Good afternoon, all present here. Welcome to Nike, Inc.’s fiscal 2024 third quarter conference call. For detailed information, you can refer to today’s press release at investors.nike.com. Steering the ship today is Paul Trussell, VP of corporate finance and treasurer.

The stage now belongs to Paul Trussell.

Paul Trussell — Vice President, Investor Relations and Strategic Finance

Welcome, everyone. Today, we delve into Nike, Inc.’s performance in the fiscal 2024 third quarter. Engaging in the dialogue with us are Nike, Inc.’s president and CEO, John Donahoe, and our CFO, Matt Friend.

As we take the plunge, a quick reminder: the statements made today carry forward-looking cues, inspired by existing circumstances and susceptibilities. These remarks are backed by risks detailed in Nike’s filings with the SEC. Stay tuned as we discuss non-GAAP financial measures and undisclosed financial and statistical data. For elucidation, refer to Nike’s earnings press release or the website, investors.nike.com, for GAAP measures and reconciliations.

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Today’s growth metrics are tabled on a year-over-year basis and are untouched by currency, barring exceptions. We kick off with prepared statements before opening the floor to questions. To accommodate as many queries as possible, we urge you to keep your initial question singular. Your compliance is appreciated. Without further ado, John Donahoe, Nike, Inc.’s president and CEO, will carry the baton.

John Donahoe — President, Chief Executive Officer & Director

Greetings, Paul, and to all partaking in today’s discourse. But before we delve into the Q3 report, a moment to remember Kelvin Kiptum, who sadly passed away last month after setting a remarkable world record in the Chicago Marathon. Kelvin epitomized athletic greatness and was a cherished member of the Nike family.

Kelvin’s legacy of inspiration shall endure, resonating within and beyond the running community. Examining our Q3 performance: adequate, though not optimal. Nike’s potential remains untapped. While our strategy of consumer direct growth has fostered connections, the need for pivotal adjustments looms large.

Essentially, our focus on sport must sharpen. Continuous product innovation is imperative. Marketing our brand must evolve to a more audacious, distinctive narrative.

While Nike Direct retains significance, amplifying collaborations with our wholesale associates to fortify our brand and expand market presence becomes paramount. Action is underway. Since last June, restructuring has realigned the organization, placing the consumer and sport at the core.

Leadership enhancements, with Heidi O’Neill and Craig Williams stepping in as co-presidents, form the bedrock of our renewed strategy. Revitalized, consumer-centric teams drive our offense. The winning recipe,—innovative product flow, distinctive brand narratives, and unique marketplace experiences—is key.

Though a considerable journey lies ahead, tangible progress is underway. Initiatives to birth a multiyear innovation cycle are yielding freshness and novelty for consumers.

Accelerating the release of several innovations aims to captivate consumers and disrupt the market. Our branding narrative, anchored in athletes and sporting moments, is set to pioneer a bolder, sharper course—kickstarting with this summer’s Olympics.

Stepping up our wholesale commitment is pivotal to elevating the marketplace and expanding brand reach. Wholesale allies are vital in scaling innovation and connecting consumers to our brands through physical outlets.

A robust innovation pipeline instills confidence. Scaling these novelties will require time, but indications of early success are visible. Management of core franchises is meticulous, ensuring long-term product vitality. Consequently, the product portfolio braces for a transformative journey in the coming quarters.

Undivided attention is channeled into propelling Nike towards a phase of robust, sustainable expansion. A comprehensive roadmap awaits unveiling at an investor day later this year. As previously iterated, our bedrock lies in innovative products which shall be our focal point today.

Today, the innovation wheel spins rapidly. Collaboration among our innovation, design, and product teams is marked by urgency and creativity. Leveraging new technologies fosters speed, collaboration, and breadth in ideation. Though various growth platforms adorn Nike, let’s immerse ourselves in our prime innovation platform—a true differentiator: Air.

Today, Air stands tall as a double-digit billion-dollar business, surpassing some Fortune 500 entities. Air is unparalleled—a proprietary technology facilitating iterative revolutions. It confers athletes with unmatched performance benefits, shaping the trajectory of sportswear innovation.

