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March 22nd - A new round of refined oil price adjustments will take place in China at midnight on March 23rd. According to Longzhong Information, the expected increase is around 2000 yuan/ton. For a 70-liter fuel tank, filling up a car will cost approximately 106 yuan more. For a 50-liter tank, the increase is expected to be around 75 yuan more. This will mark the fifth consecutive price increase this year, potentially the largest increase this year. However, the final adjustment amount will depend on the official data released by the National Development and Reform Commission that evening.On March 22, Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po stated that during his recent visit to Beijing, he met with several central government ministries and financial regulatory agencies. They engaged in in-depth discussions on the macroeconomic situation, the current state and development of the financial market, and how Hong Kong can better play its role in the new phase of the nations 15th Five-Year Plan. Chan and his delegation deeply appreciated the concern, understanding, and support shown by the various ministries and agencies for Hong Kongs situation. They also realized the need for a more accurate understanding of the nations development direction, key areas, and strategies in order for Hong Kong to accelerate its integration into and serve the overall national development strategy, and to maximize its own advantages.On March 22, Premier Li Qiang attended the opening ceremony of the China Development Forum Annual Meeting 2026 in Beijing and delivered a keynote speech. Li Qiang stated that Chinas competitive advantages in related industries are not achieved through subsidies or protection, but rather stem from persistent efforts to deepen reforms and promote innovation-driven development. Most importantly, it comes from the hard work and dedication of the Chinese people and enterprises. While we oppose disorderly and irrational cutthroat competition, under market economy conditions, healthy competition can unleash greater development momentum. China will continue to strive to maintain a fair and competitive market order and is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with all parties to jointly promote the stability and security of global supply chains.On March 22, Premier Li Qiang attended the opening ceremony of the China Development Forum Annual Meeting 2026 in Beijing and delivered a keynote speech. Li Qiang stated that protectionism is not a panacea for problems. We should uphold the spirit of openness and pioneering, expand free trade, and actively promote innovation. Chinas imports and exports are conducted within a rules-based framework of fair trade. China will unswervingly promote high-level opening-up, import more high-quality foreign goods, and work with all parties to promote the optimized and balanced development of trade, jointly expanding the global economic and trade pie.On March 22, Pan Gongsheng, Governor of the Peoples Bank of China, stated at the China Development Forum 2026 that the bank will continue to implement a moderately loose monetary policy. The bank will comprehensively utilize various monetary policy tools, including the reserve requirement ratio, policy interest rates, and open market operations, to maintain ample liquidity.

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.