This story was originally published on Supply Chain Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Supply Chain Dive newsletter. J.M. Smucker Co. is restructuring its supply chain leadership team as part of a slew of executive changes meant to support its long-term growth, according to a Feb. 10 press release. The Jif peanut butter maker will eliminate the chief operating officer position, with COO John Brase having left the company, according to the release. Brase previously ove ...

Market Overview - Recent market trends show rotation across multiple sectors, with a focus on investment opportunities ahead of the holiday season. Minsheng Securities reports that the market is expected to experience a mild tug-of-war between bulls and bears, with regulatory bodies prioritizing stable operations. Historical data indicates that the week before the Spring Festival is an optimal time for A-share investments, likely shifting market focus towards small and medium-sized growth stocks [2][4]. Sector Performance - The steel sector has shown strong performance, with companies like Baodi Mining and Dazhong Mining hitting their daily price limits. Baodi Mining's stock price reached 8.71 yuan per share, with a closing increase of 9.97% [5][6][8]. - Analysts suggest that rare metals are entering a new cycle of prosperity, driven by global supply chain restructuring and the rise of emerging industries. This positions rare metals as critical resources for energy transition and high-end manufacturing [4]. Company Developments - Baodi Mining has completed the acquisition of an 82% stake in Congling Energy, enhancing its iron ore resource base by approximately 21.75%, bringing total resources to about 460 million tons. This acquisition is expected to improve the company's operational capabilities significantly [8]. - The steel industry is also benefiting from favorable news, with expectations for structural opportunities as the market evolves. Analysts predict that by 2026, the steel sector may see a reduction in internal competition, leading to improved profitability in the special steel segment [9]. Banking Sector Insights - The banking sector has shown signs of recovery, with several banks, including Qingdao Bank and Zijin Bank, experiencing stock price increases. Analysts from Zhongjin Company believe that the focus on bank performance will be a key theme for the year, with high-growth banks expected to see their valuations rise above 1 times book value [10][11].

Core Viewpoint - Nike is laying off 775 workers at U.S. distribution centers as part of its strategy to accelerate automation and restructure supply chain operations [1][2][3] Group 1: Layoff Details - The layoffs will primarily affect distribution centers in Tennessee and Mississippi, focusing on warehouse and fulfillment roles [1][2] - The company has not disclosed the total number of employees at its U.S. distribution centers [2] - A major distribution hub in Memphis, which serves as a primary supply chain operation for national shipping, employed up to 1,900 workers as of April 2020 [2][3] Group 2: Strategic Initiatives - Nike aims to strengthen and streamline operations to enhance speed, discipline, and service to athletes and consumers [2] - The company is accelerating the use of advanced technology and automation while investing in the skills needed for future operations [2] - Nike is one of the world's largest suppliers of athletic shoes and apparel, with revenue exceeding $46 billion last year [3]

Core Insights - Stellantis is a significant player in the global automotive industry, formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group, producing vehicles under various brands like Jeep, Ram, and Peugeot [1] - Goldman Sachs initiated coverage of Stellantis with a Neutral rating, setting the stock price at $9.87 [1][6] Supply Chain Strategy - Stellantis is actively reshaping its supply chain, engaging in a potential liability-restructuring deal with Italian steel-component maker CLN-Coils Lamiere Nastri, which may allow banks to recover about half of their original exposure [2] - The company has agreed to pay more on its Italian supply contracts than previously negotiated, indicating a commitment to maintaining a strong relationship with CLN, a crucial supplier for its production [3] Stock Performance - Stellantis' stock price has increased by 6.93%, with a recent change of $0.64, reflecting market volatility [4][6] - The stock has fluctuated between $9.59 and $9.96 in a single day, with a yearly high of $14.28 and a low of $8.39, indicating significant price movement [4] - The market capitalization of Stellantis is approximately $28.51 billion, with a trading volume of 20.04 million shares, showcasing its substantial market presence [5]

