Deckers Outdoors raises annual sales forecast on strong demand for Hoka shoes

(Reuters) -Deckers Outdoor beat Wall Street estimates for second-quarter results and raised its annual sales forecast on Thursday, on the back of strong demand for its brands UGG boots and Hoka running shoes.

The company's shares surged nearly 10% after the bell, set to add to the about 35% gain so far this year.

The footwear maker has been a major beneficiary of picky customers globally shelling out more money on trendy and innovative shoes including those from New Balance and Roger Federer-backed On.

Strong innovation at Hoka and other upstarts have also helped chip away market share at bigger rival Nike.

Earlier this month, Nike withdrew its annual revenue forecast as a new CEO stepped in at the sportswear giant, which is currently facing a decline in sales.

Deckers reported a nearly 35% jump in Hoka sales in the second quarter, while the UGG banner saw a 13% rise.

The wholesale channel for both Hoka and UGG have remained robust as retailers including Dick's Sporting Goods and Nordstrom open up more shelf spaces. Amazon is also offering more of the products on its website.

"Although we expect a more promotional environment (in the peak holiday season) ... We're confident (the UGG brand) will maintain premium levels of full price selling," CEO Stefano Caroti said on a post earnings call

Gross margin for the quarter rose to 55.9% compared to 53.4% a year earlier.

Deckers now expects annual sales to increase 12% to $4.8 billion, from a 10% rise to $4.7 billion it previously expected.

For the quarter ended Sep. 30, net sales for Deckers rose 20% to $1.31 billion, compared to the average analyst estimate of $1.20 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.

The Goleta California-based company also reported adjusted profits of $1.59 per share for the quarter, compared to Street consensus of a $1.23 per share profit.

(Reporting by Neil J Kanatt in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila and Tasim Zahid)