Shares of NIKE, Inc. (NYSE: NKE) have skyrocketed in extended trading following the release of its fiscal 2024 first-quarter earnings report on Thursday. The athletic company beat Wall Street estimates for first-quarter profit and provided an optimistic outlook despite challenges in the market.
NIKE reported a profit of $1.45 billion, or 94 cents per share, beating the consensus estimate of 75 cents per share. NIKE achieved this feat by raising the prices of its sneakers and apparel, offsetting the impact of dwindling demand and persistent cost pressures.
The company also provided a bullish outlook, forecasting a 100-basis point increase in second-quarter gross margins. This improvement comes after witnessing a margin decline for six consecutive quarters, thanks to fewer planned markdowns and lower freight costs.
NIKE, Inc. (NYSE: NKE) reported a 10% reduction in inventories for the quarter ended August 31. This achievement alleviates investor concerns that the company might be compelled to offer steep discounts during the upcoming holiday season.
Chief Financial Officer Matthew Friend has expressed optimism about capitalizing on consumer momentum around running and modern comfort. NIKE plans to leverage its popular sneaker series, including Air Max 1, Infinity, and V2K, to tap into the burgeoning demand for running shoes.
The athletic footwear and apparel company has pledged to refresh its portfolio of basketball shoes, including the iconic Jordan brand, and launch its new Kobe brand, signaling a commitment to innovation and style.
Some investors have voiced concerns over the waning appeal of NIKE’s Jordan brand, a key profit driver. Some shoes from this brand have seen their resale values decline on platforms like StockX. The company has also felt the heat from competitors like Deckers’ Hoka, On Running, and French-owned sports retailer Salomon, as consumers lean towards “performance” shoes.
The Dow Jones giant faces increased competition from rival sneaker brands, including Deckers’ Hoka, On Running, and French-owned sports retailer Salomon, as consumers lean towards “performance” footwear.
Furthermore, some of NIKE’s recent running shoe releases, including the Invincible 3 and Zoom Fly 5, received less favorable reviews from industry experts, as noted by Dylan Dittrich, the head of research for analytics firm Altan Insights.
Nike CEO John Donahoe has revealed the company’s plans to prioritize the everyday runner and expand its outreach to shoppers through various channels, including specialty running stores.
NIKE, Inc. (NYSE: NKE) remained steadfast in its annual forecasts and expects a modest increase in second-quarter revenue. Analysts had anticipated a 2.1% rise to $13.59 billion, as per LSEG data.
The company reported total revenue of $12.94 billion in the first quarter, just shy of analysts’ estimates of $12.98 billion.
Mark Glenn is a financial journalist and breaking news reporter for ABBO News. Mark is known for his ability to deliver real-time news updates on market developments, mergers and acquisitions, corporate earnings reports, and regulatory changes, helping investors stay informed and make sound financial decisions.
