These attributes also provide Nike a competitive edge over its peers, Adidas AG-ADR ( ADDYY ) and Brown Shoe Co. Inc. ( BWS ). Nike is sincerely striving to find opportunities to expand its global footprint and augment its market share via acquiring new brands, developing its direct-to-customer business and divesting its underperforming brands. Put together, these strategies position the company strongly among competitors. Moreover, this footwear and athletic apparel retailer has outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in 3 of the trailing 4 quarters, recording an average beat of 3.5%. In the most recent quarter, it posted an earnings surprise of 14.0% and an 11.0% increase in earnings per share, aided by solid top-line growth, leveraged selling, general & administrative (SG&A) expenses and lower share count. Net sales surged 7.0% year over year driven by superior demand for Nike brand.