Nike Inc. reported an 18 percent rise in fiscal-second-quarter sales, but its earnings gain was slighter as higher costs continued to hurt margins.

The sporting-goods maker has posted improved results for more than a year despite the economic uncertainty in many of its markets. Nike benefits from its broadly diverse offerings that aren't tied to one market, price point or consumer demographic. Also, product launches and new innovation features, such as the Nike Free running line and Lunar shoe cushioning, have spurred sales.

For the quarter ended on 30 Nov., Nike posted a profit of USD469 million, or USD1 a share, up 2.6 percent from USD457m, or 94 cents a share, a year earlier. Sales rose 28 percent in China but dropped 7 percent in Japan.

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