Third-quarter operating profit of €236 million (US$252 million) exceeded the €228.8 million average analyst estimate, according to a statement Tuesday. The company confirmed its earnings forecast for the full year.

Puma shares gained 4.5% in early Frankfurt trading.

Chief executive officer Arne Freundt is relying on momentum in Europe — especially eastern Europe — along with Latin America and increased demand in China to counteract shrinking sales in the US, the world’s largest sports market.

Puma’s stock tumbled more than 10% earlier this month as investors mulled whether the company could hit its financial targets. The third-quarter earnings “should help bring some calm after a couple of eventful weeks,” James Grzinic, an analyst at Jefferies, wrote in a note.

While Puma’s third-quarter sales came in slightly higher than estimates, the company was quick to highlight the “challenging geopolitical and macroeconomic environment”.

That includes wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, high inflation and the risk of recession that’s clouding consumer sentiment, it said.

In the US, Puma is trying to focus on higher-priced football, basketball and running sportswear in the face of “macroeconomic headwinds”. The company previously relied on cheaper products there.

Big shoemakers like Adidas AG and Nike Inc are also fending off fast-growing smaller brands like On Holding AG and Hoka, which are especially gaining ground in running shoes.