Freedom Broker reportedly raised NIKE, Inc. (NYSE: NKE) to Buy from Sell on October 2, 2026, while lowering its price target from $54 to $51. The rating and target moved in opposite directions: the call became more positive, but the stated target fell by $3. The details come from secondary reports; Freedom Broker’s original note was not available for verification.
What Freedom Broker reportedly changed
StreetInsider, Benzinga and Investing.com reported the rating action on October 2, 2026, attributing it to Freedom Broker analyst Georgy Vashchenko. StreetInsider and Investing.com also reported the change in target. The reported figures are:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Item | Reported change |
|---|---|
| Rating | Sell to Buy |
| Price target | $54 to $51, a $3 reduction |
| Date and analyst | October 2, 2026; Georgy Vashchenko, according to the reporting sources |
Sources: Investing.com, StreetInsider and Benzinga.
Recommended Free Tools
Why the rating could improve while the target fell
The reports describe a more favorable rating amid continuing business challenges, not a higher valuation target. Investing.com says the upgrade followed weaker-than-expected NIKE Q1 FY2027 revenue, a sharp deterioration in Greater China and continued pressure across EMEA. It also reports that management acknowledged more work remained in NIKE Sportswear, Jordan Brand and Greater China. These explanations are secondary-source accounts; the full Freedom Broker thesis and valuation assumptions are not available to assess.
#1 Best Overall
- Mesh on upper adds breathability.
- Flywire cables provide a supportive feel when you tighten the laces.
- Plush foam midsole cushions each step.
- Grooves on the rubber outsole help your foot move naturally.
- DR2695-114
That distinction matters: a rating category and a price target are different parts of an analyst’s view. A Buy label does not mean the target rose, and the cut from $54 to $51 should not be described as a target increase or as an uncomplicated bullish revision.
Nike’s Pace initiative in the reported context
Investing.com characterizes Pace as an operating-model transformation intended to accelerate Nike’s Sport Offense strategy, improve organizational productivity and simplify its global structure. StreetInsider reproduces additional figures attributed to analyst commentary: about $2.5 billion in cumulative savings through FY2031 and about $1.0 billion in pretax implementation charges through FY2031. It also reports roughly $0.3 billion of severance costs recognized in FY2026 and about $0.3 billion of additional charges expected in FY2027.
Rank #2
- Mesh on upper adds breathability.
- Foam midsole delivers a soft ride.
- Flex grooves create a cushioned effect for your run.
- Waffle outsole is a made of a durable, flexible material that helps keep you on the move.
- HM9594-004
Those amounts are figures reproduced in secondary coverage, not independently verified here against a Nike filing or official investor-relations release. StreetInsider also attributes to the commentary an expectation of a high-single-digit revenue decline for FY2027, about 400 basis points of revenue pressure in Q2, and a more detailed strategic and financial update at an Investor Day in November. Treat these as reported figures and expectations, not independently confirmed company guidance.
A rating-history wording conflict in one report
StreetInsider reproduces a sentence from analyst commentary: “We lowered our price target to $51 while upgraded our rating to Buy from Hold.” That wording says “Hold,” whereas the report’s lead and Investing.com and Benzinga describe the change as Sell to Buy. The conflict cannot be resolved from the available reporting, so the quoted sentence should not be used to establish the prior rating. The original note would be needed to verify the precise rating history.
Rank #3
- Mesh on upper adds breathability.
- Foam midsole delivers a soft ride.
- Flex grooves create a cushioned effect for your run.
- Waffle outsole is a made of a durable, flexible material that helps keep you on the move.
- HM9594-004
What remains unknown about the call
Because the original Freedom Broker research note was not located, the reported coverage does not establish the valuation method, forecast assumptions, target horizon or exact prior rating language. Nor does the available information provide a sufficiently authoritative, contemporaneous consensus or share-price snapshot for calculating implied upside or judging the call against consensus. A comparison with another analyst would need to align the publication date, rating, target and change, assumptions and risks, and the share price on a specified date.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The mesh upper offers a comfortable, breathable feel.
- The foam midsole delivers intuitive cushioning through comfort-focused rocker geometry.
- The outsole has an intuitive Nike design and flex grooves in the forefoot that create a comfortable and cushioned effect as you run.
- Touch points at the heel and tongue create a natural feel as you take the shoes on and off.
- HJ9198-002
Rank #4
- Mesh on upper adds breathability.
- Foam midsole delivers a soft ride.
- Flex grooves create a cushioned effect for your run.
- Waffle outsole is a made of a durable, flexible material that helps keep you on the move.
- HM9594-001
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
