Apple not yet hurt by China tariffs, likely to simply absorb the added cost

“Investors were running from stocks Friday, and particularly those most exposed to increased tariffs on China. Apple was no exception,” Jacob Sonenshine writes for TheStreet. “But fears that Apple’s revenue will get hit hard from Donald Trump’s policy may be overdone for now.”

“‘The impact from tariffs placed on roughly $150 billion worth of goods exported from China to the U.S. to-date has been minimal, so an increase in the tariff rate on the $200 billion worth of goods that are currently taxed at 10% [and now officially at 25%] likely would still be minimal,’ Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty wrote in a note, just before the announcement early Friday of increased tariffs,” Sonenshine writes. “Apple, which often finishes its manufacturing process in China and then exports into the U.S., has just over 33% of its cost-of-goods-sold in China, Huberty estimated. It hasn’t hurt Apple much, so far. ‘However, a 25% tax on the remaining $267 billion of goods exported from China to the U.S. would have considerable ramifications across Apple’s supply chain,’ Huberty said.”

Sonenshine writes, “She thinks Apple would simply absorb the added cost, which would still shave roughly 23%, or $3, off her 2020 earnings per share estimate of $12.67.”

Read more in the full article here.

MacDailyNews Take: Again, this recent ratcheting up of pressure will hopefully propel both sides toward a deal that works for both sooner than later.

SEE ALSO:
Apple temporarily escapes new tariffs as U.S.-China trade war escalates – May 10, 2019
Dow futures fall after President Trump tweets ‘absolutely no need to rush’ on China trade deal – May 10, 2019
China overplayed its hand with U.S. President Trump on trade, and it could cost them dearly – May 9, 2019
Apple CEO Tim Cook optimistic about U.S.-China trade talks – February 12, 2019
President Trump says U.S. doing well in trade negotiations with China – January 23, 2019
China’s 2018 growth slows to 28-year low, more stimulus seen – January 22, 2019
Apple CEO Tim Cook: I’m very optimistic about U.S.-China trade talks – January 8, 2019
Advisor to President Trump: Apple’s sales should pick up when U.S.-China strike trade deal – January 3, 2019

5 Comments

  1. Apple not hurt by tariffs. WTF! The stock sure looks like it’s being hurt quite a bit. The last earnings report looked as if Apple’s value might recover, but it’s getting worse by the day. Apple is definitely one of the worst hit tech stock when it comes to stock price losses. What’re Apple’s market cap losses now? About $70B in a week’s time? Meanwhile, Amazon and Microsoft are just cruising along as though nothing happened. Apple has a double-whammy. iPhone sales decline and China tariffs. It doesn’t look as though Apple is going to recover from either one.

    I sure hope Apple is buying back some stock on each dip as it will likely get a lot worse. Apple just never seems to catch a break. One step forward and then two steps back. Thank goodness for my Apple dividends because at least they are guaranteed every quarter.

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