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LEVI vs NKE
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Levi Strauss & Co. (LEVI) vs. Nike, Inc. (NKE) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Levi Strauss & Co. posted organic revenue growth and meaningful gross-margin expansion in its latest quarter, while Nike, Inc. is guiding for a full-year revenue decline amid a multiyear turnaround.
- LEVI raised its full-year earnings outlook, lifted its dividend, and announced a share repurchase; NKE announced a restructuring program with layoffs and lowered its near-term sales guidance.
- Relative performance has diverged sharply: NKE trades near multi-year lows, while LEVI's pullback has been more contained despite softer direct-to-consumer (DTC) traffic.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: LEVI is the ticker of choice in this comparison, reflecting stronger trend consistency, margin momentum, and shareholder-return catalysts.
- For more detail on recent developments and daily moves, explore LEVI Major News and LEVI Today's Price Move, along with NKE Major News and NKE Today's Price Move.
- Explore the best-performing strategies available now on the Trending AI Robots page.
Introduction
Levi Strauss & Co. (LEVI) and Nike, Inc. (NKE) are two of the most recognizable names in global apparel and footwear, yet they sit at opposite ends of the performance spectrum. LEVI, a denim and lifestyle leader, has leaned into premiumization and international growth, while NKE, the world's largest athletic footwear company, is navigating a deep restructuring after years of channel missteps and rising competition. This stock comparison is relevant for investors weighing a steadier, income-oriented consumer name against a large-cap turnaround story, and for traders tracking divergent momentum and market positioning in the apparel sector.
LEVI Overview and Recent Performance
Levi Strauss & Co. designs and markets apparel under the Levi's, Signature, and Beyond Yoga brands, with a growing focus on premium denim and non-denim categories. In its most recent quarter, LEVI reported organic revenue growth of about 5% and gross margin expansion of roughly 450 basis points to 66.2%, supported by lower product costs and a sizeable tariff refund. Wholesale revenue rose about 6%, and international sales climbed 8%, led by a third consecutive quarter of double-digit growth in Asia and a 13% increase in China.
Sentiment has been tempered by softer direct-to-consumer (DTC) results, with global DTC up only about 2% and comparable sales flat, reflecting weaker U.S. back-to-school traffic and unseasonably warm European weather. Management responded quickly, pivoting marketing toward low-rise styles, and said DTC trends have since returned to growth. The company raised its full-year adjusted earnings guidance, increased its dividend, and authorized an accelerated share repurchase. Despite this, shares pulled back in recent weeks and have declined materially over the trailing 90-day period.
NKE Overview and Recent Performance
Nike, Inc. is the world's largest athletic footwear and apparel company, operating the Nike, Jordan, and Converse brands through wholesale and Nike Direct channels. In its most recent fiscal quarter, NKE reported revenue of about $11.2 billion, down 4% on a reported basis and 5% on a currency-neutral basis. Earnings per share (EPS) beat expectations, but net income still declined year over year. North America grew about 2%, a notable bright spot, while Greater China revenue fell sharply on a currency-neutral basis as the company executed a deliberate marketplace reset.
Nike also announced a restructuring program targeting roughly $2.5 billion in cumulative savings over several years, alongside layoffs and a realignment of its geographic structure. Management guided for a high-single-digit full-year revenue decline, extending the timeline for a return to growth. The stock has fallen substantially in 2026 and trades near multi-year lows, pressured by weak guidance, a high-profile athlete departure to a rival, and its removal from a major large-cap index. A dividend yield near 4% has offered some support, but momentum remains negative.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies differ fundamentally in business model and growth drivers. LEVI is a denim-centric, direct-to-consumer and wholesale hybrid that is broadening into lifestyle categories and expanding internationally, with Asia and premium lines driving growth. NKE is a global athletic leader currently shrinking intentionally, cutting oversupplied franchises and rebuilding wholesale relationships while performance categories such as running grow.
On momentum, the contrast is stark. LEVI's revenue is growing and margins are expanding, with management raising guidance and returning more capital to shareholders. NKE's revenue is declining, margins remain pressured by tariffs and restructuring charges, and the market is waiting for a credible return to growth. Risk profiles also differ: LEVI faces execution risk in its U.S. distribution transition and a competitive denim market, while NKE contends with China weakness, brand perception, and a longer-than-expected turnaround. Sector exposure overlaps, but LEVI's more defensive, income-oriented profile contrasts with NKE's higher-beta recovery positioning.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, stability, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would currently favor LEVI over NKE. LEVI demonstrates steadier revenue growth, expanding margins, and tangible shareholder-return catalysts in the form of a dividend increase and buyback authorization. NKE, by contrast, is still working through a restructuring with declining sales and limited near-term earnings visibility. While NKE retains long-term brand value and could reward patient investors if its turnaround succeeds, the AI verdict leans toward the more consistent trend and clearer near-term catalyst set offered by LEVI, framed in probabilistic rather than definitive terms.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is LEVI is a Hold and NKE is a StrongBuy.
LEVI's Stochastic Oscillator stays in overbought zone for 19 days
The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for LEVI moved out of overbought territory on November 11, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 34 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 24 of the 34 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 71%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where LEVI declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 67%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 15, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on LEVI as a result. In 62 of 83 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 75%.
LEVI moved above its 50-day moving average on October 19, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for LEVI crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 23, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 15 of 17 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 88%.
Following a +6.65% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where LEVI advanced for three days, in 192 of 283 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 68%.
LEVI may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 158 of 209 cases where LEVI Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 76%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 34 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 39 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. LEVI’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 59 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (3.873) is normal, around the industry mean (2.911). P/E Ratio (14.031) is within average values for comparable stocks, (14.016). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.020) is also within normal values, averaging (0.686). Dividend Yield (0.028) settles around the average of (0.328) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.176) is also within normal values, averaging (0.827).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 62 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 86 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. LEVI’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 90, placing this stock better than average.
