We're here at the uh LeBron James R&D lab and it's our advanced R&D center. We opened this up in in 2020. This is really the heartbeat of our innovation.>> You've basically been at Nike more than 35 years and you were brought back to fix a few missteps. How do you try to even reinvent a company that you know so well. >> It can overwhelm you, anybody, if you try to go, hey, we got to fix everything all at once.But what I tried to do is go back to what is essential to Nike and that is putting the athlete back ...

Core Insights - Nike is refocusing on its core mission of putting athletes at the center of its strategy after experiencing significant market value loss due to previous missteps [2][16] - The company is working to clear excess inventory, particularly for its major franchises like Air Jordan 1, Air Force One, and Nike Dunk, which have seen a decline in consumer interest [3][5] - Nike is re-engaging with retail partners to boost sales after years of focusing on direct-to-consumer strategies, ensuring a thoughtful assortment of products across different retail environments [12][14] Inventory Management - Nike has been slashing prices to manage excess inventory, particularly for the Nike Dunk, which generated an estimated $4 billion in fiscal 2025 but is now being phased out [3][5] - The company acknowledges the need to improve inventory levels for its key franchises, with ongoing efforts to restore the appeal of the Dunk and Air Jordan 1 [4][5] Product Development and Innovation - Nike is launching new products, including a 4-in-1 jacket for the upcoming Olympics and a shoe for athlete Caitlyn Clark, indicating a commitment to innovation and women's sports [6][7] - The company is enhancing its competitive edge in the running category by appointing a general manager for Nike running, focusing on product quality and storytelling [10] Retail Strategy - Nike is returning to retail partnerships with stores like Macy's and DSW, aiming to present its products in a premium manner while catering to diverse consumer needs [12][14] - The strategy includes ensuring that the brand's premium image is maintained across all sales channels, whether direct or through wholesale [13] Employee Morale and Company Culture - The leadership is focused on improving employee morale by emphasizing a return to the company's foundational mission of serving athletes, which has positively impacted the workplace environment [16][17]

Core Viewpoint - Wells Fargo has raised its price target for Nike from $60 to $75, indicating a potential upside of 15% from current levels [1] Revenue Insights - The primary challenge for Nike has been the decline in sales from classic footwear lines, which is estimated to have cost around $6 billion over the past two years, but there is an expectation for stabilization moving forward [2] - Non-classic footwear has shown significant growth, with an acceleration in growth rates reaching approximately 20%, while apparel sales are also increasing [3] Consumer Behavior - There is a noticeable bifurcation in consumer spending, particularly in the U.S., with concerns about the upcoming holiday season being challenging [5] - However, early 2026 may present some positive factors, such as tax refunds and stimulus payments, which could lead to increased discretionary spending on items like sneakers and handbags [6] Product Innovation - Nike's recent product innovations, particularly in the performance running category, have been successful, contributing to improved visibility for the brand [6] Market Dynamics - The situation in China remains challenging, with a surplus of products in the marketplace and a need for strategic reevaluation. China accounts for 15% of Nike's sales, while North America represents 50%, which is performing well [8][9] - The cleanup of inventory in China is not expected to be completed until summer 2026, but this could lead to additional margin opportunities and growth in the following fiscal year [9]

We take a look at some of the movers here on Wall Street and I'm joined by Diane King Hall is with me and we're looking at Nike today also. I mean yesterday we were talking about on holdings and those those sneakers doing so well. Now we get Wells Fargo with a move on Nike today.>> Yeah, indeed. And adding more strength to Nike uh because it's been getting some love this week and certainly much needed given how shares have performed so far this year. So Wells Fargo becoming more bullish on Nike.They've upgr ...

