NEW YORK, April 21 — Under Armour Inc reported a 30 per cent jump in quarterly sales as its new sport shoes endorsed by NBA star Stephen Curry and golfer Jordan Spieth were a hit.

Under Armour has reported quarterly sales growth of at least 20 per cent for the past six years, helping it overtake German footwear maker Adidas as the No. 2 sportswear maker in the United States last year.

Shares of the company, which also raised its full-year 2016 sales forecast above analysts’ estimates, were up 4 per cent at US$45.50 in pre-market trading today.

Under Armour’s sales of sports and outdoor apparel rose 20 per cent to US$666.6 million (RM2.6 billion) in the first quarter ended March 31, driven by demand for training and golf clothing. Apparel accounts for more than 60 per cent of the company’s revenue.

Footwear sales jumped 64 per cent to US$264.2 million on strong demand for SpeedForm running shoes, Curry One and Curry Two basketball shoes and Drive One golf shoes.

Under Armour’s gross margin fell to 45.9 per cent from 46.9 per cent, hurt by higher discounts and the strong dollar. However, margins still came above the average analyst estimate of 45.4 per cent, according to Thomson Reuters StarMine.

The company raised its full-year sales forecast to around US$5.0 billion from about US$4.95 billion. Operating income for 2016 is now expected to be US$503-US$507 million, up from the company’s previous forecast of about US$503 million.

Analysts on average expected 2016 revenue of US$4.98 billion, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

The company’s net income rose to US$19.2 million, or 4 cents per share, from US$11.7 million, or 3 cents per share, a year earlier.

Revenue rose 30 per cent to US$1.05 billion.

Analysts on average expected 2 cents on revenue of US$1.04 billion.

Shares of Under Armour, based in Baltimore, Maryland, have risen 34.5 per cent since January 20 when they hit a 52-week low. — Reuters