Posted: March 18th, 2023
Nike: Financial Analysis
The relevance of analyzing the financial stability and health of an entity cannot be overstated especially when it comes to the determination of the future performance of the concerned entity. This text undertakes an in-depth financial analysis of Nike, a well-known footwear, equipment, and apparel designer.
In seeking to conduct an in-depth analysis of Nike, I will amongst other things describe the company and its operations in significant detail, evaluate its vulnerability to financial threats, identify and discuss its financial trends, and discuss how its stock is likely to perform going forward. It is important to note that as I seek to further evaluate the financial performance of Nike, I will also rope in Skechers USA, Inc. A comparison of the two companies in this analysis will help in determining how well Nike is performing in its industry. A Nike competitor, Skechers happens to be in the same industry as Nike, i.e. The Textile — Apparel Footwear and Accessories industry.
Nike: Company Overview
From the onset, it is important to note that “Nike, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, development, marketing, and sale of footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories for men, women, and children worldwide” (Yahoo! Finance, 2013). Founded by Bill Bowerman and Philip Knight, Nike has built a name for itself as a leading and fashionable brand with an almost fanatical customer base from across the world. Using its extensive distribution network, the company presently covers areas as far as Africa and the Middle East. It also avails kit uniforms to athletic teams from all over the world.
Headquartered in Oregon, Nike which employs 44,000 fulltime employees offers its products in several categories – seven to be precise. These categories according to Yahoo! Finance (2013) are “running, basketball, football, mens training, womens training, NIKE sportswear, and action sports.” It is however important to note that Nike also has interests in a wide range of other products including but not limited to athletic bags, kids’ products, sports accessories and apparel, performance items such as protective equipment, and digital devices, etc. (Yahoo! Finance. 2013). Although the company has in the past made use of various outlets and partnerships to avail its products to customers, advances in technology and more so the growing popularity of ecommerce has seen Nike add internet sales to its sales roster. For this reason, the company according to Yahoo! Finance (2013) offers its products for sale “through its retail stores and internet sales, as well as independent distributors, licensees, and sales representatives.” The company mainly targets athletes and urban youth. Nike’s current CEO is Mr. Mark G. Parker.
Given that I will also be making use of Skechers USA, Inc. For comparison purposes in this discussion, it would be prudent to make a mention of the company’s activities and operations in passing. In basic terms, Skechers USA, Inc. concerns itself with “the design, development, marketing, and distribution of footwear for men, women, and children” (Yahoo! Finance, 2013). Using advertising that is chiefly celebrity-driven, the company’s brand image is largely stylish and trendy and for this reason, one could conclude that it mainly targets the urban youth and fashion conscious individuals. As Yahoo! Finance (2013) further points out, the company as of February this year had “116 concept stores, 118 factory outlet stores, and 61 warehouse outlet stores in the United States; and 36 concept stores and 18 factory outlets internationally.”
An Evaluation of Nike’s Vulnerability to Current Financial Threats
In seeking to evaluate Nike’s vulnerability to a recession and higher interest rates, I will look into the entity’s ability to not only settle its financial obligations (short-term) but also its long-term solvency. This will largely be possible through the computation of the firm’s financial leverage and liquidity ratios.
Table 1
Ratio
Value (2012)
Current Ratio
2.98
Debt Ratio
0.33
Debt-to-Equity Ratio
0.49
A current ratio of 2.98 shows that Nike would not have any difficulty settling its obligations (short-term) should they become due. This is particularly the case given that a current ratio of more than 1 is an indicator that a firm’s current assets are sufficient to cover its current or short-term liabilities. Given its high current ration, Nike does not seem to have any current liquidity problems and for this reason, the company is likely to remain solvent during and after the downturn in economic activity/recession.
Next, we have the debt ratio which according to Graham and Smart (2011, p.44) “measures the proportion of total assets financed by the firm’s creditors.” Thus as the authors further point out, a high debt ratio is often an indicator that a given firm is making use of a significant amount of borrowed cash to fund its activities. In our case, Nike has a debt ratio of 0.33 or 33%. This is an indicator that less than half of Nike’s assets have been funded using debt. For this reason, one could say that Nike has a lower proportion of debt relative to its assets and thus its level or risk is low. Given that the company faces minimal risk with regard to debt-load, it is likely that it will navigate the recession quite easily. Further, the prevailing high interest rates are not likely to affect the company adversely. The lower debt ratio in this case also means that the business would find it easier to access additional loans to finance growth and expansion, especially given that lenders are more likely than not to advance loans to businesses whose long-term solvency is not under threat. This easy access to funds also means that Nike has an enhanced ability to withstand global competition as it could easily use the said funds to explore new markets, develop new markets, make the relevant acquisitions, and develop new products to remain relevant in the market.
