Sunday, June 30, 2024

Buy Nike: Mr. Market Gives Us a Top Brand at a 20% Discount

Hey there, investors! Here's a golden opportunity you won't want to miss. Nike, one of the world's top sports brands, has seen its stock drop by 20%. This dip came after they shared their FY 2025 outlook, which was a bit weaker than expected. But don't let that scare you off—let me explain why this is a great time to buy.


What Happened with Nike?

Nike recently reported solid Q4 FY 2024 results, but their guidance for FY 2025 wasn't as strong as Wall Street had hoped. They expect sales to decline by mid-single digits. This news caused a significant drop in their stock price. But here's the thing: this short-term dip presents a fantastic buying opportunity for us investors.

Nike's Strong Foundation

Despite the recent sell-off, Nike remains a powerhouse in the sports industry. Their brand strength is unmatched, they have a massive global market presence, and their athlete endorsement strategy is top-notch. These factors make Nike a resilient and attractive investment.

The Numbers Behind the Story

Let's dive into the numbers. For Q4 FY 2024, Nike reported sales of $12.6 billion, just a slight drop from the $12.8 billion in the same period last year. This was still better than analysts expected. Their direct-to-consumer sales (NIKE Direct) were down 8% YoY, but their wholesale revenues grew by 5%.

Profitability-wise, Nike did well. Gross margin increased by 110 basis points to 44.7%, and selling and administrative expenses dropped by 7% YoY to $4.1 billion. Operating income jumped 39% YoY to $1.7 billion, and net income was up 45% YoY to $1.5 billion.

Why the Sell-Off?

Investors got spooked by Nike's guidance for FY 2025. CFO Matthew Friend mentioned several challenges, including transitioning product cycles, shifting channel dynamics, and macroeconomic uncertainties, especially in China and Europe. These factors led to a cautious outlook, but they don't change Nike's long-term potential.

Long-Term Outlook: Nike Will Remain a Winner

Looking beyond the short-term hiccups, Nike is set to stay a leader in the sportswear industry. They are ranked 9th among the world's most valuable brands. Nike is focusing on innovation, with new products like the Pegasus Premium and Vomero 18. The upcoming Paris Olympics is also a huge opportunity for them to showcase their new products and boost their brand.

Nike is also working on improving operational efficiency and cost management. They're cutting fulfillment costs, consolidating suppliers, and optimizing technology spending. This should help them maintain strong margins.

Valuation: Nike is a Bargain

Using a residual earnings model, I estimate Nike's fair value at around $91 per share. This model considers future earnings and the cost of capital. With a cost of equity at 8.3% and a terminal growth rate of 3.25%, Nike looks like a solid buy at its current price.

The Bottom Line

Nike's recent stock drop is a great buying opportunity for new investors. Their strong brand, global presence, and effective athlete endorsements make them a reliable long-term investment. When Mr. Market offers a top global brand at a 20% discount, it's a deal you should seriously consider. Based on my analysis, I rate Nike as a "Buy" with a target price of $91.

Don't miss out on this chance to invest in one of the world's leading sports brands at a bargain price. Happy investing!

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Buy Nike: Mr. Market Gives Us a Top Brand at a 20% Discount

Hey there, investors! Here's a golden opportunity you won't want to miss. Nike, one of the world's top sports brands, has seen i...