What do you guys make of this backlash like the DEI push back there has been. What does that look like from where you sit. I think there's this sort of lack of desire to have um you know formulas and regulations around some of this.But if you talk to most CEOs and boards, they're doing things because it's the right thing to do. So I think it's still really happening in the background. It's just probably lost a little bit of sort of like the steam and sort of the outward push that that that folks are being f ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolving values and challenges faced by elite universities in the U.S., particularly in the context of social equity, diversity, and the impact of public perception on their operations and policies [1][9][18]. Group 1: Elite University Values - Elite universities are seen as breeding grounds for a certain set of values, often criticized for fostering a sense of superiority without practical utility [1][9]. - The article highlights the importance of optimism, kindness, and wisdom among professors and students, which contribute to a culture of intellectual freedom and social equality [1][2][8]. - The narrative emphasizes the role of educators and community members in shaping a supportive environment for international students and those from diverse backgrounds [2][3][8]. Group 2: Challenges and Public Perception - The public's perception of elite universities has been influenced by discussions around privilege and access, particularly in relation to admissions processes that may favor affluent students [9][10]. - The article points out the complexities of addressing income inequality and resource allocation in education, noting that standardized testing has been a contentious issue in admissions policies [9][10]. - There is a growing concern about the impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which, while well-intentioned, can lead to operational challenges and misunderstandings among different cultural groups within the academic community [10][11][12]. Group 3: Societal Impact and Future Directions - The article discusses the broader societal implications of funding cuts to research projects focused on marginalized communities, which can hinder progress in addressing critical social issues [15][16]. - It highlights the tension between maintaining academic freedom and navigating the political landscape, particularly in light of recent governmental actions that threaten funding for research related to diversity and inclusion [14][15][16]. - The conclusion reflects on the resilience of academic values amidst external pressures, emphasizing the need for trust and patience from the public to support the mission of higher education institutions [18].

“It's really annoying when a video game gets interrupted by some DEI woke bullshit.”Elon Muskhttps://t.co/kgkYgdxmmV ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, BlackRock achieved record total net inflows of $641 billion, with revenues, operating income, and earnings per share each growing in double digits, and margins expanded by over 280 basis points [6] - The company reported a 6% organic base fee growth in the first quarter of 2025, marking the best start to a year since 2021 [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has seen strong momentum across its various business lines, benefiting from a structural growth strategy that resonates with secular strengths despite market volatility [6][11] - BlackRock's depth and quality of client relationships have strengthened, contributing to its growth and ability to capture market share during periods of portfolio reconstruction [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that the current market disruption is different from past shocks, with no systemic risk present, and emphasized that clients still seek long-term growth investments [9][10] - BlackRock highlighted ongoing macro trends such as artificial intelligence and global infrastructure demand as formative investment opportunities [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction and Industry Competition - BlackRock's strategy focuses on maintaining strong connections with clients globally while delivering tailored solutions that meet individual client needs [3][4] - The company is enhancing its private markets and technology offerings to better assist clients in navigating evolving market conditions [8][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the financial system's stability and the potential for capital inflows into markets over the long term, despite near-term uncertainties [9][11] - The leadership emphasized the importance of long-term investment strategies and the need to help clients understand risks and make informed choices [69] Other Important Information - The company is committed to providing a diverse range of investment choices to clients, reflecting its fiduciary duty to serve client interests [39][40] - BlackRock's approach to climate-related risks is based on its role as a fiduciary, focusing on helping clients navigate investment risks rather than engineering specific outcomes [56][57] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: Where is BlackRock in dissolving ESG and DEI and similar programs? - Management reiterated that their role is to serve as fiduciaries to clients, offering a range of investment choices that include both sustainable strategies and traditional investments [39][40] Question: How does BlackRock view its responsibility to political neutrality? - Management emphasized that their agenda is to maximize returns for clients, maintaining a long-term fiduciary approach that resonates with client needs [43][44] Question: Why does BlackRock give shares to executives and directors? - The compensation committee stated that equity awards align the interests of executives and directors with those of shareholders, and they monitor dilution carefully [52][53] Question: How can BlackRock support fossil fuel companies while addressing climate risks? - The investment stewardship team clarified that BlackRock's role is to help clients navigate investment risks and opportunities, not to direct corporate strategies [56][58] Question: What factors does BlackRock consider for investing in crypto assets? - Management explained that after extensive research, they believe crypto assets can play a role in portfolios, and they are committed to educating investors about the associated risks [60][62] Question: Is BlackRock prepared for potential recession scenarios? - Management expressed confidence in the U.S. economy's current state and highlighted ongoing macro trends that support long-term growth despite short-term uncertainties [66][68]

Target's former chief diversity officer is weighing in on the backlash the retailer has faced over its rollback of DEI policies. Caroline Wanga, who left Target in 2020 and is now CEO of Essence, told NBC's Today show on Friday that Target "didn't walk away from DEI. They trained it.""If you do this thing right, you create a way that gives goals that can be measured to incent people into the behavior," she said. "Eventually the goal goes away because the behavior is embedded and you pick the next thing." ...

