Nike set to report Q4 earnings Tuesday as traders brace for 8% swing

Nike Inc. is expected to report fiscal fourth-quarter revenue of $10.9 billion on Tuesday after the close, a 2% decline from a year earlier, as the athletic apparel giant navigates a transitional phase under its "Win Now" strategy.

"Greater China remains a major concern, with sales declines expected to persist into fiscal 2027 as the company continues marketplace cleanup efforts," the company said on its prior earnings call. Management has guided for Greater China revenue to fall 20% in the fourth quarter, reflecting reduced sell-in and accelerated inventory cleanup.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate calls for earnings per share of 11 cents, down 21.4% from the year-ago period. Gross margin is expected to contract 25 to 75 basis points, including 250 basis points of headwind from higher US tariffs in North America. Nike Direct has struggled with weak digital demand and heavy discounting, while weakness in Sportswear and the prolonged turnaround at Converse have added volatility to the company's performance.

Options markets are pricing an implied move of roughly 8% in either direction following the release, according to data from Trade Alert. Nike shares have fallen 20.4% over the past three months, underperforming the S&P 500's 15.9% gain and rival Adidas AG's 33.8% rally. The stock trades at 21.5 times forward earnings, a premium to the industry average of 19.6 times.

The report will test whether management's "Win Now" initiatives — including wholesale re-engagement, curated assortments with major accounts and sport-driven storytelling — are gaining traction. Investors will watch for any update on the pace of the Greater China recovery and whether gross margins have bottomed. Management expects the first quarter of fiscal 2027 to be the final period where higher tariffs remain a material year-over-year drag.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.