Core Insights - Nike has reported better-than-expected results for Q1 2026, indicating strong performance in the market [1] Financial Performance - The FY 2025 annual report conference highlighted significant improvements in Nike's financial metrics, suggesting a positive trend in revenue and profitability [1] Market Position - Nike's strong market presence and brand recognition continue to contribute to its competitive advantage, allowing it to outperform expectations [1]

Market Overview - Stocks reached new record highs, with the S&P 500 climbing 0.3%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average increasing by 43 points (0.1%), and the Nasdaq composite rising 0.4% [1] - The bond market saw a decline in Treasury yields following a report indicating weaker-than-expected hiring across the country [2] Employment Data - The ADP Research survey reported that employers outside the government cut 32,000 more jobs than they added, with significant losses in the Midwest [2] - The August employment numbers were revised down from a gain of 54,000 jobs to a loss of 3,000 jobs [2] Economic Signals - The upcoming Labor Department report is likely to be delayed due to the government shutdown, which adds uncertainty to the job market outlook [4] - Market participants are concerned that the job market needs to slow enough to encourage the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates without triggering a recession [4][5] Company Performance - Nike's stock rose by 6.4% after exceeding analysts' profit expectations, driven by strong growth in apparel sales in North America [6]

Core Viewpoint - NIKE shares have faced significant pressure since their peak in 2021, leading to poor investment performance over the past four years [1] Group 1: Company Performance - NIKE's stock has underperformed, resulting in a disappointing investment outcome [1] - The company has experienced a decline in profitability indicators, including margins and free cash flow [1] Group 2: Investment Strategy - The focus is on long-term investment in undervalued growth stocks and high-quality dividend growers [1] - Sustained profitability is emphasized as a more reliable driver of returns compared to valuation alone [1] Group 3: Investor Background - The investor has a diverse academic background, enhancing both quantitative analysis and market narrative interpretation [1] - The motivation for investing is to ensure financial freedom for the investor and their family [1]

Group 1 - The article does not provide any specific content related to a company or industry [1]

Core Insights - Nike reported $11.72 billion in revenue for the quarter ended August 2025, marking a year-over-year increase of 1.1% and a surprise of +6.49% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $11.01 billion [1] - The earnings per share (EPS) for the same period was $0.49, down from $0.70 a year ago, with an EPS surprise of +81.48% compared to the consensus estimate of $0.27 [1] Revenue Performance - North America revenue reached $5.02 billion, exceeding the average estimate of $4.63 billion, representing a +4% year-over-year change [4] - Asia Pacific & Latin America revenue was $1.49 billion, above the average estimate of $1.42 billion, with a +1.9% year-over-year change [4] - Europe, Middle East and Africa revenue totaled $3.33 billion, surpassing the average estimate of $3.1 billion, reflecting a +6% year-over-year change [4] - Greater China revenue was $1.51 billion, slightly above the average estimate of $1.42 billion, but showed a decline of -9.2% year-over-year [4] - Total Nike Brand revenue was $11.36 billion, exceeding the average estimate of $10.6 billion, with a +2.3% year-over-year change [4] Segment Performance - Equipment revenue in North America was $327 million, surpassing the average estimate of $288.28 million, with a +15.6% year-over-year change [4] - Converse revenue was $366 million, below the average estimate of $452.28 million, reflecting a -27% year-over-year change [4] - Global Brand Divisions revenue was $9 million, compared to the average estimate of $13.4 million, showing a -35.7% year-over-year change [4] - Corporate revenue reported at -$8 million, better than the average estimate of -$22.02 million, indicating a -65.2% year-over-year change [4] - Footwear revenue was $7.41 billion, exceeding the average estimate of $7.02 billion, with a -0.7% year-over-year change [4] - Equipment revenue was $630 million, above the average estimate of $605.02 million, reflecting a +4.5% year-over-year change [4] - Apparel revenue reached $3.31 billion, surpassing the average estimate of $2.95 billion, with a +9.3% year-over-year change [4]

