Nike Inc. ($NKE) is poised to report its earnings results for the second quarter on Thursday, December 14, 2024. Morgan Stanley analysts have indicated that the company is likely to exceed earnings expectations, although they anticipate the firm will fall short on guidance. The investment bank has adjusted its price target for Nike shares to $80 from $82, maintaining an Equal Weight rating ahead of the earnings announcement. Despite this positive earnings outlook, Nike has struggled throughout 2024, currently positioned as one of the worst-performing stocks in the Dow Jones, with a year-to-date loss of 28%. Analysts note that the anticipated earnings boost may stem from reduced selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) spending. The stock has shown some technical improvement, recently making a higher low after hitting a bottom of $70. Market expectations suggest an implied price move of approximately 8% following the earnings report.