Core Insights - Pure-play defense companies have been facing challenging margin conditions, yet recent results from leading defense contractors suggest potential improvement [1][5] - Lockheed Martin, GE Aerospace, and RTX have raised their full-year guidance, indicating a possible turnaround in the defense industry [2][10] Industry Performance - Despite a conducive end-market environment for revenue growth, leading defense contractors have underperformed the market, with RTX being the only notable outperformer due to its commercial aerospace exposure [2][3] - NATO's commitment to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, with a minimum of 3.5% annually until then, highlights the potential for increased revenue in the defense sector [2] Margin Challenges - Defense companies are experiencing stagnating or declining margins due to two main issues: supply chain crises stemming from COVID-19 and inflation affecting defense products [5][7] - Ongoing margin pressure is exacerbated by fixed-price development programs and a tougher negotiating stance from the U.S. government, the industry's primary client [7][16] Company-Specific Developments - Lockheed Martin increased its sales guidance midpoint by $250 million to $74.5 billion and operating profit by $50 million to $6.7 billion [11] - GE Aerospace raised its revenue growth expectations to high single-digit growth and increased segment operating profit midpoint by $500 million to $1.25 billion [11] - RTX increased its adjusted operating profit guidance by $163 million to $3.15 billion, driven by higher-margin international deliveries [11][13] Management Insights - GE Aerospace attributed its guidance increase to improved deliveries and material availability [12] - Lockheed Martin's CEO acknowledged the challenges in predicting risks associated with fixed-price development programs [12] - RTX management highlighted the increase in orders for core Raytheon products that can be delivered at higher margins [13] Investment Implications - While there are signs of recovery, the pressures on defense stocks may not have fully abated, suggesting a cautious approach for investors [15] - Companies like GE Aerospace, RTX, and Boeing may offer better exposure to the industry compared to pure-play defense companies [15]

Tonight, the FBI investigating a suspicious elevated stand that had a direct line of sight to President Trump exiting Air Force One at West Palm Beach International Airport. US Secret Service agents discovered the stand Thursday before the president's arrival in Florida a day later, according to a spokesperson for the agency. A senior official familiar with the investigation said the stand was about 200 yards away from an area of the airport where Air Force One normally does not park, but that the plane did ...

