Nike and Apple Both Went Public 45 Years Ago. Here's How Much $1,000 in Each Would Be Worth Today.

Core Insights - Nike's shares have significantly outperformed Apple's since their IPOs, with an initial investment of $1,000 in Nike's 1980 IPO now yielding $4,800 annually in dividends [1] - Nike experienced explosive growth prior to its IPO, with annual revenue increasing at an average rate of 85% and net income growing by 100% each year [2] - In contrast, Apple faced intense competition and market challenges in its early years, leading to a significant drop in its market share by the late 1990s [4][5] Company Performance - Nike maintained low capital investments and minimized risks through an innovative inventory system, allowing it to thrive without the struggles faced by Apple [6] - Nike's marketing strategy included endorsements from high-profile athletes, contributing to its brand strength and financial success [7] - As of November 14, Nike's stock has returned 35,550% since its IPO, turning an initial $1,000 investment into $356,500 [10] Dividend and Share Repurchase - Nike has consistently raised its dividends since 2001, while Apple did not pay dividends until 2012, despite both companies' significant capital appreciation [9][11] - In the previous year, Apple paid out $15.2 billion in dividends compared to Nike's $2.17 billion, highlighting the disparity in their dividend policies [12]