Is Nike (NKE) One of the Most Active US Stocks to Buy According to Analysts?

Nike Inc. (NYSE:NKE) is one of the most active US stocks to buy according to analysts. On December 19, UBS analyst Jay Sole lowered the firm’s price target on Nike to $62 from $71 with a Neutral rating on the shares.

On the same day, Stifel analyst Peter McGoldrick also cut the firm’s price target on Nike to $65 from $68 while keeping a Hold rating on the shares. After the company released its FQ2 2026 financial results, the firm noted that Nike’s recovery remains inconsistent. While the quarter provided some upside and positive revenue growth, this was offset by a disappointing FQ3 outlook and a forecast for a low-single-digit decline in the topline. Given Nike’s current valuation premium compared to its footwear peers, the firm finds it difficult to justify a strong case for significant stock upside at this time.

A day before these ratings, Nike disclosed the FQ2 financial report, where the company achieved a total revenue increase of 1% year-over-year on a reported basis, which totaled $12.43 billion and exceeded estimates by $218.31 million. The company also made an EPS of $0.53, which beat guidance by $0.16. Performance across sales channels showed a shift toward wholesale, which grew by 8% globally. In contrast, Nike Direct revenues declined by 9%, weighed down by a 14% drop in Nike Digital and a 3% dip in physical Nike stores.

North America emerged as a major bright spot for the company, posting a 9% overall revenue increase fueled by a massive 24% surge in wholesale growth. Management remains optimistic about this market, citing strong consumer engagement and balanced growth between new and existing partners. In contrast, Greater China remains the company’s most significant challenge, with revenue plummeting 16% and Nike Digital sales in the region dropping by 36%. Other international regions also saw declines, with EMEA revenue down 1% and APLA revenue falling 4%.

Nike Inc. (NYSE:NKE), together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, markets, and sells athletic and casual footwear, apparel, equipment, accessories, and services for men, women, and kids in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Greater China, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.