Core Insights - Nike is relaunching its ACG brand at the Milano Cortina Winter Games, focusing on innovation in apparel and targeting the trail running consumer [2][3][4] - The company emphasizes the importance of major sporting events as opportunities to enhance brand visibility and drive sales [5][6] - Nike's running business saw a 28% growth in the most recent quarter, indicating a strong performance in this segment [6] Brand Strategy - The ACG brand is positioned to capitalize on the growing outdoor and trail running market, which is experiencing increased consumer interest [8][9] - Nike aims to extend the ACG brand beyond trail running, focusing on design, protection, and innovation [10] - The company is committed to maintaining authenticity in the outdoor space, ensuring that its team understands the culture and needs of outdoor athletes [15][16] Innovation and Product Development - Nike is nurturing its design and innovation teams to create new products that meet athlete needs, leveraging its extensive sports research capabilities [24][28] - Recent product launches, such as the Alpha Fly shoe, demonstrate Nike's commitment to innovation and performance [21][24] - The company is focused on creating aesthetically appealing products that also deliver functional benefits to consumers [29] Market Performance - North America has shown a return to growth, with running sales up more than 20% overall, indicating a positive trend for the company [33][34] - The wholesale business is also recovering, with significant growth reported in North America [33][36] - Nike is addressing concerns about its global sales strategy, particularly in China, by enhancing product curation and local market understanding [49][50] Consumer Engagement - Nike is focusing on elevating the consumer experience across all retail channels, ensuring thoughtful presentation and assortment of products [40][42] - The company is committed to maintaining a balance between performance and lifestyle segments, positioning itself as a sportswear brand rather than a fast fashion label [57][58] - Partnerships, such as with Skims, are being explored to enhance brand appeal and reach new consumer segments [60][62] Future Outlook - Nike's leadership emphasizes a long-term vision of continuous improvement and innovation, aiming to leave the company in a better position for future generations [73][74] - The company is focused on maintaining its core identity as a sports brand while exploring opportunities in lifestyle and fashion [63][64] - Ongoing investments in brands like Converse are intended to diversify consumer engagement and revenue streams [70][71]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q2 fiscal 2026, revenues increased by 1% on a reported basis and were flat on a currency-neutral basis, with Nike Direct down 9% and Nike Digital down 14% [24][21] - Gross margins declined by 300 basis points to 40.6% primarily due to increased product costs from higher tariffs and inventory obsolescence in Greater China [24][23] - Earnings per share was reported at $0.53, with inventory decreasing by 3% year-over-year [25][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The wholesale segment grew by 8%, while classic footwear franchises declined over 20% year-over-year, contributing to a top-line headwind of approximately $550 million [24][21] - Running grew by over 20% for the second consecutive quarter, with significant growth across all channels, including Nike Direct [14][21] - Nike's North America revenue grew by 9%, with wholesale growing by 24%, while Nike Direct declined by 10% [26][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North America, gross margins only declined by 330 basis points despite a 520 basis point impact from new U.S. tariffs, indicating effective management of the marketplace [28][27] - Greater China saw a revenue decline of 16%, with Nike Direct down 18% and wholesale down 15% [30][29] - EMEA revenue was down 1%, with a decline in Nike Direct and Nike Stores, while wholesale remained flat [29][28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing "Win Now Actions" to reposition its business and drive growth through a diversified product portfolio and enhanced consumer connections [5][6] - The "Sport Offense" strategy aims to leverage athlete-centered innovation across various channels to drive growth [5][6] - The company is committed to returning to double-digit EBIT margins, with a focus on improving operational efficiency and managing costs [19][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that the recovery will not be linear, with different brands and geographies recovering at varying speeds [22][21] - There is confidence in the long-term potential of the China market, despite current challenges, with plans to reset the approach to better align with local consumer preferences [11][30] - The company expects Q3 revenues to be down low single digits, with modest growth anticipated in North America [33][34] Other Important Information - The company is implementing changes in leadership to enhance decision-making and strategy execution across geographies [9][10] - Significant investments are being made in marketing and product innovation to support the recovery and growth strategy [19][20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the turnarounds and opportunities remaining? - Management highlighted that the path to sustainable growth is through "Win Now Actions" and the "Sport Offense," with North America showing strong growth and a healthier base for future growth [44][45] Question: What is the timeline for returning to double-digit EBIT margins? - Management stated that improving margins is a top priority, with a clear path back to double-digit EBIT margins through growth and operational efficiency [57][58] Question: How deep is the reset necessary in China? - Management indicated that a reset is necessary to return to a premium brand position, with ongoing actions to