NIKE(US:NKE) Benzinga·2025-12-17 08:30Core Viewpoint - Nike Inc. is facing a challenging financial landscape as it prepares to report second-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings, with CEO Elliott Hill indicating that the path to recovery will not be straightforward [1] Group 1: 'Win Now' Strategy - Nike's 'Win Now' strategy, focusing on Running, North America, and Wholesale, has shown early success, with the Running category increasing over 20% in the first quarter due to revamped franchises like the Pegasus and Vomero [2] - The spring wholesale order book is up, indicating that retail partners are regaining confidence in the brand [2] Group 2: Revenue and Supply Challenges - Management has intentionally reduced the supply of classic franchises such as the Air Force 1 and Dunk to maintain brand health, which has negatively impacted immediate revenue [3] - Organic digital traffic has slowed by double digits as promotional activities have been limited [3] Group 3: Financial Headwinds - For the second quarter, management expects revenue to decline in the low single digits and gross margins to contract significantly by 300 to 375 basis points [4] - Tariffs are projected to cost the company $1.5 billion annually, compounded by a 10% revenue decline in Greater China last quarter [4] Group 4: Analyst Sentiment - Analysts at Raymond James express caution, noting that a stock re-rating is unlikely until there is a clearer inflection in revenue and EBIT% [5] - Stifel maintains a 'Hold' rating, highlighting that shares are trading at a premium of approximately 25 times FY27 earnings, suggesting that the market has already priced in a recovery that has not yet fully materialized [6] Group 5: Stock Performance - NKE shares fell 0.97% to $67.12, but have increased by 8.43% over the last six months; however, the stock has declined by 11.3% year-to-date [7] - The stock exhibits a weaker price trend over the medium and long term but shows a strong trend in the short term, with a poor quality ranking [7]