Dick’s Sporting Goods is a “winner in athletic retail” after finishing its acquisition of Foot Locker, in accordance with Citi. Citi upgraded the inventory to purchase from impartial in a Tuesday word and raised its worth goal to $280 per share from $225. The financial institution’s forecast implies about 25% upside from Monday’s $223.83 shut. “The combination of DKS/FL will be a powerful force in the world of athletic footwear and apparel,” the analyst stated. “Combined, the new DKS will have F26E sales of $22.5BN in sales, including ~$20BN in US sales with the next player within the US (JD) at $4.3BN in sales.” DKS YTD mountain Dick’s Sporting Goods inventory in 2025. “Their buying power with the largest and most sought-after brands in athletic should make them a ‘category killer,'” the analyst added. Lejuez cited 10 causes for his optimism post-merger, together with: A wholesome client base A willingness by manufacturers to work with Dick’s “Private label opportunity within Foot Locker stores” “Attractive valuation with multiple expansion potential” The $2.4 billion deal was introduced in May and marked an effort to nook the Nike sneaker market. Since then, Dick’s shares are up greater than 16%. The inventory added one other 2% within the premarket. Analysts are largely impartial on Dick’s, nonetheless. Of the 26 who cowl it, 11 price it a purchase or robust purchase, per LSEG. The remaining 15 have a maintain score.