decrease by 220 basis points, mainly caused by higher product costs, as well as investments in [NIKE's] digital business, an unanticipated customs assessment in an Emerging Markets territory related to imports that occurred during four previous fiscal years, and higher discounts on close-out sales. These factors more than offset the positive effects of price increases, lower air freight costs, growing sales in Direct to Consumer operations and ongoing product cost reduction initiatives [NIKE_FY12_Review; p. 2].
In 2013, NIKE's gross profit margin increased marginally again, resulting from higher selling prices
In 2013, NIKE's gross profit margin increased marginally again, resulting from higher selling prices