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The Ukrainian military says it attacked an oil refinery in Russia’s Saratov region last night.On March 21, He Lifeng, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, met with executives from renowned multinational corporations including HSBC, UBS, Louis Dreyfus, Siemens Healthineers, Schneider Electric, Rio Tinto, Prudential, Investor Services, Standard Chartered, Syzygium, and T.C. Pharmaceutical Industries at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. He Lifeng stated that Chinas economy is currently progressing steadily and towards new and better development. During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, China will unswervingly expand high-level opening-up and promote high-quality development, which will create broader market opportunities for multinational corporations. He welcomed multinational corporations to increase their investment in China and continuously deepen mutually beneficial cooperation.On March 21, a spokesperson for the Hatem Anbia Central Headquarters of the Iranian Armed Forces stated that the United States and Israel are now targeting private vessels and passenger transport in the Persian Gulf. The Iranian Armed Forces warned the US and Israel that if such actions occur again, Iran will take strong and reciprocal retaliatory action.On March 21, local time, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a statement saying that at 3:45 a.m. that day, Irans new air defense system struck down Israels third F-16 fighter jet in central Iran. It is claimed that in the first three weeks of the conflict, Iran successfully intercepted and destroyed more than 200 aircraft, including drones, cruise missiles, refueling aircraft, and top-tier fighter jets.On March 21st, HSBC stated that the Federal Reserve maintained its policy rate at 3.50%-3.75% at its March meeting, hinting at a "wait-and-see" approach. Persistent inflation and rising geopolitical risks have created uncertainty for the Fed. We maintain our previous view that the Fed will keep rates unchanged in 2026 and 2027. Inflation risks have increased, particularly due to soaring energy prices, while labor market risks have slightly decreased. Energy price volatility and geopolitical risks should continue to support safe-haven demand and a stronger dollar.

Costco Margins Are Impacted by Growing Freight And Labor Expenses, And The Stock Price Falls

Charlie Brooks

May 27, 2022 09:50

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Costco Wholesale Corp (NASDAQ:COST) announced a decline in gross margins on Thursday, impacted by rising freight and labor expenses across the United States. The news sent shares of the membership-only retailer down 2% and overshadowed an otherwise positive quarterly report.


Fresh COVID-19 lockdowns in China and the Russia-Ukraine conflict have compounded the problem for U.S. businesses.


Costco announced that it would increase prices in certain food categories in order to battle inflation.


Retailers such as Walmart (NYSE:WMT) Inc and Target Corp (NYSE:TGT) have warned that decades-high inflation will have a negative impact on their earnings, as shoppers hesitate from purchasing non-essential and high-margin goods.


The average Costco buyer earns more than the average Walmart and Target shopper, allowing Costco to generate quarterly earnings and revenue that easily exceeds expectations.


Memberships and sales have been boosted by the company's efforts to keep gas prices several cents below the national average.


Costco, in contrast to Walmart, reported that there has not been a significant shift from branded products to its private label product, Kirkland Signature.


"We aren't really observing a decline in commerce. This year, more money is being spent on tickets, dining out, travel, tires, and gasoline "In a post-earnings conference call, Robert Nelson, senior vice president of finance and investor relations, said.


Costco's gross margins decreased by 99 basis points in the third quarter.


According to data from Refinitiv IBES, Costco's total sales for the quarter ending May 8 increased by 16 percent to $52.60 billion, surpassing analysts' projections of $51.71 billion.


Excluding adjustments, Costco's earnings per share were $3.17, exceeding analysts' expectations of $3.03.