We're here at the uh LeBron James R&D lab and it's our advanced R&D center. We opened this up in in 2020. This is really the heartbeat of our innovation.>> You've basically been at Nike more than 35 years and you were brought back to fix a few missteps. How do you try to even reinvent a company that you know so well. >> It can overwhelm you, anybody, if you try to go, hey, we got to fix everything all at once.But what I tried to do is go back to what is essential to Nike and that is putting the athlete back ...

Core Insights - Nike is refocusing on its core mission of putting athletes at the center of its strategy after experiencing significant market value loss due to previous missteps [2][16] - The company is working to clear excess inventory, particularly for its major franchises like Air Jordan 1, Air Force One, and Nike Dunk, which have seen a decline in consumer interest [3][5] - Nike is re-engaging with retail partners to boost sales after years of focusing on direct-to-consumer strategies, ensuring a thoughtful assortment of products across different retail environments [12][14] Inventory Management - Nike has been slashing prices to manage excess inventory, particularly for the Nike Dunk, which generated an estimated $4 billion in fiscal 2025 but is now being phased out [3][5] - The company acknowledges the need to improve inventory levels for its key franchises, with ongoing efforts to restore the appeal of the Dunk and Air Jordan 1 [4][5] Product Development and Innovation - Nike is launching new products, including a 4-in-1 jacket for the upcoming Olympics and a shoe for athlete Caitlyn Clark, indicating a commitment to innovation and women's sports [6][7] - The company is enhancing its competitive edge in the running category by appointing a general manager for Nike running, focusing on product quality and storytelling [10] Retail Strategy - Nike is returning to retail partnerships with stores like Macy's and DSW, aiming to present its products in a premium manner while catering to diverse consumer needs [12][14] - The strategy includes ensuring that the brand's premium image is maintained across all sales channels, whether direct or through wholesale [13] Employee Morale and Company Culture - The leadership is focused on improving employee morale by emphasizing a return to the company's foundational mission of serving athletes, which has positively impacted the workplace environment [16][17]

Core Viewpoint - Wells Fargo has raised its price target for Nike from $60 to $75, indicating a potential upside of 15% from current levels [1] Revenue Insights - The primary challenge for Nike has been the decline in sales from classic footwear lines, which is estimated to have cost around $6 billion over the past two years, but there is an expectation for stabilization moving forward [2] - Non-classic footwear has shown significant growth, with an acceleration in growth rates reaching approximately 20%, while apparel sales are also increasing [3] Consumer Behavior - There is a noticeable bifurcation in consumer spending, particularly in the U.S., with concerns about the upcoming holiday season being challenging [5] - However, early 2026 may present some positive factors, such as tax refunds and stimulus payments, which could lead to increased discretionary spending on items like sneakers and handbags [6] Product Innovation - Nike's recent product innovations, particularly in the performance running category, have been successful, contributing to improved visibility for the brand [6] Market Dynamics - The situation in China remains challenging, with a surplus of products in the marketplace and a need for strategic reevaluation. China accounts for 15% of Nike's sales, while North America represents 50%, which is performing well [8][9] - The cleanup of inventory in China is not expected to be completed until summer 2026, but this could lead to additional margin opportunities and growth in the following fiscal year [9]

We take a look at some of the movers here on Wall Street and I'm joined by Diane King Hall is with me and we're looking at Nike today also. I mean yesterday we were talking about on holdings and those those sneakers doing so well. Now we get Wells Fargo with a move on Nike today.>> Yeah, indeed. And adding more strength to Nike uh because it's been getting some love this week and certainly much needed given how shares have performed so far this year. So Wells Fargo becoming more bullish on Nike.They've upgr ...

Core Insights - NIKE Inc. is implementing a "Sport Offense" strategy to unify its brands NIKE, Jordan, and Converse, aiming for sharper focus, faster innovation, and stronger consumer connections [1][8] - The strategy is inspired by the success in running, where double-digit growth was achieved through athlete-centric innovation [1] Brand Performance - Jordan Brand remains a cultural powerhouse, while NIKE is stabilizing core franchises like Air Force 1 and Air Jordan 1 [2] - Converse is undergoing a reset under new leadership to regain profitable growth through sharper positioning and refreshed designs [2] - The combination of these three brands creates a unique ecosystem that blends performance, lifestyle, and streetwear across various price points, which is NIKE's competitive edge [2] Market Challenges - NIKE faces hurdles such as softness in sportswear, lagging sales in China, and weaker digital traffic [3] - The company must prove that its brand trio can sustain momentum across markets, with management indicating that growth may not be linear [3] Competitive Landscape - Key competitors include adidas AG and lululemon athletica inc. [4] - adidas is recovering by focusing on brand strength and profitability, seeing renewed momentum from classic lifestyle products and core performance categories [5] - lululemon is outperforming in the premium activewear space, driven by innovation in performance fabrics and strong brand loyalty [6] Financial Performance - NIKE shares have declined by 19.3% year to date, compared to the industry's decline of 20.7% [7] - The forward price-to-earnings ratio for NIKE is 30.26X, higher than the industry average of 25.91X [9] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a year-over-year earnings decline of 23.6% for fiscal 2026, followed by a projected growth of 50.5% for fiscal 2027 [10]

