Retailers Risk Multibillion-Dollar Earnings Hit Under GOP Tax Plan

A Republican proposal aimed at cutting tax rates and keeping jobs in the U.S. risks whacking the earnings of big U.S. retailers by driving up the cost of imported clothes, furniture and other goods. Among the companies whose earnings are calculated to take a hit under the so-called border-adjusted tax proposal are Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Costco Wholesale Corp., Genuine Parts Co. and Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc., analysts said. The earnings hit to six big retailers could total nearly $13 billion, according to RBC Capital Markets analyst Scot Ciccarelli, with Best Buy Co.’s annual earnings wiped out. To offset their higher tax bills, retailers would need to increase revenue by raising prices for consumers, he said. Representatives of Wal-Mart, Genuine Parts and Best Buy declined to comment. A Costco spokesman said it is too early to assess the impact of the tax proposals. Dick’s didn’t return calls for comment or respond to an email. Read more at The Wall Street Journal.