Big tech stock Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) was last seen up 4.2% to trade at $179.62, after an upgrade from Jefferies to "hold" from "underperform" due to the possibility a tariff exemption.
I see Apple as a relative Buy due to its resilient brand despite economic realities from tariffs. Apple's stock has dropped nearly 35% from its high, but is likely to be a first source of a market rebound. United States' tariffs on China could be devastating, but will probably not sink the long-term brand value of Apple Corp.
At midnight on Tuesday, US Customs began collecting tariffs on imports from 86 countries - and with it, the American tech sector entered what Wedbush has called a “Category 5 storm". The tech-focused bank, in a sweeping new note, likens the scale of disruption to the infamous Smoot-Hawley tariffs of 1930, which helped deepen the Great Depression.
Apple continues to see a significant hit as investors worry about the unfolding trade war between the US and China. Apple's supply chain exposure in Asia is susceptible if the trade war broadens. Yet, Apple has also diversified its partners, and also has a growing services business to mitigate the fallout.
Jefferies analysts upgraded shares of iPhone maker Apple to Hold from Sell, and the move was largely driven by the drop in the stock price.
Luxshare Precision Industry, a key assembler of the iPhone and other Apple products, said it will maintain large-scale production in Vietnam and continue exports from there to the U.S., responding to President Trump's tariffs.
Apple supplier Luxshare is in talks with customers on ways to respond to U.S. tariffs by shifting more production outside China, including the United States, its chairwoman told analysts in a telephone call on Wednesday.
An additional +50% tariffs on Chinese imports are now getting levied as of midnight tonight.
Craig Moffett, MoffettNathanson founder, joins 'Closing Bell: Overtime' to discuss Trump's China tariffs impact on Apple.
Apple stock dropped 19% in the last 3 trading days, the worst performer in the Magnificent 7, suggesting it has priced in some negative impacts from Reciprocal Tariffs. The company is unlikely to move all manufacturing back to the U.S., expecting higher product prices if tariffs persist, but this won't significantly impact its long-term growth outlook. After the selloff, the stock's valuation has become more attractive, with its non-GAAP P/E fwd 10% below the 5-year average and in deep oversold territory.
Microsoft is again worth more than Apple, as shares of the iPhone maker are getting pummeled by President Trump's tariff plan. Apple shares have dropped 23% in the past four trading sessions.
Needham analyst Laura Martin said Apple's costs would skyrocket if it began building its marquee iPhone in the U.S. Her comments come as the stock craters, with investors fearful of how President Donald Trump's tariffs will send costs soaring.