Analysts warn staff shortages will hit earnings

Mainfreight has been using rapid antigen testing to keep its workforce around the world operational during omicron outbreaks. (Photo: supplied)

Dan Brunskill

Tue, 08 Feb 2022

UBS New Zealand has warned investors a widespread omicron outbreak in late February may reduce company earnings as both demand and supply would be disrupted.Analyst Marcus Curley said overseas experience suggests the main risk to earnings is having swathes of the workforce absent when in self-isolation after being exposed to covid. “Our analysis suggests that the spread of omicron will see elevated new case numbers – over 10,000 per day – for a period of three weeks across late February and early March,” he said.UB...

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