Core Viewpoint - NIKE, Inc. is facing challenges in its growth trajectory, particularly due to dependence on the Chinese market and declining sales, but analysts believe its path to profitable growth remains intact despite recent setbacks [2][3]. Group 1: Financial Performance - RBC Capital Markets has lowered its price target for NIKE to $78 from $85 while maintaining an Outperform rating, indicating confidence in the company's long-term growth potential [2]. - NIKE's footwear sales in China have declined by 20% in the fiscal second quarter, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of decline in a previously strong market [5]. - Despite an 8%–10% cut in earnings estimates, RBC still anticipates approximately $3 in earnings per share (EPS) by FY28 [2]. Group 2: Market Challenges - The company's reliance on China for manufacturing, which accounts for roughly 18% of its footwear production, has become a significant concern as the relationship has historically been beneficial [3]. - The pressure from Greater China, weakness at Converse, and US tariffs are negatively impacting NIKE's margins [2]. - Outsourced manufacturing has led to issues such as technology transfer and brand dilution, with Nike shoes being among the most counterfeited globally [4]. Group 3: Investment Sentiment - Recent share price declines have brought NIKE's valuation closer to historical averages, and insider buying activity is seen as a positive indicator for potential recovery [2].

Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW) is included among the 14 Best Dividend Growth Stocks to Buy and Hold in 2026. Valuation Limits Upside for Illinois Tool Works (ITW), Goldman Says Photo by Vitaly Taranov on Unsplash On December 16, Goldman Sachs downgraded Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW) to Sell from Neutral and cut its price target to $230 from $258. The analyst described the company as well-run but said the shares offer limited upside from current levels. Goldman also sees modest downside risk t ...

Company Overview - O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. (ORLY) has a market cap of $76.3 billion and is a leading retailer and supplier of automotive aftermarket parts, tools, equipment, and accessories across the United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Canada [1] - The company offers a wide range of products and services for both do-it-yourself and professional automotive repair, including maintenance items, accessories, professional tools, and enhanced programs such as battery testing, recycling, and custom hydraulic hose services [1] Financial Performance - O'Reilly Automotive is set to announce its fiscal Q4 2025 results soon, with analysts predicting an EPS of $0.72, representing a 9.1% increase from $0.66 in the same quarter last year [2] - For fiscal 2025, analysts forecast an EPS of $2.97, an 8.4% growth from $2.74 in fiscal 2024, and an anticipated increase of 11.1% year-over-year to $3.30 in fiscal 2026 [3] Recent Earnings and Stock Performance - The company reported stronger-than-expected Q3 2025 earnings of $0.85 per share and revenue of $4.71 billion, raising the lower end of its full-year revenue forecast to $17.6 billion - $17.8 billion, driven by strong demand for replacement auto parts [5] - Despite the positive earnings report, the stock fell 2.9% the following day [5] - Over the past 52 weeks, shares of O'Reilly Automotive have returned 12%, lagging behind the S&P 500 Index's 16.2% gain but outperforming the State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF's 6.8% rise [4] Analyst Ratings - Analysts maintain a bullish consensus view on ORLY stock, with a "Strong Buy" rating overall; among 28 analysts, 21 recommend "Strong Buy," three give "Moderate Buy," and four indicate "Hold" [6] - The average analyst price target for O'Reilly Automotive is $112.08, suggesting a potential upside of nearly 24% from current levels [6]

Core Viewpoint - Nike has faced significant challenges in maintaining investor confidence, with stock prices declining substantially over the past three years, yet there is optimism for recovery based on brand strength and management focus [1][3]. Company Performance - Nike's stock has fallen 14% over the past 52 weeks and nearly 50% over the last three years due to slowing demand in China and tariff-related issues [1][3]. - The company's market capitalization is approximately $93.5 billion, with shares dropping 17% in the last six months and 15% in the last three months [5]. Insider Transactions - Tim Cook, CEO of Apple and a Nike director, purchased about 50,000 shares, increasing his stake by approximately 90% [2]. - Board member Robert Holmes Swan bought around 8,700 shares, raising his position by 24% [2]. - Nike CEO Elliott Hill acquired nearly 16,400 shares in a $1 million transaction, increasing his stake by over 7% [2]. Valuation Metrics - Nike's stock trades at 40.5 times forward adjusted earnings and 2 times sales, both exceeding industry averages, indicating a premium valuation [6]. - The company has consistently rewarded shareholders, increasing its dividend for 24 consecutive years, currently paying $1.64 annually, yielding 2.57% [6].

Earnings Release Date – Wednesday, February 4, 2026, after 3:30 p.m. Central TimeConference Call Date – Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Central Time SPRINGFIELD, Mo., Jan. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. (the “Company” or “O’Reilly”) (Nasdaq: ORLY), a leading retailer in the automotive aftermarket industry, announces the release date for its fourth quarter and full-year 2025 results as Wednesday, February 4, 2026, with a conference call to follow on Thursday, February 5, 202 ...

