Earnings roundup: Costco, Allis-Chalmers Energy

Among the earnings stories for Wednesday, March 4, from AP Financial News:

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) _ Costco Wholesale Corp. said Wednesday that weaker sales, slimmer profit margins and the overall impact of the weak economy pushed its profit down 27 percent in the second quarter.

HOUSTON (AP) _ Oilfield-services provider Allis-Chalmers Energy Inc. on Wednesday reported a fourth-quarter loss due to goodwill impairment and fell short of Wall Street's profit target even excluding the write-down.

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) _ Financial planner and life insurer The Phoenix Cos. said Wednesday its fourth-quarter loss was $46 million, or 40 cents per share, less than earlier reported due to an accounting error for income taxes.

NEW YORK (AP) _ Weak demand for apparel and a large write-down pushed Liz Claiborne Inc. further into the red in its fourth quarter, the company reported Wednesday.

ST. LOUIS (AP) _ Brown Shoe Co. posted a fourth-quarter loss Wednesday, weighed down by charges related to layoffs, headquarters consolidation and other activities the footwear company took in response to the deteriorating economy.

ATLANTA (AP) _ EMS Technologies Inc., which makes wireless communications technology, said Wednesday its fourth-quarter profit dropped 42 percent, as higher costs offset a sales increase.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) _ BJ's Wholesale Club Inc. reported a 5 percent increase in fourth-quarter profit Wednesday as shoppers worried about the economy turned to its membership clubs for deals. The company's shares rose nearly 8 percent.