Core Points - President Trump's new tariffs aim to reduce reliance on foreign partners and strengthen U.S. manufacturing, particularly in pharmaceuticals and heavy trucks [1][3][11] - The tariffs include a 100% tariff on branded and patented pharmaceuticals unless companies build plants in the U.S., a 50% tariff on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, a 30% tariff on upholstered furniture, and a 25% tariff on heavy trucks built outside the U.S. [4][6] Industry Impact - The tariffs are expected to create short-term disruptions in pricing and supply but may open new opportunities for domestic products, particularly in regions like South Florida [7] - There is potential for increased demand for locally sourced products, which could accelerate growth and job creation in the U.S. [8] Strategic Goals - The tariffs are designed to encourage domestic investment and build up U.S. capabilities, addressing gaps in the supply chain [9] - The administration emphasizes that there will be no tariffs for companies that invest in building facilities in the U.S. [9] National Security Considerations - Heavy trucks are highlighted as critical for national security, with concerns about the ability to convert truck capacity for military needs [11] - The administration's approach is framed as a restructuring of the international trade environment, aiming to bring significant investment back to the U.S. [11]

Core Viewpoint - Mettler-Toledo International reported strong Q2 2025 results, exceeding consensus expectations for both adjusted earnings per share and revenue despite facing challenges from tariffs, uneven demand, and rising costs [1][5][12] Financial Performance - Adjusted EPS (non-GAAP) was $10.09, surpassing the analyst estimate of $9.60, marking a 4.6% year-over-year increase [2][5] - GAAP revenue reached $983.2 million, exceeding the consensus of $957.6 million, reflecting a 3.8% year-over-year growth [2][5] - GAAP gross margin decreased to 59.0% from 59.7% in the prior year, while adjusted operating margin fell to 28.8% from 30.0% [2][6] - Net earnings (GAAP) declined to $202.3 million from $221.8 million year-over-year, a decrease of 8.8% [2][6] Business Overview - Mettler-Toledo International specializes in precision instruments for laboratory, industrial, and food retail applications, serving a diverse customer base including pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and food producers [3][4] - The company emphasizes maintaining market leadership through innovation and diversification across geographies and customer types [4] Strategic Developments - The company is focusing on supply chain restructuring to reduce exposure to tariffs and manufacturing costs, with an anticipated annualized tariff cost reduction from $115 million to $60 million [6][10] - R&D spending increased to $49.3 million, representing 5.0% of sales, aimed at developing new laboratory instruments and enhancing product offerings [7][8] Outlook - The company raised its full-year adjusted EPS forecast for fiscal 2025 to $42.10–$42.60, reflecting a 2–4% increase from the prior year [12] - Local currency sales are projected to grow 1–2% for fiscal 2025, with Q3 expectations of 3–4% growth [12] - Management plans to implement additional pricing actions and continue supply chain reforms to protect profit margins [13]

Core Insights - The global new energy vehicle (NEV) battery installation volume is expected to grow by 22% year-on-year in 2024, with Chinese manufacturers surpassing a 70% market share [2][4] - CATL leads the market with a 38% share, followed by BYD at 18%, benefiting from strong domestic demand and export expansion [2][4] - The shift in battery structure is influenced by the rising share of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which increased from 30% in 2023 to 37% in 2024, impacting overall average battery capacity [4] Market Dynamics - The decline in market share for LG Energy Solution, Panasonic, and SK Innovation is attributed to weak demand in Europe and the US, delays in new factory launches, and reduced orders from traditional automakers [2] - CALB is the only second-tier manufacturer maintaining stable momentum amidst these challenges [2] Battery Capacity Trends - Despite an increase in average battery capacity for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), the overall average battery capacity for NEVs decreased by 1% due to the higher proportion of PHEVs [4] - PHEVs are particularly popular in regions with underdeveloped charging infrastructure, such as Europe and China [4] Supply Chain Adjustments - Upcoming tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and battery components in Europe and the US are prompting a restructuring of global supply chains [4] - Automakers are shifting production to Mexico, the southeastern US, India, and Indonesia to avoid high import costs, while reevaluating their strategies for battery, power system, and chip production [4] Analyst Perspectives - Counterpoint analysts emphasize that China's battery advantages now extend beyond cost to include scale, execution, and industry integration [2] - Policy pressures are forcing automakers to rethink production layouts, with localized and flexible supply chains becoming crucial for the future [4]