Big brands have seen earnings propelled by double-digit price hikes – even if it has had a negative impact on demand elasticity. Only two-thirds (67%) of the companies that have reported have beat earnings estimates, the lowest beat rate in eight years. But workforce reductions aren't the only way for companies to cut costs, or necessarily the best way in a tight labor market. We've seen notable examples across industries of just how important general cost cuts have been this earnings season. Of course, Airbnb was one of the first companies to cut costs when the pandemic hit.

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