NIKE(NKE) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4, revenues decreased by 12% on a reported basis and 11% on a currency-neutral basis [28] - Gross margins declined by 440 basis points to 40.3% due to higher wholesale discounts and supply chain cost deleverage [28] - Earnings per share was $0.14, with full-year revenue down 10% on a reported basis [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nike Direct revenues were down 14%, with Nike Digital declining 26% and Nike Stores increasing by 2% [28] - In North America, Q4 revenue declined 11%, with Nike Direct down 14% and wholesale down 8% [31] - In EMEA, Q4 revenue declined 10%, with Nike Direct down 19% and wholesale down 4% [33] - Greater China saw a 20% revenue decline, with Nike Direct down 15% and wholesale down 24% [35] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America made progress in cleaning up the marketplace, with a focus on repositioning Nike Digital as a full-price model [31] - EMEA demonstrated growth in key performance dimensions, with women's sportswear footwear returning to growth [34] - APLA experienced a 3% revenue decline, with mixed results across countries [38] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is implementing "WinNow" actions to reposition its brands and business for future growth, focusing on sport and innovation [26][27] - A new partnership with Amazon will feature a select assortment of footwear and apparel, aimed at expanding distribution [17] - The company is reorganizing into sport-focused teams to drive deeper relationships with athletes and enhance product innovation [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that Q4 results were not up to Nike's standards but expressed optimism about future improvements [7] - The company expects headwinds to revenue and gross margin to begin to moderate, with a clear path to recovery ahead [22][44] - Management emphasized the importance of inspiring and innovating for consumers, with a focus on returning to sustainable growth [25] Other Important Information - The company is facing new tariffs that are expected to increase costs by approximately $1 billion, with plans to mitigate this impact over time [42][43] - Inventory remains elevated but is being managed down, with a goal to exit the first half of fiscal 2026 in a healthy position [30][47] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the accelerated actions under your sport offense realignment? - The company is organizing into sport-obsessed teams to drive a relentless flow of innovative products across all brands, focusing on performance and sportswear [61][62] Question: What is the expected impact of tariffs in Q1? - The first quarter will see a larger impact from tariffs, but the company is confident in its ability to mitigate these over time as actions are implemented [74][77] Question: Are you expecting gross margin pressures to abate sequentially? - Margins are expected to remain under pressure in the first half of fiscal 2026, but moderation is anticipated in the second half [79][80] Question: Can you discuss the timeline for recovery in the China marketplace? - The company believes in the long-term opportunity in China and is focused on inspiring consumers, although recovery will take time due to unique market characteristics [102]