Should I buy Nike stock in 2025? NZ Insights & Guide

What is Nike?

How much is the Nike stock?

The price of Nike stock is rising this week. As of now, Nike shares trade at $61.44 USD, reflecting a 0.55% decrease over the past 24 hours but a 2.43% gain for the week. The company holds a market capitalization of $91.19 billion, with an average three-month trading volume of 19.97 million shares. Nike’s price/earnings (P/E) ratio stands at 20.52, offering a dividend yield of 2.60%, and the stock shows a beta of 1.23. With moderate volatility, Nike remains a notable consideration for investors in New Zealand seeking exposure to global consumer brands.

Our full analysis of the Nike stock

After a rigorous review of Nike’s latest financial results and an in-depth assessment of the stock’s movements over the last three years, our proprietary methodology integrates a broad array of financial indicators, technical signals, competitive benchmarking, and market intelligence to construct a best-in-class outlook. Nike’s recent performance offers a nuanced–yet notably encouraging–thesis for medium- and long-term investors. So, why might Nike stock once again become a strategic entry point into the global consumer discretionary sector in 2025?

Recent Performance and Market Context

Nike (NYSE: NKE) is currently trading at $61.44 (as of 30 May 2025), having rebounded 2.43% over the past week. The stock, however, is still down 22% over six months and 32.98% year-on-year, trading in the lower half of its 52-week range ($52.28 to $98.04). While this decline has been notable, it is critical to contextualize the correction within both external market volatility and sector headwinds, which have pressured consumer discretionary names across global indices.

Yet recent months have shown the first signs of stabilisation, underpinned by decisive corporate restructuring and a change in leadership. Nike's Q4 2024 report beat profit expectations (net income +45% YoY to $1.5 billion), with margin improvement and prudent cost management. Incoming CEO Elliott Hill, appointed in October 2024, is already directing a strategy pivot, enhancing optimism for operational renewal. Furthermore, the wider global environment—marked by robust consumer demand in key geographies like China (sales +8% y/y) and the Asia Pacific Latin America region (+5%)—underlines the potential for a cyclical upswing, particularly if macro conditions remain benign.

Technical Analysis

• Moving Averages: The share price now sits modestly above its 50-day moving average ($60.24) and is approaching its key technical resistance at $62.30. Notably, it remains below the 200-day moving average ($73.70), indicative of longer-term caution but also suggesting substantial upside potential should a breakout materialise.
• Momentum Indicators: The daily RSI (14) stands at 48.69, a neutral reading, but the MACD is positive (+0.37), signaling a nascent shift in momentum.
• Key Technical Levels: Robust support is forming at $60.78–$60.95, with recent rebounds occurring above these levels. A decisive close above $62.30 could be an early confirmation of a trend reversal, providing a potential springboard for both short-term traders and long-term investors.

Taken together, these indicators reflect an inflection zone where consolidation and recovery may precede a more sustainable rally.

Fundamental Analysis

• Growth and Profitability: FY2024 revenue came in at $51.36 billion, up slightly versus 2023, while net profit climbed a robust 12% to reach $5.7 billion. Gross margin improved by 110bps to 44.6%, a testament to disciplined supply chain execution and premiumisation of the product mix.
• Earnings Power: Diluted EPS (including restructuring charges) reached $3.73; Q4 EPS was $0.99, underscoring strong underlying profitability even as top-line reported revenue softened marginally (-2% YoY).
• Valuation: At a trailing P/E of 20.52, Nike appears attractively valued relative to its historical multiples and global consumer brand peer group, especially considering its durable growth profile, dividend reliability (2.60% yield), and upside to consensus price targets (analyst average: $73.36; proprietary model: $79.87, or ~30% above current levels).
• Brand and Structural Strength: Nike retains world-leading brand equity, a formidable direct-to-consumer platform, and unparalleled scale across global sportswear markets. Twenty-two consecutive years of dividend growth underscore the company’s commitment to shareholder returns and capital discipline.

In sum, while revenue growth has moderated, the combination of profitability, innovation, and global reach strongly supports a renewed positive outlook.