Core Viewpoint - Boeing is stabilizing under CEO Kelly Ortberg's leadership after years of crises, with significant progress expected to be outlined in the upcoming quarterly results report [2][4]. Financial Performance - Boeing's shares have increased by over 30% this year, indicating positive investor sentiment [2]. - Analysts anticipate that Boeing will halve its second-quarter losses compared to the previous year and expects to generate cash in the second half of the year [3][4]. Production and Delivery - Boeing's aircraft production has increased, with airplane deliveries reaching the highest level in 18 months [3]. - The FAA has capped Boeing's production at 38 Maxes per month, which the company has reached, but to increase to a target of 42, FAA approval is necessary [15]. Leadership and Culture Change - Ortberg, who was brought out of retirement, has implemented significant changes, including cost cuts and a new labor deal after a machinists' strike [6]. - Analysts note a cultural shift within Boeing, with improvements in management and production quality being recognized by airline executives [4][13]. Challenges and Future Outlook - Despite improvements, Boeing still faces challenges, including quality control issues and the need for new aircraft development [10][19]. - The defense unit has also encountered difficulties, and there is pressure to innovate with new jet designs [17][19].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4, revenues decreased by 12% on a reported basis and 11% on a currency-neutral basis [30] - Nike Direct revenues fell by 14%, with Nike Digital declining by 26% and Nike Stores increasing by 2% [30] - Gross margins declined by 440 basis points to 40.3% due to higher wholesale discounts and supply chain cost deleverage [30] - Earnings per share was $0.14, with full-year revenue down 10% on a reported basis [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In running, overall growth was high single digits, driven by the Bovero 18, which became a $100 million franchise [21] - Women's basketball business expanded over 50% this fiscal year, highlighted by the successful launch of Asia Wilson's signature collection [22] - Sportswear saw continued strength through products like P6000 and Vomero 5, while classic footwear franchises experienced significant declines [22][49] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America Q4 revenue declined by 11%, with Nike Direct down 14% and wholesale down 8% [33] - EMEA Q4 revenue declined by 10%, with Nike Direct down 19% and wholesale down 4% [35] - Greater China Q4 revenue declined by 20%, with significant challenges in traffic and inventory management [38] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a "sport offense" strategy, organizing teams by sport to drive innovation and consumer engagement [13][64] - Plans to clean up the marketplace and reposition Nike Digital as a full-price model are underway, with expectations for a healthier inventory by the end of H1 FY26 [45][50] - A new partnership with Amazon aims to expand distribution and enhance brand presence in the digital marketplace [19][96] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that Q4 results were not up to Nike's standards but expressed optimism about the impact of the WinNow actions [8][28] - The company expects headwinds to revenue and gross margin to moderate moving forward, with a clear path to recovery anticipated [29][47] - Management emphasized the importance of inspiring and innovating for consumers, aiming for sustainable growth [26][51] Other Important Information - The company is facing new tariffs that are expected to increase costs by approximately $1 billion, with plans to mitigate this impact over time [46] - Inventory remains elevated but is being managed down, with a focus on exiting H1 FY26 in a healthy position [32][50] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the accelerated actions under your sport offense realignment? - The company is organizing into sport-obsessed teams to drive innovative product flow across all brands, focusing on performance and sportswear [64][65] Question: What is the expected cadence of revenues this year? - Revenue is expected to be down mid-single digits in Q1, reflecting ongoing challenges with classic footwear franchises and inventory liquidation [72][73] Question: How is the cleanup of the marketplace progressing? - The company remains on track for a healthy marketplace by the end of H1 FY26, with significant progress in managing classic footwear franchises [78] Question: What is the impact of tariffs on Q1? - The first quarter will see a larger impact from tariffs, but the company is confident in its ability to mitigate these costs over time [80] Question: Can you discuss the competitive environment in China? - The company is working to refresh the monobrand marketplace in China, which will take time due to unique market characteristics [40][104]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4, revenues decreased by 12% on a reported basis and 11% on a currency-neutral basis [28] - Gross margins declined by 440 basis points to 40.3% due to higher wholesale discounts and supply chain cost deleverage [28] - Earnings per share was $0.14, with full-year revenue down 10% on a reported basis [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nike Direct revenues were down 14%, with Nike Digital declining 26% and Nike Stores increasing by 2% [28] - In North America, Q4 revenue declined 11%, with Nike Direct down 14% and wholesale down 8% [31] - In EMEA, Q4 revenue declined 10%, with Nike Direct down 19% and wholesale down 4% [33] - Greater China saw a 20% revenue decline, with Nike Direct down 15% and wholesale down 24% [35] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America made progress in cleaning up the marketplace, with a focus on repositioning Nike Digital as a full-price model [31] - EMEA demonstrated growth in key performance dimensions, with women's sportswear footwear returning to growth [34] - APLA experienced a 3% revenue decline, with mixed results across countries [38] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is implementing "WinNow" actions to reposition its brands and business for future growth, focusing on sport and innovation [26][27] - A new partnership with Amazon will feature a select assortment of footwear and apparel, aimed at expanding distribution [17] - The company is reorganizing into sport-focused teams to drive deeper relationships with athletes and enhance product innovation [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that Q4 results were not up to Nike's standards but expressed optimism about future improvements [7] - The company expects headwinds to revenue and gross margin to begin to moderate, with a clear path to recovery ahead [22][44] - Management emphasized the importance of inspiring and innovating for consumers, with a focus on returning to sustainable growth [25] Other Important Information - The company is facing new tariffs that are expected to increase costs by approximately $1 billion, with plans to mitigate this impact over time [42][43] - Inventory remains elevated but is being managed down, with a goal to exit the first half of fiscal 2026 in a healthy position [30][47] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the accelerated actions under your sport offense realignment? - The company is organizing into sport-obsessed teams to drive a relentless flow of innovative products across all brands, focusing on performance and sportswear [61][62] Question: What is the expected impact of tariffs in Q1? - The first quarter will see a larger impact from tariffs, but the company is confident in its ability to mitigate these over time as actions are implemented [74][77] Question: Are you expecting gross margin pressures to abate sequentially? - Margins are expected to remain under pressure in the first half of fiscal 2026, but moderation is anticipated in the second half [79][80] Question: Can you discuss the timeline for recovery in the China marketplace? - The company believes in the long-term opportunity in China and is focused on inspiring consumers, although recovery will take time due to unique market characteristics [102]

Aircraft Acquisition & Ownership - A Qatari aircraft (Boeing 747) is at the center of a potential agreement, but a memorandum of understanding (MOU) specifying terms, including responsibility for future ownership transfers, remains unsigned [1][2][3] - The MOU was initiated by the Trump administration [1] Contractual & Financial Transparency - A contract to reconfigure the aircraft has been signed with an American contractor, but the price of the contract is not being disclosed [2][3][4] - The delivery time for the contract with the American contractor is also not being disclosed, citing sensitivity [4] Air Force One Implications - Discussions about future aircraft, potentially including Air Force One, are occurring [2] - The current aircraft procurement process is lengthy, taking 7-10 years, necessitating a stop-gap alternative [5] - Public knowledge exists regarding delivery dates, costs, and overruns related to Boeing aircraft prepared for Air Force One [5][6]