Wall Street Splits on Nike, Lifts Semis

Analysts delivered a mixed verdict on Monday. NIKE took the sharpest blow — a fresh downgrade pulled its consensus rating lower. The average target price slipped to $58.72 from $59.22. The sportswear giant carries a $54B market cap. Short interest sits at just 4% of free float. Bears see limited upside despite the low short base.

The semiconductor sector told a different story. Micron Technology saw its consensus target jump to $1,022.92 — up from $1,008.82. That is a $14 gain per share in analyst expectations. Applied Materials also got a lift. Its average target rose to $532.34 from $527.20. Lam Research followed the same trend, gaining roughly $5 in average target.

The semi upgrades follow a broader AI hardware rally. Analysts appear more willing to push targets higher after recent earnings beats across the sector.

Outside tech, Darden Restaurants was also downgraded. Its target held flat at $226. Casual dining faces pressure from slowing consumer spending.

Cummins and Agilent Technologies both saw modest target increases, suggesting steady confidence in industrials and life sciences heading into summer.