NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) is included among the 12 Best Dogs of the Dow to Invest in. Guggenheim Initiates Nike (NKE) at Buy on Margin Strength On December 10, Guggenheim began covering NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) with a Buy rating and set a $77 price target. While retail is still widely viewed as “structurally sick,” the firm said the “holiday brought the cheer.” It added that tariffs have been manageable so far and pointed to what it called “most importantly and likely going unnoticed,” noting that most of the c ...

Core Insights - The global athletic footwear and apparel market is experiencing a significant shift, exemplified by the competition between NIKE Inc. and On Holding AG, with NIKE as the established leader and On Holding as a rising challenger [2][4]. NIKE's Position - NIKE maintains its status as the largest athleticwear brand, holding an estimated high-teens market share globally, supported by its extensive reach across nearly 190 countries [5][6]. - The company's first-quarter fiscal 2026 results show renewed momentum, driven by its "Win Now" strategy and a recovery in its wholesale order book, with running segment growth exceeding 20% [6][7]. - NIKE's brand positioning is premium yet inclusive, targeting various consumer demographics through strong athlete partnerships and innovative product offerings [8]. - Despite its strong fundamentals, NIKE faces gross margin pressures due to increased promotional activities, unfavorable channel mix, and rising costs, particularly in Greater China [9][10]. On Holding's Position - On Holding is characterized by rapid growth and a strong brand presence in the premium performance segment, particularly in running, despite holding only a low-single-digit market share [12][13]. - The company's footwear sales are the primary revenue driver, with apparel also contributing significantly, indicating a growing wallet share among consumers [13]. - On Holding differentiates itself through a premium-first philosophy, focusing on innovation and athlete validation to enhance brand credibility [14][15]. - The brand targets affluent, design-conscious consumers, particularly Gen Z and urban professionals, with a business model emphasizing controlled distribution and full-price selling [15][16]. Financial Performance and Valuation - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NIKE's fiscal 2026 sales indicates a year-over-year growth of 0.9%, while EPS is expected to decline by 23.6% [18]. - In contrast, On Holding's sales are projected to grow by 41.2% year-over-year, with EPS expected to decline by 12.7% [21]. - NIKE shares have decreased by 7.1% over the past three months, while On Holding shares have increased by 7.3% [23]. - NIKE's forward P/E ratio is 31.13, above its three-year median of 28.33, while On Holding's forward P/E is 28.62, below its median of 49.63, indicating a valuation contrast [24][26]. Conclusion - On Holding is viewed as the more attractive investment opportunity due to its stronger stock momentum, compelling valuation, and potential for sustained growth [28]. - NIKE, while a formidable leader, is currently focused on stabilization and execution rather than acceleration, with its valuation reflecting recovery expectations [29][30].

Group 1 - The article does not provide any relevant content regarding the company or industry [1]

Core Viewpoint - Misto Holdings, the parent company of Fila, is relocating its headquarters to Cykan Tower in Gangnam, Seoul, in 2026 to enhance its global brand portfolio and operational efficiency [1][3]. Group 1: Headquarters Relocation - The relocation aims to address the growing demand for talent and office space due to business expansion, while also improving the work environment [1]. - The total investment for this asset acquisition is approximately 195 billion Korean won, which is about 3.5 percent of the company's consolidated total assets [1]. Group 2: Financial Perspective - Misto Holdings considers the investment manageable and expects it to positively contribute to mid- to long-term asset portfolio diversification, given the asset value and liquidity of commercial real estate in the Gangnam area [2]. - In the third quarter of 2025, consolidated revenue increased by 3.7 percent to 1.09 trillion Korean won compared to the same period last year, while operating profit in the second quarter rose by 41 percent year-on-year to 132 billion Korean won [5]. Group 3: Company Strategy and Changes - The headquarters relocation is seen as a significant milestone that supports the company's global management framework and sustainable growth [3]. - Earlier in April, shareholders approved the company's name change from Fila Holdings Corp. to Misto Holdings to better reflect its role as a global brand portfolio company [4]. - The company has been expanding its organization through growth in its Greater China licensing and distribution business and the addition of new brands to its portfolio [4].

MILAN — Denim specialist Dondup and pant-maker PT Torino have named a new chief executive officer, recruited from within the executive ranks of their owner. Mauro Grange, founding partner of the Made in Italy Fund, a private equity group managed by Quadrivio and Pambianco, which own the two brands, is succeeding Matteo Anchisi in the CEO role at both fashion labels. Anchisi had been CEO at Dondup since 2019 and CEO at PT Torino since 2023. More from WWD “I am pleased to personally guide the companies thr ...