U Mike Co, your thoughts on this Nike turnaround enough from the quarter to believe that it is intact. Uh, I think these are all positives. Um, you know, I would say this, you know, it's still the valuation is a little hard for me to get around.I would like to see something better than 1% year-on-year growth to make this one look competitive when you consider that it's trading what 30 times 2027 numbers right now. And certainly it's not a grower on the top line yet. Um, so there is room for margin expansion ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues for the quarter were up 1% on a reported basis and down 1% on a currency-neutral basis [20] - Gross margins declined 320 basis points to 42.2% due to higher wholesale discounts, increased product costs, and channel mix headwinds [21] - Earnings per share was $0.49 [21] - Inventory decreased 2% versus the prior year, indicating progress towards a healthier marketplace [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nike Direct was down 5%, with Nike Digital declining 12% and Nike stores down 1% [21] - Wholesale grew 5%, indicating a positive trend in that segment [21] - The running business grew over 20% this quarter, showcasing strong performance in that category [9] - Sportswear continued to decline, with a 30% drop in classic footwear franchises [23][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America revenue grew 4%, with wholesale up 11% [22] - Greater China revenue declined 10%, with Nike Digital down 27% and Nike stores down 4% [25] - EMEA revenue grew 1%, with Nike Digital down 13% and Nike stores up 1% [24] - APLA revenue grew 1%, with Nike Digital down 8% and Nike stores down 5% [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on the "Sport Offense" strategy, which aims to align teams by sport for better consumer insights and innovation [6] - There is a commitment to improving the sportswear segment and addressing challenges in Greater China and Nike Direct [15][17] - The company is investing in innovative products and emotional storytelling to connect with consumers [19] - The goal is to serve consumers across multiple channels, including specialty sporting goods and Nike Direct [63] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges a cautious consumer environment and tariff uncertainties impacting business recovery [19] - There is confidence in the Win Now actions and the potential for growth, particularly in North America [19] - The company expects Q2 revenues to be down low single digits, reflecting ongoing challenges [30] - Management remains focused on long-term health and profitability despite short-term pressures [34] Other Important Information - The company is facing a significant cost headwind from new tariffs, estimated at approximately $1.5 billion annually [28] - The strategic decision to reduce reliance on classic franchises and pull back on promotions is aimed at long-term brand health [18] - The company is actively working on refreshing retail environments and improving consumer experiences in Greater China [70] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you help us think about the spring order book in the context of the holiday book? - Management noted that the spring order book is positive and reflects growth across North America, EMEA, and APLA, offsetting headwinds in Greater China [39][44] Question: How is the current marketplace in September trading? - Management indicated that the environment is dynamic, with good sell-throughs for recent product launches, but they are closely monitoring consumer behavior [49][51] Question: Can you elaborate on the early wins in North America and running? - Management highlighted a 20% growth in running and positive momentum in North America, attributing success to the Win Now actions and the Sport Offense strategy [57][59] Question: How much of the pressure in Nike Digital is due to reduced promotions? - Management confirmed that the organic traffic decline is primarily due to strategic repositioning and reduced promotional activity, with a focus on building momentum with wholesale partners [63][66] Question: What strategies are being used to turn the digital business in China? - Management emphasized leading with sport, innovative products, and local athlete activations to improve the digital marketplace, while also focusing on store refreshes [68][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues for Q1 2026 were up 1% on a reported basis and down 1% on a currency-neutral basis [20] - Gross margins declined 320 basis points to 42.2% due to higher wholesale discounts, increased product costs, and channel mix headwinds [21] - Earnings per share was $0.49 [22] - Inventory decreased 2% versus the prior year, indicating progress towards a healthier marketplace [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nike Direct was down 5%, with Nike Digital declining 12%, while wholesale grew 5% [21] - The running business grew over 20% this quarter, showcasing strong consumer response to new innovations [10] - Sportswear business continues to decline, with a 30% drop in classic footwear franchises [24][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America revenue grew 4%, with wholesale up 11% [23] - Greater China revenue declined 10%, with Nike Digital down 27% [26] - EMEA revenue grew 1%, with Nike Digital down 13% [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a "sport offense" strategy to align its brands (Nike, Jordan, Converse) into more