Nike’s Business Today
NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) is by far the world’s largest athletic shoe manufacture, with an estimated market share of about 50%. The company also sells a wide range of apparel under its own brand, and affiliated brands such as Converse and Hurley. While Nike’s dominance of the shoe business may be about as strong as it can get, the company does have a lot of growth potential left in the apparel business.
The global market for athletic apparel is estimated to be around $100 billion annually, much larger than the $20 billion athletic shoe market. With about 50% of the athletic footwear market, assume that about $10 billion of Nike’s annual sales come from shoes. If the rest of the company’s sales (about $14 billion) come from apparel, that means that Nike only has a 14% market share in the athletic apparel business, a number I feel is definitely below NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE)’s potential.
Too Expensive?
At about 24 times TTM earnings, I have hear the case made that NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) is expensive at the current share price. With revenues expected to reach almost $28 billion in fiscal year 2014 (which began this month), I think the continued growth justifies the valuation.
When Nike reports FY 2013 results on June 24, it is expected to announce earnings of $2.68 per share, and the consensus of analysts that follow the company expects this to increase to $3.06 and $3.51 in 2015 and 2016, respectively. This represents a 3-year average earnings growth rate of 14%, which more than justifies the current P/E, especially considering that Nike had about $3.5 billion in net cash on its balance sheet as of last June, which I expect to have risen since then, as the company has sold its Umbro and Cole Haan brands since then.
Other Ways to Play: The “Up-and-comers” and Retailers
There are a few other viable investments in the sector, including high growth up-and-comers like Under Armour Inc (NYSE:UA) and the stores that sell athletic footwear and apparel such as Foot Locker, Inc. (NYSE:FL).
Under Armour: The Next Nike?
Under Armour Inc (NYSE:UA) has been one of my favorite long-term prospects for some time, and I believe that the company has only begun to tap into its true potential. Under Armour Inc (NYSE:UA) is the clear leader in the synthetic performance apparel market, with a market share of about 60%. Where the real potential lies is in the $12 billion “active use” sportswear market, which the company recently entered with its first cotton performance apparel in 2011. If Under Armour can replicate its success in this new venture, it could prove very lucrative for Under Armour shareholders. This is not to mention the potential should Under Armour Inc (NYSE:UA) ever delve into the $58 billion “active wear” market, which includes casual, everyday wear in addition to athletic clothing.
At 40 times forward earnings, Under Armour Inc (NYSE:UA) seems very expensive, but bear in mind that with an investment like this you’re paying for the company’s future earnings potential. With revenues of around $2 billion annually, one glance at the amount of market share that Under Armour could potentially capture reveals that the company’s future could be very bright indeed.
Foot Locker
Foot Locker, Inc. (NYSE:FL) is a viable alternative because it is a play on athletic footwear and apparel that does not limit your exposure to any one brand. While NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) is in fact Foot Locker’s largest supplier, the company also sells such brands as Timberland, Reebok, ASICS, Adidas, and yes, Under Armour.
Due to the general economic uncertainty surrounding consumer spending, Foot Locker, Inc. (NYSE:FL) trades at just under 13 times earnings, a nice discount relative to the growth projected over the next few years. Foot Locker has been allocating more of its resources to merchandising and brand marketing lately, and the efforts are already starting to show results. The company is projected to grow its earnings at a 10.5% rate going forward, which reflects projections of increased discretionary spending, higher average apparel prices, and stronger margins.
Get in or Get Out?
While I love Under Armour Inc (NYSE:UA) as a long-term prospect, realize that the company is still very speculative at this point, as is any company that trades at such a high valuation. I believe that the company will end up greatly expanding its product line and shareholders will reap the rewards, but this could take years to happen. While NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) trades at a premium valuation of its own, the company has such an established track record of continued growth that it’s very likely the company will be able to deliver on the market’s ambitious expectations.
The article In Athletic Footwear, the Biggest Is Still the Best Investment originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Matthew Frankel.
Matthew Frankel has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Nike and Under Armour. The Motley Fool owns shares of Nike and Under Armour. Matthew is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network — entries represent the personal opinion of the blogger and are not formally edited.
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