Core Insights - Levi Strauss & Co. is a well-established American company with a rich history dating back to 1853, originally starting as a wholesale dry goods business in San Francisco [1] Company Overview - The company is recognized for its iconic blue jeans and has maintained a strong brand presence over the years [1] Investment Perspective - The focus is on identifying undervalued stocks with a favorable risk-reward profile, emphasizing the importance of understanding ownership to limit risks while maximizing potential returns [1]

Core Viewpoint - NIKE Inc. is expected to report a decline in both revenue and earnings for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, reflecting ongoing challenges in the market and strategic transitions [2][3][18]. Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NIKE's fiscal second-quarter revenues is $12.2 billion, indicating a 1.7% decline year-over-year [3]. - The estimated earnings per share for the same quarter is 37 cents, representing a significant decline of 52.6% from the previous year [3]. - In the last reported quarter, NIKE achieved an earnings surprise of 81.5%, beating the consensus estimate by an average of 53.7% over the trailing four quarters [4]. Strategic Initiatives - NIKE's "Win Now" strategy aims to restore brand energy and position the company for sustainable growth after a period of underperformance [6][17]. - The company is focusing on disciplined execution, supply-chain optimization, and strategic pricing to enhance margin recovery [10][17]. Regional Performance - North America remains NIKE's strongest region, with projected revenues of $5.2 billion for the second quarter, reflecting a modest growth of 0.5% year-over-year [8]. - In EMEA, revenues are expected to rise by 1.7%, while Greater China is projected to see a decline of 12.7% in revenues, amounting to $1.5 billion [9][11]. Margin and Cost Pressures - NIKE anticipates a gross margin decline of 300-375 basis points, influenced by higher tariffs and increased promotional activity [12][13]. - SG&A expenses are expected to rise in the high-single digits due to increased demand creation investments [12][13]. Stock Performance and Valuation - NIKE shares have decreased by 6.2% over the past three months, underperforming the industry and the S&P 500 [14][15]. - The current P/E ratio of 31.47X exceeds the industry average of 28.06X and the S&P 500's average of 23.35X, indicating a potentially pricey valuation [16]. Long-term Outlook - NIKE's strategic initiatives are designed to strengthen its competitive position and drive long-term growth, despite facing near-term challenges [17][19]. - The company is navigating a difficult demand environment, particularly in lifestyle categories and Greater China, which may impact short-term performance [18][20].

Core Viewpoint - Gildan Activewear's stock experienced a significant price increase following a robust price target upgrade by UBS analyst Jay Sole, who raised the target nearly 38% to $110 per share from $80, maintaining a buy recommendation on the stock [2][4]. Group 1: Analyst Insights - The price target increase is attributed to Gildan's recent acquisition of Hanesbrands, which is expected to provide synergistic benefits and enhance Gildan's market presence [4][5]. - The acquisition is seen as a strategic move that allows Gildan to achieve a scope that it could not have reached independently, particularly through Hanesbrands's established retail presence [4]. Group 2: Financial Implications - Sole suggests that the potential divestment of Hanesbrands's Australia business could generate proceeds that may be used to reduce Gildan's debt and possibly reinstate share buybacks [5]. - Gildan's current market capitalization stands at $11 billion, with a gross margin of 31.43% and a dividend yield of 1.51% [6][7].

Core Insights - Ralph Lauren Corporation (RL) is a global lifestyle brand with a market cap of $22.5 billion, offering a diverse portfolio of premium apparel, accessories, home products, and fragrances [1] - The company operates through various channels including department stores, specialty stores, retail locations, digital platforms, and hospitality concepts [2] Financial Performance - Ralph Lauren reported Q2 2026 results with a revenue increase of 17% to $2 billion and adjusted EPS rising 49% year-over-year to $3.79, exceeding prior-year levels [5] - The management raised its full-year fiscal 2026 outlook, projecting 5% - 7% constant-currency revenue growth and 60 to 80 basis points of operating margin expansion [5] Stock Performance - RL shares have increased 17.7% over the past three months, outperforming the S&P 500 Index's 3% gain during the same period [3] - Year-to-date, RL stock is up 60.9%, significantly surpassing the S&P 500's 15.9% rise [4] - Over the past 52 weeks, RL shares have climbed 63.4%, compared to the S&P 500's 12.7% return [4] Analyst Sentiment - Analysts maintain a bullish outlook on RL, with a consensus rating of "Strong Buy" from 19 analysts and a mean price target of $381.81, indicating a 2.7% premium to current levels [6]

Core Viewpoint - Kering's recent deal is part of a real-estate strategy aimed at securing retail locations for its brands while enhancing financial flexibility [1] Group 1 - The deal reflects Kering's commitment to strengthening its retail presence [1] - The strategy is designed to improve the company's financial flexibility [1]