Core Insights - Nike has faced significant challenges in recent years but is showing signs of recovery and potential growth [1][6] - The company has made strategic changes in leadership and is focusing on innovation and brand rebuilding [4][10] Financial Performance - For the fiscal year, Nike's revenue decreased by 10% to $46.3 billion, and net income fell by 44% to $3.2 billion [8] - In the fourth quarter, revenue dropped 12% to $11.1 billion, with net income down 86% to $211 million [8] - The company anticipates a mid-single-digit revenue decline for the first quarter, with additional cost pressures from tariffs estimated at $1 billion [9] Competitive Advantages - Nike maintains a strong roster of high-profile sponsors and is recognized as the most valuable brand in sportswear [10][11] - The brand's legacy products, such as the Air Force 1 and Air Jordan, continue to have significant consumer appeal [11][12] Growth Potential - If Nike can return to its previous profit levels, it has the potential to recover its stock price, which is currently over 50% lower than its peak in 2021 [6][14] - The footwear and apparel market has grown since 2021, providing a favorable environment for Nike's recovery [13][14]

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Positive" and maintained [7] Core Insights - The report indicates that the order growth for footwear and apparel manufacturing has been recovering since Q3 2023 due to the end of inventory destocking by overseas brands. However, it is expected that order growth will begin to slow down on a month-on-month basis in 2025 due to weak terminal retail performance [2][4][32] - The current situation shows a divergence in order growth for sports shoes and apparel, with a slowdown in the weakening trend of the industry. The recovery of Nike is crucial, as its operational recovery could lead to an overall industry rebound and improve order intake for manufacturers [2][4][32] Summary by Sections Manufacturing Orders - In June, the order growth for sports shoes and apparel showed divergence, with specific companies reporting varied performance. For instance, Yu Yuan Group's manufacturing revenue increased by 9.4% year-on-year, while Feng Tai's revenue decreased by 3.1% year-on-year. Overall, the order growth has been maintaining recovery since Q3 2023, but is expected to slow down in 2025 due to weak terminal retail [5][29][32] Market Strategy - The textile manufacturing sector is expected to return to fundamental investment logic as tariffs on Southeast Asia have largely been resolved. The report suggests focusing on quality manufacturers like Crystal International and Huali Group, as well as brands with high earnings elasticity post-tariff adjustments [6][33] - In the A-share market, brands are anticipated to shift to a destocking cycle in Q3, increasing the probability of industry improvement. Recommended stocks include Hailan Home and Robam Life, which are expected to benefit from this transition [6][34] Export Trends - In June 2025, China's apparel exports grew by 0.8% year-on-year, while Vietnam's apparel exports increased by 16.0%. However, footwear exports from China and Vietnam showed a decline of 4.0% and 3.3% year-on-year, respectively, indicating a mixed performance in the export market [26][28]

Core Viewpoint - Argus believes that Nike's long-term outlook remains bright despite intense competition and rising costs associated with overseas manufacturing, as the company is expected to continue dominating the sports apparel and footwear market through its strong marketing capabilities and professional athlete endorsements [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - Nike reported fourth-quarter revenue of $11.1 billion, a 12% year-over-year decline, but exceeded market expectations of $10.72 billion by 3.8% [1] - Adjusted earnings per share fell by 86% to $0.14, yet still beat expectations by $0.02 [1] - Sales in North America, Greater China, and Europe, the Middle East, and Africa experienced double-digit declines, but the actual declines were within expected ranges [1] Group 2: Analyst Insights - Analyst John Staszak upgraded Nike's stock rating from "Hold" to "Buy," with a target price of $85, indicating a 20% upside from the recent closing price [1] - Staszak noted that Nike's growth is expected to be driven by brand endorsements, focus on women's products, continuous product innovation, expansion of e-commerce sales, and recovery in the Chinese market [1] - Analysts believe that Nike is on the path to recovery, with confidence in the mid-term results of its "Win Now" strategy, despite facing significant cost challenges in reducing production in China [2] Group 3: Future Earnings Projections - Staszak revised Nike's earnings per share forecast for fiscal 2026 down from $3 to $1.80 and for fiscal 2027 down to $2.80 [2] - Analysts emphasize that Nike's brand strength and innovation are key drivers for revenue growth, with initiatives like returning to the Amazon platform and collaborations with SKIMS [2] - Patient investors are expected to benefit from Nike's strong balance sheet and stable dividend growth, laying the foundation for long-term growth despite the ongoing recovery process [2]