nimble teams by sport [6] - There is a commitment to improving the marketplace through innovative product offerings and emotional storytelling [19] - The company aims to enhance its digital presence while reducing reliance on classic franchises [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges a cautious consumer environment and tariff uncertainties impacting business recovery [19] - There is confidence in the win-now actions and the potential for growth in North America, despite challenges in Greater China [34] - The company expects Q2 revenues to be down low single digits, with gross margins declining due to new tariffs [32] Other Important Information - The company has activated 12 sport takeover moments in the past 10 months to connect athlete performances with commercial assortments [14] - New partnerships, such as with Skims, are aimed at expanding product offerings and reaching new consumers [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the spring order book and holiday book context - Management noted that the spring order book is positive, reflecting growth in North America and EMEA, offsetting headwinds in Greater China [41][46] Question: Update on September trading and consumer demand - Management confirmed that Q1 performance was not influenced by pull forwards, with wholesale growth contributing to the results [51][54] Question: Early wins in North America and running growth - The company highlighted a 20% growth in running and positive signals from wholesale partners as indicators of success [58][59] Question: Traffic headwinds in Nike Digital - Management acknowledged that the decline in organic traffic is primarily due to strategic reductions in promotions and repositioning efforts [63][64] Question: Strategies for Greater China and store refresh costs - The company is focused on innovative products and local athlete activations to drive growth in China, with ongoing investments in the marketplace [66][69]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues increased by 1% on a reported basis but decreased by 1% on a currency-neutral basis [20] - Gross margins declined by 320 basis points to 42.2% due to higher wholesale discounts, increased product costs, and channel mix headwinds [21] - Earnings per share was reported at $0.49 [22] - Inventory decreased by 2% compared to the prior year [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nike Direct declined by 5%, with Nike Digital down 12% and Nike stores down 1% [21] - Wholesale grew by 5% [21] - Running business grew over 20% this quarter, indicating strong consumer response [10] - Sportswear business continues to decline, with a 30% drop in classic footwear franchises [24][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America revenue grew by 4%, with wholesale up 11% [23] - Greater China revenue declined by 10%, with Nike Digital down 27% [26][27] - EMEA revenue grew by 1%, with Nike Digital down 13% [25] - APLA revenue grew by 1%, with Nike Digital down 8% [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a "sport offense" strategy to align its brands (Nike, Jordan, Converse) into more nimble teams by sport [6] - The strategy aims to enhance consumer insights and drive innovation in storytelling [6] - The company is committed to improving its position in Greater China despite facing structural challenges [17] - Plans to refresh retail environments and improve seasonal sell-through trends are underway [27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges a cautious consumer environment and tariff uncertainties impacting business recovery [19] - The company is optimistic about the potential for growth in China, emphasizing the importance of sport and innovative products [17] - Future revenue guidance for Q2 indicates a low single-digit decline, with expectations for gross margins to decrease by 300 to 375 basis points [32] Other Important Information - The company is experiencing a significant cost headwind from new tariffs, estimated at approximately $1.5 billion annually [30] - The strategic decision to reduce reliance on classic franchises and pull back on promotions is aimed at long-term brand health [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the spring order book and medium-term margin levels - Management highlighted that the spring order book is positive, reflecting growth in North America and a commitment to returning to double-digit margins over time [41][46] Question: Update on September trading and consumer demand - Management noted that the environment is dynamic, with good sell-throughs for new product launches, but emphasized the need to focus on inspiring through sport [51][52] Question: Traffic headwinds in Nike Digital and milestones for profitable growth - Management acknowledged that organic traffic is down due to strategic reductions in promotions, but emphasized the importance of elevating the entire marketplace [63][64] Question: Strategies for turning around the Greater China digital business - Management expressed confidence in the long-term opportunity in China, focusing on innovative products and better storytelling to drive growth [66][67]

Company Overview - Nike (NYSE:NKE) experienced gains in postmarket trading, indicating positive momentum in its recovery efforts [4]. Earnings Conference Insights - During the earnings conference call, CEO Elliott Hill highlighted early successes for the Nike, Jordan, and Converse brands, suggesting a positive trajectory for the company [4].