Air’s hallmark traits—stability, resilience, and unrivaled energy return—usher athletes toward victory. Through decades, Air has continually birthed groundbreaking advancements.

With the Olympics on the horizon this summer, Air’s innovation drive aims to equip the world’s finest athletes with a competitive edge on the grandest stage of sport. Expect noticeable strides in performance benchmarks on the track, court, and field—courtesy of Air’s relentless quest for excellence. Additionally,

The Evolution of Air: Nike Unveils Groundbreaking Innovations and Partnerships

Revolutionizing Air Technology:

Transitioning from the groundbreaking Alphafly 3, Nike is broadening its horizons to introduce Air technology to the masses. From everyday running shoes to football and basketball footwear, Air is taking on new and more visible forms. The unveiling of the fastest track spikes in Nike’s history is a testament to the brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries in athletic performance. The stage is set for the full Olympics innovation lineup to be revealed at the upcoming innovation ignition event in Paris.

Air Redefined with Dynamic Air:

A shift in the paradigm of traditional airbags is underway with the introduction of Dynamic Air. Unlike their static counterparts, Dynamic Air technology offers a responsive underfoot experience, adapting to the unique stride of each wearer. By allowing air to flow freely between four tubed Air units, Nike has reimagined comfort to deliver a truly unmatched sensation. The expansion of Dynamic Air technology across various Air franchises marks a new era of comfort and performance.

Air Max Dn Unleashed:

Air Max Dn stands as a testament to Nike’s commitment to crafting lifestyle footwear with Air innovation at its core. Rooted in youthful culture and designed to make a bold fashion statement, the Air Max Dn is set to make a grand entrance on Nike’s 10th Air Max Day. With a global debut across thousands of stores, Nike anticipates a resurgence in the Air Max franchise, spurred by the introduction of the Air Max Dn.

Strategic Partnerships and Purpose-Driven Growth:

Nike’s recent collaboration with the German Football Federation stands as a shining example of the brand’s dominance in the sports industry. Leveraging its product innovation and storytelling capabilities, Nike has solidified its position as a global sports brand synonymous with performance and style. The partnership not only amplifies the German team’s presence but also paves the way for youth culture to embrace football on a global scale.

Pioneering Innovation and Financial Success:

Nike’s robust third-quarter performance underscores the company’s resilience and strategic focus on innovation. Amid dynamic market conditions, Nike showcased operational prowess by outperforming revenue expectations and expanding gross margins. The emphasis on newness and innovation continues to drive consumer engagement across various product categories, positioning Nike for sustained growth and brand distinction in the marketplace.

Future Outlook and Continued Innovation:

Looking ahead, Nike remains dedicated to driving groundbreaking innovations in performance and lifestyle categories. With a diverse portfolio of concepts and capabilities, Nike’s innovation teams are committed to spearheading breakthroughs in athletic footwear and apparel. As the brand gears up for the Paris Olympics, the unveiling of new Nike Air innovations is just the starting point in a journey towards redefining athletic excellence and consumer experiences.

The Rise of Nike: A Strategic Reinvention in Retail

Investing in Retail Experience

In the ever-evolving landscape of retail, Nike is gearing up to enhance the consumer experience by investing in strong seasonal marketing executions, a wide array of products, and elevated services. With a planned launch of the Air Max Dn at over 4,000 locations, the sportswear giant is strategically positioning its innovative products within easy reach of consumers across thousands of physical doors.

Sharpening Brand Storytelling

Nike is revamping its brand narrative by focusing on telling fewer, impactful stories that resonate with a broader audience. By directing demand creation investments towards amplifying its brand, showcasing innovative products, and engaging consumers effectively, the company is set to unveil the boldest expression of its brand voice in years through campaigns like the Olympics Air for Athletes.

Shift Towards Innovation

In response to evolving consumer preferences and market dynamics, Nike is steering its product portfolio towards newness and innovation. By pulling back on the supply of classic franchises and reducing inventory of certain products ahead of launching new innovations, the company is poised to cater to changing consumer demands and stay ahead of the curve.

A Strong Quarter for Nike, Inc.

In the third quarter, Nike, Inc. reported a slight increase in revenue, with the Nike brand showing modest growth while Converse faced declines. Gross margins expanded due to strategic pricing actions and supply chain efficiencies, offsetting higher product costs. Despite restructuring charges impacting SG&A, the company’s diluted earnings per share displayed a notable increase.

