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]

Key Insights - The report focuses on the sportswear industry, particularly analyzing the product cycles of major brands like Nike, Adidas, and Asics, highlighting the significant performance divergence among these brands post-pandemic [7][11] - The sportswear market is projected to reach approximately $400 billion in 2024, with a year-on-year growth of 3.8%, indicating a stable growth trend despite varying brand performances [7] - The analysis emphasizes the importance of product cycles in driving brand performance, suggesting that investment strategies should focus on identifying key marketing events that signal new product cycles [11] Industry and Company Analysis Nike - Nike's stock price experienced a significant increase from 2019 to 2021 due to steady performance driven by technological innovation and popular products, but faced a downturn in 2022-2023 due to supply chain disruptions and inventory issues [8] - The brand's over-reliance on classic models and slow commercialization of new technologies has raised concerns about its future performance, with a notable decline in Google search interest indicating potential challenges ahead [8][11] - Nike is expected to revitalize its brand through enhanced sports marketing and new product launches, showing early signs of recovery [8] Adidas - Adidas has successfully navigated challenges post-pandemic, with a strategic shift in product offerings leading to a significant stock price recovery, particularly through the introduction of retro styles and localized strategies [9] - The brand's marketing expenditure is planned to remain at 12%, focusing on optimizing regional advertising efficiency [9] - The successful transition from Yeezy to other product lines has been pivotal in driving growth, with a notable increase in consumer interest preceding stock price recovery [9] Asics - Asics has seen a remarkable stock price increase, driven by strong revenue growth and improved profit margins, with expectations of doubling revenue from 2019 to 2025 [10] - The brand's focus on professional running shoes and the establishment of a running ecosystem have contributed to its profitability, alongside successful product launches that resonate with current trends [10] - Asics has maintained a lower marketing spend compared to its competitors while effectively leveraging sponsorships and collaborations to enhance brand visibility [10] Investment Recommendations - Investors are advised to monitor the product cycles of these sportswear brands closely, particularly looking for signs of new product introductions and marketing strategies that could drive future performance [11] - The report suggests a favorable outlook for domestic brands like Anta Sports and Li Ning, which are positioned to capitalize on market trends and consumer preferences [12] - The analysis highlights the potential of brands like Xtep International and the positive impact of celebrity endorsements on brand visibility and sales [12]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Outperform" rating for the sports brand industry [6][10]. Core Insights - The sports outdoor industry is projected to reach approximately $400 billion in 2024, with a year-on-year growth of 3.8%, indicating a stable growth phase post-pandemic, but with significant brand performance differentiation [1][17]. - Nike, Adidas, and Asics have shown distinct stock price trends since 2019, with Nike experiencing a V-shaped recovery, Adidas an N-shaped reversal, and Asics achieving nearly a tenfold increase [1][25][28]. - The underlying performance of these brands is driven more by their operational results than by valuation fluctuations [1][33]. Summary by Sections Industry Trends - The global sports outdoor industry is entering a stable growth phase post-pandemic, with a notable shift in competitive dynamics and brand performance differentiation [17]. - The market share of leading brands like Nike and Adidas has declined, while local brands such as Li Ning and FILA have gained traction [18]. Company Analysis Nike - Nike's stock price has shown a downward trend due to supply chain disruptions and inventory issues, with a significant drop of 50% from its peak in early 2023 to April 2025 [2][47]. - The company is facing challenges with over-reliance on classic models and a decline in consumer interest, as indicated by a drop in Google search index since Q2 2023 [2][47]. - Nike plans to revitalize its brand through enhanced sports marketing and new product launches [2]. Adidas - Adidas has successfully pivoted its product strategy, focusing on fashion and running categories, leading to a significant stock price recovery [3][27]. - The new CEO has driven a turnaround by optimizing inventory and enhancing brand performance, with a notable increase in marketing efficiency [3][27]. - The brand's focus on localized strategies and retro product lines has contributed to its resurgence [3]. Asics - Asics has experienced a remarkable stock price increase, driven by a strong product cycle and a focus on high-end professional running shoes [4][28]. - The brand has successfully capitalized on the running trend and has built a robust ecosystem around running events [4][28]. - Asics' marketing expenditures are lower than its competitors, yet it has effectively built brand strength through strategic sponsorships and collaborations [4]. Investment Recommendations - Investors are advised to track the product cycles of sports brands, focusing on key marketing events and the subsequent commercial performance [5]. - The report highlights the importance of identifying new product opportunities and adjusting supply strategies as brands transition through different product cycle phases [5]. - Specific recommendations include monitoring Nike's new product cycles and Adidas' ongoing product strategy, while also considering local brands like Anta and Li Ning for their growth potential [9].