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Microsoft (MSFT.O) shares closed up 15.5% on Thursday, marking the companys fourth-largest single-day gain and the largest single-day market capitalization increase in U.S. stock history. Investors welcomed its strong earnings report, breaking the recent generally sluggish market sentiment towards artificial intelligence-related companies. The stocks year-to-date decline narrowed to 5.8% from approximately 19.3% at Wednesdays close. Data analysis shows that this surge added $450 billion to Microsofts market capitalization, surpassing Nvidias $440 billion single-day gain on April 9, 2025, becoming the largest market capitalization increase in U.S. stock history.US President Trump: The Peace Committee has reached a historic agreement to completely disarm Hamas and all other armed groups in Gaza.Conflict Situation: 1. Russian Ministry of Defense: Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine from the evening of the 29th to the early morning of the 30th. 2. Ukrainian officials: Russian missile and drone attacks killed at least eight people overnight. 3. Sources say the Russian Riyazan oil refinery ceased operations on Wednesday due to a drone attack. 4. Ukrainian military: The commander of the Ukrainian drone force stated that Ukrainian troops hit four Russian oil tankers in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. 5. Market news: Sources say Ukraine launched a drone attack on Russias Lukoil Perm oil refinery on Wednesday, causing a fire. 6. Market news: Agricultural market sources say a Ukrainian drone attacked a grain export terminal at the Russian port of Taman, causing significant damage. 7. According to CGTN: Local power plant officials stated that a drone belonging to the Ukrainian armed forces attempted to attack critical infrastructure at the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant. 8. Russian Ministry of Defense: Russia seized Chernyshevka in the Donetsk region, Malaslobidka and Mokhlitsia in the Sumy region, and Yurchenkov in the Kharkiv region. 9. Ukrainian President Zelensky: Kyiv and several other locations were attacked overnight. Russia used over 70 missiles and more than 280 attack drones in the attack. Over 260 drones were intercepted. Other developments: 1. Russia extends fuel export ban for 6 months. 2. Polish Prime Minister Tusk: Poland may consider providing Patriot missile interceptors to Ukraine. 3. Central Bank of Ukraine: Russian attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure will result in a $2.5 billion loss of foreign exchange earnings. 4. EU: Has allocated €3.47 billion to Ukraine; the latest funds will be used for drones, missiles, air defense systems, and fighter jets. 5. Ukrainian President Zelensky: Signed a decree appointing Oleksiy Sobolev as Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Office. 6. Latvian Ministry of Defense: Representatives of Ukraine and Latvia signed a memorandum of understanding in Riga on cooperation in the development, production, and testing of unmanned systems. 7. Market news: Sources say Russian oil exports through western ports in July are expected to decline by about 4% compared to June, as the Ukrainian attacks reduced shipments to the Black Sea.Vale (VALE.N) expects its nickel production to be between 185,000 and 200,000 tons in 2026, up from its previous forecast of 175,000 to 200,000 tons.Vale (VALE.N) expects its copper production to be between 360,000 and 380,000 tons in 2026, up from its previous forecast of 350,000 to 380,000 tons.

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.