NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) Receives Consensus Rating of “Moderate Buy” from Analysts

Shares of NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) have received a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” from the thirty-six ratings firms that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating, twenty-six have issued a buy rating and three have given a strong buy rating to the company. The average 12 month price target among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $82.2414.

A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on the company. Citigroup upgraded NIKE from a “neutral” rating to a “positive” rating in a research report on Friday, September 19th. Zacks Research upgraded NIKE from a “strong sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 26th. Stifel Nicolaus set a $68.00 price target on NIKE and gave the company a “hold” rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. Barclays set a $70.00 price objective on NIKE and gave the stock a “positive” rating in a report on Wednesday, October 1st. Finally, Cowen raised shares of NIKE from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 10th.

Insider Buying and Selling at NIKE

In other NIKE news, EVP Treasure Heinle sold 4,300 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction on Monday, October 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $71.27, for a total transaction of $306,461.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 29,396 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $2,095,052.92. The trade was a 12.76% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Jorgen Vig Knudstorp bought 16,150 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 7th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $62.09 per share, with a total value of $1,002,753.50. Following the transaction, the director owned 21,388 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $1,327,980.92. This trade represents a 308.32% increase in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. Company insiders own 0.80% of the company’s stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On NIKE

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Mascoma Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of NIKE during the second quarter worth approximately $26,000. Stone House Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in NIKE in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors LLC lifted its position in NIKE by 952.6% in the 2nd quarter. Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors LLC now owns 400 shares of the footwear maker’s stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 362 shares in the last quarter. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of NIKE during the 2nd quarter valued at $31,000. Finally, Matrix Trust Co boosted its stake in shares of NIKE by 53.1% during the 2nd quarter. Matrix Trust Co now owns 441 shares of the footwear maker’s stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 153 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 64.25% of the company’s stock.

NIKE Stock Performance

Shares of NKE opened at $64.84 on Friday. The firm’s 50 day moving average is $66.53 and its 200-day moving average is $69.04. The stock has a market capitalization of $95.84 billion, a P/E ratio of 33.25, a P/E/G ratio of 2.41 and a beta of 1.29. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59, a current ratio of 2.19 and a quick ratio of 1.45. NIKE has a 12-month low of $52.28 and a 12-month high of $82.44.

NIKE (NYSE:NKE) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, September 30th. The footwear maker reported $0.49 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.27 by $0.22. The business had revenue of $11.72 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.96 billion. NIKE had a net margin of 6.23% and a return on equity of 21.16%. The business’s quarterly revenue was up 1.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.70 earnings per share. Equities research analysts anticipate that NIKE will post 2.05 EPS for the current fiscal year.

NIKE Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 2nd. Investors of record on Monday, December 1st will be paid a $0.41 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 1st. This represents a $1.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.5%. This is a positive change from NIKE’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.40. NIKE’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 84.10%.

NIKE Company Profile

NIKE, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, markets, and sells athletic footwear, apparel, equipment, accessories, and services worldwide. The company provides athletic and casual footwear, apparel, and accessories under the Jumpman trademark; and casual sneakers, apparel, and accessories under the Converse, Chuck Taylor, All Star, One Star, Star Chevron, and Jack Purcell trademarks.