When it comes to the debt-to-equity ratio, Graham and Smart (2011, p.44) observe that this particular ratio comes in handy in the measurement of a business entity’s financial leverage. A debt ratio of 0.49 in our case indicates that Nike’s debts (long-term) were 49% as large as the company’s shareholder’s equity. This is an indicator that the firm has not been very aggressive in funding its operations using debt. In that regard therefore, Nike’s earnings are not expected to be volatile as a result of higher interest rates.
It should also be noted that Nike’s special focus on the continuous improvement of its products could further enhance its ability to withstand global competition. According to the company’s current CEO, Nike is fully committed to innovation (Nike, 2013). As the CEO further points out, it is through this core commitment to innovation that the company hopes to amongst other things continue being a leader in its industry (Nike, 2013).
Financial Performance
In seeking to evaluate the financial performance of Nike, this section will focus on a number of financial ratios including profitability ratios, asset management ratios, and debt ratios. Comparisons will be made between the performance of Nike and another company in the same industry and sector.
Table 2
Ratios
Nike
Skechers
2012
2011
2010
2012
2011
2010
1. Profitability Ratios
Gross Profit Margin
0.43
0.46
0.46
0.44
0.39
0.45
2.
Return on Assets
0.14
0.14
0.13
0.07
0.10
3.
Return on Equity
0.21
0.22
0.20
0.01
0.15
4. Asset Management Ratios
Receivables Turnover
6.79
6.05
6.56
6.30
7.24
6.98
5.
Inventory Turnover
4.08
4.18
5.00
2.59
4.34
2.75
6.
Total Asset Turnover Ratio
1.56
1.39
1.32
1.16
1.25
1.54
Discussion
Using the figures outlined in the table above, it would be possible to not only determine Nike’s stability and health but also its projected financial performance. To begin with, it is important to note that over the three-year period, the gross profit margin of Nike has been relatively stable, i.e. It has not significantly fluctuated. This is unlike that of Skechers which experienced a significant dip in 2011. In basic terms, the gross profit margin as Moyer, McGuigan, Rao, and Kretlow (2012) point out seeks to measure the profitability (relative) of the sales of a given business entity after the deduction of costs of sales. For this reason, this ratio according to the authors reveals how efficient the management of a firm is in coming up with pricing decisions and in production costs control. For this reason, an inadequate gross profit margin is an indicator of a firm’s inability to settle its operating expenses. In the most recent financial year, Nike’s gross profit margin was 0.43. This effectively means that what Nike is left with at the end of the day after deducting COGS-related expenses is $0.43. The gross profit margin in this case is slightly lower than that of Skechers and for this reason, Nike should in future adopt measures aimed at lowering its production costs.
Next, we have the return on assets ratio. In basic terms, this particular ratio seeks to establish how effectively the assets of a given entity are being used in profit generation. For this reason, a high return on assets ratio is always desirable as it essentially indicates that an entity is raking in more profits on less investment. During the most recent financial year, Nike had a ROA of 14%. Skechers on the other hand had a ROA of only 7%. It is clear that in this case, Nike is far much better than Skechers in the conversion of investment to profit. This is also an indicator that Nike also has a superior and more effective managerial team. In comparison to 2010, the company’s ROA has also improved within the last two years. It is also important to note that during the most recent financial year, Nike had a higher return on equity ratio than Skechers. As a measure of the profit an entity earns on each dollar invested in its stock, this means that Nike’s shareholders were better-off than those of Skechers which had a return on equity of only 0.10 against that of Nike which was 0.21. Unlike that of Skechers, the ROE of Nike has also been on the increase over the three-year period (see table 2). We could therefore hypothesize that Nike’s profitability is largely impressive in relation to that of its competitors (herein represented by Skechers). This is an indication that Nike is likely to continue producing market beating returns for its stockholders going forward.
Next, when it comes to the receivables turnover ratio, Stickney, Weil, Schipper, and Francis (2010) note that this particular ratio comes in handy in the determination of how swift a firm is in the collection of cash. A high ratio is thus desirable to a low ratio largely because the latter implies that an entity is inefficient in its collection of accounts receivables. During the most recent financial year, Skechers has a lower receivables turnover ratio than Nike. This is an indication of Nike’s efficiency when it comes to the collection of accounts receivables. Looking at the ratio during the previous year, i.e. 2011, it is clear that Nike undertook to enhance its credit policies to ensure that imparted credit was collected on a timely basis. Next, the inventory turnover ratio according to Graham and Smart (2011, p.42) “provides a measure of how quickly a firm sells its goods.” For this reason, a low inventory turnover ratio is an indication of poor sales. During the most recent financial year, the inventory turnover ratio of Nike was 4.08 while that of Skechers was 2.59. In comparison to Skechers therefore, Nike appears to be having stronger sales. Should this trend continue into the future, Nike will most likely continue to rake in higher returns for its shareholders.
