Investors who have ignored some of Wall Street’s stock picks might end the year with better-performing portfolios than those who have heeded analyst recommendations. Several stocks with buy ratings, including Delta Air Lines, Nike and United Parcel Service, have underperformed in 2025, losing as much as 35% of their value since the beginning of the year. In some cases, the stock price reflected struggles the companies had growing profits. Using LSEG data, CNBC Pro screened for a list of S & P 500 companies with lackluster earnings and stock price growth this year, despite solid endorsements. The companies met the following criteria as of Nov. 21: Earnings per share and net income fell at least 10% over the past 12 months Stock dropped in year-to-date period Consensus buy rating Delta Air Lines The airline has suffered service disruptions due to air traffic control and staffing shortages as well as extreme weather events this year, impacting its results. Delta ‘s net income has dropped 25% over the past year, while its stock has fallen 3.2% in the year-to-date period, as of last Friday. Nike The sportswear retailer earnings per shares have fallen 42% over the past 12 months as net income dropped 43.5%. Nike has seen mounting competition from shoe brands such as Hoka and had inventory and pricing issues, among other difficulties. Nike ‘s stock was down 17% in 2025, through Friday. United Parcel Service The delivery and logistics firm’s earnings per share have declined 13.4%, hurt by sluggish shipping volume. Net income is down 13.8%. UPS ‘ stock has also plunged about 25% since the beginning of the year through Friday.
