Nike history: Beyond the Ticker
Just do it. Nike's (NKE) slogan and 'Swoosh' logo that defines the iconic brand is now a staple for footwear, athletic apparel, and pop culture. The company generated more than $51 billion in revenue in 2023, an increase of about $4.5 billion year-over-year.
Let's take a closer look at Nike's biggest moments with Beyond the Ticker, which charts its path to becoming a global icon.
1964
Nike was originally founded as Blue Ribbon Sports by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman on January 25, 1964.
1971
The company was renamed Nike and began using the 'Swoosh' logo, created by Portland State University student Carolyn Davis, who sold Nike the logo for just $35.
1980
On December 2, 1980, Nike went public via initial public offering (IPO) on the NASDAQ at $22 per share.
1984
The company signed Michael Jordan, launching the Air Jordan series. Within the first two months of the shoe’s release, Nike sold $70 million worth of Air Jordans.
1997
Nike spun the Jordan brand into its own division featuring the 'Jumpman' logo.
2004
Nike acquired rival Converse for $309 million.
Later that year, Phil Knight stepped down as CEO and president of Nike, but continued his chairman role.
2012
Nike became the official supplier for NFL apparel.
2013
Nike became a member of the Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI), replacing Alcoa (AA).
2015
The company was named the official supplier for NBA apparel.
2016
Phil Knight officially stepped down from all duties with the company on June 30, 2016.
2019
In November 2019, Nike stopped selling directly through Amazon (AMZN), focusing more on direct relationships with customers.
2021
On November 5, 2021, Nike stock hit an all-time high, trading at $173.12 per share.
With the stock down nearly 20% over the past year, as concerns over slowing sales growth and demand in China mount, investors are waiting for the next leg of innovation from the shoe company.
From tech giants to retail titans, Beyond the Ticker is a historical series that takes a deep dive into some of Wall Street's trending companies and how they transformed into the financial icons they are today.
Check out more of our Beyond the Ticker series, and be sure to tune in to Yahoo Finance.
Editor's note: This video was produced by Zach Faulds.
Video Transcript
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Just do it. Nike slogan and swoosh logo that defines the iconic brand is now a staple for footwear, athletic apparel, and pop culture. The company generated more than $51 billion in revenue in 2023, an increase of about 4.5 billion year-over-year.
Let's take a closer look at Nike's biggest moments with beyond the ticker which charts its path to becoming a global icon. Nike was originally founded as Blue Ribbon Sports by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman on January 25, 1964. The company was renamed Nike in 1971, and began using the swoosh logo created by Portland State University student Carolyn Davis who sold Nike the logo for just $35.
On December 2nd, 1980, Nike went public via initial public offering on the NASDAQ at $22 per share. In 1984, the company signed Michael Jordan launching the Air Jordan series.
Within the first two months of the shoe's release, Nike sold $70 million worth of Air Jordans. In 1997, Nike's fund the Jordan brand into its own division featuring the Jumpman logo.
In 2004, Nike acquired rival converse for $309 million. Later that year, Phil Knight stepped down as CEO and President of Nike but continued his chairman role. In 2012, Nike became the official supplier for NFL apparel.
One year later, Nike became a member of the Dow Jones Industrial average replacing Alcoa. And in 2015, the company was named the official supplier for NBA apparel.
Phil Knight officially stepped down from all duties with the company on June 30, 2016. In November 2019, Nike stopped selling directly through Amazon focusing more on direct relationships with customers. On November 5th, 2021, Nike stock hit an all-time high trading at $173 per share.
But with the stock down over 20% over the past year as concerns over slowing sales growth and demand in China mount, investors are waiting for the next leg of innovation from the shoe giant.