clean up the marketplace and improve retail presentation [61][62]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q2 fiscal 2026, revenues increased by 1% on a reported basis and were flat on a currency-neutral basis, with Nike Direct down 9% and Nike Digital down 14% [36][39] - Gross margins declined by 300 basis points to 40.6% primarily due to increased product costs from higher tariffs and inventory obsolescence in Greater China [37][36] - Earnings per share was reported at $0.53, with inventory decreasing by 3% year-over-year [39][36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The performance business saw significant traction, with Running growing over 20% for the second consecutive quarter [21][30] - Classic footwear franchises are projected to decline by more than $4 billion by fiscal year-end [31] - Wholesale grew by 8%, with North America experiencing over 20% growth in wholesale [14][36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America revenue grew by 9%, with wholesale up 24% and EBIT down 8% [40][39] - EMEA revenue was down 1%, with wholesale flat and EBIT declining by 12% [44] - Greater China revenue declined by 16%, with Nike Direct down 18% and EBIT down 49% [45][46] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on right-sizing its Classics business, returning Nike Digital to a premium experience, and diversifying its product portfolio [6][9] - The "Sport Offense" strategy is aimed at driving growth through athlete-centered innovation across various channels and countries [7][9] - The company is committed to improving profitability and operating efficiency while investing in growth initiatives [27][56] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges that the recovery will not be linear, with different timelines for each brand and geography [34][79] - There is confidence in the long-term potential of the China market, despite current challenges [18][93] - The company expects Q3 revenues to be down low single digits, with modest growth in North America and continued headwinds in Greater China [53][54] Other Important Information - The company is implementing changes in leadership to enhance decision-making and strategy execution [12][27] - Significant investments are being made in marketing and product innovation to support growth [91][100] - The company is focused on cleaning up excess inventory and improving the marketplace experience [49][50] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the turnarounds and opportunities remaining? - Management highlighted that growth is driven by Win Now Actions and the Sport Offense, with North America showing strong progress and China needing more time [68][70] Question: When will the recovery be more predictable? - Management indicated that each geography and brand is at different stages, making it difficult to provide a specific timeline for recovery [79][80] Question: What is the timeline for returning to double-digit EBIT margins? - Management stated that improving margins is a top priority, with a path back to double-digit EBIT margins expected as growth continues [87][88] Question: How deep is the reset necessary in China? - Management emphasized the need for a fresh approach in China, with ongoing actions to clean up the marketplace and improve brand positioning [96][93]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues for Q2 were up 1% on a reported basis and flat on a currency-neutral basis, with Nike Direct down 9% and Nike Digital declining 14% [20][22] - Gross margins declined 300 basis points to 40.6% on a reported basis, primarily due to increased product costs from higher tariffs and inventory obsolescence in Greater China [21][19] - Earnings per share was $0.53, with inventory decreasing 3% versus the prior year [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Nike brand grew this quarter, with 8% wholesale growth and a strong mix, while classic footwear franchises are expected to decline by over $4 billion by fiscal year-end [7][17] - Running grew by over 20% for the second consecutive quarter, with significant growth in Nike-owned stores, Nike Digital, and wholesale [12][24] - Nike's Classics business is being right-sized, and the company is diversifying its product portfolio [5][6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America saw a revenue growth of 9%, with wholesale growing 24% and EBIT declining 8% [23][22] - Greater China experienced a revenue decline of 16%, with Nike Direct down 18% and wholesale down 15% [26][22] - EMEA revenue was down 1%, with a decline in Nike Direct and Nike Stores, while wholesale was flat [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing its "Win Now Actions" and "Sport Offense" strategies to drive growth through athlete-centered innovation and a diversified product portfolio [5][6] - There is a strong emphasis on reconnecting with partners and enhancing consumer experiences, particularly in North America [8][9] - The company is adapting its approach in Greater China to better fit the local market dynamics and improve brand positioning [10][54] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges that the recovery will not be linear, with different brands and geographies recovering at varying speeds [18][45] - There is confidence in the long-term potential of the China market, despite current challenges, and a commitment to returning to a premium brand position [10][54] - The company expects Q3 revenues to be down low single digits, with gross margins projected to decline approximately 175-225 basis points [31] Other Important Information - The company is making significant investments in product innovation, with new launches planned across various sports and categories [12][59] - A leadership change was made to enhance operational efficiency and integrate technology across the company [15][16] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: Can you elaborate on the turnarounds and where opportunities remain? - Management highlighted that the path back to sustainable growth is through the Win Now Actions, with North America showing strong momentum and a healthier base for growth [36][38] Question: When will the recovery be more visible and less linear? - Management indicated that each geography and brand is at different stages, making it difficult to provide a specific timeline for recovery [44][45] Question: What is the timeline for returning to double-digit EBIT margins? - Management stated that improving margins is a top priority, with a clear path back to double-digit EBIT margins through growth and operational efficiency [48][50] Question: How deep of a reset is necessary in China? - Management acknowledged the need for a reset in China, focusing on cleaning up the marketplace and enhancing brand presentation [52][54]