Core Insights - SGA's U.S. Large Cap Growth Strategy reported a portfolio return of -1.3% (Gross) and -1.4% (Net) in Q3, underperforming the Russell 1000 Growth Index which returned 10.5% and the S&P 500 Index which returned 8.1% [1] - The investment strategy focuses on high-quality growth businesses expected to achieve consistent mid-teens earnings growth, but faced challenges as lower-quality stocks and cyclical industries outperformed in the market [1] Company Analysis: NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) - NIKE, Inc. is recognized as an iconic sportswear brand that promotes a healthier lifestyle through its innovative products, which include athletic and casual footwear, apparel, and accessories [3] - The stock of NIKE, Inc. experienced a one-month return of -3.01% and a 52-week decline of 13.52%, closing at $63.71 per share with a market capitalization of $94.176 billion on December 31, 2025 [2] - NIKE's pricing power is supported by its strong brand and technology, with a robust supply chain that gives it an advantage over competitors, who have lower margins and would be more adversely affected by price wars [3] - The company benefits from repeatable revenues, with 65% of sales coming from shoes, a category known for customer loyalty, and is experiencing mid-single-digit revenue growth in developed markets, while growth in emerging markets is even faster due to increased sports participation and e-commerce sales [3]

An improving earnings profile, aggressive buybacks, and a renewed focus on margins might be changing how long-term investors think about this healthcare distributor.Chicago-based Zuckerman Investment Group disclosed a purchase of 72,040 additional shares of Henry Schein (HSIC +0.28%) in a November 13 SEC filing, increasing its stake by approximately $3.38 million from the previous period.What HappenedAccording to a November 13 SEC filing, Zuckerman Investment Group increased its holding in Henry Schein (HSI ...

Core Viewpoint - NIKE, Inc. is considered one of the best quality stocks to buy before 2026, despite a share price decline of over 10.8% following its fiscal Q2 2026 earnings release, with a positive analyst consensus indicating a potential upside of more than 31% from current levels [1][2]. Financial Performance - NIKE, Inc. reported a revenue growth of 0.59% year-over-year, reaching $12.43 billion, which exceeded estimates by $218.31 million. The earnings per share (EPS) of $0.53 also surpassed expectations by $0.16 [2]. - The company's gross profit margins declined by 300 basis points, and sales in China fell by 17%, contributing to a negative investor sentiment [2]. Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Following the earnings release, analysts from Citi and UBS reiterated a Hold rating on NIKE, Inc., with both lowering their price targets from $70 to $65 and from $71 to $65, respectively [3]. - Analyst Jay Sole from UBS noted that the company's turnaround is taking longer than anticipated, suggesting a need for more time to resize inventory [4]. Future Outlook - Despite current challenges, NIKE, Inc. is expected to achieve mid-single-digit percentage sales growth and approximately 10% EBIT margin over the long term [4].

Core Viewpoint - Analysts are cautious about Nike Inc.'s stock performance, with recent price target reductions indicating concerns over inconsistent recovery and future revenue outlook [1][2]. Financial Performance - Nike reported a total revenue increase of 1% year-over-year, amounting to $12.43 billion, which exceeded estimates by $218.31 million [3]. - The company achieved an EPS of $0.53, surpassing guidance by $0.16 [3]. Sales Channel Performance - There was a notable shift in sales channels, with wholesale revenues growing by 8% globally, while Nike Direct revenues declined by 9% [3]. - Nike Digital sales experienced a significant drop of 14%, contributing to the overall decline in direct sales [3]. Regional Performance - North America showed strong performance with a 9% overall revenue increase, driven by a 24% surge in wholesale growth [4]. - In contrast, Greater China faced challenges, with revenue decreasing by 16% and Nike Digital sales dropping by 36% [4]. - Other international regions also reported declines, with EMEA revenue down 1% and APLA revenue falling 4% [4]. Analyst Ratings - UBS analyst lowered the price target for Nike to $62 from $71, maintaining a Neutral rating [1]. - Stifel analyst cut the price target to $65 from $68 while keeping a Hold rating, citing difficulties in justifying significant stock upside due to Nike's current valuation premium [2].

Market Outlook - The S&P 500 is expected to reach new all-time highs before the end of the year, requiring a 3% increase in the final eight and a half trading sessions [1] - A significant broadening of the market is noted, with more 52-week highs and an increase in stocks above their 50-day and 200-day moving averages [1] - High-yield corporate bonds are trading less than 1% away from all-time highs, indicating that recent tech volatility is not a precursor to a broader market collapse [1] 2026 Market Theme - Broadening is anticipated to be the main theme for 2026, with recent tech weakness viewed as a standard consolidation after a record-breaking 13-day win streak [2] - Historical patterns indicate that midterm years are typically the weakest in the presidential cycle, often experiencing a 17.5% peak-to-trough correction [2] - The current bull market is in its fourth year, with historical data suggesting that bull markets of this age last an average of eight years [2] Nike Inc. (NYSE:NKE) Analysis - Nike's total revenue for FQ2 2026 increased by 1% year-over-year to $12.43 billion, exceeding estimates by $218.31 million [10] - The company reported an EPS of $0.53, beating guidance by $0.16, but faced a disappointing FQ3 outlook with a forecast for low-single-digit decline in topline [9][10] - North America showed a 9% revenue increase, driven by a 24% surge in wholesale growth, while Greater China faced a 16% revenue decline [11] Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:ONDS) Analysis - Ondas Holdings reported a more than sixfold year-over-year revenue surge to $10.1 million in Q3 2025, primarily driven by its Autonomous Systems division [15] - The company's consolidated backlog doubled to $23.3 million, with expectations to exceed $40 million by year-end, prompting a revenue target increase for 2025 to ~$36 million and an ambitious goal of ~$110 million for 2026 [15] - Analysts have a positive outlook on Ondas, with Stifel initiating coverage with a Buy rating and a $13 price target, citing its potential in the unmanned systems market [13][14]