Regional Performance Overview

Across different regions, Nike witnessed varied growth patterns. While North America saw a revenue increase driven by strong holiday sales and growth in various segments like kids’ footwear and apparel, EMEA and Greater China faced challenges due to macroeconomic volatility. Nonetheless, new product launches and brand activations are fueling momentum in these regions.

Building for the Future

With a focus on operational discipline, strategic restructuring, and increased investment in consumer-centric activities, Nike is positioning itself for long-term growth. By streamlining operations, boosting product creation, and enhancing brand presence, the company aims to drive greater impact, build brand momentum, and ensure sustainable growth in the competitive retail landscape.

Nike Showcases Strong Momentum and Growth Amidst Financial Outlook

The Nike Story: Fueled by Innovation, Amplifying Brand Impact, Driving Sustainable Growth

Amidst the sprawling sports landscape, Nike shines like a beacon of innovation and growth. In a world where football and running are experiencing double-digit growth in Japan and APLA regions, respectively, Nike surges ahead like an athlete sprinting towards the finish line. The Mercurial, LeBron, and G.T. Series, like seasoned teammates, bolster football and basketball growth, setting the stage for success.

Mapping the Financial Terrain

Nike’s financial outlook reveals a carefully crafted strategy to navigate through revenue dips in the second half with solid gross margin execution, cost controls, and optimized inventory levels. Excluding restructuring charges, the company maintains its earnings outlook for the fiscal year, expecting revenue growth of around 1%. Q4 anticipates a minor revenue uptick, balancing shipment benefits and digital growth challenges due to franchise lifecycle management.

Anchoring Financial Performance

The P&L journey unfolds with restructuring charges of approximately $450 million in the second half, primarily impacting SG&A and gross margins. Despite headwinds, including higher markdowns and foreign exchange challenges, Nike anticipates a gross margin expansion for the full year, fueled by strategic pricing and operational efficiencies.

Charting the Path Ahead

Looking towards fiscal ’25, Nike sets sights on revenue and earnings growth, with operating margins set to expand. Operating under the shadow of restructuring charges, the company braces for a low single-digit revenue decline in the first half, emphasizing the transition towards new products and innovation.

Amplifying Brand Strength

With a focus on consumer impact and brand resonance, Nike gears up to fortify its position in the market. Aligning its strategic actions and product pipeline for fiscal ’25, Nike remains confident in fostering brand loyalty, creating long-lasting connections through sport and innovation.

Insights from the Q&A Session

During the Q&A session, leaders shed light on operational adjustments geared towards consumer-centric approaches and enhancing brand storytelling. The emphasis on sport-focused innovations and holistic market strategies underpins Nike’s growth trajectory, promising a compelling narrative for investors.

Nike’s Innovation Pipeline Infusing Growth Optimism in the Market

Revolutionizing Product Innovation

Recently, Nike has embarked on a journey of product newness at scale within their portfolio, resulting in a minor decline in the initial phases. However, the company remains highly optimistic about a remarkable uptick in the latter half of the year, setting the stage for top-line growth in the upcoming fiscal year.

Unveiling the Vision for Innovation

John Donahoe, Nike’s President, Chief Executive Officer & Director, delved into the multiyear innovation cycle, emphasizing a robust pipeline of innovation that goes beyond mere product releases to creating a significant consumer impact on a massive scale.

The Power of Long-term Planning

Incorporating anecdotes from their innovation, design, and product creation teams, John exemplified how Nike’s Air platform has been a groundbreaking innovation avenue, leading to substantial advancements in both performance and lifestyle segments, with products like Air Max Dn poised for launch.

Strategic Transition for Sustainable Growth

Nike’s Chief Financial Officer, Matt Friend, outlined the company’s transition timeline, foreseeing a pivotal shift in the second part of fiscal ’25. The strategic focus on scaling newness and innovation is set to drive consistent growth, complemented by the scheduled product launches.

Elevating Brand Positioning and Market Presence

Nike’s approach to maintaining a strong brand presence while adapting to evolving consumer behaviors was underscored by their commitment to industry-leading growth, consumer-centric strategies, and continued margin expansion.