Core Viewpoint - Nike Inc. shares have declined, presenting a buying opportunity, with a Buy rating from Bank of America and a price target of $84, indicating a 38.2% upside from the current price of $60.80 [1][2]. Product Innovation and Strategy - Nike's Sport Offense strategy has shifted to a sports-based team model, enhancing category expertise [3]. - The launch of the Innovation Engine aims to unify design and product development across Nike, Jordan, and Converse, streamlining innovation [3]. - The company is accelerating its product pipeline with multiple launches, including Nike Skims Drop 2 and Air Max 95000, alongside lifestyle and retro releases to counteract softness in classic lines [4]. Marketing and Brand Strategy - Nike is focusing on top-of-funnel brand campaigns and storytelling, leveraging global sporting events to introduce innovations like Aero-FIT [5]. - Historical data indicates that Nike's revenue growth during World Cup quarters averages 13%, outperforming the average growth of 9% in other periods [5]. Affordable Product Strategy - Nike is expanding its accessible product offerings through value-focused retail channels, aiming to capture value-conscious consumers as discretionary spending may slow [6]. Financial Outlook - Projections indicate Nike's revenue will rise from $47.02 billion in 2026 to $50.33 billion in 2027 and $53.65 billion in 2028, with earnings per share expected to be $2.16 for 2025 and $3.68 for 2028 [7]. - The estimated dividend yield is 2.6% for 2025-2028, with a projected return on equity of 16.9% in 2026 [7]. - Nike shares were trading higher by 4.29% to $63.41 recently [7].

Group 1 - The competition in sportswear has evolved from fabric and design to human science and materials engineering, with the China International Import Expo (CIIE) serving as a platform for brands to showcase their R&D capabilities [2] - Nike launched its neuroscience-based footwear product, Nike Mind, which utilizes 22 independent foam balls in the sole to activate foot sensory receptors, enhancing athletes' focus and presence [2] - Research conducted by Nike's neuroscience team showed that wearing Nike Mind before competitions significantly increased alpha brain wave activity related to focus and relaxation, with the product expected to launch in January 2026 [2] Group 2 - The winter coat market faces challenges with down jackets being warm but ineffective in humid conditions, while traditional cotton jackets are lightweight but lose insulation quickly [3] - Uniqlo introduced a new air cotton jacket that uses hollow fibers to create stable air pockets, providing warmth comparable to down jackets while maintaining performance in 80% humidity and being machine washable [3] - Adidas showcased the 2026 World Cup jerseys for Germany, Argentina, Spain, and Italy, featuring CLIMACOOL technology for optimized breathability and comfort in varying climates [3] Group 3 - The luxury brand Kering set up an immersive experience at its booth with Apple Vision Pro headsets, allowing viewers to experience fashion shows they could not attend, featuring the first ready-to-wear collection designed by Pierpaolo Piccioli since his appointment [3]

Core Insights - The article discusses Nike's ambitious Project Amplify, a functional power shoe system designed for running and walking, which aims to enhance user performance and comfort [4][11] - The innovation reflects a shift in the sports industry from purely performance-driven products to those that also consider emotional value and user experience [10][20] Product Overview - Project Amplify consists of two main components: a mechanical leg system with motors and a carbon fiber-embedded running shoe, which can be used with or without the power system [6][8] - Currently, the product is in the experimental stage, with limitations such as a battery life of only 30 minutes and a limited number of compatible shoe styles [8] Market Context - The running shoe market has seen intense competition focused on speed and performance, with brands like Nike previously pushing the boundaries of technology to achieve record-breaking results [9][10] - The article highlights a transition in consumer expectations, where the demand for innovative technology is now coupled with a desire for products that enhance overall well-being and usability [10][12] Innovation Strategy - Nike's innovation team allocates 20% of their efforts to developing concepts that may never reach the market, akin to "moonshot" projects typical in Silicon Valley [15] - The article emphasizes that these innovations must ultimately translate into measurable commercial returns, contrasting with the more forgiving valuation logic of tech companies [15][18] Structural Innovation - Structural innovation is defined as advancements that fundamentally enhance product performance and can be applied across various categories, exemplified by technologies like Nike's AIR and Adidas' BOOST [18][19] - The article suggests that the definition of structural innovation is evolving, with a focus on adaptability to individual user needs, as seen in Project Amplify's design [20][21]