Core Viewpoint - Harvard University has renamed its Office for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging to the Office of Community and Campus Life, reflecting a strategic repositioning amid pressure from the Trump administration, which has frozen $2.2 billion in funding and demanded a review of DEI programs [1][4][6] Group 1: Institutional Changes - The renaming of the DEI office is part of a broader trend among U.S. universities and companies to reframe their diversity initiatives in response to political pressures [1][6] - Harvard's Chief Diversity Officer, Sherri Ann Charleston, has also changed her title to Chief Community and Campus Life Officer, indicating a shift in focus from broad diversity to community building and belonging [4][6] - The Trump administration's "cleansing letter" outlined demands that include the closure of all DEI programs and the appointment of government-appointed "viewpoint monitors" on campuses [4][6] Group 2: Broader Industry Trends - Many organizations are undergoing a "low-key rebranding" of their DEI initiatives, with companies like Google, Meta, and Amazon changing the titles and structures of their diversity roles [10][12] - Research indicates that while the term DEI faces scrutiny, most organizations have not significantly reduced their internal measures promoting diversity and inclusion [9][12] - A significant number of Chief Diversity Officer positions in S&P 500 companies are vacant or experiencing turnover, highlighting the challenges faced by these professionals in the current environment [13] Group 3: Strategic Implications - The shift in terminology and focus may not signify a retreat from diversity goals but rather a recalibration of strategies to navigate the current political landscape [9][14] - Institutions are beginning to adopt more systematic approaches to assess and advance inclusivity, moving from simple metrics to deeper fairness indicators [13]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Coca-Cola Company reported strong growth and sustained momentum in FY 2025 despite external challenges such as inflation and geopolitical issues [2] - The company celebrated a milestone of $30 billion brands, with half of those being organic and half acquired [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company operates approximately 200 master brands across more than 200 countries and territories, showcasing its ability to scale [4] - Coca-Cola's global workforce of over 700,000 is focused on serving consumers with beverages they love [2] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Coca-Cola's all-weather strategy aims to drive top-line revenue and deliver robust bottom-line returns, indicating a strong market presence [2] - The company continues to expand its portfolio to include healthier beverage options, with 68% of its beverage portfolio containing fewer than 100 calories per 12-ounce serving [89] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Coca-Cola is committed to being a total beverage company, focusing on innovation and digital experimentation to meet evolving consumer demands [6] - The company emphasizes sustainability goals, including improving water security, reducing packaging waste, and decreasing emissions [5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in future growth opportunities globally, despite the challenges faced [6] - The company remains focused on consumer preferences and is committed to providing a diverse portfolio of beverages [87] Other Important Information - Coca-Cola's commitment to refillable packaging remains strong, with significant investments in refillable bottling lines and new packaging options [84][85] - The company has been actively engaging in sustainability efforts, including reducing plastic waste and increasing the use of recycled materials [91] Q&A Session Summary Question: Plans to expand reusable packaging - Management confirmed ongoing focus on refillable packaging, with examples of growth in returnable glass bottles and investments in various markets [82][83] Question: Steps towards healthier beverages - Coca-Cola is dedicated to offering a diverse beverage portfolio, including low and no-calorie drinks, and has invested significantly in products with enhanced nutritional benefits [87][88] Question: Addressing plastic pollution - The company is focused on reducing plastic waste through refillables and increasing the use of recycled materials, while advocating for improved collection infrastructure [91][92] Question: Reviving retired brands like Tab - Management indicated no current plans to revive Tab but acknowledged the potential for limited runs of retired products in the future [96][97]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record revenues of $66 billion for FY 2024, an increase of 10% on an FX adjusted basis [31] - Annual net income exceeded $10 billion, translating to $14.01 per share, which is a 25% year-over-year increase [31] - Q1 2025 revenues reached $17 billion, up 8% year-over-year on an FX adjusted basis, with net income of $2.6 billion and earnings per share of $3.64 [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total billed business amounted to $1.6 trillion, driven by strong card member spending [31] - The company acquired 13 million new proprietary card members in 2024, reflecting strong demand for premium fee-based products [31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company continues to see consistent spending trends among its premium customer base, despite economic uncertainties [36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on