BTIG Picks Nike and Block as Top Stocks for 2026 with Significant Upside Potential
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 04 2026
0mins
Source: CNBC
- Nike's Recovery Outlook: BTIG has named Nike as one of its top large-cap stock picks for 2026, with a price target of $100, representing approximately 57% upside from Wednesday's close, as the company is expected to show solid recovery driven by innovation and product line updates.
- Block's Growth Potential: Despite a 26% decline in stock price over the past 12 months, BTIG sets a price target of $90 for Block, indicating a 38% upside, with analysts citing profitable growth driven by deeper customer penetration of Cash App and Square.
- DraftKings' Positive Outlook: BTIG believes DraftKings has a price target of $45, suggesting a 31% upside, as analysts note that the current pacing creates a favorable setup for 2026 performance against tempered investor expectations.
- Small Caps Outperforming: BTIG's chief market technician predicts that while both large and small-cap stocks will rise, small-cap companies will outperform their larger counterparts in 2026, contingent on stable economic data.
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Analyst Views on NKE
Wall Street analysts forecast NKE stock price to rise
21 Analyst Rating
14 Buy
7 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 45.440
Low
62.00
Averages
76.11
High
110.00
Current: 45.440
Low
62.00
Averages
76.11
High
110.00
About NKE
NIKE, Inc. is engaged in the designing, marketing and distributing of athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories and services for sports and fitness activities. The Company's operating segments include North America; Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA); Greater China; and Asia Pacific & Latin America (APLA). It sells a line of equipment and accessories under the NIKE Brand name, including bags, socks, sport balls, eyewear, timepieces, digital devices, bats, gloves, protective equipment and other equipment designed for sports activities. It also designs products specifically for the Jordan Brand and Converse. The Jordan Brand designs, distributes and licenses athletic and casual footwear, apparel and accessories predominantly focused on basketball performance and culture using the Jumpman trademark. The Company also designs, distributes and licenses casual sneakers, apparel and accessories under the Chuck Taylor, All Star, One Star, Star Chevron and Jack Purcell trademarks.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Nike Shares Plunge 15% Following Q3 Earnings Report Despite Beating Estimates
- Earnings Report Reaction: Nike's shares plummeted 15% following its Q3 earnings report, despite beating revenue and earnings estimates, as investors reacted negatively to forward guidance predicting a 2% to 4% sales decline in Q4.
- Weakness in China: The forecasted 20% revenue drop in the critical China market poses significant pressure on overall performance, compounded by a 3% year-over-year decline in EMEA, indicating persistent global demand weakness.
- Divergent Analyst Views: Despite the harsh market reaction, analysts are split on Nike's 'Win Now' strategy and return to wholesale distribution, with some viewing current levels near $46 as an attractive entry point for a rare turnaround opportunity.
- Insider Buying Signals: Amid a nearly 30% stock decline year-to-date, recent purchases by Nike executives have sparked interest, reflecting management's confidence in the company's future, while discussions to become the official match ball supplier for UEFA Champions League could enhance brand visibility.
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- Nike Investment Reflection: Despite insider buying signals prompting us to increase our stake in Nike last December, we are now skeptical about CEO Elliott Hill's ability to turn the company around, and if next quarter's performance is disappointing, we will consider exiting.
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- Software Industry Outlook: Analysts are closely monitoring the SaaS sector, particularly as revenue growth slows and margin compression occurs, which could undermine investor confidence in related companies amid increasing economic uncertainty.
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- High-Frequency Contract Analysis: Among GOOGL options, the $335 strike call option stands out with 29,990 contracts traded today, equating to around 3.0 million shares, reflecting bullish sentiment among investors at this price level.
- Nike Options Activity: Nike (NKE) has recorded an options trading volume of 200,467 contracts today, representing approximately 20.0 million shares, which is about 73.4% of its average daily trading volume over the past month, suggesting active trading sentiment surrounding Nike stock.
- Key Contract Focus: The $46 strike call option for NKE has also shown strong performance, with 23,293 contracts traded today, amounting to approximately 2.3 million shares, indicating investor confidence in a potential price increase for Nike.
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- Nike Insider Transactions: Nike shares advanced over 3% after CEO Elliott Hill and director Tim Cook disclosed purchases of over 23,000 and 25,000 shares, respectively, totaling around $2.1 million, indicating strong executive confidence in the company's future and potentially attracting more investor interest.
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- Declining Financial Performance: Nike's net income fell 35% year-over-year in Q3 of fiscal 2026, resulting in a net profit margin of 4.6%, significantly down from 10% three years ago, indicating substantial pressure on profitability.
- Weakness in China Market: Sales in Greater China dropped 7% in the latest fiscal quarter, attributed to increased competition and a weak consumer environment, reflecting a loss of growth momentum in this critical market for Nike.
- Insufficient Product Innovation: Nike's heavy reliance on classic franchises has led to inventory flooding and diminished market appeal, allowing competitors like On Holding and Hoka to rapidly capture market share due to their innovative offerings.
- Running Segment Recovery: Despite challenges, Nike's running revenue increased by 20% last quarter, indicating potential recovery in this segment, while the CEO's strategic direction provides clarity for future turnaround efforts.
See More
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- Earnings Report Reaction: Nike's shares plummeted 15% following its Q3 earnings report, despite beating revenue and earnings estimates, as investors reacted negatively to forward guidance predicting a 2% to 4% sales decline in Q4.