Enhancing Margin Expansion and Profitable Growth

Emphasizing the significance of brand strength in propelling long-term growth and profitability, Nike remains focused on authenticating its presence, driving innovation, and sustaining high profitability through a blend of market-leading products and strategic cost management techniques.

Optimizing Pricing Power and Market Positioning

When discussing Nike’s pricing power and market strategy, Matt Friend highlighted the pivotal role of a strong brand heritage, fresh product offerings, and compelling narratives in ensuring sustained profitability and the ability to withstand market headwinds.

Navigating Headwinds and Embracing Growth: A Deep Dive into Nike’s Financial Strategy

The Challenge Ahead

In the near term, one of the hurdles facing Nike is the shift in its product portfolio, particularly in the digital realm. As the company manages the supply of its most popular franchises, there is expected to be a temporary setback in channel mix. However, Nike views this as a short-term challenge essential for its growth trajectory.

Focus on Growth

To achieve its ambitious growth targets, Nike emphasizes the need to increase units across various markets including Nike Direct, digital platforms, and partner channels. By segmenting the marketplace strategically, the company aims to meet consumers where they are, fostering a deeper connection through sport and innovation.

Long-Term Profitability Strategy

Nike remains confident in its ability to enhance gross margins by optimizing its operational model, reducing input costs, and boosting supply chain efficiency. The company is also shifting resources towards consumer-facing initiatives, aiming for a more agile operating model that drives productivity while fostering speed in its expansion.

Insights from the Investors

Addressing investor queries, Nike’s President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director, John Donahoe, shed light on the company’s performance in China. The region continues to showcase strength in sport, with Nike gaining market share against both global and local brands. Physical retail thrives over digital channels in China, with emerging platforms like Douyin offering growth opportunities, signaling a promising future in the region.

Financial Outlook and Market Expansion

Chief Financial Officer, Matt Friend, discussed the company’s plans for revenue growth and earnings expansion, anticipating margin improvement through disciplined management of gross margins and operational expenses. Nike’s strategic focus remains on scaling new offerings, maintaining healthy franchises, and driving long-term value for its brand.

Looking Ahead

As Nike navigates headwinds and seeks to capitalize on growth opportunities, the company’s strategic approach to product management, market expansion, and operational efficiency will play a pivotal role in shaping its financial performance in the quarters to come.

The Empowering Evolution of Nike: A Fresh Outlook on Growth

Increasing the Market Presence

The global economic conditions may be at a standstill, but Nike is set on not merely existing but thriving amidst the stagnation. The brand acknowledges the need for a revamped approach to its footprint in the wholesale sector. With a profound understanding of the retail landscape, Nike aims to reshape its presence and enhance the overall consumer experience.

A Leap Forward with Dn Launch

Nike’s ambitious new step with the Dn launch is akin to planting a seed in 4,000 fertile grounds to watch it bloom. This innovation, coupled with strategic product journeys and compelling storytelling, comprises a groundbreaking formula for success. The focus on seasonal marketing campaigns and product presentation is set to create a seismic impact, resonating with consumers on a personal level.

Redefining Partnerships and Strategies

Identifying the pulse of the market, Nike adapts its distribution strategy to align with consumer behavior and preferences. Acknowledging the importance of existing partnerships, the brand is committed to elevating the brand experience with current collaborators, with an eye on fostering growth.

The Green Shoots of Progress

Nike’s foray into the running segment heralds a fresh chapter marked by promising developments and early successes. The brand’s focus on connecting with runners at a grassroots level showcases a deep commitment to understanding and meeting consumer needs. The surge in bookings and the anticipation surrounding upcoming products signal a compelling trajectory for Nike’s running division.

Capitalizing on Olympic Momentum

The upcoming Olympics serve as a pivotal platform for Nike to showcase its prowess. Leveraging the Air for Athletes campaign and a lineup of innovative products, Nike aims to ignite not just sales but a global sporting enthusiasm. The brand’s strategic alignment of innovation, brand identity, and market expansion points towards a bright future filled with growth potential.

Revitalizing Nike: A Deep Dive into Q3 2024 Earnings Call

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