Nike inventory: Investor sentiment is bottoming, says Truist

Investing.com — Nike Inc’s (NYSE:NKE) turnaround technique beneath new CEO Elliot Hill is creating short-term challenges however may set the stage for restoration by 2025, Truist stated in a notice.

The corporate has lowered its steerage for the second half of fiscal 2025, projecting a low-double-digit proportion income decline within the third quarter and gross margin stress of 300-350 foundation factors. Fourth-quarter challenges are anticipated to accentuate because of accelerated stock clearance and better advertising and marketing investments.

“We imagine the outlook could show conservative, provided that this earnings name was Mr. Hill’s first time addressing buyers since taking the helm as CEO,” analysts wrote.

Truist lower its FY25 earnings forecast to $2.00 per share from $2.50, citing the amplified near-term pressures. It additionally lowered Nike’s worth goal to $90 from $97.

Hill’s initiatives embrace enhancing wholesale partnerships, boosting the direct-to-consumer enterprise, and revamping model advertising and marketing. Such strikes are anticipated to simplify year-over-year comparisons and create alternatives for progress in 2026.

The brokerage believes investor sentiment is nearing a backside, noting that shares have been comparatively steady regardless of consecutive steerage cuts.

Truist stated Hill’s determination to speed up restructuring is prudent and positions Nike for long-term success, including that the corporate’s complete plan may result in outperformance within the coming years.