The U.S. tax reform pushed by the Trump Administration has prompted many corporations to announce bonuses and wage hikes for their employees. Starbucks is one of the latest to boost its compensation and benefits package in light of the recent changes in U.S. tax law. Ron Crawford, VP of Benefits at Starbucks, was with us to discuss the company's investment in benefits.
Starbucks said the U.S. tax reform accelerated its latest investment in paid leave and wages. Had there not been tax reform, Crawford said Starbucks still would have made investments in compensation, but the timing and the extent of it may have been different. The offerings will total more than $250 million for more than 150,000 workers.
Digital apps and emerging technologies are driving more coffee runs to Starbucks, says Crawford. He believes digitization has brought more customers to its stores and boosted interactions between customers and employees. Starbucks is pumping in $7 billion of capital to build and renovate stores, manufacturing plants and technology platforms in the U.S. over the next five years.
One of the last major players in the DVD rental business has expressed interest in purchasing Netflix's mailing division, which is now set to be shut down. Bill Rouhana, CEO of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, which owns Redbox and its network of DVD kiosks, told The Hollywood Reporter that "I'd like to buy it," and that he's reached out multiple times about an acquisition.
Tesla shares fell sharply at the opening bell Thursday after the company felt the sting of numerous price cuts it made across its model line up this year in hopes of energizing sales.
Paul Miller, certified public accountant and founder of Miller & Company LLP, joined Cheddar News to discuss what electric vehicle owners should know about tax credits and the new rules to qualify for them. "I would definitely make a phone call to your accountant ... to your CPA to ensure that you're getting the credit and it's applicable," he said.
