NY -- Standard&Poor's CreditWire 3/16/98 -- Standard&Poor's today revised Nike, Inc.'s outlook to negative from stable. The company's single-'A'-plus long-term corporate credit and senior debt ratings, as well as its 'A-1' short-term corporate credit and commercial paper ratings, were affirmed. Total debt outstanding as of Nov. 30, 1997 was $630 million. The outlook revision reflects weaker-than-expected operating results in fiscal 1998 due to weakness in the Asia/Pacific region, and slowing demand and excess inventories in the U.S. Nike's rating reflects the company's number-one share in the U.S. athletic footwear market and its leading position internationally in this very competitive, marketing-intensive industry. The rating also reflects the company's moderate financial profile, supported by continuing strong profitability and
