Nike Inc. (NYSE: NKE) shares have advanced 35% in 2015, the strongest of any stock in the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Its performance compares to an overall Dow performance of 3.2%.

Nike, among other strengths, is the number one maker of athletic apparel in the United States. In its most recent fiscal year, it posted revenue of $30.6 billion, up 10% from the previous year. Net income rose 22% to $3.27 billion. Over $13.7 billion of its revenue came from North America, follow by Western Europe at $5.7 billion.

Footwear constituted $18.3 billion in Nike’s last quarter.

When Nike reported its annual revenue, management hinted this year will be strong:

“Fiscal 2015 was an outstanding year for NIKE,” said Mark Parker, President and CEO, NIKE, Inc. Our consistent growth is fueled by our connection to the consumer and our ability to deliver innovation at an unprecedented pace and scale. At no time in our history has the growth potential been greater for NIKE.”

Nike’s most valuable asset is its brand. According to the Interbrand’s list of the world’s most valuable brands, Nike ranked 17th with a brand value of $23.1 billion, up 16% from the previous year. Nike’s market capitalization is $110 billion.

Nike has bolstered its brand with huge endorsement deals with some of the world’s premier athletes. Several of these have been rumored to top $100 million. First among these is by consensus history’s greatest basketball player, Michael Jordan. The company also has an endorsement partnership with LeBron James, the NBA’s premier player, as well as with Tiger Woods, arguably the greatest golfer in history, and tennis standouts Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Nike’s shares have risen 204% over the past five years to $130. Over the same period, the S&P 500 is higher by 61%. Is it any wonder? It would be hard to find a company that dominates its industry more than Nike does.

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