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]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for key companies in the sportswear sector, including Anta Sports, Li Ning, and Xtep International, indicating a positive outlook for their long-term growth potential [4][8]. Core Insights - The sportswear industry is experiencing resilience in demand despite economic fluctuations, driven by increased health awareness and government policies promoting sports participation [1][13]. - In the U.S. and Japan, the growth of the sports industry is attributed to historical factors, including economic recovery, government support, and major sporting events like the Olympics [1][20]. - In China, the running and outdoor segments are key growth drivers, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16% for high-performance outdoor apparel from 2024 to 2029 [3][30]. Summary by Sections Industry Analysis - The U.S. fitness club membership increased by 3.7% to 68.9 million in 2022, and outdoor activity participation among Americans aged 6 and above grew by 4.1% in 2023 [1][19]. - Japan's sports consumption has been steadily increasing, supported by economic recovery and the Tokyo Olympics, with a focus on low-barrier sports like running and fitness [20][25]. Competitive Factors - Product strength and brand value are critical for leading international sports brands like Nike and Adidas, which focus on product development and brand building [2][32]. - Domestic brands in China, such as Anta and Li Ning, are enhancing their product innovation and brand image through sponsorships and professional athlete endorsements [3][37]. Investment Recommendations - The report highlights Anta Sports as a key player with strong operational capabilities and a projected price-to-earnings (PE) ratio of 18 times for 2025 [4][8]. - Li Ning is recommended for its long-term earnings potential, with a PE ratio of 17 times for 2025, while Xtep International is noted for its stable performance and growth prospects in the running segment, with a PE ratio of 11 times for 2025 [4][8].

Core Viewpoint - UBS indicates that Nike's transformation is underway but will take at least a year to translate into sustainable revenue growth [1][2][3] Group 1: Transformation Progress - Nike's transformation is progressing, but the pace may not meet investor expectations, with the market anticipating a return to mid-single-digit revenue growth and healthy EBIT margins [1] - UBS emphasizes that improvements in franchise management are a key advancement, as the product team previously over-relied on classic franchise products, sacrificing innovation [1][2] Group 2: Strategic Direction and Challenges - UBS notes that the over-distribution of core classic series is being corrected, and Hill's clear strategic direction is expected to enhance operational efficiency and corporate culture [2] - The full implementation of Elliott Hill's changes may take at least a year or longer due to three main factors: the new team needing time to adapt, the complexity of global operations requiring fine coordination across regions and product categories, and a product delivery cycle exceeding one year delaying consumer impact [2]

Core Insights - Nike's brand connection with China has weakened over the past two decades, leading to a significant decline in revenue and brand narrative clarity [4][5][6] - The latest financial report indicates a 21% year-over-year revenue drop in the Greater China region, with e-commerce down 31% and wholesale channels down 24% [4][17] - The company's shift towards a Direct to Consumer (DTC) model has created initial efficiencies but has also led to a disconnect with local market dynamics [16][29] Group 1 - Nike's advertising strategy in the early 2000s effectively resonated with a nation eager for recognition and success, exemplified by Liu Xiang's Olympic victory [1][2] - The brand's previous dominance in the market was characterized by consistent double-digit growth, with little competition, leading to complacency [8][12] - The rise of the sneaker resale market in 2019 marked a shift in consumer behavior, focusing more on investment potential rather than product experience [9][10] Group 2 - Under CEO John Donahoe, Nike adopted a DTC approach, which initially seemed effective but ultimately led to a loss of brand identity and connection with consumers [15][21] - The restructuring of the organization to prioritize efficiency over brand essence has diluted Nike's core narrative centered around sports [23][28] - The company's response to market challenges has been slow and ineffective, revealing deeper issues within its global structure and decision-making processes [30][32] Group 3 - The introduction of the "Win Now" strategy aims to restore Nike's brand spirit by focusing on local market needs and empowering regional leadership [36][38] - The shift back to professional and technical products reflects a recognition of changing consumer preferences towards lifestyle and comfort [45][46] - Nike's recent organizational changes indicate a move towards greater local adaptability, essential for regaining market relevance in China [40][46]