Apparel - Footwear & Accessories
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BIRK vs NKE
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
Apparel - Footwear & Accessories
BIRK vs NKE — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | ||
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Apparel - Footwear & Accessories | Apparel - Footwear & Accessories |
| Market Cap | $7.18B | $52.89B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $2.14B | $46.51B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $379M | $2.52B |
| Gross Margin | 58.3% | 41.1% |
| Operating Margin | 26.4% | 6.5% |
| Forward P/E | 18.8x | 29.8x |
| Total Debt | $1.31B | $11.02B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $329M | $7.46B |
BIRK vs NKE — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
| Stock | Oct 23 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birkenstock Holding… (BIRK) | 100 | 100.0 | -0.0% |
| NIKE, Inc. (NKE) | 100 | 43.2 | -56.8% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: BIRK vs NKE
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
BIRK carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for growth exposure and long-term compounding.
- Rev growth 16.2%, EPS growth 83.3%, 3Y rev CAGR 19.1%
- -2.8% 10Y total return vs NKE's -5.2%
- Lower volatility, beta 1.20, Low D/E 48.1%, current ratio 3.30x
NKE is the clearest fit if your priority is income & stability and defensive.
- Dividend streak 23 yrs, beta 1.17, yield 3.5%
- Beta 1.17, yield 3.5%, current ratio 2.21x
- Beta 1.17 vs BIRK's 1.20
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | 16.2% revenue growth vs NKE's -9.8% | |
| Value | Lower P/E (18.8x vs 29.8x) | |
| Quality / Margins | 17.7% margin vs NKE's 5.4% | |
| Stability / Safety | Beta 1.17 vs BIRK's 1.20 | |
| Dividends | 3.5% yield; 23-year raise streak; the other pay no meaningful dividend | |
| Momentum (1Y) | -21.5% vs BIRK's -24.7% | |
| Efficiency (ROA) | 7.7% ROA vs NKE's 6.7%, ROIC 11.3% vs 16.7% |
BIRK vs NKE — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
Segment breakdown not available.
BIRK vs NKE — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
BIRK leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
NKE is the larger business by revenue, generating $46.5B annually — 21.8x BIRK's $2.1B. BIRK is the more profitable business, keeping 17.7% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to NKE's 5.4%. On growth, BIRK holds the edge at +11.1% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $2.1B | $46.5B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $687M | $3.7B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $379M | $2.5B |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $282M | $2.5B |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +58.3% | +41.1% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +26.4% | +6.5% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +17.7% | +5.4% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +13.2% | +5.3% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +11.1% | +0.6% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +145.5% | -30.8% |
Valuation Metrics
BIRK leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 17.8x trailing earnings, BIRK trades at a 14% valuation discount to NKE's 20.6x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, BIRK's 10.8x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than NKE's 12.5x.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $7.2B | $52.9B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $8.3B | $56.4B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 17.77x | 20.56x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 18.78x | 29.83x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | 3.32x |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 10.80x | 12.52x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 2.91x | 1.14x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 2.28x | 5.00x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 21.20x | 16.18x |
Profitability & Efficiency
BIRK leads this category, winning 5 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
NKE delivers a 17.9% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $18 in annual profit, vs $14 for BIRK. BIRK carries lower financial leverage with a 0.48x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to NKE's 0.83x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), BIRK scores 9/9 vs NKE's 5/9, reflecting strong financial health.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +13.7% | +17.9% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +7.7% | +6.7% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +11.3% | +16.7% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +12.3% | +13.8% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 9 | 5 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.48x | 0.83x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $1.0B | $3.6B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $329M | $7.5B |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $1.3B | $11.0B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 10.04x | 10.45x |
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