NKE's Stochastic Oscillator descends into oversold zone
The Stochastic Oscillator for NKE moved into oversold territory on November 12, 2026. Be on the watch for the price uptrend or consolidation in the future. At that time, consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
NKE moved above its 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for NKE crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 26, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 7 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 47%.
Following a +1.82% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where NKE advanced for three days, in 140 of 263 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 53%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 81 of 149 cases where NKE Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 54%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for NKE moved out of overbought territory on November 05, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 15 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 9 of the 15 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 60%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 12, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on NKE as a result. In 64 of 90 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 71%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for NKE turned negative on November 12, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 44 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 30 of the 44 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 68%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where NKE declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 72%.
NKE broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 04, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 44 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 58 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. NKE’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 63 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (3.851) is normal, around the industry mean (2.998). P/E Ratio (18.376) is within average values for comparable stocks, (12.296). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.427) is also within normal values, averaging (0.949). Dividend Yield (0.042) settles around the average of (0.057) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.142) is also within normal values, averaging (1.162).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 65 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 88 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. NKE’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 89, placing this stock worse than average.
LEVI | NKE | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 87 | 22 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 59 Fair valued | 63 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 86 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 34 | 44 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 39 | 58 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 62 | 88 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 65 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
LEVI's Valuation (59) in the Apparel Or Footwear industry is in the same range as NKE (63). This means that LEVI’s stock grew similarly to NKE’s over the last 12 months.
LEVI's Profit vs Risk Rating (86) in the Apparel Or Footwear industry is in the same range as NKE (100). This means that LEVI’s stock grew similarly to NKE’s over the last 12 months.
LEVI's SMR Rating (34) in the Apparel Or Footwear industry is in the same range as NKE (44). This means that LEVI’s stock grew similarly to NKE’s over the last 12 months.
LEVI's Price Growth Rating (39) in the Apparel Or Footwear industry is in the same range as NKE (58). This means that LEVI’s stock grew similarly to NKE’s over the last 12 months.
LEVI's P/E Growth Rating (62) in the Apparel Or Footwear industry is in the same range as NKE (88). This means that LEVI’s stock grew similarly to NKE’s over the last 12 months.
| LEVI | NKE | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 71% | 2 days ago 60% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 75% | 2 days ago 56% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 75% | 2 days ago 71% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | N/A | 2 days ago 68% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 73% | 2 days ago 69% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 72% | 2 days ago 53% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 68% | 12 days ago 53% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 67% | 2 days ago 72% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 63% | 2 days ago 69% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 76% | 2 days ago 54% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
LEVI’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while NKE’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- LEVI’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- NKE’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
LEVI’s TA Score shows that 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while NKE’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- LEVI’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 3 bearish.
- NKE’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
LEVI (@Apparel/Footwear) experienced а +4.07% price change this week, while NKE (@Wholesale Distributors) price change was -4.55% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Apparel/Footwear industry was +3.66%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +8.58%, and the average quarterly price growth was +12.25%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Wholesale Distributors industry was -0.97%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +5.91%, and the average quarterly price growth was +22.69%.
Reported Earning Dates
LEVI is expected to report earnings on Jan 27, 2027.
NKE is expected to report earnings on Dec 17, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Apparel/Footwear (+3.66% weekly)Apparel/footwear might be slightly more ‘cyclical’ in the largely non-cyclical category of non-durables. While digital giants like Amazon have been rapidly expanding their presence, traditional clothing/footwear retailers have also been bulking up their online presence in recent years, to milk the burgeoning trend of online shopping among consumers across the globe. The apparel and footwear retail market was valued at around $ 360 billion in 2018, and this figure was expected to reach about $386 billion by 2020 (according to a Statista report). NIKE, Inc, V.F. Corporation and Under Armour, Inc. are some of the companies with the largest U.S. stock market caps in this segment.
@Wholesale Distributors (-0.97% weekly)Companies in this industry handle the wholesale shipments for the manufacturer of a product. They have warehouses and distribution centers, and they ship products directly to the retailer. Digitization, increasing competition, emerging customer demand, and product innovation are some of shifts that the industry has been facing in recent times – something that is potentially creating needs/opportunities for business model revisions or transformations. Data, analytics, and technology are becoming increasingly important for whole distributors in anticipating and analyzing consumer needs, and therefore planning their business strategies accordingly. Fastenal Company, W.W. Grainger, Inc., Genuine Parts Company and Pool Corporation are some of the largest names in the business.
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LEVI and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, LEVI has been loosely correlated with RL. These tickers have moved in lockstep 63% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if LEVI jumps, then RL could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To LEVI | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEVI | 100% | -0.21% | ||
| RL - LEVI | 63% Loosely correlated | -0.82% | ||
| SHOO - LEVI | 59% Loosely correlated | -3.56% | ||
| VFC - LEVI | 58% Loosely correlated | -2.96% | ||
| PVH - LEVI | 57% Loosely correlated | +0.73% | ||
| COLM - LEVI | 56% Loosely correlated | -0.76% | ||
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NKE and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, NKE has been loosely correlated with COLM. These tickers have moved in lockstep 56% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if NKE jumps, then COLM could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To NKE | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NKE | 100% | -1.46% | ||
| COLM - NKE | 56% Loosely correlated | -0.76% | ||
| UA - NKE | 53% Loosely correlated | -2.07% | ||
| LEVI - NKE | 52% Loosely correlated | -0.21% | ||
| UAA - NKE | 51% Loosely correlated | -2.20% | ||
| OXM - NKE | 50% Loosely correlated | -3.21% | ||
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