- Weakness in China: The forecasted 20% revenue drop in the critical China market poses significant pressure on overall performance, compounded by a 3% year-over-year decline in EMEA, indicating persistent global demand weakness.
- Divergent Analyst Views: Despite the harsh market reaction, analysts are split on Nike's 'Win Now' strategy and return to wholesale distribution, with some viewing current levels near $46 as an attractive entry point for a rare turnaround opportunity.
- Insider Buying Signals: Amid a nearly 30% stock decline year-to-date, recent purchases by Nike executives have sparked interest, reflecting management's confidence in the company's future, while discussions to become the official match ball supplier for UEFA Champions League could enhance brand visibility.
See More
CNBC Investing Club April Meeting Highlights
- Market Rebound Analysis: The S&P 500 index reached a record high in April, marking a significant recovery from the Iran war sell-off, indicating a renewed focus on company fundamentals despite the ongoing conflict, which underscores the importance of investor calmness.
- Nike Investment Reflection: Despite insider buying signals prompting us to increase our stake in Nike last December, we are now skeptical about CEO Elliott Hill's ability to turn the company around, and if next quarter's performance is disappointing, we will consider exiting.
- Amazon Cloud Business Recovery: Amazon's stock rebound highlights the importance of patience, as the market is gradually recognizing the strength of its AWS cloud division and online retail business, which are expected to continue growing in the future.
- Nvidia Market Leadership: Nvidia's leading position in the AI chip sector is paying off, and despite competitive pressures, its advantage in computing power positions it well to maintain market leadership going forward.
See More
Market Turbulence and AI Investment Outlook
- Market Volatility Analysis: As Q1 concludes, the market faces challenges from the resumption of the Iran war and rising oil prices, with analysts predicting that companies may issue cautious guidance in the upcoming earnings season, potentially impacting investor confidence.
- AI Infrastructure Spending: The top four cloud companies are expected to allocate $650-$700 billion for capital expenditures in 2026, although power supply constraints may delay or cancel data center construction, affecting the long-term growth potential of the AI sector.
- Software Industry Outlook: Analysts are closely monitoring the SaaS sector, particularly as revenue growth slows and margin compression occurs, which could undermine investor confidence in related companies amid increasing economic uncertainty.
- Stock Buyback Trends: In light of an unclear economic outlook, companies may reduce stock buybacks, reflecting management's cautious stance on future prospects, which could influence market perceptions of these firms in the long run.
See More
Surge in Options Trading Volume for Alphabet and Nike
- Alphabet Options Volume: Alphabet Inc (GOOGL) has seen an options trading volume of 233,365 contracts today, representing approximately 23.3 million shares, which accounts for about 80% of its average daily trading volume over the past month, indicating strong market interest in its future performance.
- High-Frequency Contract Analysis: Among GOOGL options, the $335 strike call option stands out with 29,990 contracts traded today, equating to around 3.0 million shares, reflecting bullish sentiment among investors at this price level.
- Nike Options Activity: Nike (NKE) has recorded an options trading volume of 200,467 contracts today, representing approximately 20.0 million shares, which is about 73.4% of its average daily trading volume over the past month, suggesting active trading sentiment surrounding Nike stock.
- Key Contract Focus: The $46 strike call option for NKE has also shown strong performance, with 23,293 contracts traded today, amounting to approximately 2.3 million shares, indicating investor confidence in a potential price increase for Nike.
See More
Tech Stocks Rebound, Nvidia on 11-Day Winning Streak
- Nvidia's Strong Performance: Nvidia shares rose about 1% as investors returned to tech stocks, positioning the company for an 11th consecutive winning session, marking the longest streak on record and reflecting renewed market confidence in the tech sector.
- Caterpillar Acquisition News: Caterpillar's stock dropped approximately 5% following reports of its acquisition of Monarch Tractor, a self-driving electric tractor company, which, while pressuring short-term stock performance, may enhance its competitive edge in the automated agricultural equipment market.
- Nike Insider Transactions: Nike shares advanced over 3% after CEO Elliott Hill and director Tim Cook disclosed purchases of over 23,000 and 25,000 shares, respectively, totaling around $2.1 million, indicating strong executive confidence in the company's future and potentially attracting more investor interest.
- DoorDash's Technological Outlook: DoorDash shares surged 8% after Barclays analysts highlighted its leadership in autonomous food delivery technology, which is expected to further drive market share growth and strengthen its competitive position in the industry.
See More
Nike Faces Challenges as Stock Price Plummets
- Declining Financial Performance: Nike's net income fell 35% year-over-year in Q3 of fiscal 2026, resulting in a net profit margin of 4.6%, significantly down from 10% three years ago, indicating substantial pressure on profitability.
- Weakness in China Market: Sales in Greater China dropped 7% in the latest fiscal quarter, attributed to increased competition and a weak consumer environment, reflecting a loss of growth momentum in this critical market for Nike.
- Insufficient Product Innovation: Nike's heavy reliance on classic franchises has led to inventory flooding and diminished market appeal, allowing competitors like On Holding and Hoka to rapidly capture market share due to their innovative offerings.
- Running Segment Recovery: Despite challenges, Nike's running revenue increased by 20% last quarter, indicating potential recovery in this segment, while the CEO's strategic direction provides clarity for future turnaround efforts.
See More