Lastly, we have the total asset turnover ratio which in the words of Graham and Smart (2011, p.43) “indicates the efficiency with which a firm uses all its assets to generate sales.” From table 2 above, it is clear that while the total asset turnover ratio of Nike has been on the increase during the three years under consideration, that of Skechers has been on the decrease during the same period. The increasing total asset turnover ratio in the case of Nike is an indication that the firm’s efficiency in the utilization of assets to generate sales has been on the increase. For this reason, it is highly likely that Nike will continue to see its profit margin increase going forward.
Stock Price Analysis
Basically, the stock price of Nike has been on the increase from a low of 36.19 on May 28th 2010, to 42.31 on May 27th 2011, to 54.39 on May 25th 2012 (MorningStar, 2013). It is also important to note that with regard to each outstanding share of common stock, Nike has over the three-year period undertaken to increase profit allocation. This is particularly the case given that during the period under consideration, the company has had an EPS of 1.93, 2.195, and 2.365 for the years 2010, 2011, and 2012 respectively (NASDQ, 2013). The growth in EPS is an indication that the stock of Nike is likely to perform even better going forward. In my view, the type of investor likely to be drawn to this kind of stock is the value investor. This is more so the case given the growth trajectory the stock has exhibited over time. Essentially, value investors scout for stocks having a price-to-earnings ratio that happens to be lower-than-average. To improve stock performance, the management of Nike could amongst other things institute share buy-backs, seek to cut expenses by amongst other things laying off redundant employees, enhance company earnings by embracing effective resource management practices, etc. The latter two moves would in addition to increasing Nike’s revenues also enhance its earnings per share.
Conclusion
Based on the discussion above, it should be noted that Nike’s current performance is largely impressive. In addition to having a competent cast of management (based on its impressive return on assets), the company has within the three-year period also raked in healthy returns for its stockholders. In the final analysis, the company is likely to continue performing well into the future.
References
Graham, J.R. & Smart, S.B. (2011). Introduction to Corporate Finance (3rd ed.). Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.
MorningStar. (2013). Nike, Inc. Class B NKE. Retrieved June 13, 2013, from: http://quotes.morningstar.com/stock/s?t=NKE
Moyer, R.C., McGuigan, J.R., Rao, R.P. & Kretlow, W.J. (2012). Contemporary Financial Management (12th ed.). Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.
NASDQ. (2013, June 13). Nike, Inc. Revenue & Earnings Per Share (EPS). Retrieved June 13, 2013, from: http://www.nasdaq.com/symbol/nke/revenue-eps
Nike. (2013). History and Heritage. Retrieved June 12, 2013, from: http://nikeinc.com/pages/history-heritage
Stickney, C.P., Weil, R.L., Schipper, K. & Francis, J. (2010). Financial Accounting: An Introduction to Concepts, Methods, and Uses (13th ed.). Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.
Yahoo! Finance. (2013, June 12). Nike Inc. (NKE) — NYSE. Retrieved June 12, 2013, from: http://finance.yahoo.com/q/pr?s=NKE+Profile
Yahoo! Finance. (2013, June 12). Skechers USA Inc. (SKX) – NYSE. Retrieved June 12, 2013, from: http://finance.yahoo.com/q/pr?s=SKX+Profile
Appendix
Nike Income Statement
Period Ending
May 30, 2012
May 30, 2011
May 30, 2010
Total Revenue
24,128,000
20,862,000
19,014,000
Cost of Revenue
13,657,000
11,354,000
10,214,000
Gross Profit
10,471,000
9,508,000
8,800,000
Operating Expenses
Research Development
Selling General and Administrative
7,431,000
6,693,000
6,326,000
Non-Recurring
Others
Total Operating Expenses
Operating Income or Loss
3,040,000
2,815,000
2,474,000
Income from Continuing Operations
Total Other Income/Expenses Net
(54,000)
33,000
49,000
Earnings Before Interest And Taxes
2,986,000
2,848,000
2,523,000
Interest Expense
3,000
4,000
6,000
Income Before Tax
2,983,000
2,844,000
2,517,000
Income Tax Expense
760,000
711,000
610,000
Minority Interest
Net Income From Continuing Ops
2,223,000
2,133,000
