Under Armour says US investigators are probing its accounting practices
Under Armour's accounting practices are under investigation in the United States, heaping pressure on the struggling company as it seeks to reverse years of lackluster sales.
Posted — UpdatedThe sportswear maker acknowledged in a statement Sunday that it faces probes from the US Department of Justice and the US Securities and Exchange Commission.
"The company began responding in July 2017 to requests for documents and information relating primarily to its accounting practices and related disclosures, and the company firmly believes that its accounting practices and disclosures were appropriate," said a spokesperson for Under Armour.
Shares in Under Armour dropped 14% in premarket trade on Monday to near $18.10. The company was worth more than $50 per share in late 2015. Under Armour is scheduled to report its third quarter results before the opening bell on Monday.
The Wall Street Journal was first to report on the investigations into the company's accounting practices. According to the Journal, the Department of Justice is conducting a criminal inquiry into whether Under Armour shifted sales from quarter to quarter to make the company appear healthier. The US Department of Justice declined to comment.
Under Armour announced last month that founder Kevin Plank is stepping down as CEO. He will be replaced by chief operating officer Patrik Frisk on January 1, 2020. Plank will become executive chairman and brand chief.
The management shuffle comes after the company suffered from weaker sales and lost ground to rivals including Nike and Adidas. Smaller brands such as Fila and Puma are also thriving.
-— Jessica Schneider and Josh Girsky contributed reporting.
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