Stronger dollar hurts Costco earnings

Warehouse-club operator Costco Wholesale Corp. said Thursday fiscal first-quarter profit was nearly flat, as consumers pulled back on spending except for necessities such as food while the stronger dollar hurt international sales.

By Chris Katje: Retailer Costco (COST) saw its shares hit an all time high Wednesday of $104.43 after reporting fourth quarter and full fiscal year earnings. The retailer beat analysts' targets across the board for earnings and revenue for both time periods.

Zacks.com submits: Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST), one of the leading U.S.

By Trefis: Costco (COST) continued its revenue growth in fiscal Q2 2013 driven by higher membership fees, new membership signups and food price inflation. Interestingly, its customers were not impacted too much by the payroll tax increase since the retailer caters to middle-upper income and upper income demographics. The retailer’s revenues and comparable store sales increased by 8% and 5% respectively during the quarter.

Tom Lydon submits: Despite a dip in jobless claims, strong retail sales, rising factory orders and a spate of positive earnings reports, stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) turned negative at the market’s open.

Chuck Carnevale submits:Headquartered in Issaquah, Washington, Costco (COST) reported fiscal year fourth quarter earnings Wednesday that beat street estimates only to see its shares slide. Although earnings were two cents better than estimated, revenues came in a little short. So far, the media is attributing Wednesday’s stock slide to the revenue miss and slightly slower September sales growth.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is reporting a flat first-quarter profit as revenue was hurt by the stronger dollar.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is reporting a flat first-quarter profit as revenue was hurt by the stronger dollar....