People are willing to pay more for the goods and services they want to buy, something that is different about America's economy.

One executive said that companies were taking advantage of a moment of hot and seemingly unshakable demand to cover rising costs and expand. Corporate executives have spent recent earnings calls boasting about their newfound power to raise prices.

That trend could have big economic implications if it pans out.

Inflation is running at its fastest pace in 40 years because of planned corporate price adjustments. The Federal Reserve wants to know if businesses and households are changing their expectations in a way that will make rapid price gains a more permanent feature of the economic landscape.

A selection of comments from recent earnings calls show how companies are thinking.

Rental cars seem to be the most cost-effective way to get around because of the increasing cost of automobiles. The company leaders want the profitable moment to beFka.

The president and chief executive officer of Avis Budget Group said on an earnings call that the rental car industry has more demand than supply.

He said that the year 2021, which showed us what's possible, was the most profitable in the country's history.

The company realized that it had to compete by offering lower prices and targeting the most possible rentals.

He said that they chose to compete based on the quality of their product and service.

The market for tires has increased.

The chief executive of the company said that the pricing environment is probably the best in recent memory.

The company looks at its competitors as it makes price increases, but they are charging more.

Seven of the nine competitors have announced price increases in the first quarter, and one of the ones who hadn't raised prices at the end of last year. Last year, the profit margins of the company expanded due to price increases.

The restaurant family that includes Outback Steakhouse is planning to raise prices about 5 percent across its brands to cover rising labor and food costs in order to increase its profits.

It became clear that the 3 percent pricing we previously discussed was not enough to offset the increased inflationary pressures our industry is facing.

Mr. Meyer said that the company had been able to increase its profits through improving efficiency and cutting food waste, despite the fact that operating inflation was 4.9 percent and labor inflation was 9.1 percent in the final quarter of the year.

He said the company expects wage inflation to be in the high single-digit range.

Shake Shack is among the companies hoping to benefit as consumers spend.Credit...Amy Lombard for The New York Times

Shake Shack's menu prices have gone up as beef and other food costs have gone up. The burger and ice cream inflation will be able to be spent in the cities where it is located as foot traffic increases, according to officials.

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What is inflation? Your dollar will not go as far tomorrow as it did today because of inflation. The change in prices for everyday goods and services is known as the annual change in prices.

What causes inflation? It could be due to increased consumer demand. Some developments, such as limited oil production and supply chain problems, can cause inflation to rise and fall.

Is inflation bad? It depends on the situation. Moderate price gains can lead to higher wages and job growth.

Can inflation affect the stock market? inflation can cause trouble for stocks. During inflation booms, financial assets have been bad, while tangible assets have held their value better.

The chief financial officer of Shake Shack said during the earnings call that they were encouraged by the results of the October price increase.

Randy Garutti, the chief executive of Shake Shack, said that the company is planning another price increase in March, which will push up prices by 6 to 7 percent over about six months.

He said that the company has a history of taking 2 percent every year. If you look at us against the industry, I think we are on the conservative side.

Wynn Resorts, which took a hit during the winter surge in coronaviruses in Las Vegas, believes it has the power to raise prices.

The chief executive said on the earnings call that they believe they have strong pricing power on rooms, food and beverage, and nightlife.

The company's Las Vegas locations had a strong quarter, driven by rapid consumer demand.

The results of the quarter show that our focus on service and great product is working for premium customers who are traveling and spending again after being out of the picture for two years.

Another product claims pricing power? There are doughnuts.

Josh Charlesworth, the chief operating officer at Krispy Kreme, said that the end of the year showed that they could manage the inflationary environment.

Mr. Charlesworth said the company would increase profits in 2022.

The guidance we have given here today assumes that we are able to manage the price increase and still have more price increases in the future.