four strategic imperatives: expanding leadership in the premium consumer space, strengthening its position in commercial payments, enhancing its global integrated network, and building its unique global position [31] - The company aims to drive sustained growth by delivering on its brand promise and innovating for customers [33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's positioning to build on its strong foundation and drive sustained growth [33] - The company acknowledges the ongoing economic forces but believes it is too early to predict their impact on customer spending [36] Other Important Information - The company celebrated its 175th year in business, highlighting its journey of innovation and transformation [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the Compensation Committee use the compensation actually paid total compensation figures in its calculation of the CEO target total compensation award for the upcoming year? - The company refers shareholders to its pay versus performance disclosures and the Board's process for determining annual compensation [28] Question: Would Amex consider adopting a guarantee of nondiscriminatory advertising policies? - The company stated it does not employ discriminatory practices and complies with all required laws [28] Question: Does the company see AXP credit card customers pulling back on big ticket purchases? - Management noted consistent spending trends among premium customers and stated it is too early to predict future impacts [36] Question: Will deglobalization and anti-American sentiment affect the company's strategy? - Management confirmed that these factors do not change the company's strategy, emphasizing its strong value proposition and global partnerships [38]

NEW YORK, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) between August 26, 2022 and November 19, 2024, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important April 1, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased Target common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2024, total revenue was $412.8 million, reflecting a growth of 5.9% compared to $389.9 million in Q4 2023 [30] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2024 was $171.8 million, a 2.5% increase from $167.6 million in the prior year [30] - Adjusted diluted EPS for Q4 2024 was $2.58, representing a 10.7% increase compared to Q4 2023 [31] - For the fiscal year 2024, total revenue increased by 2.8% to $1,401.7 million, and adjusted EBITDA grew by 2.3% to $493.5 million [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Tech & Shopping segment returned to nearly 10% growth in 2024 after a decline of 25% over the previous two years [16] - Gaming & Entertainment has been a mid-single-digit grower for several years, with good growth expected to continue [17] - Health & Wellness and Connectivity segments experienced slow to nominal growth in 2024, but are expected to return to robust growth rates [18] - Advertising and performance marketing revenue grew by 10.6% in Q4 2024, while subscription and licensing revenue grew approximately 1% [37][39] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net advertising revenue retention rate of approximately 92% for Q4 2024, a significant improvement from the previous year [38] - The average quarterly revenue per advertiser exceeded $135,000 in Q4 2024, significantly higher than the comparable Q4 2023 metric [38] - Total subscription and licensing customers increased to 3.65 million, with an average quarterly revenue per customer of $40.44 [40] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transitioning from two to five reportable segments to provide greater transparency into business performance [11] - The new segments include Technology & Shopping, Gaming & Entertainment, Health & Wellness, and Connectivity, with a focus on profitability and growth [12][13] - The company plans to maintain an active capital allocation strategy, with a focus on M&A opportunities and stock repurchases [45][81] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2025, expecting revenue growth to accelerate from 2.8% in 2024 to a midpoint of 5% [11] - The company anticipates improved performance in Tech & Shopping and Health & Wellness segments, alongside continued growth in Gaming & Entertainment and Connectivity [47] - Management acknowledged macroeconomic factors but noted a benign environment in 2024, with expectations for stability in 2025 [70] Other Important Information - The company reported a free cash flow of over $283 million for 2024, with Q4 2024 free cash flow nearly doubling compared to Q4 2023 [55] - The company has significant leverage capacity, with gross leverage at 1.8 times trailing twelve months adjusted EBITDA [41] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the macro environment and advertising growth - Management noted a strong Q4 for advertising growth, with expectations for mid-single-digit growth in 2025, despite planned reductions in B2B revenue [60][64] Question: Capital allocation and M&A focus - Management confirmed an active M&A pipeline and a focus on leveraging cash and borrowing capacity for potential acquisitions [73][81] Question: Health & Wellness business outlook - Management expressed confidence in the Health & Wellness segment, anticipating a return to historic growth rates in 2025 despite current challenges [100][105] Question: Updates on licensing and AI impacts - Management emphasized the importance of fair licensing agreements and noted that AI overviews have not significantly impacted click-through rates [89][91]