BIRK leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in BIRK five years ago would be worth $9,715 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $3,733 for NKE. Over the past 12 months, NKE leads with a -21.5% total return vs BIRK's -24.7%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors BIRK at -1.0% vs NKE's -27.2% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | -6.5% | -29.2% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | -24.7% | -21.5% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -2.8% | -61.4% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -2.8% | -62.7% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -2.8% | -5.2% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | -1.0% | -27.2% |
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — BIRK and NKE each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
NKE is the less volatile stock with a 1.17 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than BIRK's 1.20 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. BIRK currently trades 65.6% from its 52-week high vs NKE's 55.4% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 1.20x | 1.17x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $59.50 | $80.17 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $33.06 | $42.09 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +65.6% | +55.4% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 54.7 | 36.5 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 2.1M | 20.8M |
Analyst Outlook
NKE leads this category, winning 1 of 1 comparable metric.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates BIRK as "Buy" and NKE as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 57.4% upside for NKE (target: $70) vs 42.2% for BIRK (target: $56). NKE is the only dividend payer here at 3.48% yield — a key consideration for income-focused portfolios.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $55.54 | $69.88 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 16 | 71 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | — | +3.5% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 2 | 23 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | — | $1.55 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +3.2% | +5.6% |
BIRK leads in 4 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Valuation Metrics). NKE leads in 1 (Analyst Outlook). 1 tied.
BIRK vs NKE: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is BIRK or NKE a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Birkenstock Holding plc (BIRK) is the stronger pick with 16.
2% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -9. 8% for NIKE, Inc. (NKE). Birkenstock Holding plc (BIRK) offers the better valuation at 17. 8x trailing P/E (18. 8x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Birkenstock Holding plc (BIRK) a "Buy" — based on 16 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — BIRK or NKE?
On trailing P/E, Birkenstock Holding plc (BIRK) is the cheapest at 17.
8x versus NIKE, Inc. at 20. 6x. On forward P/E, Birkenstock Holding plc is actually cheaper at 18. 8x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — BIRK or NKE?
Over the past 5 years, Birkenstock Holding plc (BIRK) delivered a total return of -2.
8%, compared to -62. 7% for NIKE, Inc. (NKE). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: BIRK returned -2. 8% versus NKE's -5. 2%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — BIRK or NKE?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), NIKE, Inc.
(NKE) is the lower-risk stock at 1. 17β versus Birkenstock Holding plc's 1. 20β — meaning BIRK is approximately 2% more volatile than NKE relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Birkenstock Holding plc (BIRK) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 48% versus 83% for NIKE, Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — BIRK or NKE?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Birkenstock Holding plc (BIRK) is pulling ahead at 16.
2% versus -9. 8% for NIKE, Inc. (NKE). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Birkenstock Holding plc grew EPS 83. 3% year-over-year, compared to -42. 1% for NIKE, Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, BIRK leads at 19. 1% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — BIRK or NKE?
Birkenstock Holding plc (BIRK) is the more profitable company, earning 16.
6% net margin versus 7. 0% for NIKE, Inc. — meaning it keeps 16. 6% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: BIRK leads at 26. 2% versus 8. 0% for NKE. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — BIRK leads at 59. 1%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is BIRK or NKE more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, Birkenstock Holding plc (BIRK) trades at 18.
8x forward P/E versus 29. 8x for NIKE, Inc. — 11. 1x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for NKE: 57. 4% to $69. 88.
08Which pays a better dividend — BIRK or NKE?
In this comparison, NKE (3.
5% yield) pays a dividend. BIRK does not pay a meaningful dividend and should not be held primarily for income.
09Is BIRK or NKE better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, NIKE, Inc.
(NKE) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 1. 17), 3. 5% yield). Both have compounded well over 10 years (NKE: -5. 2%, BIRK: -2. 8%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between BIRK and NKE?
Both stocks operate in the Consumer Cyclical sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
In terms of investment character: BIRK is a small-cap high-growth stock; NKE is a mid-cap income-oriented stock. NKE pays a dividend while BIRK does not, making them suitable for different income and tax situations. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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