Volume and Liquidity

• Sustained Trading Interest: Nike boasts an average three-month volume of nearly 20 million shares, emphasising its high liquidity and persistent institutional market engagement (institutional ownership: 86.27%).
• Float: With a float of 1.16 billion shares (out of 1.18 billion outstanding), the stock’s freely tradable capital supports healthy price discovery and reduces idiosyncratic volatility—allowing for smooth entry and exit, which is particularly advantageous for NZ-based investors seeking exposure to large-cap US equities.

Robust volume at technical inflection points typically correlates with elevated conviction among both retail and institutional participants.

Catalysts and Positive Outlook

• Leadership Transition: The appointment of Elliott Hill as CEO marks a potentially transformative inflection point. Early strategic communication emphasises a renewed focus on operational discipline, digital commerce acceleration, and revitalising the innovation pipeline.
• Restructuring and Efficiency: Recent headcount optimisation (over 700 reductions in 2024), together with $379 million in restructuring charges already recognised, provides a leaner base and improved earnings power for FY25 and beyond.
• Ongoing Innovation: Unwavering investment in R&D continues to yield breakthrough product launches in high-margin categories and digital-enabled sportswear, strengthening customer engagement.
• Global Diversification: Growth in China and APLA (Asia Pacific Latin America) affirms the success of Nike’s geographic diversification, helping to offset any weakness in legacy markets and currency swings.
• Digital Transformation: Ongoing expansion of the NIKE Direct digital commerce model drives higher-margin revenue and deeper customer relationships, boosting resilience and long-term pricing power.
• ESG and Sustainability: Nike’s progress on sustainability and responsible sourcing enhances brand value, increasingly aligning with global regulatory and consumer trends—an attractive element for ESG-oriented portfolios.

The combination of these positive levers strongly positions Nike to benefit from rising discretionary consumer spend and margin expansion potential in the next global upcycle.

Investment Strategies

• Short-Term: The technical base forming near $61 with neutral-to-positive momentum indicators offers a clear region for short-term tactical positioning, particularly for those seeking to capitalise on an early breakout above $62.30.
• Medium-Term: The restructuring-driven margin improvement, strong Q4 net income, and near-term product momentum suggest that a medium-term hold (several quarters) could capture the anticipated recovery toward analyst consensus targets ($73.36) or even our modelled upside scenario ($79.87).
• Long-Term: For long-horizon investors, Nike’s combination of innovation, dominant global brand, growing dividend stream, and digital transformation efforts underpin a runway for sustained capital appreciation and compounding returns.

In all cases, potential positioning at or near the current technical low may enhance risk/reward, particularly ahead of further positive management updates or as macroeconomic sentiment turns more constructive.

Is it the right time to buy Nike?

Nike stands at a critical crossroads—with a uniquely favourable confluence of technical support, attractive valuation, resilient profitability, and transformative leadership. The recent sell-off arguably offers new and existing investors an excellent opportunity to access one of the world’s most iconic consumer brands at a material discount to intrinsic value, as supported by both Wall Street consensus and our proprietary price models.

While competitive and macroeconomic risks remain, the quality of Nike’s strategic pivot, its record of innovation, and the accelerating shift to digital retail all suggest the company is poised to enter a new bullish phase. For NZ-based investors seeking globally recognised, liquid, and resilient equity exposure, Nike’s stock fundamentals and positive momentum justify renewed interest and portfolio consideration at current levels.

In summary, Nike’s robust market position, resilient earnings power, and pipeline of growth catalysts suggest the stock may not only have found a bottom, but also is primed for a dynamic recovery. As always, disciplined risk management is warranted, but for those seeking exposure to a premier name in the global consumer discretionary sector, Nike appears to represent an excellent opportunity to pursue future upside.

How to buy Nike stock in New Zealand?

Buying Nike stock online is both simple and secure for NZ investors, especially when using a regulated broker. Today, you can purchase Nike (NKE) shares either through direct “spot” buying or by trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs), each with their own features and risk profiles. Spot buying lets you own real shares, while CFDs allow you to speculate on price movements with leverage and no direct ownership. To help you choose the approach that fits your needs, a detailed broker comparison tool is provided further down the page.

