Nike Vs. Procter & Gamble: Which Consumer Stock Is A …

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NYSE · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/20/26

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Key data points

Market capMarket cap calculated using publicly traded s outstanding only. Does not include unlisted, private, or dual-class non-traded s. Implied market cap may vary.$55.27B

Day’s range$37.21 – $38.14

52wk range$31.97 – $70.44

Volume24.5M

Avg volume32.4M

Gross margin43.34%

Dividend yield4.41%

The case for Procter & Gamble

Procter & Gamble operates a vast portfolio of household brands across segments fabric care, grooming, and health. In its latest annual report, filed for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026, the company noted its largest customer, Walmart (WMT -0.72%), accounts for nearly 16% of total sales. This concentration highlights the importance of maintaining strong retail partnerships to ensure its products remain on shelves worldwide.

In FY 2026, revenue reached close to $87.0 billion, which represents a growth of approximately 3.3% over the prior year. Net income for the same period was nearly $16 billion, demonstrating consistent profitability across its various global segments. This resulted in a net margin of approximately 18.4%, showing how effectively the company turns revenue into profit.

Procter & Gamble has total cash of $9.9 billion and total debt of $35 billion. Its total debt-to-equity ratio is 64.4%, and its 12-month trailing operating cash flow is $19.5 billion.

PG – Procter & Gamble

$159.32+$1.63 (+1.03%)

NYSE · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/20/26

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Key data points

Market capMarket cap calculated using publicly traded s outstanding only. Does not include unlisted, private, or dual-class non-traded s. Implied market cap may vary.$366.26B

Day’s range$158.06 – $159.47

52wk range$137.62 – $167.25

Volume9.7M

Avg volume8.8M

Gross margin50.87%

Dividend yield2.72%

Risk profile comparison

Nike faces intense competition from rivals such as Adidas (ADDDF -0.35%) and Under Armour (UAA +2.52%). The company relies heavily on contract manufacturers in regions Vietnam and Indonesia, making it vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. Furthermore, its success depends on maintaining a strong brand reputation through associations with various endorsers and social causes.

Procter & Gamble must navigate high competition from local brands and private-label products as well as global rivals Kenvue (KVUE +2.17%). It faces risks from global supply chain disruptions and political conflicts that could impact production and operating margins. Additionally, the company is subject to extensive global regulations regarding environmental and labor laws.

Valuation comparison

Nike looks more of a value, based on traditional metrics.

Metric	Nike	Procter & Gamble
Forward P/E	21x	21.2x
P/S ratio	1.1x	4.1x

Which stock would I buy in 2026?

Between the two companies, I would rather own Procter & Gamble. While it’s an iconic brand, Nike is also in a turnaround that has been dragging on for years and is taking longer than expected. That turnaround may also take longer than expected, as Nike just announced it expects sales to decline in fiscal 2027. Over the past 12 months, as of this writing, s of the shoemaker are down 44.5%, and have performed even worse over the past five years, falling 77%.

Before starting or adding to a position in Nike, as an investor, I would want to see a few quarters where Nike exceeds earnings expectations and is in a position to boost its 2027 full-year outlook to show that its turnaround is finally gaining momentum. Otherwise, I’d be completely fine with owning Procter & Gamble.

While Procter’s price is only up 4.5% over the last 12 months, it’s still a more stable company. In its fiscal 2026 third-quarter earnings report, Procter d that sales had climbed to $21.2 billion, a 7% increase from the prior-year period. For long-term investors, it’s also a recession-resistant stock, as people will continue to buy laundry detergent, diapers, and shampoo even during difficult economic times. Procter & Gamble is also a Dividend King, having boosted its dividend payout for 50 or more consecutive years. Having increased its dividend payout for 70 consecutive years, it has shown its dependability, while Nike, by comparison, is trying to figure out how to revive its iconic brand.