Nike (NKE) Tumbles 11% to $59 as China Weakness Overshadows Earnings Beat

Nike (NKE) shares fell about 11%, closing at $58.71, the lowest level in seven months,

Nike stock is exceeding expectations as they beat sales estimates.

Quick overview

  • Nike's shares dropped 11% to $58.71, marking a seven-month low after fiscal Q2 2026 earnings were released.
  • Despite exceeding revenue and earnings expectations, the company faces challenges in Greater China and margin compression due to tariffs.
  • Revenue reached $12.43 billion, a 1% year-over-year increase, while net income fell 32% compared to the previous year.
  • Cautious guidance indicates further declines in gross margins and expected revenue decreases in Q3.

Nike (NKE) shares fell about 11%, closing at $58.71, the lowest level in seven months, following the release of its fiscal Q2 2026 earnings (quarter ended November 30, 2025).

Investors focused on the company’s ongoing challenges in Greater China and margin compression from higher tariffs, despite the company exceeding Wall Street expectations for revenue and earnings.

Nike Delivers Hope and EPS Beat—Investors React with After-Hours Surge

Highlights. Revenue: $12.43 billion, surpassing projections of approximately $12.22 billion and increasing 1% year over year. Diluted EPS: $0.53 (lower than last year due to reduced net income, but better than estimates of around $0.38). Net income: 32% lower than the previous year.

Tariffs, promotions, and inventory cleanup caused a 300-basis-point drop in gross margin to 40.6%. Regional distribution: North America: +9% (strong wholesale growth of about 20–24%). Persistent China Weakness: China, once a major growth engine, continues to lag due to low consumer confidence, fierce competition from regional brands (e.g., The g., Anta, Li-Ning), and excessive reliance on monobrand stores. According to CEO Elliott Hill, the region requires a “reset,” and progress has been slower than expected.

The estimated cost of new US tariffs is $1.5 billion, adding further pressure on margins. Cautious Guidance: Gross margins are projected to decline by 175–225 basis points, and Q3 revenue is expected to decrease by low single digits (worse than expected growth). Under CEO Elliott Hill’s “Win Now” strategy, which focuses on wholesale partnerships and product innovation (e.g., Nike is undergoing a multi-year turnaround.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR See More
Olumide Adesina
Financial Market Writer
Olumide Adesina is a French-born Nigerian financial writer. He tracks the financial markets with over 15 years of working experience in investment trading.

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