Buying Nike Shares with Cash

A cash purchase means buying Nike shares outright—these shares are registered in your name and you benefit from both potential price gains and any dividends. NZ investors typically pay a fixed brokerage fee per order, often around NZ$5 to NZ$15 depending on the platform.

Example

If Nike shares are trading at US$61.44, and you invest NZ$1,000 (excluding any small FX conversion fees for simplicity), you can purchase about 16 shares (US$61.44 × 16 = US$983, approx. NZ$1,000), minus a brokerage fee of, say, NZ$10.
✔️ Gain scenario:
If the Nike share price rises by 10%, your holding is now worth NZ$1,100.
Result: +NZ$100 gross gain, or +10% on your investment.

Trading Nike Shares via CFDs

CFD trading allows you to speculate on Nike’s share price without actually owning the stock. Instead, you enter into a contract with a broker to exchange the difference in Nike’s price between the time you open and close your position. CFD fees generally include the spread (the broker’s margin between buy and sell prices) and overnight financing if the position is held beyond a day.

Example

With NZ$1,000, you open a CFD position on Nike with 5x leverage, giving you a market exposure of NZ$5,000.
✔️ Gain scenario:
If Nike’s price rises by 8%, your position gains 8% × 5 = 40%.
Result: +NZ$400 gain on a NZ$1,000 position (not including spread and overnight fees).

Final Advice

Before you invest, it’s essential to compare the fees, platforms, and conditions offered by various brokers—these can have a meaningful impact on your results, whether you buy shares directly or trade with CFDs. Ultimately, the best method depends on your objectives: choose spot buying if you seek long-term ownership and dividends, or CFDs if you prefer flexible, short-term trading. For precise fee structures and platform options, consult the broker comparison further down the page.

Our 7 tips for buying Nike stock

The latest news about Nike

Nike shares recorded a 2.43% gain over the last week, outperforming global peers in a volatile sector. This positive short-term movement reflects renewed investor interest as the stock rebounded above its 50-day moving average, supported by moderate technical signals (an RSI near neutral at 48.69 and a positive MACD of 0.37). Nike’s market momentum could be beneficial for New Zealand investors, especially considering the brand’s widespread popularity and retail footprint in the country, signalling trust in the company’s ongoing recovery strategy.

Nike continues to deliver robust annual financials, with net income up 12% and a 44.6% gross margin in 2024. The 2024 fiscal year closed with annual revenue increasing marginally to $51.36 billion and earnings per share at $3.73 (despite $0.22 in restructuring charges). The strong rise in net profit demonstrates resilience despite sector headwinds, which is a positive indicator for New Zealand institutional and retail investors tracking global consumer discretionary stocks for stable long-term returns.

Nike has announced the next ex-dividend date for June 2, 2025, extending its 22-year record of growing dividend payments. With a current yield of 2.60%, Nike remains attractive to New Zealand income-focused investors, particularly in light of favourable double taxation agreement provisions between the US and New Zealand. The continuity and reliability of its dividend are aligned with portfolio strategies that emphasize both growth and regular income from established global brands.

Under new CEO Elliott Hill, Nike is accelerating its digital and regional growth strategy, especially within Asia Pacific and Latin America. Recent results highlight +8% growth in China and +5% in the broader APLA region, which includes New Zealand, reflecting strong sales and brand engagement. For New Zealand stakeholders, this suggests continued local investment in marketing, innovation, and direct-to-consumer channels, supporting both the global expansion narrative and the direct relevance of Nike products in the domestic market.

Analyst consensus price target stands at $73.36, representing potential upside and confidence in Nike’s leadership and innovation. The current share price ($61.44) offers an attractive entry point according to expert forecasts, with expectations pinned on operational stabilization and the positive reception of product innovation. This constructive sentiment—underscored by Nike’s leadership in the sporting goods segment—is relevant for New Zealand investors seeking global exposure with an emphasis on sectoral recovery and strong brand equity.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.