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The SC crude oil futures contract hit its daily limit again, rising 13.99% to 641.1 yuan per barrel, after previously narrowing its gains to 5.64%.On March 4th, a research team at Natixis stated that under their baseline scenario, oil prices are likely to trade around $80 per barrel in the short term due to Irans limited ability to continue disrupting Middle Eastern oil flows. The team noted that current US and Israeli military actions against Iran are primarily focused on military and air transport facilities. Although Iran attacked a Saudi oil refinery and a Qatari liquefied natural gas facility earlier this week, there has been no substantial disruption to overall energy supplies. The report stated, "There are currently no significant disruptions to oil supply, only short-term disturbances in transport via the Strait of Hormuz."Iranian Foreign Ministry: German advisors are pressuring EU countries to conspire in acts of aggression against us.On March 4th, Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda stated that the central bank will continue raising interest rates if the economic and price outlook aligns with its expectations, while closely monitoring the impact of the Middle East conflict. Speaking in parliament, Ueda said that developments in the Middle East could significantly impact the global and Japanese economies through rising energy costs and financial market volatility. "Rising oil prices will worsen Japans terms of trade and drag down the economy, which in turn could put downward pressure on underlying inflation." However, he added that if oil price increases continue, they could also push up underlying inflation by raising medium- to long-term inflation expectations for households and businesses. When asked about the recent depreciation of the yen, he said the Bank of Japan is analyzing "very cautiously" how exchange rate fluctuations will affect current and future price trends.On March 4th, Daiwa Research reported that it expects Baidus (09888.HK) Kunlun Chip IPO valuation to be higher than its peers due to its larger revenue scale and better profitability. Currently, Kunlun Chip derives most of its revenue from external demand, with major clients including Tencent and a large telecommunications operator. Management stated that chip production capacity constraints are not a short-term concern for the company, as Kunlun Chip has secured sufficient supply to support development over the next two years. The bank reiterated its "Buy" rating on Baidu with a target price of HK$175 and maintained its earnings forecasts for this year and next. Recent catalysts include the Kunlun Chip listing and details of the 2026 dividend plan.

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.