In North America, the company's biggest market, still-high inflation has led to consumers buying essential goods and reducing discretionary spending. Sales rose 5% in the region in the fourth quarter, the slowest in four quarters as U.S. wholesalers became more prudent in placing newer orders. Peer Under Armour (UAA.N) forecast annual sales and profit below Wall Street estimates in May due to waning demand and higher discounts. The company expects full-year reported revenue to rise mid-single-digits, compared with analysts expectations of a revenue of a 6.3% rise. The company's fourth-quarter revenue rose to $12.83 billion and beat estimates of $12.59 billion, while earnings per share of 66 cents missed estimates by 1 cent.

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Persons: Florence, John Donahoe, Armour, Jane Hali, Jessica Ramirez, Granth Vanaik, Ananya Mariam Rajesh, Sriraj Organizations: Nike Inc, REUTERS, Nike, Wall, Associates, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Beijing, China, North America, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Jessica Ramirez . Greater China, Bengaluru