1,907,000
Non-recurring Events
Discontinued Operations
Extraordinary Items
Effect Of Accounting Changes
Other Items
Net Income
2,223,000
2,133,000
1,907,000
Preferred Stock And Other Adjustments
Net Income Applicable To Common Shares
2,223,000
2,133,000
1,907,000
Nike Balance Sheet
Period Ending
May 30, 2012
May 30, 2011
May 30, 2010
Assets
Current Assets
Cash And Cash Equivalents
2,317,000
1,955,000
3,079,000
Short-Term Investments
1,440,000
2,583,000
2,067,000
Net Receivables
3,554,000
3,450,000
2,899,000
Inventory
3,350,000
2,715,000
2,041,000
Other Current Assets
870,000
594,000
873,000
Total Current Assets
11,531,000
11,297,000
10,959,000
Long-Term Investments
Property Plant and Equipment
2,279,000
2,115,000
1,932,000
Goodwill
201,000
205,000
188,000
Intangible Assets
535,000
487,000
467,000
Accumulated Amortization
Other Assets
Deferred Long-Term Asset Charges
919,000
894,000
873,000
Total Assets
15,465,000
14,998,000
14,419,000
Liabilities
Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable
3,708,000
3,571,000
3,218,000
Short/Current Long-Term Debt
157,000
387,000
146,000
Other Current Liabilities
Total Current Liabilities
3,865,000
3,958,000
3,364,000
Long-Term Debt
228,000
276,000
446,000
Other Liabilities
Deferred Long-Term Liability Charges
991,000
921,000
855,000
Minority Interest
Negative Goodwill
Total Liabilities
5,084,000
5,155,000
4,665,000
Stockholders’ Equity
Misc Stocks Options Warrants
Redeemable Preferred Stock
Preferred Stock
Common Stock
3,000
3,000
3,000
Retained Earnings
5,588,000
5,801,000
6,095,000
Treasury Stock
Capital Surplus
4,641,000
3,944,000
3,441,000
Other Stockholder Equity
149,000
95,000
215,000
Total Stockholder Equity
10,381,000
9,843,000
9,754,000
Net Tangible Assets
9,645,000
9,151,000
9,099,000
Skechers Income Statement
Period Ending
Dec 30, 2012
Dec 30, 2011
Dec 30, 2010
Total Revenue
1,560,321
1,606,016
2,006,868
Cost of Revenue
876,995
982,268
1,094,962
Gross Profit
683,326
623,748
911,906
Operating Expenses
Research Development
Selling General and Administrative
667,293
721,164
719,734
Non-Recurring
43,935
1,172
Others
Total Operating Expenses
Operating Income or Loss
15,215
(141,351)
191,000
Income from Continuing Operations
Total Other Income/Expenses Net
8,582
18,157
8,625
Earnings Before Interest And Taxes
23,797
(123,194)
199,625
Interest Expense
13,324
7,853
3,022
Income Before Tax
10,473
(131,047)
196,603
Income Tax Expense
(39)
(63,467)
60,198
Minority Interest
(1,000)
96
(257)
Net Income From Continuing Ops
9,512
(67,484)
136,148
Non-recurring Events
Discontinued Operations
Extraordinary Items
Effect Of Accounting Changes
Other Items
Net Income
9,512
(67,484)
136,148
Preferred Stock And Other Adjustments
Net Income Applicable To Common Shares
9,512
(67,484)
136,148
Skechers Balance Sheet
Period Ending
Dec 30, 2012
Dec 30, 2011
Dec 30, 2010
Assets
Current Assets
Cash And Cash Equivalents
325,826
351,144
233,558
Short-Term Investments
Net Receivables
247,719
221,795
287,427
Inventory
339,012
226,407
398,588
Other Current Assets
27,755
88,005
53,791
Total Current Assets
940,312
887,351
973,364
Long-Term Investments
Property Plant and Equipment
362,446
376,446
293,802
Goodwill
Intangible Assets
3,242
4,148
7,367
Accumulated Amortization
Other Assets
17,833
13,413
17,938
Deferred Long-Term Asset Charges
16,387
12,323
Total Assets
1,340,220
1,281,888
1,304,794
Liabilities
Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable
278,448
247,994
276,980
Short/Current Long-Term Debt
14,093
60,472
30,330
Other Current Liabilities
Total Current Liabilities
292,541
308,466
307,310
Long-Term Debt
128,517
76,531
51,650
Other Liabilities
Deferred Long-Term Liability Charges
73
4,364
Minority Interest
43,120
39,966
37,631
Negative Goodwill
Total Liabilities
464,251
429,327
396,591
Stockholders’ Equity
Misc Stocks Options Warrants
Redeemable Preferred Stock
Preferred Stock
Common Stock
50
49
48
Retained Earnings
542,041
532,529
600,013
Treasury Stock
Capital Surplus
336,278
320,877
303,877
Other Stockholder Equity
(2,400)
(894)
4,265
Total Stockholder Equity
875,969
852,561
908,203
Net Tangible Assets
872,727
848,413
900,836
Notes
All numbers in thousands except where stated otherwise
All numbers in USD except where stated otherwise
All financial statements sourced from Yahoo! Finance
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